SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY   2000-2001 Catalog
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Sciences
Science 173
541-552-6474
Joseph L. Graf Jr., Dean

The School of Sciences offers student-centered, hands-on educational experiences in the disciplines of biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, and physics/engineering. We provide students with a wide range of high-quality undergraduate courses and programs and selected graduate courses and programs, including bachelor's degrees in six departments; interdisciplinary and preprofessional programs supported by the school (e.g., environmental studies); graduate degree programs in mathematics/computer science with an emphasis in computer science; interdisciplinary science; environmental education; and courses in applied multimedia.

The School of Sciences is committed to providing personal instruction and advising in small classes; experience with modern instrumentation and independent research; and writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. Our programs involve all students in significant research activities and build investigative and communication skills. Programs are designed to prepare graduates for successful careers or graduate education.

The rich and diverse natural environment of our region offers students outstanding educational and research opportunities in biology, geology, and environmental studies. Our departments have strong ties with local businesses and local, state, and federal agencies where faculty and students perform research and students gain practica and internship experiences. Because of their support of teacher education and the Environmental Education Graduate Program, the departments of Mathematics and Biology have strong ties to the educational community. The Department of Computer Science frequently works with local software developers.

Many courses offered in the School of Sciences are specifically designed to serve students whose major interests are in academic areas other than mathematical or natural sciences. These courses develop and broaden students' knowledge of scientific disciplines and their impact on the development of human thought and reasoning.

Departments

Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, and Physics

Degrees

Minors

Biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, physics, and remote sensing

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Each department in the School of Sciences offers the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Interdisciplinary degrees are offered with options in several school areas within the sciences. Co-major degrees are offered with the School of Business in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. An interdisciplinary studies major in environmental studies is also available. For specific details about the requirements for these degrees, refer to the appropriate departments in this section of the catalog, and to the section on Interdepartmental Degrees, printed catalog page 137. For general degree requirements, see Baccalaureate Degree Requirements on printed catalog page 30.

Preprofessional Programs

Preprofessional programs enable students to complete one or more years of study at Southern Oregon University prior to transferring to a professional school. The following preprofessional programs are available: agriculture, chiropractic medicine, dental hygiene, dentistry, engineering, medicine, medical technology, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician's assistant, podiatry, veterinary medicine, and resource management and conservation. For specific information, refer to the department in which the program is listed and see Preprofessional Programs on printed catalog page 154. You may also inquire at the School of Sciences office (Science, Room 173).

Graduate Programs

Students pursuing the Master of Arts or Master of Science degree may select science, mathematics-computer science, or environmental education as an option. Students in the science area may also select an emphasis in environmental sciences (see below). Graduate coursework is offered in the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, and the area of general science. Students should contact the dean of the school for more information.
Master's Degree in Environmental Education
Applications are reviewed January 15, April 15, and October 15. A completed application consists of materials in the environmental education application packet, official GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation.

The specific objectives of the Environmental Education Program are:

1. To develop competence in the use of interpretive techniques and experiences suitable for conducting outdoor programs or working with a resource agency.

2. To develop professionals with environmental skills, a broad background in the sciences and related areas, and an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships and implications of environmental issues.

To enter the program, candidates need a minimum of 18 quarter hours or 12 semester hours in natural sciences, as approved by a coordinator of the Environmental Education Program. We strongly recommended that the 18 hours include one course in vascular plant systematics and one in vertebrate natural history. Students admitted to the program or admitted as postbaccalaureate students with the intention of entering the program must meet with an environmental education advisor upon arrival to campus and before taking classes. Prerequisites are strictly enforced. The curriculum consists of 45 graduate credits, 18 of which are core credits, distributed as follows:

Required Core

(18 credits)

Select 15_18 credits in biology from the following:

Select 9_12 credits from a related area:

Bi 501, 505, 507, and 509 courses may be used with advisor approval. See Open-Numbered Graduate Courses on printed catalog page 159 for further information.

Degree candidates choose either a thesis or written exam option. All students complete a practical exam and oral defense.

Environmental Sciences Option in the Master's Degree in Science

This program serves students seeking advanced knowledge and skills in environmental science and provides expanded opportunities for careers typically unavailable to students with an undergraduate degree.

The environmental science option differs from the school area degree because of its core curriculum, which comprises multidisciplinary courses taught summers and weekends or evening seminars focusing on current issues in environmental science. Degree candidates must complete a thesis and an oral defense.

To be considered for admission to the program, candidates must meet the minimum requirements of the University (see Graduate Studies on printed catalog page 157) and have a bachelor's degree in science or equivalent academic experience, including coursework in biology (Ecology or Environmental Biology are required prerequisites for most program courses); general chemistry; and earth science (e.g., General Geology, Environmental Geology, Physical Geography).

A completed application contains the application form, official GRE scores, a statement of the student's educational and career goals, and three letters of recommendation (at least two from former professors). In addition to the above criteria, space and advisor availability may determine acceptance into the program.

Applications are reviewed January 15, April 15, and October 15 for entry into the program as early as the following winter, fall, and spring terms, respectively. Students admitted to the program or admitted as postbaccalaureate students with the intention of entering the program must meet with an environmental science advisor before taking classes.

The curriculum consists of 45 graduate credits, 24 to 27 of which are core credits in interdisciplinary science. Prerequisites are strictly enforced.

Required Core

(24 to 27 credits)

Data Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation for Environmental Science (Sc 512) 3

Life Sciences Applications in Environmental Science (Sc 513) 3

Physical Sciences Applications in Environmental Science (Sc 514) 3

Selected Topics in Science (Sc 510 )

(Sc 510 must be taken three times) 6-9 Thesis (Sc 503) 9

Support Area Courses

(18 to 21 credits)

Specific courses are chosen by the student and the student's faculty advisor and approved by the student's committee and the Environmental Science Committee. At least 10 credits must come from two or more of the following departments: biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. Courses in support areas may be chosen from the following list. Approved transfer courses (up to a maximum of 15 credits), SOU courses taught through the Siskiyou Field Institute or similar organizations, or other courses approved by the Environmental Sciences Committee may supplement courses on the list. With approval, students may select up to 8 credits of business or Master in Management courses.

Students in the science area may also select an option in environmental sciences.

 

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