Observational Experience

The Environmental Sciences Program requires that each student complete a minimum of 3 credit hours of "observational experience". The requirement can be met via several routes:

Internships

A science internship provides a way for a student to earn academic credit for certain kinds of work done for a business, governmental agency, or other organization. It consists of full or part-time work that furthers and enriches a student's education. Students must discuss the internship with their advisor and submit a completed Internship Agreement Form BEFORE enrolling in ENSC 410.

The best resource for finding internships is signing up for the listserve. Internships of interest are posted each week. Organizations where students have done internships in the past are listed here in PDF format. There are additional resources for students interested in marine internships. The student's advisor can also provide suggestions and/or assistance in locating internships.

We would greatly appreciate it if you would bring back photos (either to be scanned or on disc) and a short write-up of your experiences for us to use on our website or in publications. If you are able to do so, please fill out this form and bring it to the office with your photos.

Teaching Assistants

You can also be an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in Biology labs. For more information on requirements and applying see the undergraduate teaching intern form.

Research

Opportunities to assist in faculty research related to Environmental Sciences can provide valuable experience. Research involvement by the student may be part-time during the school year, full or part-time during summer, and paid or unpaid. With the approval of the guiding professor, students may receive academic credit for the research experience, registering under ENSC 401 (Research) or the appropriate research course number for the faculty member's department. If you are interested in doing research at OSU, you should find out which faculty are doing work that you are interested in and contact them directly.  This is the form you will need.

We would greatly appreciate it if you would bring back photos (either to be scanned or on disc) and a short write-up of your research experiences for us to use on our website or in publications. If you are able to do so, please fill out this form and bring it to the office with your photos.

Coursework

Certain courses provide "hands-on" experience consistent with the purpose of the Observational Experience. A complete list of these courses can be found on the ES checklist.

Special Programs

Programs such as those offered through Campus Guaymas, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, and the SEA semester also provide hands-on experiences.