Course variations

Course summary

This option applies general systems theory to the analysis of climate, environmental and agricultural systems, and their interactions. Systems theory provides a method of analyzing overall system behavior by examining the relations among-and the behavior of-Individual components, and synthesizing these relationships into a mathematical framework that describes the total system. Computer simulation using this mathematical framework can predict and analyze the response to various changes in the inputs to, and/or structure of, the system, providing a powerful tool for the development of comprehensive solutions to problems. Examples of topics for student research could include studying the effects of climate change on vectored disease transmission, marine biodiversity, distributions of crops and crop pathogens, the carbon and nitrogen cycles, and wildfire cycles. This option will prepare students for challenging careers in governmental regulatory agencies and environmental consulting companies, or for graduate programs.

Program modules

The following are the modules: Required Courses: Climate: Choose one course from below (3-4 credits): ATS 420. Principles of Climate (4); GEO 323. Climatology (4); Biosystems: Choose one or another appropriate course approved by research mentor (3-4 credits): ATS 464X. Vegetation and the Atmosphere (3); BI 370. Ecology (3); BOT 341. Plant Ecology (4); CE 412. Hydrology (4); FE 430. Watershed Processes (4); FOR 341. Forest Ecology (3); FW 320. Introductory Population Dynamics (4); OC 440. Introduction to Biological Oceanography (3); Quantitative Modeling: Choose one course from below (3 credits): BEE 320. Biosystems Analysis and Modeling (3); ST 435. Quantitative Ecology (3); ST 443. Applied Stochastic Models (3); Computer Programming: Choose one or another appropriate course approved by research mentor (3-4 credits): CS 151. Intro to C Programming (4); CS 161. Intro to Computer Science I (4); Statistics: Choose one sequence from below (8 credits): ST 411, ST 412. Methods of Data Analysis (4,4); ST 421, ST 422. Intro to Mathematical Statistics (4,4); Specialization and Breadth Courses: 6 to 9 credits approved by research mentor.

Entry requirement for international students

Applicants must have an excellent academic record (a minimum 3. 0 on a 4.0 scale or "B" grade average or equivalent) from an accredited or recognized institution to be admitted to Oregon State University. International students must have the following GPA scores: Paper score of 550; Internet score of 80 (Minimum score of 16 on each section) and IELTS score of 6.5.

Qualification

Bachelor degree

Awarding body

Oregon State University

Department name

College of Agricultural Sciences, Bioresource Research