Aims & Scope
Inspired by Plato’s academic setting in his literary masterpiece The Symposium, Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo’s student academic journal Symposium: Student Journal of Science and Math advocates discussion on all disciplines related to science among students of the College of Science and Mathematics (COSAM).
Mission: Founded in 2013, Symposium: Student Journal of Science and Math gives voice to the students of the College of Science and Mathematics performing exemplary work in their field. In every issue of Symposium, COSAM students will be able to share their engagement in science, scholarship, and research that demonstrates Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing custom. Symposium aspires to unite disciplines across COSAM, advance student research, and produce annual publications of COSAM student scholarship.
The main goals of this student academic journal are:
- To promote undergraduate research, coursework, and collaborative projects
- To provide students a platform for scientific discussion
- To allow students to experience the peer-review process
- To enhance science literacy, composition, and communication among COSAM students
Content
Symposium welcomes student-written science articles and research of all kinds. The journal seeks pieces that reflect upon contemporary and compelling scientific findings or evaluation with adept and precise writing. While Symposium focuses on the work completed by COSAM students, recognition is also given to work by non-COSAM students that relate to science or mathematical experiences. Furthermore, Symposium also encourages the submission of collaborative works between departments of COSAM and other colleges to demonstrate the importance of multidisciplinary interaction at Cal Poly.
Symposium has a general interest in the following topics:
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Kinesiology
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Actuarial science
- Physics
- Astronomy
- Geology
- Biotechnology
- Science pedagogies and education
- Advancements in technologies
- Research and analysis methods
- Scientific theory and philosophy
- Science communication
- Science policy
Content unlisted that is related to science and mathematics are published at the discretion of the Editorial Board.
Section Descriptions:
- Editorial and Commentary
- Research & Review Articles
- Learn by Doing: Stories from the Field
Editorial and Commentary
This section includes an evaluation of a topic or issue by the editors and reviewers of Symposium. Any reader or contributor is welcome to submit commentary to this section. Works of this section should aim to cover topics that initiate symposium and discussion.
Research & Review Articles
Reports that offer insight, in-depth analysis, or theoretical exploration on a subject in the field of science and math should be submitted for this section. Examples that would qualify for this section are senior project proposals and investigative analytical articles.
Learn by Doing: Stories from the Field
Pieces in this section exhibit Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing motto. The section promotes student recounts and reflections from experiences in the fields of science and math. Works submitted can be, but are not limited to, unique experiences during lab experiments, field work, internship projects, or work abroad.
*If you feel your submission does not fit into these categories, but you would still like to submit it for consideration please contact the Editorial Board with any questions you may have.
