Bachelor of Science in Physics - Physical Science Option

at California State University, Dominguez Hills - Carson Campus USA

The modern electronic digital computer has become the indispensable tool of government, commerce and technology because of its enormous appetite for data and its near instantaneous processing speed. Computer Science is the discipline of designing methods for solving problems by means of such computers. The subject involves a surprising amalgam of logic, mathematics, engineering, electronics, communications and ergonomics.

The curriculum is designed to provide preparation for professional careers in the areas of software design and applied computer science, as well as to give the necessary theoretical background for graduate study in the field and to allow a flexible response to a dynamic and growing profession. The required courses give students a firm foundation in the basic areas of computer science and related areas of mathematics, and a wide choice of electives allow them to tailor their program to their specific interests.

The baccalaureate program (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science) is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, (410) 347-7700. The programs accredited by the Commission of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology are accredited as separate and distinct from any other programs or kinds of accreditation.

Liberal Studies (LBS) is an interdisciplinary undergraduate major for students who intend to become elementary and special education teachers or to pursue related graduate work. Courses leading to the B.A. in Liberal Studies focus on the subject areas taught in elementary schools as well as professional preparation and early fieldwork.

Physics is the study of the natural world at its foundation. As such it is the basis of other disciplines such as biology, medicine, chemistry, computer science, geology, astronomy and engineering. Physicists study the world from the smallest particles of matter (quarks and leptons), nuclei, atoms, and molecules; through forces and motions which determine properties of solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas; to descriptions of the behavior of matter on all scales up to stars, galaxies, and even the origin and fate of the universe. Other researchers explore how physics itself can be learned. Physics is also the base of most engineering. The department encourages student-faculty interaction in all these areas.

For the traditional physics baccalaureate degree, the department offers a General Physics Option, which provides access to advanced theoretical and technical careers. In addition, students may gain experience by participating in research projects (e.g. neutrino experiments, nuclear physics experiments, and Physics Education Research).

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed to provide quality professional education for persons entering or working in public service professions. The MPA program prepares students for careers as professional managers of public sector or nonprofit organizations, as well as for research, consulting, and teaching careers. The MPA curriculum provides a theoretical foundation for the practice of public management.
After meeting prerequisite requirements, students can finish all other program requirements in two and a half academic years if they complete two courses per semester and two summer courses (depending upon summer scheduled courses). The MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), the professional association responsible for evaluating the quality of MPA degree programs. NASPAA is located at 1029 Vermont Ave., N.W., Ste. 1100, Washington, DC 20005-3517.

MPA Health Care Policy and Administration Concentration
This program is designed to provide a quality graduate professional education for individuals entering or currently employed in health services agencies. It prepares graduates for careers in health services administration, planning, policy, evaluation, consulting, and related careers.

Orthotics and prosthetics is a specialized health care profession, which combines a unique blend of clinical and technical skills to care for patients who have neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders and/or patients who have a partial or total absence of a limb. Orthotists and prosthetists provide treatment that allows these individuals to lead more active and independent lives by collaborating with other members of the health care team. This work requires substantial clinical and technical judgment.

The principles of biomechanics, pathomechanics, gait analysis, kinesiology, anatomy and physiology are crucial to the practitioner's ability to provide comprehensive patient care and a positive clinical outcome. Patient assessment, treatment and education are part of the practitioner's responsibility and require collaborative communication skills.

In addition to performing orthotic and prosthetic procedures, the orthotists and prosthetists are involved in clinical decision-making and patient education. The scope of practice for orthotists and prosthetists includes, but is not limited to:

• Patient Assessment- Perform a comprehensive assessment of the patient to obtain an understanding of the patient's orthotic/prosthetic needs.
• Formulation of the treatment plan- Create a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient.
• Implementation of the treatment plan- Perform the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which include fabrication of the devices required.
• Follow-up treatment plan- Provide continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure/maintain/document optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis.
• Practice management- Develop, implement and/or monitor policies and procedures regarding human resource management, physical environment management, business/financial management and organizational management.
• Promotion of competency and enhancement of professional practice- Participate in personal and professional development through continuing education, training, research and organizational affiliations.

Liberal Studies (LBS) is an interdisciplinary undergraduate major for students who intend to become elementary and special education teachers or to pursue related graduate work. Courses leading to the B.A. in Liberal Studies focus on the subject areas taught in elementary schools as well as professional preparation and early fieldwork.

The Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding Program involves a comprehensive study of applied methods, theory, and research and a choice of various electives covering a wide range of applicable subjects. This degree program is beneficial for those who work in the following professions: counseling, law enforcement, teaching, social work, therapy, benefit labor, human resources, management government, community organizing,  lobbying, foreign service, and the military, as well as international business and peace organizations. The Master of Arts and Certificate also are offered online through distance learning delivery.

The Bachelor of Arts in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding is designed to be an interdisciplinary, thoroughly inter-cultural, Undergraduate Degree Program that emphasizes

• Intercultural communication,
• The role of women in culture,
• Mediation, and
• The unique perspectives, fundamentals, theories, and research methods the field.

The NCRP program has a joint 3+3 option/concentration with ABA accredited Southwestern Law School. Students electing the "3+3" modified program will be advised during their first year concerning program requirements.

The Master of Arts in Humanities offers broad interdisciplinary exposure to all of the areas of the humanities – history, literature, philosophy, music and art – and the establishment of an integrative perspective among them, with emphasis on their interrelating effects and influences. Students may concentrate in one of the five humanities disciplines or take an interdisciplinary approach to themes that can be traced across the humanities. The degree is offered entirely on an external degree basis. Students can complete all course work and graduate from the program without coming to campus. This kind of master's program is best for students who are unable to attend classes on campus regularly or those who can study independently and prefer an individualized approach to advanced education. Courses are offered in fall, spring and summer trimesters of 14 weeks each.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is designed primarily for students who plan to enter graduate programs in chemistry or other closely related sciences. The department is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), 1155 - Sixteenth Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20036. Students graduating with this degree will be certified to the Society and will receive a certificate from the ACS. The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry fulfills the need of those students who are pursuing pre-medical or pre-dental programs as well as those who plan to enter fields such as business, environmental or patent law, where a background in chemistry can be of great utility.

The Master of Science Program in Biology is a two-year program in which a student must complete a series of both core and elective courses and engage in independent scientific research that culminates in a thesis. This graduate program is designed to be a flexible degree that can help students reach their career goals, whether that be further study in a doctoral program or employment in science education, health sciences or environmental fields.

In the first semester of the program, the student will choose a research mentor who will provide guidance for the thesis research and help the student set their curriculum. Three members of the student's thesis committee, including the research mentor, will need to be selected by the end of the first year of the program.

To accommodate students with other professional commitments, many graduate classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening.