Sciences
Sciences
Sciences 173
541-552-6474
Joseph L. Graf Jr., Dean
Programs in the School of Sciences 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 students' knowledge of scientific disciplines and the impact of these disciplines on 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.
Departments
BiologyChemistry
Computer Science
Geology
Mathematics
Physics/Engineering
Degrees
BA and BS in Biology, Business-Chemistry, Business-Mathematics, Business-Physics, Chemistry (five options), Computer Science (four 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
Minors
Applied MultimediaBiology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Geology
Mathematics
Physics
Certificate
Certificate in Botany (Biology Department)
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Each 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 21.
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. 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).
Graduate Programs
Students 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 Education
This 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 formal and informal education, and sustainable resource use, environmental justice, protection of biodiversity, and preservation of wildlands. Graduates find jobs as teachers in school and field settings, as interpretive naturalists at museums and national parks, and as 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 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 |
This 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 formal and informal education, and sustainable resource use, environmental justice, protection of biodiversity, and preservation of wildlands. Graduates find jobs as teachers in school and field settings, as interpretive naturalists at museums and national parks, and as 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 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:
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 |
| Methods in Plant Systematics (Bi 535) | 4 |
| Algae, Fungi, and Lichens (Bi 536) | 4 |
| Bryophytes (Bi 542) | 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.
This 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 formal and informal education, and sustainable resource use, environmental justice, protection of biodiversity, and preservation of wildlands. Graduates find jobs as teachers in school and field settings, as interpretive naturalists at museums and national parks, and as 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 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:
Select 9–12 credits from a related area:
| Ecology of Small-Scale Societies (Anth 551) | 4 |
| Negotiation and Conflict (Comm 555) | 4 |
| Curr. Design & Educational Change (Ed 522) | |
| Special Methods in Secondary Science (Ed 558) | 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 166 for further information.
Degree candidates choose a thesis project or a written exam option. All students complete practical exams and an oral defense.
Science Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| Sc 199 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Sc 209 Practicum |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Sc 211, 212, 213 Explorations in Science |
| 3 to 4 credits |
| Satisfies General Education requirements as an Explorations in Science sequence. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
Upper Division Courses
| Sc 399 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Sc 401/501 Research |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Sc 405/505 Reading and Conference |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Sc 407/507 Seminar |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Sc 408/508 Workshop |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Sc 409/509 Practicum |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Sc 510 Selected Topics in Science |
| Credits to be arranged |