The College of Science and Mathematics is charged with the responsibility of providing instruction to students majoring in traditional sciences and mathematics disciplines, as well as providing the general education component of all the non-science and mathematics programs. It does so with the realization that in order to prepare students to face the ever-changing, complex society in which we live, it is necessary to do more than teach them a number of facts and train them in a variety of skills. This is done by offering a challenging curriculum that exposes students to innovative teaching and hands-on experiences.
The College of Science and Mathematics offers degrees in all traditional areas of science and mathematics, including biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, and physics. Sequences of quality academic courses are provided to prepare students for graduate studies in the discipline and the school of their choice, as well as for a variety of scientific careers, including elementary and secondary school teaching. In addition, it is believed that an educated person in modern society requires a basic understanding of science and mathematics as well as computational skills. Courses designed to accommodate this need are incorporated in all major programs and are available to students desiring a liberal experience in the sciences.
All students majoring in disciplines in the College of Science and Mathematics must satisfy the requirements for Discipline Specific Writing (DSW) in order to graduate.
A DSW certificate option is available for students who wish to gain additional experience in writing as well as to demonstrate a commitment to developing exemplary communication skills. A student may elect to double the basic DSW requirements, passing 12 hours of writing-intensive courses. These additional courses need not be in the student’s major, unless the department specifies otherwise. Students who elect this option and earn a grade of C or above in each of their writing-intensive classes will receive:
The Department of Career Services assists students in combining classroom study and field experience related to students’ majors and/or career goals. Cooperative Education and Internship opportunities are available to students within the College of Science and Mathematics. For further details on Professional Practice opportunities, contact the Department of Career Services at 678-839-6431, come by Room 222 in Parker Hall, or visit the department’s website at https://www.westga.edu/careerservices/.
The Regents’ Engineering Pathways (REPP) program was originally established in 1986 as the Regents Engineering Transfer Program (RETP). As of September 1, 2016, students in REPP complete two or more years of engineering pathway courses at the University of West Georgia before transferring to Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University or the University of Georgia to complete a B.S. degree in Engineering.
Department of Biology
Biology 160 • 678-839-6547
http://www.westga.edu/biology/
Professors:
J. Hendricks, W. Kenyon, D. Morgan, G. Payne (Chair), N. Pencoe, S. Swamy-Mruthinti, C. Tabit, H. Zot
Associate Professors:
H. Banford, A. Edelman, J. Fisher, F. Fontanella, Y. Garner, M. Johnson, M. Mitra, S. Molesworth-Kenyon, C. Perjessy
Assistant Professor:
B. Ballentine
Senior Lecturers:
E. Duckett, M. Hullender
Lecturers:
C. Gorga, P. Heard
Instructor:
D. Brooks
Admission to B.S. in Biology Program
To be admitted into the B.S. program in Biology, students must have completed at least 30 hours with a cumulative GPA (including all transfer credit) of 2.5 or better. The criteria for declaring a major in the B.S. in Biology Program are as follows:
- The standard for declaring a major in Biology shall be the cumulative GPA as calculated by UWG from all academic courses on a student’s transcript at the end of the most recent semester in which 30 or more academic hours have been completed.
- A student with fewer than 30 academic hours can elect to declare a major in the B.S. in Biology program. This entitles the student to follow the Biology program of study under the supervision of a professional adviser of the Advising Center.
- A student who has completed a minimum of 30 academic hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater can declare a major in Biology. This entitles the student to earn a B.S. in Biology degree under the supervision of a faculty adviser of Biology.
- A major in Biology who reaches 30 academic hours with a cumulative GPA less than 2.5 is advised to meet with an adviser in the Advising Center and submit an action plan that includes specific steps to improve GPA. A major in Biology will be deferred to the first semester in which the student’s GPA reaches or exceeds the standard as described above.
- In transferring from another major, a student who has accumulated at least 30 academic hours with a cumulative GPA less than 2.5 is advised to meet with an adviser in the Advising Center and submit an action plan that includes specific steps to improve GPA. A major in Biology will be deferred to the first semester in which the student’s GPA reaches or exceeds the standard as described above.
- In transferring from another institution, a Biology major who has accumulated at least 30 academic hours can declare a major in Biology at UWG.
- The B.S. in Biology program imposes no other GPA restrictions. However, all students must meet minimum institutional GPA requirements for graduation.
Learning Outcomes and Expected Results
- Students will use concepts, principles, and knowledge to demonstrate mastery in at least three of the following four subject areas: 1. cell biology; 2. molecular biology and genetics; 3. organismal biology; 4. population biology, evolution, and ecology.
- Students will use critical thinking skills or problem based learning skills to demonstrate mastery of the scientific method as it pertains to experimental design, data analysis, or interpretation of experimental data.
- Students will communicate scientific information through the acquisition, organization, or presentation of scientific information in written form.
- Students will communicate scientific information through the acquisition, organization, or presentation of scientific information in oral form.
Bachelor of Science
Embedded Certificates
Minor
Other
Department of Chemistry
TLC 2135 • 678-839-6550
https://www.westga.edu/chemistry/
Professors:
S. Basu-Dutt (Chair), M. Fujita, A. Gaquere, J. Hansen, F. Khan, P. Ray, S. Slattery
Associate Professor:
V. Geisler
Assistant Professors:
L. Leslie, M. McPhail
Lecturer:
H. Wallace
The Department of Chemistry offers a variety of tracks leading to a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Chemistry degree. Students planning careers in chemical industry or graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry are recommended to obtain a degree certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The non-ACS tracks offer students the opportunity to develop a broad background in preparing for a variety of careers in the area of business, engineering, law, secondary education, or for entering professional school in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and pharmacy.
The following tracks are available for students wishing to pursue a Chemistry degree:
- Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry (ACS Track)
- Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry (Non-ACS Track - General Option)
- Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry (Non-ACS Track - Business Option)
- Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry (Non-ACS Track - Professional Preparation Option)
- Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry (Non-ACS Track - Secondary Education Option)
All of the B.S. Chemistry degree tracks offer courses in the basic areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry and are supplemented by chemistry electives. Modern scientific instrumentation is available and incorporated into all courses of the curriculum.
Students may also elect to minor in chemistry.
Bachelor of Science
Minor
Pre-Professional Studies
Department of Computer Science
TLC 2200 • 678-839-6485
https://www.westga.edu/cs
Professors:
A. Remshagen, L. Yang
Associate Professors:
L. Baumstark, M. Orsega, D. Yoder (Interim Chair)
Assistant Professors:
J. Corley, A. Stanescu
Lecturer:
C. Rolka
The Department of Computer Science provides educational excellence through friendly, collegial teaching in a student-centered environment. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program that is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. The goals of the Department of Computer Science are to provide a comprehensive degree program to prepare students for work or graduate study; to offer non-majors an introduction to computing theory, practices, and applications; to encourage faculty and student research; and to foster interaction and cooperation among faculty within the department as well as with other departments. The goals of the Computer Science program are to provide a core body of knowledge in computer science; advanced topics in computer science that provide breadth of knowledge and build on the core; mathematical foundations of Computer Science, including differential and integral calculus, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and probability and statistics; application of the scientific method in a laboratory science; foundation of knowledge and skills reflecting West Georgia’s general education goals; and oral and written communication skills. Students majoring in Computer Science learn the skills needed to pursue exciting and rewarding careers on the forefront of computing and information technology including: Web and multimedia design and development, software engineering, network, operating systems and data-base development, and administration, intelligent systems, and programming. The undergraduate program also provides an excellent basis for graduate education in computer science and other disciplines.
Bachelor of Science
Embedded Certificates
Minor
Department of Geosciences
Callaway 148 • 678-839-6479
https://www.westga.edu/geosci/
with Programs in Geology, Earth Science and Geography
Professors:
D. Bush, B. Deline, G. DeWeese, H. Gerhardt, R. Kath, J. Seong, S. Rose (Assistant Dean), A. Walter
Associate Professors:
J. Hong, J. Mayer (Chair), K. Tefend
Assistant Professors:
M. Buzon, R. Currier, C. Mason
Instructor:
C. Nye
The Department of Geosciences offers programs of study focusing on planet earth, our natural and built environments, and how societies interact with and alter the biophysical world. We are a welcoming, student-centered department with challenging programs of study that span a wide range of subject matter and techniques. Our programs emphasize hands-on learning and take students out of the classroom into the field whenever possible.
Geology is the study of the earth, including the origin and history of the planet and its life forms. On a practical level geologists explore for natural resources, help society understand and mitigate natural hazards and guide environmental stewardship.
Geography is the study of the interactions between people and places, local and global processes, and social and biophysical systems. It is an integrative discipline in which scholars endeavor to understand the role of humans in producing the social and biophysical worlds in which they live. Geographic knowledge can be applied to explain cultural and political conflicts, environmental policies and practices, human landscapes, and economic well-being. Modern geographical analysis typically involves cartographic and geospatial techniques (GIS) and both qualitative and quantitative methods.
A range of degree plans are offered in the Department of Geosciences. The B.S. Degree in Geology is designed for students planning professional careers as geologists either with or without a graduate degree. The B.S. Degree in Earth Science prepares and certifies students for teaching careers. Four degree options are available under the B.S. Degree in Geography: Human Geography emphasizes on urban, political, economic, cultural, and social processes; Physical Geography concentrates on biological and geomorphological systems and atmospheric (weather and climate) processes; Environmental Sustainability focuses on the interactions between society and natural systems; and GIS concerns geospatial technologies and spatial analysis.
Geoscience graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment in the private sector; for employment in government service at the local, state or federal level; for teaching careers; or for continued study in graduate school.
Mission Statement
The educational mission of the Global Studies program is to promote an understanding of global awareness. The focus is to enable students to examine and explain global issues in an analytical framework which emphasizes the role of individuals in local communities and their relationship to the global society. Students will develop an understanding of and appreciation for their roles and responsibilities as citizens of the global community. The program offers one degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). This degree is appropriate for students who wish to join the global marketplace with careers in government, political organizations, journalism, private businesses, advocacy groups or non-governmental organizations. Likewise, it is appropriate for students planning on attending graduate or law school.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will demonstrate that they have developed
- An understanding of the interconnectedness of local and global events
- An understanding of the individual’s role in local and global events
- An understanding of the basic theories and concepts of the sub-fields of global studies
- An understanding of the relationship between the basic theories and concepts of the sub-fields of global studies
- The ability to apply social science and scientific methods to practical problems within the discipline
- The ability to communicate their knowledge orally and in writing
Bachelor of Science
Embedded Certificates
Stand Alone Certificates
Minor
Department of Mathematics
Boyd 310 • 678-839-6489
https://www.westga.edu/mathematics/
Professors:
A. Boumenir, M. Gordon, A. Khodkar, C. Leach, S. Sykes, T. Vu, R. Xu (Chair), F. Wei, M. Yazdani
Associate Professors:
W. Faucette, X. Gu, N. Hoang, C. Jett, J. Kang, K. Moon, V. Paliwal, K. Shin
Senior Lecturer:
D. Robinson
Lecturers:
J. Bellon, B. Brodsky, C. Carmack, K. Carter, R. Johnson
Instructors:
A. Agoun, R. Burnham, M. Devoe, W. Gay, S. Patel, N. Rehfuss
The Department of Mathematics offers two degree programs in mathematics: the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics.
The Bachelor of Science degree program has four plans, each designed for specific career goals: Plan A, the Traditional Track; Plan B, the Applied Mathematics Track; Plan C, the Statistics/Actuarial Track; and Plan D, the UTEACH Secondary Education Track. The student’s advisor will help the student choose the best track, based on the student’s interests.
Plan A, a traditional mathematics option, offers students a broad background in mathematics and is principally designed to prepare students for graduate study in pure or applied mathematics.
Plan B is designed to offer students a solid background in applied mathematics, prepare them for employment in government agencies such as communications, national security, and computer-related fields or industry such as engineering or computational types of work. It also prepares students for further study in mathematics.
Plan C, an option in applied statistics/ actuarial science, is designed to offer students a solid theoretical and applied background in statistics, preparing them for employment in a wide variety of interesting careers.
Plan D, an option in secondary education, is designed for students seeking mathematics teacher certification at the secondary level. Students who complete this option will qualify for certification in secondary education in mathematics.
The Bachelor of Arts degree program is designed for students seeking employment in government or business or those desiring further study in mathematics.
Learning Outcomes
For the Learning Outcomes for the degrees offered by the Department of Mathematics, please see the Website, https://www.westga.edu/mathematics/.
Graduate Degrees in Mathematics
For the Master of Science in Mathematics, see the Graduate Catalog.
Bachelor of Art
Bachelor of Science
- •
Mathematics, Accelerated Masters Track, B.S.
- •
Mathematics, Applied Mathematics Track, B.S.
- •
Mathematics, Statistics/Actuarial Track, B.S.
- •
Mathematics, Traditional Track, B.S.
- •
Mathematics, UTEACH Secondary Education Track, B.S.
Minor
Department of Physics
Boyd 208 • 678-839-4087
https://www.westga.edu/physics/
Professors:
A. DeSilva, J. Hasbun, L. Lew Yan Voon
Associate Professors:
N. Chestnut (Chair), N. Sterling, J. Talbot
Lecturer:
B. Team
The physics program offers seven plans leading to the B. S. degree in physics. These plans are Plan A, the general physics major; Plan B, the dual degree (physics and engineering); Plan C, the physics major with a business concentration; Plan D, the physics education major; and Plans E, F, and G, the various physics emphases.
Plan A is designed for students who desire to pursue graduate study in physics or career options for which physics is an excellent gateway.
Plan B, please see the Regents’ Engineering Pathway (REP) website at: http://www.usg.edu/assets/academic_partnerships_accreditation/committee_docs/documents/REP_Pathways_Web_Page.pdf .
Plan C is designed so that students earn credit towards the master’s in business administration. In this plan, students obtain a B.S. in physics with a business concentration in four years. Students who are interested in entering the technological business world are thus enabled to complete their M.B.A. in the fifth year at West Georgia.
Plan D is a B.S. in physics education. As mandated by the Board of Regents, students interested in teaching at the secondary level must have a major in the area of their teaching interest.
Finally, plans E, F, and G are similar to Plan A but are specialized depending on the courses students choose in the major area. These three emphases are computational physics (plan E), electro-optics (plan F), and solid state physics (plan G). These plans are designed to make it easier for students to seek employment in specific industry positions. The physics faculty, as a whole, advise students in each of these areas.
PHYS 1111 and PHYS 2211 are beginning courses. After receiving credit for PHYS 2211 , a student may not receive credit for PHYS 1111 .
Learning Outcomes
Students completing the B.S. degree with a major in Physics will:
- Be able to apply mathematical problem solving techniques in the upper level required courses such as modern physics and thermodynamics.
- Be able to make basic physical measurements in the laboratory and analyze and interpret the results.
- Be able to communicate effectively to a physics audience, through writing and public speaking.
Bachelor of Science
- •
Physics, Plan A, Physics General Track, B.S.
- •
Physics, Plan B (Engineering Dual Degree), B.S.
- •
Physics, Plan C - Physics with a Concentration in Business, B.S.
- •
Physics, Plan D - Physics with a Concentration in Education, B.S.
- •
Physics, Plan E - Computational Physics Emphasis, B.S.
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Physics, Plan F - Electro-Optics Emphasis, B.S.
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Physics, Plan G - Solid State Emphasis, B.S.
Minor