School of Science
Science 173
541-552-6474

Joseph L. Graf Jr., Dean

SOU CATALOG HOME : SCHOOLS AND DEPARTMENTS : SCIENCES : COURSES

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 degree programs 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 has a commitment to personal instruction and advising in small classes; hands-on experience with modern instrumentation; independent research experience; and emphasis on writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills. Our programs involve all students in significant research activities and build investigative and communication skills. Programs are designed so that graduates go on to successful careers or graduate education.

The rich and diverse natural environment of our region provides outstanding educational and research opportunities to students in biology, geology, and environmental studies. Most of our departments have strong ties with local business and local, state, and federal agencies for faculty and student research, practica, and internship experiences. The Department of Mathematics and the Department of Biology, through their support of teacher education and the Environmental Education Graduate Program, have strong ties to the educational community. The Department of Computer Science has strong and growing ties to 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 are a means for students to develop and broaden their knowledge about the impact of scientific disciplines 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, remote sensing

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Each department in the School of Sciences offers the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree. 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 and mathematics. 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, page 139. For general degree requirements, see Baccalaureate Degree Requirements on printed catalog page 31.

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. Preprofessional programs are available in 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 the Preprofessional Programs section of the catalog starting on page 152. 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 elect science or 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 in 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, July 15, and October 15. A completed application consists of materials in the environmental education application packet, official GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation.

Specific objectives of the Environmental Education Program are:

1. To develop competence in use of interpretive techniques and experiences especially suited for conducting outdoor programs or for 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 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 post baccalaureate 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 adhered to. The curriculum consists of 45 graduate credits, of which 18 are core credits, distributed as follows:

Required Core

(18 credits)

Select 15­18 credits in biology from the following or other courses approved by a coordinator of the Environmental Education Program:

Select 9­12 credits from a related area:

Bi 501, 505, 507, 509 courses may be used with advisor approval. See Open-Numbered Graduate Courses, page 156 for further information.

Degree candidates choose either a thesis or a project and take 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 not available to students with an undergraduate degree.

The environmental science option differs from the school area degree because of its core curriculum consisting of: (1) multidisciplinary courses, taught during the summer, and (2) seminars, taught evenings and/or weekends, that focus on current issues in environmental science. Degree candidates must complete a thesis and hold 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 155) and hold a bachelor's degree in science or have 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 post baccalaureate 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)

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 by the Environmental Science Committee. At least 10 credits must come from at least two of the following departments: biology, chemistry, geology, or 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 other 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.

Note: No more than 8 credits can be taken from: Bi 534, 566, 570, 571, 574, or 580