2025-2026 Catalog
Biology
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Chair:
Nicholas Stewart
Science Hall 364
541-552-6947
| Professor |
Emeritus Faculty |
| Karen Stone |
Roger G. Christianson |
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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 |
| Karen Mager |
Kathleen Page |
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Michael S. Parker |
| Instructor |
Wayne A. Sorsoli |
| Olivia Boyd |
Darlene H. Southworth |
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Charles W. Welden |
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Richard E. Welton |
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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.
Preprofessional Programs
Students planning a career in a medical field such as dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, 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 interested in preprofessional programs can also discuss with their advisor the option of completing a certificate in addition to their major.
Students planning a career or graduate study in a natural resource related field such as ecology, wildlife biology, fishery biology, natural resource management, or conservation are strongly encouraged to take additional coursework and develop skills in geospatial technology (ES 349 and ES 451 ). Students should consult an appropriate advisor as soon as possible, and meet with an advisor each term. The list of Biology advisors can be found by visiting https://sou.edu/academics/biology/advising/.
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.
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
Major
Certificates
Biology
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