Curriculum
A minimum of 50 quarter units, including 40 at or above the 500 level, constitutes the curriculum for the master of science degree in natural sciences. In addition to the general requirements of the School of Science and Technology, the following courses are required (undergraduate courses must be 400 level):
| CORE CURRICULUM |
34-36 units, including religion
|
|
GEOL 566
|
Sedimentary Processes |
4
|
| One additional graduate geology or paleontology course |
3-4
|
|
| A graduate-level ecology or conservation course |
3-4
|
|
| One additional graduate biology course |
4
|
|
|
BIOL 558
or GEOL 558 |
Philosophy of Science and Origins Philosophy of Science and Origins |
4
4 |
|
BIOL 607
or GEOL 607 |
Seminar in Biology Seminar in Geology |
3
3 |
|
BIOL 616
or GEOL 616 |
Research and Experimental Design Research and Experimental Design |
2
2 |
| Religion (school requirement) |
3
|
|
| An earth systems science course |
4
|
|
| Research or special projects |
4
|
Project
As part of the core curriculum, the student will complete a project, in consultation with the adviser, involving 4 units of registration in research or special projects.
Other courses
The remaining courses beyond the core will be selected in consultation with the student’s faculty adviser.
Program seminar attendance
All graduate students are expected to be registered for and attend either seminar or colloquium. Students who have completed the required number of units of seminar may register for colloquium, which meets once a month.
Final examinations
Students are expected to pass a written comprehensive examination during their penultimate quarter in residence and an oral comprehensive examination in their ultimate quarter in residence.
Rosario Beach summer courses
In cooperation with the Walla Walla University Marine Station at Rosario Beach (near Anacortes), Washington, facilities are available for marine courses and research by graduate students of the LLU Department of Earth and Biological Sciences.