Courses

BIOL 380. Research in Pathogen Biology I: Laboratory Investigation. 4 Credits.

This is the first course of a two-semester laboratory and analysis sequence that is designed to provide a genuine research experience for undergraduate students. Students will design a novel research question in pathogen biology, then use modern laboratory techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and next-generation DNA sequencing to examine this question and test hypotheses. Data generated in this course will be analyzed in the second course in the series, BIOL 381. Data and analyses generated during these courses may be used for publication in scientific journals. Prerequisites: BIOL 303.

BIOL 381. Research in Pathogen Biology II: Analysis. 4 Credits.

This is the second course of a two-semester laboratory and analysis sequence that is designed to provide a genuine research experience for undergraduate students. In this semester, students will analyze data generated during the previous semester in BIOL 380. Modern methods of data analysis will be used, including statistical and bioinformatics techniques. Data and analyses generated during these courses may be used for publication in scientific journals. Prerequisites: BIOL 303.

BIOL 395. Practice of Science. 4 Credits.

This course is designed to provide a genuine research experience for undergraduate students at the sophomore/junior level. Students will pursue a novel research question in pathogen or vector biology, and use modern laboratory techniques to examine this question and test hypotheses.Prerequisites: BIOL 123N and BIOL 124N must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

BIOL 415W/515. Marine Ecology. 5 Credits.

A lecture and laboratory course designed to introduce students to important ecological processes operating in coastal marine environments; this is a writing-intensive course. The course covers synthetic topics as well as the ecology of specific marine habitats. The laboratory is designed to provide students with experience in marine research and the organisms and ecological conditions common in various marine habitats visited by the class. A field trip of several days over fall break is required. Prerequisites: BIOL 291 and BIOL 331 and ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C must be passed with a grade of "C" or higher; instructor approval required.

BIOL 487. Honors Research in Biology. 4 Credits.

Independent study and scheduled meetings with faculty advisor. Supervised independent study in an area of individual interest in biology. The work in this course results in the production of a thesis. (qualifies as a CAP experience) Prerequisites: admission to the Honors Program and senior standing.

BIOL 488W. Honors Research in Biology. 4 Credits.

Independent study and scheduled meetings with faculty advisor. Supervised independent study in an area of individual interest in biology. The work in this course results in the production of a thesis. (This is a writing intensive course.) (qualifies as a CAP experience) Prerequisites: BIOL 487, admission to the Honors Program, senior standing, and a grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C.

BIOL 497. Undergraduate Research. 1-3 Credits.

The student performs laboratory and/or field research under the supervision of a Department of Biological Sciences faculty member. The student must devote a minimum of 3 hours per week for the equivalent of 1 credit. The student must maintain lab/field notes, must submit a written report, may be required to give an oral presentation, and must be evaluated by the faculty supervisor. If 3 credits are taken, then BIOL 497 counts as an upper-level biology elective course with a laboratory or field component (qualifies as a CAP experience). Prerequisites: BIOL 123N and BIOL 124N or BIOL 138N and BIOL 139N must be passed with a grade of C or higher, junior standing, permission of the supervising faculty member, and permission of the Chief Departmental Advisor and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences.

BIOL 440/540. Methods in Immunological Research. 4 Credits.

The major objective of this hands-on course is to use basic laboratory techniques to prepare monoclonal antibodies to use for identification and characterization of mouse immune cells. Students will learn basic training in molecular and cellular biology techniques aiming at building basic knowledge in flow cytometry, from the experimental designs to data acquisition and analysis. The course will cover: instrumentation; sample preparation; data analysis; and applications in immunology. Prerequisites: BIOL 123N, and BIOL 124N.

CHEM 138N. Advanced General Chemistry I and II Laboratory. 4 Credits.

Experiments cover foundational topics and skills in chemistry and introduce students to chemical research.

CHEM 216. Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory. 2 Credits.

Experience is offered in advanced organic reactions and spectroscopic techniques. In addition, students will carry out a short, customized, research project in Organic Chemistry or Organic Materials. Prerequisites: CHEM 211 and CHEM 212 with a grade of C or better; approval by the course instructor or coordinator. Pre- or corequisite: CHEM 213.

CHEM 369. Chemistry Practicum. 1-3 Credits.

A student may choose a coop, internship, research, or student teaching experience to gain out-of-class experience related to the major. (qualifies as a CAP experience) Prerequisites: CHEM 331/CHEM 332W (Chemistry major) or CHEM 441/CHEM 442W (Biochemistry major) and the approval of the appropriate departmental coordinator.

CHEM 498. Independent Study. 2 Credits.

An opportunity is afforded students to undertake independent study or an original investigation under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: course background appropriate to the proposed study project and approval of the department chair and the faculty/research advisor.

CHEM 490. Senior Thesis I. 1 Credit.

Part one of a two-semester thesis project involving literature research, development of scientific writing skills, and obtaining lab experience using a variety of techniques and equipment. Each student will undertake a research experience under the supervision of a departmental faculty member. A preliminary report of research findings is required at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: Chemistry or Biochemistry major; Senior standing; Cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher.

CHEM 499. Senior Thesis II. 2 Credits.

Continuation of CHEM 490. The research culminates in a thesis that includes a literature review, description of methods, results and conclusions, and an oral presentation. Prerequisite: CHEM 490 and a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or better.

CEE 368. Internship. 1-3 Credits.

May be repeated for credit. Available for pass/fail grading only. Academic requirements will be established by the department and will vary with the amount of credit desired. Allows students to gain short duration career-related experience. (qualifies as a CAP experience) Prerequisites: approval by department and Career Development Services.

CEE 369. Practicum. 1-3 Credits.

May be repeated for credit. Available for pass/fail grading only. Academic requirements will be established by the department and will vary with the amount of credit desired. Allows students to gain short duration career-related experience. (qualifies as a CAP experience) Prerequisites: approval by department and Career Development Services.

CEE 497. Independent Study in Civil and Environmental Engineering. 1-3 Credits.

Individual analytical, experimental and/or design study selected by the student and supervised by the advisor. Prerequisites: approval of the advisor.

COMM 302. Communication Research Methods I. 3 Credits.

An introduction to communication research from a social science perspective. Experiment, survey, content analysis and observational approaches are covered. Students learn statistical data collection and data analysis techniques. Prerequisites: STAT 130M, COMM 200S and six hours of 300-400 level communication courses or permission of instructor.

CHP 445. Health Services Research Methods. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on health services research and its assessment abilities and application in health care. Topics include the use of EXCEL, SAS, and SPSS to analyze data. An exploration of the issues and challenges of health services research for health related organizations and other organizations. Statistical procedures and practices will also be conducted. Prerequisite: STAT 130M

HMSV 397. Independent Study (Guided Research Study in Human Services) 3-6 Credits.

Individual study under the supervision of an undergraduate faculty member. Prerequisites: Approval of Human Services Program Director and Counseling and Human Services Department Chair.

HMSV 452. Substance Abuse Treatment and Research. 3 Credits.

This course explores effective substance abuse treatment planning and intervention strategies through lectures and experiential learning and examines research trends in the substance abuse field. Prerequisites: HMSV 341, with a grade of C or better, HMSV 343W, with a grade of C or better and HMSV 447, with a grade of C or better.

HMSV 440W. Program Development, Implementation, and Funding. 3 Credits.

Program Development, Implementation, and Funding. 3 Credits.
This course presents models and practices in evaluating, monitoring, and implementing human services programs. The course includes an overview of funding, creating budgets and monitoring expenditures for programs. This is an upper-level writing intensive class. A grade of C or better is required. Prerequisites: HMSV 341, with a C or better, HMSV 343W, with a C or better, and ENGL 211C, or ENGL 221C, or ENGL 231C, with a C or better.

ECE 486. Preparatory ECE Senior Design II. 2 Credits.

The course is the preparatory, proposal development section of part two of the senior capstone design experience for electrical and computer engineering majors. The course will focus on developing a proposal for a group design project. The senior design projects aim at developing engineering design skills of a complete computer/electrical system. Elements of developing a successful proposal are emphasized along with written communication skills. Industry-sponsored multi-disciplinary design projects are an option. (qualifies as a CAP experience) Pre- or corequisite: ECE 484W or ECE 485W.

ECE 487. ECE Senior Design II. 2 Credits.

Part two of the senior capstone design experience for electrical and computer engineering majors. In this course, students will implement the design proposal developed in ECE 486. The senior design projects aim at developing engineering design skills of a complete computer/electrical system. Oral and written communication skills are emphasized. Industry-sponsored multi-disciplinary design projects are an option. Prerequisites: ECE 486.

ECE 488. ECE Senior Design III. 3 Credits.

Part three of the senior capstone design experience for electrical and computer engineering majors. Individual and group design projects focus on the development of complete electrical and computer systems. Oral and written communication skills are stressed. Industry-sponsored multi-disciplinary design projects are an option. (qualifies as a CAP experience) Prerequisites: ECE 487.

EXSC 420. Research Methods in Exercise Science. 3 Credits

Introduction to the scientific method applied to exercise science research including bioethics, review of the literature, research design, data collection, appropriate statistical analysis, research writing, and peer review. Prerequisites: BIOL 240 or BIOL 250 and MATH 102M or higher with a C or better; STAT 130M.

PRTS 410. Evidence-Based Programming and Practice in Therapeutic Recreation. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide students with a practical understanding of client-centered therapeutic recreation program design and evidence-based practice. Emphasis will be placed on the role and purpose of therapeutic recreation service delivery within health care and community settings. Topics will include assessment, program planning, activity analysis, implementation of evidence-based interventions, documentation, and evaluation of services as well as interprofessional practice. Prerequisites: junior standing or permission of instructor; PRTS 261 with a grade of C- or better

PRTS 450. Disability Culture in Therapeutic Recreation. 3 Credits.

This course will emphasize how disability is defined and understood on both a micro and macro level as related to the field of therapeutic recreation. The symptomatology of various disabilities will be explored and correlated with specific therapeutic recreation strategies and techniques for treatment. In addition, explanatory models of disability will be covered, including an exploration of the ethical issues associated with various ways disability has been understood and represented over time. Prerequisites: junior standing or permission of instructor; PRTS 261 with a grade C- or better.

PRTS 482W. Applied Research in Recreation & Tourism. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to give students basic knowledge in research and evaluation within the contexts of park, recreation and tourism studies. Specific focus is placed on integrating basic research, program evaluation, and statistical analysis in an applied manner within the field. Topics include program interventions, program evaluations, and survey research. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C and junior standing.

IDS 369. Internship in Conservation Leadership. 3-6 Credits.

As part of the Conservation Leadership minor, this graded internship will provide an opportunity to integrate service and applied learning experience with interdisciplinary perspectives. 200 hours are required for the 3-credit option, and 400 hours are required for the 6-credit option. Prerequisites: BIOL 466W/OEAS 466W/IDS 466W and BIOL 467/OEAS 467/IDS 467.

IDS 466W. Introduction to Mitigation and Adaptation Studies. 3 Credits.

Students will be introduced to the science underpinning mitigation of human-induced changes in the Earth system, including but not limited to climate change and sea level rise, and adaptation to the impacts of these changes. The course will cover the environmental hazards and the opportunities and limitations for conservation, mitigation and adaptation. This is a writing intensive course. Cross listed with BIOL 466W and OEAS 466W. Prerequisites: BIOL 291 or permission of instructor.

IDS 467. Sustainability Leadership. 3 Credits.

In this class, students will discover what makes a leader for sustainability. They will consider a range of global and local crises from a leadership point of view in the context of sustainability science, which addresses the development of communities in a rapidly changing social, economic, and environmental system-of-systems environment. The course will be based on taking a problem-motivated and solution-focused approach to the challenges considered. The course includes a service learning project focusing on a leadership experience in solving a real-world environmental problem. Prerequisite: BIOL 466W or OEAS 466W or IDS 466W.

MKTG 407. Marketing Research. 3 Credits.

Emphasis is given to the development of a strong theoretical base in the systematic selection, collection, and interpretation of marketing information leading to sound policies and strategies. Students are required to carry out a group project involving a marketing problem (or opportunity) for a company or involving a real market situation. The project will satisfy the practicum experience requirement of the College (CAP). (qualifies as a CAP experience) Prerequisites: BNAL 306 and MKTG 402, a grade of C or better in MKTG 311 and a declared major in the University or permission of the Dean's Office.

MKTG 490. Marketing Policy and Strategy. 3 Credits.

A capstone course covering the marketing function and its relationship to the total business organization and its environment. Emphasis is placed upon the design of total marketing systems, strategies, and the design and production of new products and ser

MSIM 487W. Capstone Design I. 4 Credits.

Part one of the senior capstone design experience for modeling and simulation engineering majors. Lectures focus on providing professional orientation and exploration of the M&S design process. Written communication, oral communication and information literary skills are stressed. Individual and group design projects focus on the conduct of a complete M&S project. Industry-sponsored projects are an option. Individual and team reports and oral presentations are required. (This is a writing intensive course.) Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C; MSIM 410, MSIM 331, and MSIM 451.

MSIM 488. Capstone Design II. 3 Credits.

Part two of the senior capstone design experience for modeling and simulation engineering majors. Lectures focus on providing professional orientation and exploration of the M&S design process. Written communication, oral communication and information literacy skills are stressed. Individual and group design projects focus on the conduct of a complete M&S project. Industry-sponsored projects are an option. Individual and team reports and oral presentations are required. Prerequisites: MSIM 441 and MSIM 487W.

Nursing 363. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the theories and concepts utilized in the scientific investigation of nursing practice. Content emphasizes the development of skills necessary to be a consumer of nursing research.

Prerequisites: Post-licensure-Admission to BSN Program and Pre-Licensure-Statistics 101

PHYS 497/597. Special Problems and Research. 1-3 Credits.

These courses afford the student an opportunity to pursue individual study and research. Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of the instructor.

PHYS 499W. Senior Thesis. 3 Credits.

Each student will undertake a research experience under the supervision of a department faculty member. The experience can be of an experimental, theoretical, or calculational type. A final oral and written report are required. The research may be completed on campus or at one of the department affiliated research organizations. (offered fall, spring, summer) (This is a writing intensive course.) Prerequisite: grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C and permission of the instructor.

POLS 308. Research Design. 3 Credits.

Covers the design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry in social sciences. Prerequisites: POLS 100S, POLS 101S and POLS 102S or permission of instructor.

POLS 480W. Senior Seminar in International Studies. 3 Credits.

Interdisciplinary research and preparation of a senior thesis in international studies (This is a writing intensive course.) Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C, senior standing in the BAIS degree program or permission of the instructor.

GEOG 308. Research Design. 3 Credits.

Covers the design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry in social sciences. Prerequisites: GEOG 100S or GEOG 101S.

GEOG 330. Field Methods. 3 Credits.

A review of selected techniques for generating data in a field situation. Lectures deal with the description and evaluation of techniques such as sampling methods, observation, interviewing, questionnaires, human relations skills and ethical considerations. The project component involves the definition of field problems and the application of appropriate techniques. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

GEOG 400W/500. Seminar in Geography. 3 Credits.

Advanced study of a specialized topic in geography. The choice of the topic may vary according to the availability of faculty expertise and student interest. (This is a writing intensive course.) This course may be repeated once provided it is a different topic and with permission of the instructor. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C; GEOG 100S or GEOG 101S, or permission of the instructor.

GEOG 480W. Senior Seminar in International Studies. 3 Credits.

Interdisciplinary research and the preparation of a senior thesis in international studies. (This is a writing intensive course.) Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C, senior standing in the BAIS degree program or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 317. Quantitative Methods. 4 Credits.

The application of inferential statistical principles to psychological research problems. Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S, PSYC 316, and MATH 102M all with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.

PSYC 318W. Research Methods in Psychology. 4 Credits.

An examination of research principles and techniques in psychology. Experimental design and interpretation is stressed. Students learn to locate and read technical articles and to report on research projects in the style of the American Psychological Association. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: Completion of ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C and PSYC 316 and 317 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.

PSYC 487. Honors Program in Psychology. 3 Credits.

For ODU psychology majors only. With psychology faculty supervision, student develops an honors thesis proposal for approval by the Psychology Honors Program committee. See section on Honors Program in Psychology in this Catalog. Prerequisites: PSYC 497; cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and psychology GPA of 3.50 or higher; permission of the departmental Honors Program chair.

PSYC 497. Supervised Research. 3 Credits.

For ODU psychology majors only. Student and faculty supervisor develop and approve a contract of required research activities for the semester, such as attending research lab meetings, data collection, coding and/or analysis, library research, etc. Prerequisites: PSYC 317 and PSYC 318W, GPA of 2.5, pre-approval by psychology faculty supervisor.

PSYC 498. Supervised Research. 3 Credits.

For ODU psychology majors only. Student and faculty supervisor develop and approve a contract of required research activities for the semester, such as attending research lab meetings, data collection, coding and/or analysis, library research, etc. Prerequisites: PSYC 317 and PSYC 318W, GPA of 2.5, pre-approval by psychology faculty supervisor.

CRJS 436. Capstone Research Project. 3 Credits.

Students work in groups to plan, design, and carry out a research project. Final papers which report the results of the study are presented in a formal research seminar. The projects are to reflect knowledge gained from undergraduate work and training received in STAT 130M and SOC 337. Prerequisites: SOC 337 and STAT 130M and senior status.

SOC 436. Capstone Research Project. 3 Credits.

Students work in groups to plan, design, and carry out a research project. Final papers which report the results of the study are presented in a formal research seminar. The projects are to reflect knowledge gained from undergraduate work and training received in STAT 130M and SOC 337. Prerequisites: SOC 337 and STAT 130M and senior status.

WMST 303. Queer Studies. 3 Credits.

This course is an interdisciplinary study of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) experiences. It introduces students to personal, cultural, and political aspects of queer life while examining social forces such as heteronormativity, the social construction of gender, and homophobia and their impact on queer lives. The course considers the ways in which sexuality intersects with gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, ability, and other identities. Prerequisites: WMST 201S, or instructor approval.

WMST 495. Queer Oral Histories. 3 Credits.

This course stresses the importance of collecting and preserving LGBTQ histories. Students practice oral history methods as they collect the stories of local LGBTQ people and prepare materials for archival preservation. The course equips students to ethically and accurately share the materials they collect with a public audience. Prerequisites: WMST 201S, or instructor approval.