Natural Sciences Department

Nate Bickford, Department Chair

Professors: H.-Y. Li, R. McClure, K. Usher, R. Wilde

Associate Professors: N. Bickford, K. Gandhi, J. Kellermann, J. Kinder, T. Lund, G. Pak

Assistant Professors: R. Edwards, T. Elliott, D. Grossnickle, W. Hung, D. Johnston, T. Owen, Y. Yang

Instructors: K. Farris, N. Pande

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science in Biology-Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Master of Science in Natural Resources

Minors Offered

Applied Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Sustainability

The Department of Natural Sciences prepares students for challenging, rewarding careers in health, biological, and environmental sciences. The department also provides courses in biology, chemistry, and physics in support of degrees in nursing, medical imaging, dental hygiene, respiratory care, management and engineering programs.

Biology Programs

Many students have an interest in biology. At Oregon Tech we have designed two programs that prepare graduates for rewarding careers that require a strong foundation in biology. For outdoor or field-oriented options, please refer to the Environmental Sciences program in our department. It offers several emphases, which can readily be tailored to biological interests and student research projects. Graduates from our Environmental Sciences program often go on to careers with public and private agencies such as US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service and the Nature Conservancy. For medically-oriented options in biology, please see our Biology-Health Sciences program. It offers a strong preparation to apply to professional programs, exceeding the minimum requirements for highly competitive fields such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, and others.

Biology-Health Sciences Program

Travis Lund, Program Director

Degree Offered

Bachelor of Science in Biology-Health Sciences

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduating from the BHS program at Oregon Tech, students will be able to:

1.Demonstrate scientific knowledge and understanding.

a. Demonstrate foundational knowledge in the natural sciences (e.g., terminology, organization, classifications, appropriate use of units, methodologies, and fundamental principles).

b. Apply scientific principles to biological and medical examples/contexts.

2. Be proficient in scientific reasoning and critical thinking.

a. Analyze data to determine its relationship to principles, and evaluate the data for errors.

b. Analyze and evaluate content in biology.

3. Be able to effectively find and use resources from the literature.

4. Demonstrate effective oral, written and visual communication.

5. Demonstrate mathematical knowledge and skills in the biological sciences.

Objective and Career Opportunities

If you are interested in pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, etc., then this is the major you want. The degree program provides an intensive course of study in the basic sciences, social sciences, humanities, communication, and mathematics to prepare students for entry into professional programs. The program will meet prerequisite requirements for graduate schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, osteopathic medicine, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, physician assistant, physical therapy and occupational therapy. These are all competitive graduate programs, and our graduates who apply to them have a strong record of acceptance. Our curriculum includes all of the core courses with labs in biology, anatomy & physiology, chemistry (general, organic, and biochemistry), and physics needed for applying to them, as well as upper-division science coursework that is tailored to medical fields, including cell biology, clinical pharmacology, medical genetics, medical microbiology, neuroscience, nutrition, parasitology, pathophysiology, virology, and immunology. We also have opportunities for undergraduate research that can engage students’ interest and make them stand out as candidates for graduate programs. Courses in health management, medical microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular & cell biology also provide strong preparation for graduate work in biotechnology, public health, and medical administration. Some students transfer into Oregon Tech’s Medical Laboratory Science program, before or after earning their Biology-Health Sciences degree. This major can also prepare one for a career in education with an emphasis in biology.

Student Preparation

The Biology-Health Sciences curriculum is a demanding instructional program requiring considerable effort in science and mathematics coursework. Prospective students are advised to complete at least three years of high school mathematics and a minimum of three years of high school science (biology, chemistry, and physics).

Pre-Professional Program in Dentistry

The pre-professional program in dentistry prepares the student for entrance into dental school and provides a B.S. degree in Biology-Health Sciences. The Biology-Health Sciences curriculum at Oregon Tech provides a pathway to complete all the prerequisites that dental schools like to see, as well as upper-division coursework that is tailored to becoming a superior applicant. Most dental students have completed four years of college, and have a B.S. degree. Dental school typically lasts four years, although an accelerated degree may take only three years to finish. The length of a dental specialty residency depends on the specialty and the school it is affiliated with, so a specialty residency can range from two to six years.

Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to map out their curricular plan to prepare them for dental school application by sophomore year.

Admission to dental school is very competitive and requires strong academic achievement and extensive volunteering experience in dental settings. Students considering a career in dentistry should explore the websites of the schools they have interest in as the prerequisites for each may vary, and these can be tailored within our Biology-Health Sciences program. While our curriculum is very challenging, admission into dental school is highly competitive and requires strong academic achievement. The coursework at Oregon Tech helps students prepare for the dental admission test (DAT) offered by the American Dental Association. The test consists of a battery of four tests on the following: survey of the natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.

The ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS) is the centralized application service for U.S. dental schools. Please visit their website to find more information regarding dental school application.

For complete program requirements and a list of appropriate courses, please see the Biology-Health Sciences Program.

Pre-Professional Program in Medicine

The pre-professional program in medicine prepares the student for entrance into medical school and provides a B.S. degree in Biology-Health Sciences. The Biology-Health Sciences curriculum at Oregon Tech provides a pathway to complete all the prerequisites that medical schools like to see as well as upper-division science coursework that is tailored to becoming a superior applicant. Admission into a medical school doctoral program requires a four-year bachelor’s degree with a preference for a science major over a non-science major. Once accepted, medical school then requires approximately four years of education and three to six years of internship and residency.

Students are encouraged to work closely with an advisor in our program to map out their curricular and other plans by sophomore year to prepare them for medical school application. Students are urged to volunteer in medical settings, possibly during high school and especially during college. For students currently in high school, it is advised that the student enrolls in many sciences courses before college to help them prepare for future success. Increasingly, participation in undergraduate research, which is an optional part of the Biology-Health Sciences major, is recommended to develop and demonstrate strong scientific inquiry competency for medical school.

Students considering a career in medicine should explore the websites of the schools they have interest in as the prerequisites for each may vary, and these can be tailored within our Biology-Health Sciences program. While our curriculum is very challenging, admission into medical school is highly competitive and requires strong academic achievement. The coursework at Oregon Tech helps students prepare for the medical college admission test (MCAT) required by nearly all medical schools. The test, which is divided into four sections including: physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences and critical reasoning sections, is used to predict a student’s ability to succeed academically.

For complete program requirements and a list of appropriate courses please see the Biology-Health Sciences Program.

Pre-Professional Program in Pharmacy

The pre-professional program in pharmacy prepares the student for entrance into pharmacy school and provides a B.S. degree in Biology-Health Sciences. A doctor of pharmacy degree normally takes four years to complete. Most entering pharmacy students have completed four years of undergraduate education and possess a bachelor’s degree in the sciences, including specific prerequisites for the pharmacy school. The Biology-Health Sciences curriculum at Oregon Tech provides a pathway to complete all the prerequisites that pharmacy schools like to see as well as upper-division science coursework that is tailored to becoming a superior applicant. Oregon Tech has a cooperative agreement with Pacific University in Oregon that can allow qualifying students to complete their B.S. in Biology-Health Sciences from us and their Pharm.D. from Pacific University in as few as six years total.

Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor in our program to map out their curricular and other plans by sophomore year to prepare them for pharmacy school application. Students are urged to begin volunteering in pharmacy settings, possibly during high school and especially during college. For students currently in high school, it is recommended to shadow and talk with pharmacists and to take many science courses before college to help prepare for future success.

The application process to pharmacy school is done through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). Students are encouraged to look at their web site while also looking at the sites of schools they have an interest in. Some pharmacy schools require the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), but Oregon State University and the pharmacy schools in California do not. Admission to school is competitive so a strong undergraduate GPA, community service, and communication and leadership skills will help.

For complete program requirements and a list of appropriate courses please see the Biology-Health Sciences Program.

Pre-Professional Program in Physical Therapy

The pre-professional program in physical therapy prepares the student for applying for doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program and provides a B.S. degree in Biology-Health Sciences. The curriculum at The Biology-Health Sciences curriculum at Oregon Tech provides a pathway to complete all the prerequisites that physical therapy schools like to see as well as upper-division science coursework that is tailored to becoming a superior applicant. Most DPT programs require applicants to earn a B.S. degree prior to admission. The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years. Oregon Tech is tentatively launching its DPT program in summer 2023. Students graduated from The Biology-Health Sciences will have advantage in admission to the program.

Each institution may require different courses and students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor to plan course schedule. Most DPT programs require applicants to meet minimum GPA and complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).Many programs require applicants to have volunteer or paid experiences working with patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.This experience may be an important factor in the admissions process.

Most, but not all professional DPT programs, participate in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Applicants who wish to apply to a nonparticipating PTCAS program must apply directly to the institution using the DPT program’s local application.

For complete program requirements and a list of appropriate courses, please see the Biology-Health Sciences Program.

Pre-Professional Program for Physician Assistant Studies

The pre-professional program for Physician Assistants (PA) prepares the student for entrance into that Master’s program and provides a B.S. degree in Biology-Health Sciences. A Master’s degree in PA Studies normally takes 2.5 years to complete. Most entering PA students have completed four years of undergraduate education and possess a bachelor’s degree in the sciences, including specific prerequisites for the PA school. The Biology-Health Sciences curriculum at Oregon Tech provides a pathway to complete all the prerequisites that PA schools like to see as well as upper-division science coursework that is tailored to becoming a superior applicant. In addition to strong academics, applying to P.A. programs requires a substantial amount of patient care experience, often over 1000 hours. Our pre-professional students often work nearby in healthcare settings during their undergraduate education. Some students choose to get a degree in an allied health major such as medical imaging or respiratory care, along with an additional year or more of science pre-requisites for applying to PA school, and our advisors help advise those students as well.

Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor in our program to map out their curricular and other plans by sophomore year to prepare them for PA school application. Students are urged to begin volunteering in patient care settings, possibly during high school and especially during college. For students currently in high school, it is recommend to shadow and talk with PA’s and other medical providers and to take many science courses before college to help prepare for future success.

For complete program requirements and a list of appropriate courses please see the Biology-Health Sciences Program.

Pre-Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine

The pre-professional program in veterinary medicine prepares students for entrance into veterinary school. A doctor of veterinary medicine program typically lasts four years and features in-depth training in animal sciences. Most veterinary colleges accept applicants have a B.S. degree at a four-year university. The Biology-Health Sciences curriculum at Oregon Tech provides a pathway to complete all the prerequisites that pharmacy schools like to see as well as upper-division science coursework that is tailored to becoming a superior applicant.

The prerequisites for each veterinary school vary slightly. Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor in our program to map out their curricular and other plans by sophomore year to prepare them for veterinary school application. Admission to veterinary school is competitive and requires a good undergraduate GPA in addition to shadowing or working with a veterinarian, volunteering in an animal shelter, or working at a zoo or rehabilitation facility while completing their undergraduate courses. Experience in 4-H, FFA or a similar group is also great for the application. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by most veterinary schools, and some also require the Biology GRE. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is also accepted by some schools in place of the GRE.

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (VMCAS) is the centralized application service for Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. Please visit their website to find more information regarding veterinary school application. Being a resident of a state that has a veterinary school is also a major advantage to being accepted since most schools take few out-of-state applicants. The WICHE program in the western United States allows out-of-state students to attend veterinary school at Colorado State University at Fort Collins, Oregon State University, Washington State University or the Midwestern University at Glendale, AZ veterinary schools for in-state tuition.

For complete program requirements and a list of appropriate courses please see the Biology – Health Sciences Program.

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

The graduate program leading to the degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences prepares students to apply basic scientific principles to the practical scientific problems encountered in health industry, professional school, business, industry, government, and education. Graduates from the program will be able to apply the techniques of scientific research to real-world health problems. Course work may include several important areas relevant to biology and chemistry, including biomedicine, statistics, molecular, and cellular biology. 

Thesis Option

For students interested in biological research, private sector jobs, and professional schools where research experience is valued. The thesis option requires successful completion of the on-campus core course, thesis research, and an approved thesis, as well as elective coursework. Thesis option students are required to defend their research results before a thesis defense committee.

3+2 graduate

A unique feature of the program is its 3+2 plan for undergraduate Biology-Health Sciences students. The 3+2 plan allows a student to simultaneously receive a BS and an MS degree in five years.  With this plan, students are moved quickly toward expanding their academic and scientific horizons based on the student’s abilities and personal motivation. Students in the 3+2 plan are expected to successfully complete the requirements for both the BS and MS degrees by the end of their fifth year in college.

Specific Admission Requirements for 3+2

Students are simultaneously awarded both the BS and MS degrees in five years, thus shortening the normal time to receive both degrees from six years to five years. They must apply and be admitted into the MS program by the Spring semester of their junior year (preferred) or by the start of the Fall semester of the senior year, and must meet the course requirements listed below. Students applying to the 3+2 plan must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA and a minimum 3.25 GPA in their science coursework.

The application file for admission to the 3+2 plan must include:

A completed MS application form;

An Oregon Tech transcript;

Two letters of recommendation from faculty;

A statement of research interests; and

Satisfactory scores in 300 and 400 level classes

Non-Thesis Option

Available for a broad range of career professionals including science teachers requiring graduate coursework and individuals with positions in which an MS in Biomedical Sciences will qualify them for promotion. The Biomedical Sciences MS non-thesis option requires completion of the core, capstone, and elective coursework. The program of study for each student must be approved by a graduate committee and the Program Director. 

Expected Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MS, students will have achieved the following goals:

Mastery of the Scientific Method 

Independent development and mastery of problem-solving skills including experimental design, execution, critical analysis, and interpretation of the results of original scientific experimentation (thesis) or experiential learning (internship).

Dissemination of Scientific Products 

Persuasive communication and defense of significant results of original scientific investigation presented in both written and oral format at a graduate peer-professional level.

Utilization of the Literature 

Critical evaluation of an independently accessed comprehensive body of scientific literature which is project relevant and foundational in supporting and explaining research findings in both written and oral format.

Development of a Relevant Knowledge Base 

Development of intrinsically held fundamental field-specific knowledge which will be applied to explain and defend research findings at a level of mastery expected by peer-professionals.

Professionalism & Self Responsibility 

Maintain a consistent professional work ethic of independently taking the initiative and motivation to produce tangible products of a quality commensurate with peer-standards in graduate or professional schools or in the career field being pursued.

Outcomes Assessment Activities

The faculty will use a variety of methods for evaluating student learning outcomes. Students completing this degree program will give a public research seminar that will be evaluated by cognizant faculty members. A research thesis project will be designed, conducted, and publicly presented in writing and orally prior to defense and evaluation by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee.

Environmental Sciences Program

Degree Offered

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

Dual Major Options

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering and Environmental Sciences

The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences focuses on interdisciplinary scientific study of ecology, natural resources, wildlife, data analysis, and sustainability with emphases on management, research, and communication. Active learning is central to our program which is why many ES classes have labs or field components.

The program offers numerous and diverse opportunities for students to engage in applied research, resource management projects, and community education events with the support of faculty and professionals through local and regional partnerships.

The core curriculum for all BES tracks consists of three major options:

Introduction to Science: Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, Intro Environmental Science, Physical geography, Physics
Data analysis: Statistics, Geographic Information Systems, R – modeling
General Education: Math, Writing, Speech, Humanities, Social Sciences

Environmental sciences encompass a broad range of opportunities for students after graduation which is why in their second year, students select a specific track to focus their education for their career aspirations. The BES program currently offers five options: Wildlife, Fisheries and Natural Resources; Water and Wetland Resources; Recreation and Science Ambassador; Environmental Business and Economics; Environmental Policy and Governance. See descriptions below.

Wildlife, Fisheries, and Natural Resources

Students gather, analyze, and interpret data on wildlife and their habitats to promote organismic success and sustainable natural resources. They evaluate ecosystems to determine environmental impacts from proposed actions while applying standards established through various environmental laws. Examples of track specific courses include Wildlife, Mammalogy, Fisheries, Ornithology, Policy and Management, Conservation Biology, and Ecological Restoration and Monitoring.

Potential careers associated with this option: wildlife tech, wildlife biologist, fisheries biologist, wildlife management, forestry tech, rangeland management.

Water and Wetland Resources

Prepares individuals to apply the principles of aquatic ecology, hydrology, and natural resources management to the development, conservation, and management of freshwater environments. Within this track students will use surveying, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and analytical chemistry techniques to collect data on lentic and lotic systems. Examples of track specific courses include Aquatic Ecology, Watershed Science and Technology, Water Resources, and Treatment Wetlands.

Potential careers associated with this option: hydrologic tech, environmental scientist, wetland scientist, environmental lab technician, water conservation specialist.

Recreation and Science Ambassador

This track prepares students for environmental education and recreation leadership careers. Students educate diverse audiences on environmental and recreation topics and empower their audience to get involved. Within this track students will design and implement standards aligned curriculum for environmental education programs. Examples of track specific courses include Environmental Education, Risk Assessment and Wilderness First Aid, Coaching in Application, and Wilderness Navigation.

Potential careers associated with this option: Interpretive Park Ranger, Environmental Educator, Recreation Ambassador, Park or Resource Specialist, Outreach Specialist.

Environmental Business and Economics

In business there is increasing demand to consider the environmental impact of corporate actions for compliance and conservation purposes. In this track students will develop the analytical skills to assess, allocate, and sustainably manage natural resources. Examples of track specific courses include Environmental Ethics, Principals of Business Management, Globalization, and Marketing.

Potential careers associated with this option: Sustainability Management, Environmental Reporting Specialist, Corporate Environmental Professional, Environmental Consultant, Natural Resource Manager.

Environmental Policy and Governance

The emphasis in this track is to examine the social dimensions of environmental issues. Students will gain the tools needed to inform environmental policy decisions. They will interpret current environmental laws and policies and advocate sustainable practices. Examples of track specific courses include Environmental Economics, Medical Sociology, Community Program Planning, and Leadership.

Potential careers associated with this option: Environmental Planning/Policy, Environmental Policy Analyst, Environmental Program Specialist, Compliance Analyst.

Environmental Chemistry

This emphasis is structured to provide a strong foundation for working in government, industrial or university labs studying the behavior of chemicals in the environment while emphasizing analytical skills. Provides students with tools to: (1) understand the processes governing chemical transformation in soil, water and air; (2) analyze for the key chemicals in the environment; and, (3) make meaningful predictions about the fates of these chemicals. This emphasis draws on subjects outside of a classical chemistry degree to include courses in atmospheric science, soil microbiology, environmental toxicology and mineralogy.

Graduates will be able to successfully pursue their career objectives in advanced education in graduate programs in areas such as atmospheric chemistry, geochemistry, toxicology and environmental chemistry and in a range of scientific careers including regulatory agencies, environmental consulting firms and industries concerned with the environmental impact and fate of their products.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will have demonstrated the following abilities:

Attain applicable foundational knowledge, technical skills, and information literacy in several core areas of ecology, natural resources, & environmental sciences.

Actively collaborate with local and regional agencies, organizations, and community members that represent a diversity of perspectives.

Make and advocate for science-based and sustainable solutions to local and global environmental issues.

Apply, interpret, and communicate appropriate analytical and statistical techniques to answer data driven scientific questions.

Demonstrate geospatial literacy through the utilization of appropriate technology to identify and address environmental problems.

Student Preparation

We believe there is a place in our program for everyone with an interest in natural resources, environmental issues, business management, conservation and sustainability, environmental education, or just being in the great outdoors! Environmental sciences is a huge field that can accommodate a wide range of individual interests and skill whether it’s working with wild animals, plants, people, or computers and technology. We encourage students to explore the diversity of job opportunities with federal, state, and tribal agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private industries to help guide your studies.

Career Opportunities

Our faculty and partners are here to help you build an impressive resume of academic and work experience that will place you in the job or graduate program of your choice. Graduates can expect to find employment in federal, state, and tribal government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and education and research institutions. Students are also well prepared to enter graduate school. Students graduating from our program have taken positions with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Police Wildlife Enforcement, Klamath County Health Department, Klamath Irrigation District, Klamath County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Nature Conservancy, and JELD-WEN Windows and Doors.

Degree Requirements

Students must meet the general education requirements, as stated elsewhere in this catalog, and complete the courses listed in the curriculum to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences. Students are encouraged to develop a option area based on their own interests.

Students are required to pass each science course with a grade of “C” or better. This requirement is based on the quantitative skills needed in later courses as well as the degree of integration in subject material that is present throughout the program.

Masters Natural Resources

The graduate program leading to the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources prepares students to apply basic scientific principles to the practical scientific problems encountered in business, industry, government, and education. Graduates from the program will be able to apply the techniques of scientific research to real-world environmental problems. Course work may include several important areas relevant to biology, including conservation, statistics, environmental, molecular, and cellular biology. 

Students are simultaneously awarded both the BS and MS degrees in five years, thus shortening the normal time to receive both degrees from six years to five years. With this plan, students are moved quickly toward expanding their academic and scientific horizons based on the student’s abilities and personal motivation. Students in the 3+2 plan are expected to successfully complete the requirements for both the BS and MS degrees by the end of their fifth year in college.

Specific Admission Requirements for 3+2

Students are simultaneously awarded both the BS and MS degrees in five years, thus shortening the normal time to receive both degrees from six years to five years. They must apply and be admitted into the MS program by the Spring semester of their junior year (preferred) or by the start of the Fall semester of the senior year and meet the course requirements listed below. Students applying to the 3+2 plan must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in their science coursework.

The application file for admission to the 3+2 plan must include:

A completed MS application form;

An Oregon Tech transcript;

Two letters of recommendation from faculty;

A statement of research interests; and

Satisfactory scores in 300 and 400 level classes

For students interested in environmental research, agency jobs, and professional schools where research experience is valued. The thesis option requires successful completion of the on-campus core, thesis research and an approved thesis, as well as elective coursework. 

Expected Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MS, students will have achieved the following goals:

Mastery of the Scientific Method 

Independent development and mastery of problem solving skills including experimental design, execution, critical analysis, and interpretation of the results of original scientific experimentation (thesis) or experiential learning (internship).

Dissemination of Scientific Products 

Persuasive communication and defense of significant results of original scientific investigation presented in both written and oral format at a graduate peer-professional level.

Utilization of the Literature 

Development of a Relevant Knowledge Base 

Development of intrinsically held fundamental field-specific knowledge which will be applied to explain and defend research findings at a level of mastery expected by peer-professionals.

Professionalism & Self Responsibility 

Outcomes Assessment Activities

Programs

Major

Minor