Oct 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Biology


 

Chair:

Nicholas Stewart

541-552-6947

Professor Emeritus Faculty
Karen Stone Roger G. Christianson
  Carol Ferguson
Assistant Professor Stewart Janes
Melissa LaBonty Ronald D. Lamb
Leila Fletcher D. Wayne Linn
Ashley Robart Ronald E. Nitsos
Nicholas Stewart David Oline
Jacob Youngblood Christine T. Oswald
  Kathleen Page
  Michael  S. Parker
Associate Professor Wayne A. Sorsoli
Karen Mager Darlene H. Southworth
  Charles W. Welden
Instructor Richard E. Welton
Olivia Boyd  

Biologists work on a broad spectrum of questions related 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 not only offers a thorough introduction to the principal areas of biology, but it also gives students the freedom to specialize.

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 such areas as agriculture, dentistry, environmental science, forestry, medical technology, medicine, optometry, veterinary medicine, and wildlife biology.

Because upper division courses in biology build on 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 Student Success Coordinator for STEM.

Graduate Programs

The biology program supports the Master of Science in Environmental Education, and participates in the Master in Interdisciplinary Studies. See the Graduate Studies section for information on these programs.

Preprofessional Programs

Students planning a career in a medical field such as dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, or any other professional area should consult the appropriate advisor as soon as possible after deciding on one of these careers. The STEM Student Success Coordinator maintains a current advisor list. Students in premedical technology and pre-veterinary 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 the Preprofessional Programs section for more information on these programs.

Teacher Licensing

Students who would like to teach biology at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete the prerequisite courses to qualify for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. It is not necessary to complete all prerequisites before applying to the program, but the prerequisites must be completed before a student begins the program. Interested students should consult the STEM Student Success Coordinator for an advisor and the School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.
Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Applicants are required to gain experience working with children in public schools through practica, internships, and volunteer service before applying to the program.

Program Requirements

 

Programs

Major

Certificates

Courses

Biology

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