Jul 15, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

College of Science



Office: Science 127
Telephone: 408-924-4800
Website: www.sjsu.edu/science

Leadership:
Michael Kaufman, Dean
Shelley Cargill, Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Student Success
Miri VanHoven, Associate Dean for Research

Overview

San José is at the center of Silicon Valley, known worldwide for its research institutes and industries that set the standard for scientific and technological innovation. San José State is the metropolitan university of the region, and the academic programs of the College of Science prepare students for rewarding careers through our bachelor’s and master’s level degree programs in the biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and computer science fields. Our departments have established partnerships with local employers where students find training and employment opportunities.

The College of Science provides the lower division core biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics courses supporting majors in other technical disciplines (such as engineering). As part of the university general education requirements, we offer courses in quantitative reasoning, the physical universe and its life forms, and earth and the environment. Furthermore, we teach the discipline-specific courses for the science and mathematics teacher credential programs.

Successful science students come from many backgrounds. Some enter the university immediately upon graduation from high school. Others, who have worked or have various life experiences, enroll as either full or part-time students in order to continue their education and better their career opportunities. The maturity, laboratory skills and experience of these students enrich our programs. We have several programs to increase the participation of women and underrepresented students in professional level science. Our College of Science Student Success Center, formerly COSAC, is available to assist students with their academic advising questions.

There are active student clubs associated with each major, several of which have won national recognition for their professional and community service activities. Club members provide mutual support and are able to network with professionals in their field. A list of programs and courses can be found on each department page in the catalog. 

College of Science Student Success Center (formerly COSAC)

Office: Located in Duncan Hall (DH) 212
Telephone: 408-924-5193
Email: science-advisingcenter@sjsu.edu
Website: www.sjsu.edu/science-ssc/

Special Centers

The College of Science has several unique interdisciplinary instructional research centers and programs: the Master of Biotechnology, MBT , the Medical Product Development Management, MS , the Clinical Lab Scientist Certificate Program , the Clinical Genetic Molecular Biology Molecular Biologist Advanced Certificate , the Center for Applied Mathematics, Computation and Statistics, the Institute for Modern Optics, the Materials Characterization and Metrology Center, the W.M. Keck Facility for Chemical Research, and the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories . Partially funded by external grants and contracts, these centers provide our students opportunities to participate in sponsored research projects. Cooperative programs with local industries and government laboratories are additional sources of professional experience and financial support for our science majors.

Teaching Credential Programs

Two single subject credential programs are coordinated by the College of Science, in collaboration with the Connie L. Lurie College of Education . The single subject professional programs are designed for individuals who are interested in teaching science or mathematics in middle schools or high schools. The Science Education Program  offers single subject credential programs in biology, chemistry, earth science and physics. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics  offers a mathematics single subject credential program. For detailed information, contact the appropriate program coordinator.

Medical Product Development Management, MS

Office: Duncan Hall (DH), Room 452
Telephone: 408-924-4853
Website: www.sjsu.edu/mpdm/​
Email: kunal.sampat@sjsu.edu

Professors
Sulekha Anand, Statistics
Kunal Sampat, Interim Director, Medical Device & Diagnostics Clinical Trials
Leonard Wesley, Bioinformatics
Arvinder Loomba, PMP, Business Management
Sheldon Mullins, Biopharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs
Vivan Tran, Pharmacovigilance & Drug Safety

Overview

The Masters of Science (MS) degree in Medical Product Development Management  (MPDM) is offered by SJSU’s College of Science, in collaboration with Professional & Global Engagement  and the Lucas Graduate School of Business . The MPDM MS program combines clinical research, regulatory affairs, bioinformatics and customized technical classes with MBA-level business and management courses. The industry-relevant curriculum was designed in collaboration with experts from biomedical companies in the greater San Francisco Bay area to prepare students for careers in the biopharmaceutical, medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics industries. To accommodate students who work full-time, courses are offered during evenings or weekends, and several classes are offered online for scheduling flexibility.

Programs

Courses

    Medical Product Development ManagementScience