May 05, 2024  
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Schmid College of Science and Technology


Jason Keller, Ph.D., Interim Dean
Christopher Kim, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Academic Programs
Elaine Benaksas Schwartz, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of External Relations

Professors: Aharanov, Alpay, Caporaso, de Bruyn, El-Askary, Funk, Jipsen, Kafatos, Keller, Kim, C., Moshier, Panza, Piper, Prakash, Sebbar, Singh, Tollaksen, Verkhivker, Yang;
Associate Professors: Allali, Bisoffi, Buniy, Dressel, Fudge, Hellberg, Rakovski, Vajiac, A., Vajiac, M., Wellman, Were, Wright;
Instructional Associate Professors: Gartner, Rowland-Goldsmith, Schwartz;
Assistant Professors: Atamian, Bostean, Castro Lopes, Goldsmith, LaRue, Leifer, Liberman-Martin, Miklavcic, Ogba, Owens, Waldrop; 
Instructional Assistant Professors: Ahsan, Bailey, Bonne, Chang, Dunham, Goetz, Hsu, John, Krumper, Lopez Najera, O’Neill, Sherff, Toto Pacioles, Zalman;
Research Assistant Professor: Kim, S.;
Instructors: Dudley, Evans.

The Schmid College of Science and Technology prepares students for the complex world of the twenty-first century by challenging students to think critically, engage in research and to become involved in outreach through clubs, internships, and volunteer work. The college offers traditional and interdisciplinary degrees and programs designed for students who aspire to become tomorrow’s scientists and leaders in fields related to science and technology. The Schmid College of Science and Technology invites you to join our dynamic community of scholar-teachers and students.

Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

Master of Science

Joint Degree Program

Accelerated Program

Courses

Computational Science

  • CS 501 - Introductory Computation for Scientists


    CS 501 is a graduate-level course intended to introduce modern computing tools and techniques to science-oriented students from diverse backgrounds. Assuming little prior knowledge, students will become proficient with a powerful set of inter-operable tools that are suitable for problem-oriented and data-intensive applications now common in modern science. While emphasizing the central role of data (structuring, processing, and visualization), students will use industry-best software development practices to develop efficient implementations and visualizations of numerical solutions to scientific problems. Students will be expected to complete programming assignments in freely available languages such as Python, Julia, C, and C++. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 502 - Applied Methods in Mathematics


    Prerequisite, MATH 111. In this course students will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts, solution methodologies, technical applications, and connections of linear algebra and differential equations. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 503 - Statistical Methods


    Prerequisite, MATH 210, or equivalent. This course will provide a lower graduate level introduction to classical statistical theory. Main concepts such as probability functions, univariate, multivariate, marginal and conditional distributions of random variables, transformations of random variables as well as classical asymptotic results such as the Law of Large Numbers, the Central Limit Theorem, sampling distributions, likelihood, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, categorical data and linear regression will be emphasized from a more mathematically solid viewpoint. Examples, data, and programming code will be provided to ascertain clarity of all concepts and underline connections with related topics and current research. Examples will be provided to clarify the concepts and underline connections with related topics and current research. Data analyses will be performed via the statistical software package R (http://www.r-project.org). (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 510 - Computing for Scientists


    Prerequisites, CPSC 230, 231. This course provides students with the necessary computer programming and software engineering background required to succeed in advanced study in the computational sciences. The course is organized into three main parts. In the first part of the course students will become proficient with the C++ programming language. The second part of the course will focus on high-performance computing techniques using multiprocessing and multithreading. Finally, the last part of the course will discuss software engineering process and the software development lifecycle. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits
  • CS 520 - Mathematical Modeling


    Prerequisites, MATH 211, 350. Mathematical modeling will concentrate on the process of developing mathematical descriptions of physical phenomenon. The main goal of this course is to learn how to make a creative use of some mathematical tools, such as difference equations, ordinary differential equations, and numerical analysis, to build a mathematical description of some physical problems. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits
  • CS 530 - Data Mining


    Prerequisite, CS 510 . This course provides an overview of standard techniques and algorithms for data mining and machine learning. Students will be exposed to exploratory data analysis and data cleaning before surveying standard algorithms for classification and clustering. Additionally, students will learn the types of problems each algorithm is best suited to solve. Special attention will be given to efficiency and scalability. Students will apply algorithms to data sets from biology, chemistry, social media, and industry (Netflix Grand Challenge, etc.). (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits
  • CS 532 - Computational Economics


    (Same as MGSC 532 .) 3 credits
  • CS 533 - Computational Methods in Financial Markets


    (Same as MGSC 533 .) 3 credits
  • CS 555 - Multivariate Data Analysis


    Prerequisite, MATH 361, or consent of instructor. This course will provide a graduate level introduction to theory and applications of classical and modern methods for Multivariate Data analysis. Main concepts such as multivariate distributions, matrix algebra, inference, convergence, and estimation will be studied from a more mathematically solid viewpoint. Examples and real-life datasets will be provided to clarify the concepts and underline connections with related topics and current research. Data analyses will be performed using the R statistical software package. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits
  • CS 560 - Applied Partial Differential Equations


    Prerequisites, MATH 210, 350. Students will learn how to solve certain types of Partial Differential Equations. They will study the general theory of PDEs, as well as methods of solving linear and non-linear PDEs. Students will also learn how to solve equations that come from the world of physics and other sciences. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 564 - Game Theory II


    (Same as ECON 564 .) 3 credits
  • CS 595 - Computational Science Seminars


    Prerequisites, CS 510 , CS 520 , or consent of instructor. Students are introduced to various topics covering computational science and other related topics by attending research oriented seminars. This seminar series is intended to be capstone experience. Seminars presented by faculty, invited speakers and students; topics vary from semester to semester. (Offered spring semester.) 1 credit
  • CS 599 - Individual Study


    Prerequisites, admission to MS in computational and data sciences, consent of instructor. Directed reading and/or research designed to meet specific needs of graduate students. Topics to be selected by mutual agreement of students and faculty. (Offered as needed.) 1-6 credits
  • CS 610 - Models of Computing


    Prerequisites, equivalent of MATH 211, CPSC 406. In this course, students will study the mathematical models of computing from a contemporary perspective. The course will explore the connections between classical automata, operational and denotational semantics, and contemporary models of quantum computing. The theory developed in the course will be applied to specific known problems, e.g., in control theory (finite automata), real number computing (operational and denotations models), and cryptography (quantum computing). (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 611 - Time Series Analysis


    Prerequisite, MATH 361, or equivalent. This course will provide a graduate level introduction to theory and applications of classical and modern methods for Time Series analysis. Main concepts such as stochastic processes, stationarity, invertibility, convergence, prediction and estimation will be studied from a more mathematically solid viewpoint. Examples and real-life datasets will be provided to clarify the concepts and underline connections with related topics and current research. Data analyses will be performed using the statistical software package R (http://www.r-project.org). We will be emphasizing the statistical knowledge, software implementation and scientific problem selection that would assist you to write publication quality research papers. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 612 - Advanced Numerical Methods


    Prerequisite, MATH 350. Students study and come to understand several advanced methods of numerical computation as used in 3d modeling, simulations, and solution of partial differential equations. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 613 - Machine Learning


    Prerequisite, CS 530 . An introduction to the core algorithms and techniques of machine learning and data mining with emphasis on contemporary big data challenges. Specific topics include information retrieval for data mining, multimedia data mining, data visualization, classification, clustering, and data cleansing. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 614 - Interactive Data Analysis


    Prerequisites, CS 530 CS 555 . This course introduces novel ideas and techniques for interactive data analysis. Students will explore concepts related to data interaction, data preparation, data transformation, data modeling and computation, and data presentation. Students will practice interactive data analysis with Python-based frameworks. Individual term projects will permit students to identify and pursue new research opportunities. Although based on intensive hands-on exploration, this course will be interdisciplinary in nature and cover various data analysis case studies. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 615 - Digital Image Processing


    Prerequisites, MATH 210, 211. This course provides an overview of the main concepts, results, and techniques that are the foundations of current academic research and industry practice in digital image processing. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 616 - High-Performance Computing


    Prerequisite, CS 510 . This course covers the basic concepts and techniques needed for problem solving using parallel computers. It will introduce the students to high-performance computer architectures, their taxonomies and performance issues. The design and analysis of parallel algorithms will be covered. Techniques for data and workload partitioning for parallel execution will be discussed. It will also introduce parallel programming models and contemporary parallel programming techniques including message passing and shared memory. Cluster, grid and cloud computing will be introduced. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits
  • CS 620 - Foundations in Mathematical Bioscience


    Prerequisites, MATH 110, BIOL 208, CHEM 330, or consent of instructor. Computational science is an emerging field of the sciences, computer science, and mathematics. This course is to provide the fundamentals of computational science, and introduce a variety of scientific applications in bioscience. We will examine how scientific investigations involve computing in basic biosciences such as physics, chemistry, medicine and particularly biosciences. It covers selected topics in physiology, biochemistry, and behavior. It may include biochemical reaction kinetics, the Hodgkin Huxley model for cellular electrical activity, continuous and discrete population interactions, and neural network models of learning. Techniques utilized include ordinary differential equations, difference equations, algebraic equations, and computer simulations. The student will be offered examples of computer simulations and data analysis. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 621 - Bioinformatics and Computational Biology I


    Prerequisite, BIOL 208, or CHEM 230. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts behind Bioinformatics and Computational Biology tools. Hands-on sessions will familiarize students with the details and use of the most commonly used online tools and resources. This course introduces students to the practical application of structure and sequence analysis, database searching and molecular modeling techniques to study protein sequence, structure and function. Amino acid properties and protein secondary structures will be reviewed as supporting information for understanding the importance of protein sequence. Internet resources, molecular visualization software, and computational algorithms will be introduced to the student for structure analysis. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 622 - Bioinformatics and Computational Biology II


    Prerequisite, CS 621 . Students will be introduced to the advanced concepts behind Bioinformatics and Computational Biology tools. Hands-on sessions will familiarize students with the details and use of the most commonly used online tools and resources related to developing and building websites, machine learning, data mining and genomics applications. Students will gain practical knowledge in using software techniques and internet resources to handle and compare biological, genomic and medical information. search databases and interpret protein structure. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 623 - Computational Systems Biology


    Prerequisite, BIOL 208, or equivalent, or consent of instructor. Computational Systems Biology is to understand complex biological systems that require the integration of experimental and computational research. This course aims to develop and use efficient algorithms, data structures, and visualization and communication tools to orchestrate the integration of large quantities of biological data with the goal of computer modeling of biological systems. Students will learn how to use computer simulations of biological systems to analyze as well as visualize the complex connections of such systems and cellular processes. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 624 - Biostatistics


    Prerequisite, MATH 203, or equivalent. This course will provide an intermediate-level introduction to various statistical methods with emphasis on applications in Biology, Medicine, and Public Health. Main concepts such as sampling distributions, contingency tables, survival analysis, linear, logistic, and Poisson regressions will be studied from a more mathematically solid viewpoint. Examples and real datasets will be provided to clarify the concepts and underline connections with related topics and current research. Data analyses will be performed using the statistical software package R. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 625 - Bioinformatics Algorithms


    Prerequisites, BIOL 330, CPSC 406, or equivalent. Bioinformatics is the study of living organisms viewed as information processors. Students will study some of the major algorithms used in bioinformatics: sequence alignment, multiple sequence alignment, phylogeny, gene identification, and analysis of gene expression data. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 629 - Experimental Course


    Prerequisite, CS 510 . Computational Science experimental courses are designed to offer additional opportunities to explore areas and subjects of special interest. Course titles, prerequisites, and credits may vary. Some courses require student lab fees. Specific course details will be listed in the course schedule. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different. Fee: TBD. (Offered as needed.) 1-3 credits
  • CS 634 - Dynamic Optimization


    Prerequisite, CS 555 . This course will introduce you to the theory and practice of stochastic and dynamic optimization. Stochastic programming techniques will be utilized along with Bayesian networks and Markov processes. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 635 - BioMedical Informatics


    (Same as CPSC 435.) Prerequisite, CS 510 . Students are introduced to contemporary research topics in medical informatics, including computational techniques for the collection, management, retrieval, and analysis of biomedical data. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 641 - Introduction to Natural Hazards


    Students are introduced to earth system sciences, earth processes, various natural hazards associated with land, ocean, atmosphere and cryosphere and their impacts on society and environment, as well as to different types and impacts of natural and anthropogenic hazards and resultant disasters worldwide. Connection of climate change and global change to hazards, the effects of pollution and land use change will be discussed and conclusions of how societies may face them will be drawn. Computer exercises/demonstrations will be given to see the changes of natural hazards on land, ocean, atmosphere and cryosphere. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 642 - Earth System Science


    Prerequisite, CS 641 . Introduction to Earth Systems- Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere and Crysophere. Processes associated with Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere and Crysophere. Biogeochemical cycle. Coupling between Lithosphere-Hydrosphere-Biosphere-Atmosphere and associated impact on Global Climate Change and Natural Hazards (all types: Land, Biosphere, Atmosphere, Crysophere, Hydrosphere), Extreme Events. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 643 - Satellite Image Processing


    Prerequisite, consent of instructor. This course will emphasize digital processing of earth observing imagery. Students will be introduced to digital image processing techniques and their applications to earth observing remote sensing data. Topics include radiometric and geometric corrections, image enhancement, transformation, segmentation, and classification. Image acquisition sensors and platforms and commonly used data formats for remote sensing data are introduced. This course provides an opportunity to students to explore various applications of remote sensing data to earth system understanding. Strong math skills required. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 644 - Global Climate Change


    Prerequisite, CS 641 , or consent of instructor. This course will emphasize global climate change and associated impacts. Students will be introduced to climate change, including changes in the human and natural drivers of the climate, space observations of changes, modeling and the simulations as projections of future climate change and key findings and uncertainties and the relationship of natural hazards to changing climate. The connection of climate change to economy, health, energy and food production will be briefly studied in law, science, education and policy. This course will provide an opportunity to observe applications of remote sensing data and numerical models. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 650 - Advanced Linear Algebra and Digital Signal Processing


    Prerequisites, MATH 210, 211. This course gives students an exposure to advanced topics in linear algebra and their applications to digital signal processing. Using vector space methods, this course provides an overview of the main concepts, results, and techniques that are the foundations of current academic research and industry practice in digital signal processing. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 660 - Fourier Analysis


    Prerequisites, MATH 211, 450. Periodic functions and Fourier series, convergence of Fourier series, Fourier transform of rapidly decreasing functions and L2 functions, Inversion formula and Plancherel theorems, application of the Fourier transform to differential equations, Multiresolution analysis, and orthonormal wavelet bases, signal, and image compression. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 680 - Computational Algebra I


    Prerequisite, MATH 211. A course in multivariate polynomials, their algebraic properties, and related algorithms for effective computations. After an introduction of the main concepts of the ring of single variable polynomials (polynomial ideals, unique factorization, division algorithm, similarities with the ring of integers), multivariable polynomials are defined. The course addresses the problem of defining order relations on the set of multivariate terms, and moves to the basic concepts of the theory of Gröbner bases. These include: the multivariate division algorithm as a generalization of the Gauss reduction algorithm for vector spaces; the Macaulay Basis theorem; viewing polynomials as rewrite rules; Buchberger’s algorithms for the construction of Gröbner bases for polynomial ideals; and the notion of syzygy. Throughout the course, students learn how to use a computer algebra software program to compute with polynomials and to implement the algorithms presented in class. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 685 - Bayesian Data Analysis


    Prerequisite, MATH 361, or equivalent. The main concepts covered in this class include the following: Bayes’ theorem and the Bayesian inferential framework (model specification, model fitting, and model checking), computational methods for posterior simulation integration, regression models, hierarchical models, ANOVA, the Gibbs sampler, Markov chain simulations and other numerical methods. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 688 - Curricular Practical Training


    The course offers students an opportunity to learn professional skills “on the job”. P/NP. (Offered every semester.) 0 credit
  • CS 690 - Internship


    Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Offers students an opportunity to gain work experience. A minimum of 40 hours of work for each credit. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) ½-3 credits
  • CS 697 - Thesis


    Prerequisites, admission to the MS in computational sciences and data sciences, completion of twelve graduate credits, consent of instructor. Students will complete a research project chosen and completed under guidance of a faculty member and/or faculty committee. The project will result in an acceptable technical report (Thesis) and an oral defense. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 770 - Topics in Computational Science


    Prerequisites, CS 520 , CS 530 . May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • CS 797 - Dissertation Research


    Prerequisite, advancement to candidacy in the Ph.D. in computational science program. Dissertation research is an independent study that culminates in a doctoral dissertation. Students must be enrolled continually for at least 1 credit of CS 797 for their dissertation defense. Grading, P/NP. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 credits. (Offered as needed.) 1-6 credits
  • CS 799 - Doctoral Studies


    Prerequisite, advancement to candidacy. This is an individual study course for doctoral students. Content to be determined by the student and the student’s Doctoral Committee. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1-9 credits

Food Science and Nutrition

  • FSN 500 - Essentials of Food Science


    Prerequisite, admission to the food science graduate program. An introduction to the multidisciplinary nature of the food science via analysis of relevant case studies. The role of industry, government agencies, service organizations, and academic institutions in supplying safe and wholesome foods to consumers is explained. Relevant career paths for graduates are explored. To be completed during the first year of study. P/NP. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit
  • FSN 501 - Food Chemistry


    Prerequisite, CHEM 230. Corequisite, FSN 502 . Students study the chemistry of proteins, lipids, enzymes, carbohydrates, etc. as it relates to the composition, preservation, processing, stability, flavor, and nutritional characteristics of foods. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits
  • FSN 502 - Food Chemistry Lab


    Corequisite, FSN 501 . A laboratory study of the chemistry of proteins, lipids, enzymes, carbohydrates, etc. as it relates to the composition, preservation, processing, stability, flavor, and nutritional characteristics of foods. Fee: $75. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit
  • FSN 503 - Government Regulation of Foods


    Students examine the rules and regulations of various governmental agencies with regard to the processing, packaging, labeling, and marketing of food products. (Offered every year.) 3 credits
  • FSN 505 - Food Safety and Quality Assurance


    Students apply physical, chemical, microbiological, organoleptic, and statistical methods to the evaluation of critical properties (i.e., color, flavor, texture, nutrients, stability, and safety) of ingredients and commercial food products. (Offered every year.) 3 credits
  • FSN 506 - Effective Communications for the Real World Scientist


    This hands-on course is designed to improve the oral and written communication skills required of a scientist throughout their career. Students will write and critique peer-reviewed publications, practice grant writing, and explore a scientist’s role in effective advertisements, journalism, and consumer dialogue. Effective, efficient, and appropriate use of technical communication tools, including emails, product specifications, product recalls, agendas, and team meetings will be reviewed. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • FSN 508 - Statistics for Food Scientists


    Prerequisite, MATH 203. This course provides students in the food science graduate program an applied approach to statistical concepts and procedures used in food science. Fundamental statistical concepts will be discussed and common applications of statistics in food science will be presented. Statistical methods are important tools employed in both food science and sensory/consumer science applications, and this course will include topics that cover applications in both areas. All statistical calculations are going to be done using R. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits
  • FSN 510 - Food Industry Study Tour


    A study tour of Southern California food processors and allied industries to develop a more thorough understanding of how basic food technology principles are applied to the manufacture of commercial food products. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered interterm.) 3 credits
  • FSN 512 - Sensory Evaluation of Foods


    Prerequisite, MATH 203. Students learn the principles and methodology involved in the sensory testing of food products. (Offered every third semester.) 3 credits
  • FSN 515 - Food Ingredients


    Students evaluate food supplements, preservatives, and other additives designed to improve the acceptability, stability, and nutritional properties of processed food products. Practical aspects of improving existing products and formulating new food products are emphasized. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits
  • FSN 517 - Food Analysis


    Prerequisites, CHEM 230, MS in food science major. Designed to acquaint the students with the principles and application of physical and chemical methods for the separation, characterization, and quantitative analysis of food constituents. Fee: $75. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • FSN 519 - Travel course to Crete and Athens: Exploring the Original Mediterranean Diet


    A study tour to explore the food systems, diet, and culture in Crete and Athens, Greece. Some sections of FSN 319 will travel with FSN 519. Fee: TBD. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • FSN 520 - Food Processing and Preservation


    Corequisite, FSN 521 . Methods used for food processing and preservation, effects of processing technologies on shelf-life, nutritional value, and quality attributes. Factors that affect selection of most appropriate technology and equipment. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits
  • FSN 521 - Food Processing and Preservation Laboratory


    Corequisite, FSN 520 . A laboratory study of the unit operations involved in food processing, the impact of ingredients and processing parameters on safety and quality of food, and problem solving. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 1 credit
  • FSN 522 - Community Nutrition


    Prerequisite, FSN 200. Study of the roles and resources of community/public health nutrition professionals promoting wellness in the community. Assessment of community nutritional needs, and planning, implementing and evaluating nutrition education programs for various age groups under different socio-economic conditions. The legislative process, health care insurance industry, and domestic food assistance programs will also be covered. A community service project is an essential component of this class. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 3 credits
  • FSN 529 - Experimental Course


    Experimental courses are designed to offer additional opportunities to explore areas and subjects of special interest and may be repeated for credit if course content is different. Course titles, prerequisites, and credits may vary. Some courses require student lab fees. Specific course details will be listed in the course schedule. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1-3 credits
  • FSN 530 - Food Microbiology


    Prerequisite, BIOL 317. Corequisite, FSN 530L . Students study the microorganisms specifically related to the fermentation, preservation, stability, safety, and flavor of foods. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits
  • FSN 530L - Food Microbiology Lab


    Prerequisite, BIOL 317. Corequisite, FSN 530 . Lab component of FSN 530 . Fee: $75. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit
  • FSN 531 - Special Topics in Nutrition


    Prerequisite, depends on the topic being offered. Students discuss current issues in the field of nutrition. Topics may include concepts and controversy, eating disorders, cultural aspects of foods, nutrient interactions, and effects of processing on foods. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • FSN 538 - Nutrition and Human Performance


    Prerequisite, FSN 200. Designed to provide a more in depth view of nutrition, metabolism, and human performance. Ergogenic aids, blood doping, and nutritional needs of the athlete will be emphasized. The methodologies and current topics related to nutrition and human performance will be evaluated. Mechanisms of nutrition will be presented to better understand the cause and effect of human nutrition. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits
  • FSN 539 - Life Cycle Nutrition


    Prerequisite, FSN 200. The human body has different nutrient requirements at different times during the life-cycle and when in a diseased state. This course explores the physiological changes, adaptations, and stresses that affect nutritional status and explains the influence of dietary practices in maximizing growth, maintenance, and health. Nutrition counseling and diet analyses are included. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits
  • FSN 540 - Food Engineering


    A survey of engineering concepts and unit operations as applied to food processing. Students examine conveying and washing of foods, fluid flow, evaporation, drying, extraction, mixing, freezing, distillation, and filtration. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • FSN 543 - Medical Nutrition Therapy


    Prerequisite, FSN 303. This course is designed to increase the students’ knowledge of the pathophysiology of various disease states. Principles of dietary management as a preventative and therapeutic tool in health care will be emphasized during various physiologic changes such as disease, metabolic alterations, and stress. Students will learn how to modify the normal diet for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Some sections of FSN 543 will be held with FSN 443. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits
  • FSN 551 - Food Fraud


    Students study the history, regulations, analytical methods, vulnerabilities, and preventative controls associated with food fraud. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 3 credits
  • FSN 560 - Current Topics in Food Science and Nutrition


    Food science and nutrition are dynamic fields of inquiry and every year new areas of research emerge. The safety of our food, the environmental impacts of processing, and the sustainability of our food supply are being questioned. This course will provide an in-depth examination of current topics of interest in the areas of food safety, quality, processing, and nutrition. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • FSN 580 - Managing and Marketing Fundamentals for Food Scientists


    An introductory course in the fundamentals of management and marketing, designed for those food science majors who have no academic background in these areas. The objectives of the course include the accelerated learning of introductory management theory and a survey of basic marketing structures and functions as they apply to the food industry. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • FSN 587 - Nutrigenomics


    Prerequisites, BIOL 208, BCHM 335. Nutrigenomics is the study of the interaction between food and genes. In the course, we will investigate how components of diet regulate human metabolism through molecular mechanisms and discern whether dietary requirements vary based on genotype. Further, we will explore the associated implications for clinical practice, food production, and policy development. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 3 credits
  • FSN 594 - Food Product Development


    Students incorporate the principles taught in the food science and nutrition core courses and apply them to the theoretical and practical considerations of commercial food product development. Teams of students will complete real food product development projects solicited from the food industry. (Offered every year.) 3 credits
  • FSN 600 - Advanced Food Science: Selected Topics


    Current advanced food science course topics are offered as needed (e.g., Food Proteins, Food Carbohydrate Chemistry, Cereal Technology, Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Effects of Processing Foods.) May be repeated for up to twelve credits. (Offered as needed.) 3-12 credits
  • FSN 601 - Food Packaging


    A comprehensive overview of the technical, aesthetic, and legal aspects of packaging processed foods. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits
  • FSN 602 - Food Flavors


    Students study chemical properties, isolation, separation, identification, formation and interaction mechanisms, and applications of flavor compounds. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits
  • FSN 606 - Dietary Supplements and Functional Foods


    This course is designed to acquaint students with current trends and regulations in the supplement and functional foods industry. Students will evaluate evidence for claims made, and the efficacy and adverse effects of supplement use. The effect of processing on the stability of dietary supplement and functional foods will be discussed. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits
  • FSN 660 - Research Methods


    Prerequisites, MATH 203. The course is designed to increase basic knowledge and broaden student perspectives in Food Science through both oral and written presentations and discussions among the students. It provides opportunities for students not only to locate, but to study scientific literature, organize the material, communicate and interact with other graduate students and faculty. An examination of the nature of scientific research and the steps necessary to successfully complete a research project will be discussed. Students will learn the principles of scientific research, how to survey and critique the literature, design experiments, statistically evaluate the data, and professionally communicate results. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits
  • FSN 668 - Curricular Practical Training


    This course offers students an opportunity to learn professional skills “on the job.” P/NP. (Offered every semester.) 0 credit
  • FSN 690 - Internship for Graduate Students


    Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Offers students an opportunity to gain work experience. A minimum of 40 hours of work for each credit. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) ½-3 credits
  • FSN 691 - Student-Faculty Research


    Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Students engage in independent, faculty-mentored scholarly research/creative activity in their discipline which develops fundamentally novel knowledge, content, and/or data. Topics or projects are chosen after discussions between student and instructor who agree upon objective and scope. P/NP or letter grade option with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1-3 credits
  • FSN 695 - Thesis


    Prerequisites, consent of instructor, cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students pursuing the thesis option conduct research leading to a scientific manuscript for publication. Students enroll with a thesis advisor for a total of six credits of FSN 695 spread over the course of their project. Requires a minimum of 5 hours of instructor-student contact per credit hour spread over the course of the semester and an estimated 6-8 hours of student work per week per credit hour. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1-6 credits
  • FSN 696 - Thesis II


    Prerequisites, consent of instructor, cumulative GPA of 3.0, and completion of 3 credits of FSN 695 . Open only to students in catalog years prior to 2019-2020. Students continue research initiated in FSN 695 , leading to the preparation and completion of a scientific manuscript for publication. Requires a minimum of 5 hours of instructor-student contact per credit hour over the semester and an estimated 6-8 hours of student work per week per credit hour. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1-3 credits
  • FSN 697 - Continuous Enrollment


    Prerequisites, MS in food science major, consent of instructor, completion of a total of 6 thesis credits in FSN 695  and/or FSN 696 . Continuous Enrollment: Students complete research leading to the preparation and completion of a scientific manuscript for publication. After completion of FSN 695 /FSN 696  for a total of 6 credits, students must register for one credit of FSN 697 for each semester the thesis remains outstanding. Requires a minimum of 5 hours of instructor-student contact per credit hour over the semester and an estimated 6-8 hours of student work per week per credit hour. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit
  • FSN 699 - Independent Research


    Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Selected research projects involving either literature studies or laboratory research which develops new information, correlations, concepts, or data. Topics or projects are chosen after discussions between student and instructor who agree upon objective and scope. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1-3 credits

Math

  • MATH 580 - Modern Algebra I


    Prerequisite, MATH 380, or 460. A first semester graduate course in algebra. Group Theory (solvable groups, Sylow Theorems, free groups, finitely presented groups, permutation groups, orbits, stabilizers, G-sets, applications to combinatorics, representation theory, character tables), (noncommutative) rings, polynomial rings, Groebner bases, modules, Hilbert’s Nullstellensatz, fields, Galois Theory, fundamental theorem of algebra, commutative algebras, Lie groups and Lie algebras, classification of finite simple groups, and applications. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits

Physics

  • PHYS 520 - Physical Principles of Remote Sensing


    Prerequisites, PHYS 101, 102, or consent of instructor. Students get a thorough introduction to gathering the basic concepts and procedures of fundamentals of physical principles of remote sensing. The main emphasis is on the physical and mathematical principles underlying the techniques, such as the atmospheric radiative transfer, satellite orbit and geo-location simulation, and science algorithm designing, calibration and atmosphere corrections. Other computational methods will be emphasized. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits