Departments Degrees Undergraduate Degree Programs Preprofessional Programs Graduate Programs Undergraduate Programs General Science Courses |
SciencesSciences 173
541-552-6474
Joseph L. Graf Jr., Dean
The University’s School of Sciences programs involve students in significant research activities, preparing them for successful careers and advanced educational opportunities. SOU faculty are committed to providing students with personal instruction and advising, small classes, experience with modern instrumentation and technology, and opportunities to build investigative and communication skills. The School of Sciences offers student-centered, hands-on undergraduate programs in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, physics, engineering, environmental studies, and applied multimedia (see page 149), as well as a number of preprofessional programs. Graduate degree programs include master’s degrees in three areas: mathematics/computer science with an emphasis in computer science, interdisciplinary science with emphases in biology, and environmental education. Many science and mathematics courses are designed to serve students with major interests in other academic areas. These courses broaden their knowledge of scientific disciplines and the impact of these disciplines on the development of human thought and experience. The region’s diverse natural environment offers students an outstanding natural laboratory for research and instruction. Departments in the School of Sciences have established relationships with local businesses and local, state, and federal agencies, where faculty and students perform research, and students gain practicum and internship experiences. The Departments of Biology and Mathematics, which both support teacher education and the Environmental Education Graduate Program, maintain strong ties with the educational community. In addition, the Computer Science Department collaborates with local software developers. Back to top of page.DepartmentsBiology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Geology
Mathematics
Physics
Back to top of page.DegreesBA and BS in Biology, Business-Chemistry, Business-Mathematics, Business-Physics, Chemistry (five options), Computer Science (two options), Environmental Studies (five options), Geology, Mathematics, Mathematics-Computer Science, and Physics (three options)
MA and MS degrees in Science, Mathematics/Computer Science
MS in Environmental Education
MinorsApplied Multimedia
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Geology
Mathematics
Physics
CertificateCertificate in Botany (Biology Department) Back to top of page.Undergraduate Degree ProgramsEach department in the School of Sciences offers both bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees. Interdisciplinary degrees are available, 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 details about the requirements for these degrees, refer to the appropriate departments in this section of the catalog and to Interdepartmental Degrees on page 148. For general degree requirements, see Baccalaureate Degree Requirements on page 15. Back to top of page.Preprofessional ProgramsPreprofessional programs enable students to complete one or more years of study at Southern Oregon University prior to transferring to a professional school. SOU offers preprofessional programs in agriculture, chiropractic medicine, dental hygiene, dentistry, engineering, medical technology, medicine, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician’s assistant, 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 page 169. You may also inquire at the School of Sciences office (Science, Room 173). Back to top of page.Graduate ProgramsStudents pursuing a master of arts or master of science degree may select environmental education, mathematics-computer science, or science as an option. Graduate coursework is offered in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, physics, and general science. Students should contact the School of Sciences dean for more information. Master of Science in Environmental EducationThis program serves students seeking careers that require a scientific understanding of the natural world, awareness of the environmental problems affecting present and future generations, and the skills needed to become effective educators. The MS in Environmental Education program is designed to help students acquire scientific knowledge and professional skills in preparation for careers devoted to education and promoting sustainable resource use, environmental justice, protection of biodiversity, and preservation of wildlands. Graduates find jobs as teachers in school and field settings, interpretive naturalists at museums and national parks, and environmental advocates working with governmental and nongovernmental organizations to educate the public. Graduates participate as responsible and informed citizens promoting wise policy decisions affecting the environment. To enter the program, applicants need at least 18 upper division quarter credits (or 12 semester credits) in the natural sciences, as approved by a coordinator of the Environmental Education Program. Students admitted to the program or admitted as postbaccalaureate students intending to enter the program should meet with an environmental education advisor before taking classes. A completed application comprises the environmental education application packet, official GRE scores, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Applications are reviewed on January 15, April 15, and October 15. The curriculum consists of 45 graduate credits, 18 of which are core credits, distributed as follows:
(18 credits)
| Techniques of Field Interpretation (Bi 522) | 3 | | Natural History of the Pacific Northwest (Bi 523) | 3 | | Conservation Biology (Bi 538) | 3 | | Natural Resource Management (Bi 590) | 3 | | Interpretive Practices (Bi 591) | 3 | | Environmental Education Internship (Bi 592) | 3 |
Complete 15–18 credits from the following courses:
| Research (Bi 501) | 4–6 | | Thesis (Bi 503) | 6 | | Mammalogy (Bi 515) | 4 | | Biological Illustration (Bi 530) | 3 | | Origins and Diversity of Land Plants (Bi 532) | 4 | | Plant Systematics (Bi 533) | 4 | | Methods in Plant Systematics (Bi 535) | 4 | | Plant Identification and Field Botany (Bi 544) | 3 | | Evolution (Bi 546) | 4 | | Fishery Biology (Bi 550) | 4 | | Community and Population Ecology (Bi 553) | 4 | | Plant Ecology (Bi 554) | 4 | | Invertebrate Zoology (Bi 561, 562) 4, | 4 | | Entomology (Bi 566) | 4 | | Herpetology (Bi 570) | 4 | | Ornithology (Bi 571) | 4 | | Topics in Entomology (Bi 574) | 3 | | Aquatic Ecology (Bi 575) | 4 | | Animal Behavior (Bi 580) | 4 |
Any other courses approved by a coordinator of the Environmental Education Program.
Select 9–12 credits from a related area:
| Ecology of Small-Scale Societies (Anth 551) | 4 | | Negotiation and Conflict (Comm 555) | 4 | | Special Methods in Secondary Science (Ed 558) | 1–3 | | Environmental Literature (Eng 553) | 4 | | Geology of the Wild Rogue River (G 555) | 3 | | Cultural Geography (Geog 511) | 4 | | Geography of Tourism (Geog 517) | 4 | | Topics in Physical Geography (Geog 519) | 2 | | Conservation in the United States (Geog 537) | 4 | | Land Use Planning (Geog 539) | 4 | | Geomorphology (Geog 581) | 4 | | Climatology (Geog 582) | 4 | | Remote Sensing (Geog 587) | 4 | | Geographic Information Systems (Geog 589) | 5 | | Field Geography (Geog 594) 4 | | | Outdoor Survival (PE 530) | 3 | | Programs for Special Populations (PE 544) | 3 | | Leadership and Management (PE 548) | 3 | | Environmental Law and Policy (PS 541) | 4 | | Environmental Psychology (Psy 535) | 4 | | Group Dynamics and Training (Psy 538) | 4 | | Organizational Psychology (Psy 545) | 4 | | Data Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation for Environmental Science (Sc 512) | 3 |
Any other courses approved by a coordinator of the Environmental Education Program.
Bi 501, 505, 507, and 509 may be taken with advisor approval. See Open-Numbered Graduate Courses on page 174 for further information.
Degree candidates choose a thesis project or a written exam option. All students complete practical exams and an oral defense.
Back to top of page.Undergraduate ProgramsBack to top of page.General Science CoursesSee Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses| Sc 090 Success in the Natural Sciences | | 3 credits | | Designed to provide the necessary skills for success in college-level science courses. Lectures and demonstrations cover the value of scientific investigations and the principles of scientific methods used in the fields of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. Includes field trips. No previous experience required. |
| Sc 199 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| Sc 209 Practicum | | Credit to be arranged |
| Sc 210 Environmental Resources I | | 4 credits | | Offers an interdisciplinary study of how scientific information is combined with social science procedures to address and solve environmental problems in our society. Fosters environmental awareness, stimulates discussion, and encourages critical analysis of environmental problems. | | Prerequisite: Intended for environmental studies (ES) majors who have completed an Explorations sequence in biology, chemistry, or geology, plus a social science course or an Explorations sequence in social science, plus a science course in biology, chemistry, or geology. | | Cross-listed with SSc 210 |
| Sc 211, 212, 213 Explorations in Science | | 3–4 credits | | Satisfies general education requirements as an Explorations in Science sequence. |
Upper Division Courses| Sc 310 Environmental Resources II | | 4 credits | | Offers an interdisciplinary study of how scientific information is combined with social science procedures to address and solve environmental problems in our society. Fosters environmental awareness, stimulates discussion, and encourages critical analysis of environmental problems. | | Prerequisite: Sc/SSc 210 | | Cross-listed with SSc 310 |
| Sc 311, 312, 313 Natural History of Oregon | | 3 credits each | | Sc 311 examines the natural provinces of Oregon from a geological standpoint. Includes explanations of geography, climate, and natural resources and geological considerations for current and future environmental policies. Sc 312 covers the natural history of birds in Oregon and their identification, adaptations, behavior, habitat affinities, and conservation. Includes several field trips during lab and two optional Saturday field trips. Sc 313 explores the natural history of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians of Oregon. Covers identification, adaptation, and behavior, with an emphasis on habitat affinities and conservation. Includes several field trips during lab, as well as optional weekend field trips. Two lectures and one 3-hour lab. Courses need not be taken in sequence. | | Prerequisite: Upper division standing |
| Sc 339 History and Philosophy of Science | | 4 credits | | Considers the nature of scientific reasoning. Analyzes basic scientific concepts, such as explanation, hypothesis, and causation. | | Prerequisite: Core 103 and the Explorations sequences from all three of the learning areas. | | Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division general education requirements. | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) | | Cross-listed with Phl 339 |
| Sc 345 History and Philosophy of the Environmental Movement | | 3 credits | | Explores the scientific, philosophical, historical, sociopolitical, and ethical foundations of the environmental movement. Covers such issues as resource conservation, sustainable use, biodiversity protection, wildlands preservation, pollution abatement, environmental justice, and global environmental change. Three lectures. | | Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division general education requirements. | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) |
| Sc 350 Women in Science | | 3 credits | | Examines past and current trends of women in various scientific disciplines. Explores the culture of science and the lives and contributions of women scientists. Includes lectures, guest speakers, and group discussions. | | Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. |
| Sc 353 Oceanography | | 3 credits | | Beginning course designed to give an overview of the interrelationships between the geological, physical, chemical, and biological systems in the world’s oceans. Visually illistrates the material and highlights contemporary topics using a descriptive approach. Three lectures. | | Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division general education requirements. | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) | | Cross-listed with G 353 |
| Sc 399 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| Sc 401/501 Research | | Credit to be arranged |
| Sc 405/505 Reading and Conference | | Credit to be arranged |
| Sc 407/507 Seminar | | Credit to be arranged |
| Sc 408/508 Workshop | | Credit to be arranged |
| Sc 409/509 Practicum | | Credit to be arranged |
| Sc 494 Environmental Studies Capstone | | 4 credits | | Students plan a research project, write a project proposal, conduct research, write a final report, and make an oral presentation to faculty and peers in a single term. | | Prerequisite: Environmental studies (ES) major | | Prerequisite: junior standing | | Prerequisite: completion of lower division ES core sequence | | Cross-listed with SSc 494 |
| Sc 495 Environmental Studies Honors Capstone | | 4–8 credits | | Students who demonstrate the initiative and ability to develop and complete a project on their own may request permission to take Sc/SSc 495. Upon faculty approval, the student works with a faculty mentor and other resource people as needed to develop a project proposal, conduct research, complete the project, write a final report, and make an oral presentation to faculty and peers. Credits for the capstone are assigned by project size. | | Prerequisite: ES major | | Prerequisite: junior standing | | Prerequisite: completion of Sc/SSc 210 and 310 | | Prerequisite: consent of ES advisor | | Cross-listed with SSc 495 |
| Sc 496 Environmental Studies Senior Project Report | | 2 credits | | Students prepare a draft and final report on the completed capstone project and present the results at a formal meeting session. | | Prerequisite: Sc 495 | | Cross-listed with SSc 496 |
Graduate Courses| Sc 510 Selected Topics in Science | | Credit to be arranged |
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