+ Environmental Science

153 College Park, 419-372-8207

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in environmental science are expected to:

• Understand basic characteristics of ecosystems and environmental problems and be able to identify, investigate and propose solutions to environmental issues as informed by an interdisciplinary background in the natural sciences;
  
• Understand the interrelationships between environmental problems and human societies and cultures;
  
• Engage in rational, civil discourse about complex environmental issues in a manner that considers all viewpoints;
  
• Participate in practical, experience-based learning through internships, field experiences, workshops and independent research projects;
  
• Communicate effectively in written and oral forms;
  
• Gain facility with technologies and tools used in environmental analysis such as geographic information systems, global positioning systems, statistical analysis and remotely sensed images.
  

Major, Bachelor of Science—no minor required (90-98 hours)
This program emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of environmental issues and the role of the natural sciences in addressing and solving environmental problems. Students receive a basic understanding of the sciences, particularly biology and chemistry. Additional courses in the social sciences and humanities are included to help the student obtain a holistic view and understanding of the overall context in which environmental issues are placed. Each student also takes courses in an individually planned area of emphasis designed to prepare for a career field. Close consultation with advisers in the Center for Environmental Programs is essential.

Required courses

• ENVS 101 or 201, 301, 402 (9)
• BIOL 204, 205 (10)
• CHEM 125, 127, 128 (10)
• CS 100 or 101 (3)
• ECON 200, 202 or 335 (3)
• ENG 207 or 388 (3)
• GEOL 104 (4)
• IPC 205, 209 or 306 (3)
• MATH 131 or 134 and 135 (5-6)
• ACS 338 or HIST 338 (3)
• Statistics: MATH 115 or 247; or PSYC 270; or SOC 369; or STAT 200 or 211 and 212 (3-6)
• Two courses from: PHYS 201 or 211, 202 or 212, 360; or CHEM 306 and one PHYS course (7-10)
• Four courses from the following; no more than two courses in any one area: BIOL 301, 354, 409; CHEM 306*; ECON 332, 335*; EDFI 416; ENVH 210H, 306; ENVR 421; ENVS 415; GEOG 321, 325, 331, 333, 337, 412, 426, 457; GEOL 302, 304, 322; HIST 306, 319; LEGS 431; PHIL 332; PHYS 360*; POLS 331, 335, 336, 345; PSYC 440 (environmental issues only); RTD 304; SOC 312, 414, 418 (*may not be taken to fulfill any other program requirement)

Fifteen hours or more including ENVS 489 Internship or ENVS 470 Independent Study (1-4) must be taken in an area of emphasis such as energy use, chemical analysis, geography/geology, coastal studies or computer modeling. The area of emphasis is planned by the student with faculty members and academic advisers to reflect the student's occupational goals. Students should file an approved course list for their area no later than the end of their junior year.

Minor (31-32 hours)

• First and second years
  
  • BIOL 204, 205 (10)
  • ENVS 101 or 201 (3)
• Third and fourth years
  
  • Select two from: ENVS 301, 400, 401, 402, 403, 412, 493, 495 (4-6)
  • Select two from: BIOL 354, 409; ENVH 304, 306, 402; GEOL 302, 304, 322; PHYS 360 (6-7)
  • Select two from: ACS 338 or HIST 338; GEOG 331; LEGS 431; PHIL 332; POLS 336 (6)

Other programs
A B.A. in environmental policy and analysis is offered that emphasizes interdisciplinary study of the environment from the perspective of the social sciences and humanities.

A program in environmental health is offered by the College of Health and Human Services. Students should contact the Center for Environmental Programs, 419-372-8207, for help in selecting the program that most closely meets their career goals.