Phy-Sci Review - Newsletter of the Physical Sciences at SCC

MESA Lalander Humanitarian Project
The MESA program of Solano Community College in Fairfield, CA has teamed up with Trust in Education, a non-profit organization that provides educational and economical opportunities in Afghanistan.  The main goal of the project is to utilize the available water provided by streams to irrigate farmland and provide fresh usable water to the now barren region of Lalander, Afghanistan. Ultimately, the students will build a hydraulic ram pump at Solano Community College and send the designs to Afghanistan. Support needed.

Solano College Doubles Enrollment for Biotech Manufacturing Technician Certificate Program
July 27, 2005

Solano College is doubling its enrollment opportunities for its Biotech Manufacturing Technician Certificate due to demand for the program. This certificate consists of four biotechnology courses, a basic chemistry course, and pre-requisite courses and can often be completed in two semesters. When completed, the student will have been introduced to the practices and techniques associated with the industry.

“Genentech, Chiron and Alza are in need of well-trained employees. We worked with them to develop the courses for this certificate and have increased our enrollment to help meet their needs. Students in our biotech programs are hot commodities and easily find jobs,” stated Dave Redfield, PhD, Dean of Math/Science.

The first course, Principles of Biotechnology, is open to anyone. It will be taught on the Fairfield campus 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays starting August 22nd or in Vacaville on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. starting August 25th. Registration is online, by telephone (707-864-1006), or in person. For more information, contact David Redfield, PhD, at 707-864-7110.

MESA is Now Accepting 06-07 Applications

Computer-Assisted Learning

• The Math Activity Center, or MAC, a study area where students can do their math homework and request help when needed from math faculty and tutors, has computers loaded with programs, including Maple and Minitab, that reinforce classroom instruction in algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics. Staffed by director and math faculty.
• Students in chemistry laboratories can collect and analyze data with the aid of Pentium-based computers, and Organic Chemistry students can analyze compounds on a new, state-of-the-art Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR).
• The Physics and Engineering laboratory has upgraded computers and software containing data collection and analysis exercises for students to perform.
• Biology has classrooms and laboratories equipped with computers and data projectors allowing the instructor to be connected to the WEB to annotate lectures with the latest information and data.  Laptops are used at laboratory benches to collect and analyze biological data for laboratories.

Expanding Programs

• Geology Online
  Take your geology course online or in a hybrid (combination online/in classroom) format. Watch for continuing changes.
  
• Geographic Information System (GIS)
  Our geology instructor and other Solano College personnel are currently receiving training with the intention of offering GIS classes or integrating GIS into existing curriculum. What is GIS? It’s a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing information. Data is stored in a database that can be displayed and manipulated in many ways, giving you the power to create maps, integrate information, visualize scenarios, solve complicated problems, and develop effective solutions like never before. Whether choosing the location of a new business, finding the best soil for growing bananas, or figuring out the best route for an emergency vehicle, many problems have a geographical solution. GIS is taught in schools, colleges, and universities throughout the world. Professionals in every field are increasingly aware of the advantages of thinking and working geographically. Today, GIS is a multibillion-dollar industry employing hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
• Biosci 12 Environmental Science
  A new laboratory has been added to this course to augment the classroom instruction with practical experiences outside the classroom.
  

Biotech Program
Our vocational education program in Biotechnology is designed to prepare students for employment in the industry’s production facilities that are locating in Solano County. A new laboratory contains process equipment currently used in Solano County biotech companies. Students work in the laboratory with techniques and cultures used in the biotech industry. Many SCC graduates have moved on into supervisory positions after starting in production in the industry and the placement rate is nearly 100%.

An internship at Genentec in Vacaville is available for selected Solano students.