Bachelor of Science in Biology

at Northern Arizona University - Flagstaff Campus USA

The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish provides students with a socio-cultural and historical background as well as linguistic abilities to engage with Spanish-speaking populations from around the world in a variety of social and cultural contexts. Through linguistic, literary and cultural approaches to the study of the Spanish language, out students develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills that allow them to understand and interact effectively with diverse Hispanic cultures. Throughout this process the students develop cognitive skills in critical thinking and analysis and recognize the importance of being able to function in a global society. With their linguistic abilities in Spanish they are better able to compete for career opportunities in the domestic and global job markets and are prepared to become productive, responsible members of the local, national and international communities in which they live and work.

The Geology program in SESES develops an interdisciplinary base of knowledge that students use to understand the physical and biological history of the Earth and the evidence for that history. A distinguishing characteristic of geology is that it includes deep time in its understanding of terrestrial and solar system processes.

The Geology program is based on a strong foundation of physics, chemistry, and mathematics that provides an underpinning for the students as they move through the program and start to develop an appreciation for the complexities of interconnected Earth systems and their physical and chemical processes. Students work in field and lab environments, using the scientific method to develop an understanding of Earth materials and to synthesize information from diverse sources and methods to interpret the geological history of the Earth and the processes that occur on and below its surface. This includes the analysis of topographic maps 40 and remote sensing images using GIS tools to study the three-dimensional geometry of rock units, as well as geochemical and geophysical data obtained in the field and laboratory.

The three emphases within the program allow the students to develop a deeper understanding of specific fields within the subject and to prepare themselves for a range of professional opportunities. These enable them to explore the use of a range of geophysical and geochemical data and understand how to apply it to solve environmental and geotechnical problems. The program also provides experience in studying the interactions of humans with Earth systems using mathematical, physical, and chemical methods.

Paleontology Emphasis

• Explore core aspects of paleontology including phylogenetic analysis and the use of taphofacies, ichnofacies, and fossil assemblages to determine sedimentary depositional environments.
• Apply an understanding of the evolution of organisms through time to problems of dating geological sequences.

The knowledge gained during this program, will prepare you for tackling real world engineering challenges, providing solutions to complex engineering problems, and creating products that will benefit the society. The Mechanical Engineering Master of Science will help you enter a satisfying, productive and exciting profession, or continue on to a doctoral degree.

The program will help you understand the application of your profession to a wide range of mechanical engineering problems. Faculty are engaged in research and its creative application to relevant problems, and you will have the opportunity to work closely with them.
 
Students wanting to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously may qualify for our Accelerated Program which allows students to count six units toward both degrees, shortening the time to graduation.

The MEng in mechanical engineering trains students to become engineers who are capable of finding solutions to complex mechanical and interdisciplinary engineering problems. This program is designed for students with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or in a related field. Students in this program will have the opportunity to take courses and perform a practice-oriented design project in topics ranging from renewable energy to smart materials and structures to biomechanics to robotics.  Students will be trained in advanced applied mathematics, computational tools in engineering, evaluating of the literature in mechanical engineering, designing complex mechanical engineering systems or components, and communicating mechanical engineering theories, methodologies, and solutions.  Graduates of this program will be well prepared to work in a broad range of industries, including but not limited to aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, biomedical, etc., or pursue higher education.

Data science is systematic way to discover, quantify, and understand relationships hidden in data. A data scientist is an expert in acquiring, storing, accessing, and manipulating data; visualizing and modeling relationships in the data; and drawing actionable conclusions from the data. Data science is a tool applied to other areas of study such as biological sciences or business, and emphasizes the holistic process of “thinking with (real) data.”
 
The required course work is in statistics and computer science with the upper-division statistics courses utilizing the program competency acquired. Students are encouraged to pursue a minor in another field of interest in order to gain deep understanding of the challenges and needs that can be addressed by data science.

The study of Theatre Arts is an integral part of a liberal arts education. As such, Northern Arizona University Department of Theatre seeks to give the undergraduate theatre student the broadest possible understanding of the art and craft of theatre through the creative, critical, and applied practice of theatre, and provide opportunity through performance and production for the student to learn their art by doing their art in a learner centered environment. The program seeks to prepare students for the global society by creating an awareness of the “other”, practicing empathetical thinking, and sustainability with a global perspective.

Theatre: Emphasis in Performance

• Evaluate, analyze, and apply a depth and breadth of knowledge about the global impact of Theatre history, literature, and practices to the scholarship and practice of Theatre.
  • Recognize the literary, theoretical, and historical practices of performance in the global Theatre by taking courses in Script Analysis, Modern Drama, and Theatre History.
  • Synthesize knowledge acquired through the study of Theatrical history, theory and criticism, and be able to articulate their own stances on the global stage of Theatre.
  • Identify a variety of disciplines within the art of Theatre, and the impacts they have on performance by successfully completing  coursework from a wide variety of Theatrical sub-fields.
  • Demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge about the numerous facets of Theatre by successfully participating in various areas (or Theatrical positions) in the process of making Theatre, and applying this experience to performance.
  • Critique, perform, and synthesize their understandings of texts from the global stage through in-class assignments and mainstage or second stage projects, thereby expanding their awareness of the larger impact of Theatre.
• Value and apply an understanding of and experience with Theatre as a collaborative art to the scholarship and practice of Theatre.
  • Implement an understanding of the collaborative processes of Theatre through the successful completion of courses in directing, and through the practical applications of rehearsal and performance.
  • Practice effective communication within a collaborative environment through the practical applications of rehearsal and performance.
  • Value and understand professional and ethical boundaries within the collaborative Theatrical process through coursework and the practical application of rehearsal and performance .
  • Application of active listening skills in class, in the rehearsal hall, and in performance.
  • Apply appreciation of the different areas of Theatre to effectively perform a role or direct a text.
  • Recognize and implement successful practices of ensemble development in the creation of Theatre through successful completion of course work and practical application in the rehearsal hall and on stage.
• Apply knowledge of theory to practical work in Theatre.
  • Identify and engage in professional practices of performance through successful completion of courses in performance, and through practical application on stage.
  • Recognize, characterize and implement an understanding of the human body and voice and its relationship to narrative and expression through successful completion of performance courses and through application on stage.
  • Identify, implement, and evaluate knowledge and correct application of discipline-based language, terminology, and vernacular.
  • Identify and engage in the professional practices of the Theatre through successful completion of courses in either Stage Management or Theatre Management.
  • Identify, implement, and critique the technologies and processes used in the professional Theatre, both historically and contemporarily, through the successful completion of courses in Technical Theatre and Design.
  • Implement effective storytelling practices.
  • Identify and utilize the interaction of Theatrical elements, and employ this knowledge in analysis and implementation of Theatrical choices.
  • Recognize and implement an understanding of dramatic structure in playmaking and playwriting in order to tell a story or create a role.
  • Practice effective research and documentation of research in a performance process.
  • Demonstrate growth through audition, and successful completion of departmental performance opportunities.
• Articulate an understanding of sustainability in Theatre, in all its manifestations.
  • Identify and discuss current professional Theatrical practices aimed at increasing sustainability.
  • Recognize, discuss, and analyze the sustainability of storytelling as an art form that is socially, culturally, and historically contextualized.
• Effectively communicate the theory and practice of Theatre in the following modes: digital, literary, verbal, and non-verbal.
  • Articulate the creative process using digital, oral and written communication skills through the successful completion of a Capstone defense.
  • Practice effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills through successful completion of performance courses, and through practical application on stage.
  • Articulate dramatic structure in the rehearsal and performance processes.
  • Recognize and implement effective written communication of dramatic structure, research, and analysis through the successful completion of course work in Modern and Contemporary Drama and Script Analysis.
  • Communicate and implement an understanding of  dramatic structure, research, and analysis through the medium of live Theatre.
  • Implement effective verbal communication skills through correct usage of Theatrical terminology.
  • Articulate and implement effective verbal communication skills through exploration and discovery in the rehearsal hall and coursework.
• Apply effective problem solving through creative and critical thinking.
  • Demonstrate effective and creative problem solving by synthesizing research and coursework, and applying this knowledge to the rehearsal hall and performance.
  • Demonstrate creative problem solving by effective and diverse application of the tools of Theatre to meet the challenges of a role, a play, or a scene.
  • Implement active and critical thinking by proactively approaching a role or a project.
  • Demonstrate autonomy in the successful completion of a Senior Capstone project.
• Demonstrate the facility to synthesize and apply their liberal studies to the practice of Theatre.
  • Apply awareness and comprehension of the scope of university coursework taken to a critically analysis their own processes as performers.
  • Integrate university course work to create roles or tell stories.
  • Apply knowledge from Liberal Studies coursework in creative ways.
  • Comprehend, analyze and apply the diversity of stories found in the Liberal Studies curriculum in regard to performance challenges.
  • Synthesize and apply their knowledge of all areas of Theatre and the liberal arts to effectively complete a capstone project.
• Practice an effective system of preparation and working habits.
  • Implement the Theatrical practices of always being on time, prepared, and ready to work, through successful their completion of coursework as well as in the rehearsal hall and on stage.
  • Recognize, describe, and implement effective warm-up and preparation exercises.
  • Apply continual preparation tactics, research, and practical habits in performance.
  • Implement effective classroom strategies such as active discussion participation, engagement with course materials, and asking relevant questions.
  • Practice effective and efficient writing techniques, including outlining, peer reviewing, and revision
  • Collaborate within groups to prepare and present course material.

Mechanical engineering is a diverse and broad discipline of engineering that applies the principles of mathematics, physics, and science for the analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools.  It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines.  This exciting engineering field requires a solid understanding of core concepts including solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials science, and structural analysis to name a few. Mechanical engineers use these core principles along with tools like computer-aided engineering and product lifecycle management to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, automobiles, space vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, robotic devices, wind turbines, medical devices, and much more.

Choral Conducting Emphasis
Advanced professionalism and independence in the area of specialization:

• Music performance, which includes instrumental performance, vocalperformance, choral conducting, and/or orchestral conducting; or
• Scholarly research in music utilizing historical and theoretical methods.

Continued growth in musical understanding through analytic, historic, pedagogical, and performance skills, which include:

• The ability to identify appropriate literature in support of their individual career path.
• Understanding stylistic differences among various types of music and applying that understanding in performance.
• The ability to apply pedagogical concepts within an educational environment.

Graduate and professional level research skills, which include:

• The use of advanced historical and critical methodologies across a wide variety of musical styles, genres, and time-periods.
• Advanced interpretative, analytical, and synthesis skills within the area of music theory.
• Clear, cogent writing skills.
• The ability to systematically support an argument in writing.
• The ability to identify appropriate primary and secondary sources and effectively cite the sources in a research document.

  Acknowledgement, awareness, and exploration of connections across music subdisciplines and human experiences by integrating knowledge learned within the contexts of:

• History;
• Theory;
• Performance; and
• Culture.

 Integration of knowledge and skills gained in performance and scholarship into a meaningful and intellectual life in a global society by:

• Identifying human experiences expressed in a variety of musics.
• Communicating those human experiences through scholarship and performance.

The Geology program in SESES develops an interdisciplinary base of knowledge that students use to understand the physical and biological history of the Earth and the evidence for that history. A distinguishing characteristic of geology is that it includes deep time in its understanding of terrestrial and solar system processes.

The Geology program is based on a strong foundation of physics, chemistry, and mathematics that provides an underpinning for the students as they move through the program and start to develop an appreciation for the complexities of interconnected Earth systems and their physical and chemical processes. Students work in field and lab environments, using the scientific method to develop an understanding of Earth materials and to synthesize information from diverse sources and methods to interpret the geological history of the Earth and the processes that occur on and below its surface. This includes the analysis of topographic maps 40 and remote sensing images using GIS tools to study the three-dimensional geometry of rock units, as well as geochemical and geophysical data obtained in the field and laboratory.

The three emphases within the program allow the students to develop a deeper understanding of specific fields within the subject and to prepare themselves for a range of professional opportunities. These enable them to explore the use of a range of geophysical and geochemical data and understand how to apply it to solve environmental and geotechnical problems. The program also provides experience in studying the interactions of humans with Earth systems using mathematical, physical, and chemical methods.

Geophysics Emphasis

• Understand how mathematical and physical concepts and principles may be applied to solving problems of the solid Earth.
• Obtain and analyze geophysical data including seismology, gravity, magnetics, and resistivity to answer questions about the Earth’s subsurface and surface processes such as earthquakes

The Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Engineering provides students learning opportunities in multiple engineering disciplines and complemented by other disciplines across campus. The program supports a customizable curriculum that includes a capstone experience focused on multi- and inter-disciplinary teamwork. Specific combinations of coursework are formulated in several named emphases that provide unique opportunities and inspires students to build their own unique engineering pathways.

The core of the program is a design sequence with loose commonality across most of NAU’s engineering programs.  All students, regardless of emphasis, engage in contextualized engineering design and project management courses. This core is supported by foundational math, computer science, and physics coursework.  The design sequence also becomes the scaffolding for integrating and synthesizing coursework across several disciplines and content areas.

Students who do not select an emphasis area may work with either an advisor or a faculty mentor to select course work in the plan that supports their own personal engineering aspirations and interests. Students who get an MDE degree have many general engineering career opportunities.  This includes areas such as engineering sales, engineering management, engineering communication, or an engineering technician.

Students who select the User Experience emphasis take specialized coursework in psychology and user experience design and testing, by combining core engineering coursework, computer science, and psychology.  User interfaces and human computer interaction is explored in CS coursework while the foundational principles of human perception and engagement is explored in Psychology coursework.  This emphasis is intended to support students interested in becoming UX engineers or product design engineers who focus on usability.