Interdisciplinary Programs

Biochemistry Program

Coordinator: Arthur W. Bull (Chemistry)

Biochemistry Committee: Sitaramayya Ari (Chemistry), Arik Dvir (Biological Sciences), John M. Finke (Chemistry), Anne L. Hitt (Biological Sciences), Susmit Suvas (Biological Sciences)

This interdepartmental program offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biochemistry. The biochemistry program is based on faculty resources and research facilities in the departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a career in biochemical research, graduate study in biochemistry or molecular biology, or professional education in medicine, dentistry or other health sciences.

The specialized research facilities for cellular and analytical biochemistry at Oakland University include tissue culture facilities, an ultracentrifugation laboratory, isotope laboratories with beta and gamma counters, equipment for gas and high pressure liquid chromatography, and GC/MS, UV-vis, fluorescence, NMR, EPR, laser Raman, and atomic absorption spectrometers. Recent biochemical instrumentation acquisitions include a flow cytometer, a radioisotopic image analyzer, automated capillary electrophoresis, confocal microscope and DNA sequencer.

Undergraduate students in the biochemistry program have access to faculty research laboratories and are encouraged to participate in various ongoing research programs such as studies in metabolism, gene expression, hormone action, immunochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics and macromolecular structure. The minimum requirement for a B.S. in biochemistry is 124 credits, including course work in biological sciences (16 credits), chemistry (32 credits) and biochemistry (12 credits) as detailed below. No more than 8 credits of course work used to fulfill the requirements of a major or minor in biology may be used to fulfill the requirements of a major in biochemistry. Courses used to fulfill the requirements for a major in biochemistry may not be used simultaneously to fulfill the requirements for a major or minor in chemistry.

Admission to major standing

Students may apply for major standing after completion of 18 credits of chemistry and at least 8 credits of biology from the requirements listed below, with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.50 in those courses. The biochemistry committee must approve major standing and a detailed plan of study at least three semesters prior to graduation.

Program honors

Program honors may be granted to graduating seniors in biochemistry on the basis of high academic achievement (minimum 3.60 overall grade point average) and excellence in biochemical research at Oakland University.

Environmental Science Program

Director: Linda Schweitzer (Chemistry)

Environmental Science Program Advisory Council: Terry Begnoche, Getnet Bekele (History), Judith K. Brown (Anthropology), Phil Clampett (Biological Sciences), Fay Hansen (Biological Sciences), Cora Hanson, Jim Leidel, Emmett Lombard (Political Science), Domenico Luongo, Charles Mabee, Don Mayer (School of Business Administration), Charles McGlothlin (School of Health Sciences), Mark Rigstad (Philosophy), William Robert, Richard Rozek (School of Health Sciences), Linda Schweitzer (Chemistry), John Seeley (Chemistry), Cole Shoemaker, Douglas Thiel, Paul Tomboulian (Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus), Wendy Wilson

Designed to integrate applied scientific specialties within the broad field of environmental science, the environmental science curricula prepare students for a variety of professional opportunities in government as well as the private sector, and for graduate study in such fields as toxic substance management, public health, toxicology, pharmacology, industrial hygiene and environmental planning.

Graduates of the program should be able to identify and evaluate a broad range of environmental problems. In addition, they should be able to offer solutions, anticipate hazards and prevent future problems. Studies include such areas as health in the workplace, toxic substance regulations, applied ecology, pollution prevention, air resources, water resources and public environmental policy.

Cinema Studies

Cinema Studies at Oakland University is dedicated to the interdisciplinary investigation of the ways in which motion pictures are created, experienced and valued in our culture and around the world. Students in Cinema Studies will work closely with OU faculty to gain a thorough understanding of film history, become acquainted with various critical approaches to the study of film and receive instruction in elements of film production. This wide-ranging and intensive program will provide Cinema Studies majors and minors with the critical-thinking and communication skills to enter careers within the film industry and a variety of other professions. In addition, students will be well-prepared to pursue cinema studies or other academic disciplines at the graduate level.

Department honors in Cinema Studies

Departmental honors may be awarded to graduating Cinema Studies majors for outstanding achievement.

Women and Gender Studies Program

Director: Jo Reger (Sociology)

Women and Gender Studies Executive Committee: Kathy Patterson-Hawes, Susan Evans (Art), Kellie Hay (Communication), Diane Hartmus (Political Science), Tim Larrabee (Education), Sylvie Lombardo (Psychology), Bailey McDaniel (English), Patricia Wren (Health Sciences)

Chief adviser: Jo Reger (Sociology)

Women and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary field devoted to the study of the dynamics of gender, sex and power. Particular attention is given to differences among women in various social and cultural contexts, the representation of women in literature, art and the media, and the conditions that promote and impede women’s progress. In addition, women and gender studies puts gender, what it means to be feminine or masculine, at the center of the analysis. This includes questioning how gender shapes societal participation, privileges, statuses, and experiences. Women and gender studies uses feminist methodologies and theories to describe and analyze the impact of social movements, historical events, public policy and other social forces on women and men. Specific attention is given to how gender intersects with race, class, sex, sexual identity, national identity and religion.

Program Honors

To be a candidate for honors in women and gender studies, students must be graduating seniors who have taken a minimum of 20 credits of their women and gender studies major course work at Oakland University and have earned a minimum GPA of 3.60 in that coursework with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, a letter of reference is required concerning the student’s volunteer involvement in a service activity relevant to women’s issues.