SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY   2000-2001 Catalog
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Biology
Science 374
541-552-6341
Roger G. Christianson, Chair

Professors: Roger G. Christianson, Darlene H. Southworth

Associate Professors: Carol S. Ferguson, Stewart W. Janes, Christine T. Oswald, Kathleen A. Page, Michael S. Parker, Charles W. Welden

Assistant Professors: Steven L. Jessup, Grace Y. Richter, John S. Roden

Instructor: Leslee A. Parr

Adjunct Faculty: Howard W. Braham, Peter C. Schroeder

Biologists work on a broad spectrum of questions relating to living organisms and life processes. They investigate the physical and chemical bases of life, the structure and function of organisms and their parts, the interaction between organisms and their environments, and the evolution of organisms. The biology major gives students the freedom to specialize and offers a thorough introduction to the principal areas of biology.

The bachelor's degree in biology prepares students for employment in diverse fields related to the life sciences. It is also excellent training for graduate and professional programs leading to degrees in areas such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, medical technology, environmental science, agriculture, forestry, and wildlife biology.

Because upper division courses in biology build upon prerequisites, students should seek advising as soon as they consider majoring in biology. Early advising is especially important for those planning to go on to graduate or professional schools. Contact the department secretary for an advisor assignment.

Degrees

Minor

Requirements for Major

1. Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on printed catalog page 30.

2. Complete Public Speaking (Comm 210), (not required for students who have completed Core 101, 102, 103) 4

3. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required for all work taken in biology.

4. Complete the biology core (38 credits):

5. Complete 20 credits of upper division biology electives. The following may not be used: Bi 330, 401, 403, 405, or 409. A maximum of 3 credits (total) from the following courses may be applied to this requirement: 1 credit of Bi 407, up to 3 credits of Bi 408, and a second credit of Bi 498. In addition, 3 credits of Biochemistry may be applied to this requirement.

6. Complete the General Chemistry sequence with labs (Ch 201, 204; Ch 202, 205; Ch 203, 206) 15

7. Complete a sequence of Organic Chemistry with labs (Ch 331, 337; Ch 332, 338) 9 or (Ch 334, 337; Ch 335, 340; Ch 336, 341) 14

8. Complete 12-15 credits of physical science from:

General Physics with Lab (Ph 201, 224; Ph 202, 225; Ph 203, 226) 12
or (Ph 221, 224; Ph 222, 225; Ph 223, 226) 15
or Geology with Lab (G 101, 104; G 102, 105; G 103, 106) 12

9. Complete the following mathematics courses:

Suggested First Year Program

Capstone

The capstone is a research project in which a student integrates the skills and information learned in the major. It begins spring term of a student's junior year with Bi 497, a course designed to enable students to plan research projects, write project proposals, and secure faculty mentors. Under the direction of the faculty mentor, the student completes the project within the next year. The project culminates in spring term of the student's senior year with a written report and an oral presentation.

Minor

The minor is designed for students outside the major who wish to emphasize biology by completing at least 27 credits selected from the following:

Graduate Programs

The department offers the Master of Science degree in environmental education, a one- to two-year field-oriented program in which students gain an understanding of biological principles, themes, and ideas and become proficient at interpreting natural phenomena for diverse audiences. Students help staff the Siskiyou Environmental Education Center, which provides opportunities to develop the curriculum and educational resources and to deliver environmental education programs throughout the region. See printed catalog page 73 for application deadlines and program information.

The department has a limited ability to offer the Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in science. See printed catalog page 157 for information on these programs.

Preprofessional Programs

Students planning a career in a medical field such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, or other professional areas, including wildlife biology, resource management, or conservation, should consult the appropriate advisors as soon as possible after deciding on one of these careers. The departmental secretary maintains a current advisor list. Students in premedical technology and preveterinary medicine can plan their work to satisfy general degree requirements at SOU either in a four-year program or in cooperation with a professional school. See printed catalog page 154 for more information on these programs.

Teacher Licensing

Students who want to teach biology at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor's degree in biology before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair for an appropriate advisor and the Education Department regarding admission requirements for the MAT teacher education program.

This competitive program requires students to prepare in advance to enhance their chances of acceptance into the program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.

In addition, proficiency in a second language is required for admission. This requirement can be met by successfully completing two years of a second language at the college or university level or by passing a second language proficiency test at the intermediate level.

 

This material is from the 2000-2001
Southern Oregon University Catalog.

Page revised July 23, 2000
Copyright 2000, Southern Oregon University.
1250 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, Oregon 97520
541/552-7672