The department welcomes applicants with backgrounds in the sciences, engineering, or in the liberal arts interested in applying their specialized knowledge to the pressing problems of human interaction with the environment. These fundamental backgrounds can be enlarged upon while students develop their special interests in the department.
Students can select courses suited to a particular field of interest.
Once they have mastered fundamentals, they have complete freedom to study in related fi elds. Independent study and vigorous exchange of ideas in seminars and laboratory are indispensable parts of each student's program. The department emphasizes study in related fields of natural and social sciences because of the importance of adapting the latest scientific information and methods for research and practice, and because the fundamental sciences are most effectively mastered at an educational institution. Research and teaching are integral parts of the graduate training program. Requirements for Advanced Degrees Course work requirements for the master's degree and doctorate are generally flexible.