Mathematics & Science

Overview & Programs

Welcome to the School of Mathematics and Science. The School’s curriculum includes courses in: Astronomy, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Data Science, Engineering, General Science, Geography, Geology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Horticulture, Mathematics, Meteorology, Physical Science, Physics, and Water and Wastewater.

Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing you with a stimulating learning environment and to helping you make your educational experience a productive and enjoyable one.

Meet The Administrative Staff

Administration
Name
Title
Email
Ext.
Room
Ryan, Joseph
Dean of Math & Science
7110
2719B
May, Haylee
Administrative Assistant Math & Science
4364
2719A
Maldonado, Adrian
Administrative Assistant Math & Science
7211
2719C
Ang, Joshua
Fairfield Science Lab Technician
4372
2734 & 330
Camins, Irene
Fairfield Physical Science Lab Technician
4906
2741H
Gonzalez Corona, Cecilia
Fairfield Biology Lab Technician
4379
2740C
Weatherbee, Alexandra
Fairfield Biology Lab Technician
4495
2740C
Bains, Ruhpreet
Vacaville Biotechnology Lab Technician
4691
1120
Eleazar, Iralyn
Vacaville Biology Lab Technician
4562
1134
Liu, Calvin
Vacaville Chemistry Lab Technician
4343
1122C
Low, Jennifer
Vacaville Biotechnology Lab Technician
7881
1120
Elliot, David
Vallejo Science Lab Technician
4621
209

Disciplines in
Mathematics & Science

Mathematics

Mathematics

Successful completion of this major will assure competence in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, providing an adequate background for employment in many technological and scientific areas as well as providing a firm foundation for students planning advanced study.

Mathematics for Transfer

Successful completion of this major will assure competence in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, providing an adequate background for employment in many technological and scientific areas as well as providing a firm foundation for students planning to pursue a baccalaureate degree in mathematics.

Science

Astronomy

The Astronomy program introduces students to the physical properties and processes that govern celestial bodies in the Universe. Students may take astronomy courses to satisfy their natural sciences requirements or to transfer with a major in astronomy/astrophysics or double major in astronomy and physics to the university. Transfer level astronomy curricula stress very strong preparation in physics and mathematics. While most astronomy courses will be taken at the upper division or graduate level, exposure to lower division astronomy courses will assist in exploring the major. Students planning to transfer may need to complete additional coursework and/or select specific electives required by the transfer institution and should consult with a counselor to identify required courses at their target university. Students who pursue a B.S. degree in astronomy will be qualified to enter a teaching credential program, operate a planetarium, and assist at an observatory. With an M.S. degree, students can teach astronomy or physics at a community college, be a telescope operator at a major observatory, or work in industry. A Ph.D. qualifies students for a career in research at a university, space agency, or observatory.

Biology

Students in the biology program examine life at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels. The program gives students the knowledge and laboratory skills required to transfer to a university as a major in the biological sciences. The biology program emphasizes the core basic concepts of biology including the unity and diversity of life generated by evolution by natural selection, the relationship of structure and function, and the continuity of the genetic material.

Biomanufacturing

Biomanufacturing means growing living cells (bacterial, yeast, and animal cells) in large tanks called bioreactors and inducing them to produce a protein that serves as a medicine. That protein then must be separated from other cellular components and purified by using techniques that exploit its properties to isolate it away from other cellular proteins. Then technicians use analytical techniques to prove the purity of the isolated protein. In the future Biomanufacturing will be expanded to include the industrial production of biofuels, biomaterials, stem cells, and other products currently manufactured using chemical rather than biological techniques.

Biotechnology

This program prepares graduates to work in the biotechnology industry as production technicians. A production technician operates and maintains the equipment used to manufacture protein pharmaceutical products. Students will grow bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells and recover the proteins that they produce. They will follow good manufacturing practices by maintaining records in order to comply with quality assurance procedures and government regulations. Students in the program must be able to adjust their time to a flexible schedule. Gainful Employment Information: Applied Biotechnology

Chemistry

This program is designed to foster an understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry in a variety of applications. Students will learn how chemical knowledge is derived, theorized, and applied in solving problems in everyday life.

Engineering

The field of engineering deals with the design, production, and testing of new products as well as maintaining and improving existing ones. Engineers are professionals who apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve technical problems.

Geography for Transfer

Solano Community College offers an Associate in Arts for Transfer degree in Geography to introduce students to principles, theory, and applied methods of spatial analysis in studying both the natural and human environment. The degree provides students with a foundation in the knowledge and skills of the Geography profession and prepares them for upper division university course work. Recipients of the Associate in Arts for Transfer degree are guaranteed admission with junior standing at a campus of the California State University system. The program in Geography is designed to develop the student’s awareness of human environment relationships and changes in the physical and cultural landscape induced by human activities.

Horticulture Science

This program is designed to provide theory and practical experience needed to enter the horticulture field or prepare for advancement or certification. It also offers some of the basic courses required of horticulture majors transferring to four-year institutions. This program offers certificates and degrees in Ornamental Horticulture. Gainful Employment Information: Horticulture Science

Physical Science

Solano Community College offers a two-year Associate in Science Degree in Physical Science that provides students the opportunity to investigate methods of scientific inquiry, and to gain scientific knowledge, through specialization in one or more Physical Science disciplines that align with their personal interests, such as Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, and Geology. Crucially, students taking this degree will also gain an understanding of the factors that affect the Earth’s climate, and will thereby develop a deep understanding of the important issue of Climate Change, which will allow them to be knowledgeable global citizens. Students will develop critical thinking skills, learn to communicate effectively in writing, and acquire an understanding of major scientific concepts. Through course options, students will employ methods of scientific inquiry to understand the world around them. Completion of the degree requirements will prepare students with the skills and resources needed to facilitate academic and career decisions.

Physics

The focus of this program is on developing an understanding of and appreciation for the basic laws of our physical universe. This is done largely through the development of conceptual understanding, problem solving skills, and laboratory investigations.

Physics for Transfer

The focus of this program is on developing an understanding of and appreciation for the basic laws of our physical universe. This is done largely through the development of conceptual understanding, problem solving skills, and laboratory investigations. The Physics 006,007,008 sequence is a three-semester offering in introductory physics requiring math through calculus. This sequence satisfies the lower division physics requirement for majors in physics, chemistry, geology or other physical sciences, and engineering. Physics 006 is a study of mechanics, gravitation, vibration and fluids. In Physics 007, students will cover the topics of electricity, magnetism, wave motion, and sound. In Physics 008, students will cover heat, optics, relativity, and modern physics. Students will learn to analyze and solve problems appropriate for this level. Experiments relating to the topics covered will be performed.

Science, General

This program is designed to provide students with a basic science background, preparing them to move into a curriculum at a four-year institution leading to a degree in such fields as chemistry, biology, physics, geology, or health sciences. This program is a path for immediate entry into science-based technology careers.

Water and Wastewater Technology

A study of the principles of water and wastewater disposal and purification including municipal and industrial wastewater collection and treatment. The program will satisfy most of the requirements for certification of water and wastewater treatment personnel. Gainful Employment Information: Water and Wastewater Technology