ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Grant R. Woodwell, Chair

Michael L. Bass, Career Advisor

Faculty

Professors

Michael L. Bass
Jodie L. Hayob
Grant R. Woodwell

Associate Professors

Ben O. Kisila
Neil E. Tibert
Charles E. Whipkey

Assistant Professors

Melanie D. Szulczewski

The Environmental Science Program

The Environmental Science major promotes the study of our environment and the impact that human activities have on natural systems. Majors may choose either a natural science or a social science perspective according to their interest.

The Natural Science track provides a background in biology, chemistry, and geology. Analytical skills acquired in this program,
coupled with an appreciation of socioeconomic considerations, will prepare the student to evaluate environmental problems and work on solutions with the limits of societal resources in mind.

The Social Sciences track focuses on the economic, political, and sociological impact of humans on the environment. This program, coupled with an appreciation of the biotic and physical parameters of the environment, prepares students to evaluate government, industry, and environmentalist positions on environmental issues.

The interdisciplinary nature of the Environmental Science program permits students to select classes from a wide range of course offerings in order to best prepare for personal career goals.

Environmental laws and regulations have produced an increased demand by industry and all levels of government for people trained in the environmental sciences. Both tracks provide a strong background for advanced study or allow placement directly in a variety of career areas. Majors who have the appropriate academic record may use Environmental Science 481 and 491 to pursue Honors in Environmental Science. Financial support for student research is available.

Equipment for ecological studies in terrestrial, fresh water, and marine environments includes live animal traps, plankton and insect nets, seines, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH meters and GPS instruments. There is access to a small fleet of boats including one equipped for trawling, coring and dredging, and fresh and salt water aquaria. In addition, the Department has modern lab facilities including numerous networked computers equipped with GIS software.

Core Requirements for the Natural Science

Environmental Science Major

Forty (40) credits, including Environmental Science 110, 205, 315 and 460; Biology 311 or 322 or Environmental Science 323; Chemistry 211 or 253 or 254 or Environmental Science 325; Geology 111 and 112; 12 credits from courses in one of the following options to form an approved, cohesive program:

Major Electives for the Natural Sciences Track:

Biology 211, 231, 311, 312, 321, 322, 323, 341, 363, 364, 371, 372, 411, 424, 425, 426, 427, 434; Chemistry 211, 212, 252, 317, 318, 319, 320, 331, 332; Economics 331, 431; Environmental Science 210, 211, 307, 313, 321, 323, 325, 326, 330, 421, 481, 491, 499; Geography, 110, 250, 255, 325, 327, 330, 340, 351; Geology, 210, 211, 221, 301, 311.

Core Requirements for the Social Science

Environmental Science Major

Thirty eight (38) credits, including Environmental Science 110, 205, and 460; Biology 210; Chemistry 211 or 253 or 254 or Environmental Science 325; Economics 331; Geology 111 and 112; 12 credits from courses in one of the following options to form an approved, cohesive program:

Major Electives for the Social Sciences Track:

Biology 411, 424, 425, 426, 427; Economics 312, 341, 384, 431; Environmental Science, 210, 211, 307, 313, 321, 323, 325, 326, 330, 421, 481, 491, 499; Geography, 110, 250, 255, 310, 327, 330, 336, 337, 339, 340, 351; Political Science, 350, 354, 355, 362, 366; Sociology 313.

Prerequisite Courses

Biology 121,122 and 210 (natural science track), Chemistry 111 and 112, and Economics 201 and 202 (social science track) are prerequisite to courses in the major program. Political Science 101 and 102 are prerequisites to courses that students may include in the major program. Students expecting to concentrate in Environmental Science should consider taking these courses as general education requirements or as electives.

Environmental Science Course Offerings

110 – Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Humans and the environment as viewed from the social and natural sciences.

205 – Computer Applications in Environmental Science and Geology (3)

This course emphasizes the acquisition of spatial data and their display and manipulation within geographic information system software. The class also includes an introduction to the use of global positioning system instruments for data collection. Cross-listed as Geology 205.

210 – Oceanography (3)

Prerequisite: Geology 111. An introduction to the oceans. Physical and chemical processes affecting seawater; the geology of the seafloor; biological productivity in the oceans; and environmental challenges involving the oceans. Cross-listed as Geology 210.

211 - Oceanography Laboratory (1)

210. Laboratory investigation of the chemical and physical properties of seawater; the tides; bathymetric measurements; coastal navigation; and marine biological processes. One or more field trips may be scheduled. Cross-listed as Geology 211.

307 – Environmental Soil Science (3)

Prerequisites: Geology 112 or Environmental Science 110 or Geography 111. An introduction to soil formation processes; soil classification (both basic classification and soil taxonomy); physical properties of soil; soil chemistry; and discussion of soil as an environmental interface.

313- Fluvial Geomorphology (4)

Prerequisites: Geology 112 or Geography 111. Use of both classical (qualitative) and modern (quantitative) geomorphological methods to study and understand fluvial processes acting on the surface of the earth, and how landforms and landscapes created by these processes control the global environment. The class will combine field-based observations with in-class instruction. Cross-listed as Geology 313. Laboratory.

315 - Hydrogeology (4)

Prerequisite: Geology 112. An introduction to surface water and groundwater flow; the hydrologic cycle; aquifer testing; flow to wells; contaminant transport; and field and laboratory instruments. Cross-listed as Geology 315. Laboratory.

321 – Environmental Impact Assessment (3)

Prerequisite: Environmental Science 110. Application of the principles of environmental science to research, predict and quantify the impacts of human activities on the environment. Legal and regulatory aspects of impact assessment are also considered.

323 – Aquatic Ecology (4)

Prerequisites: Environmental Science 110 and Biology 210. A study of the structure and function of inland water ecosystems which includes the physical, chemical, geological and biological interactions that determine the composition, spatial and temporal distribution and population dynamics of aquatic organisms in various aquatic habitats. Laboratory.

325 – Environmental Geochemistry (4)

Prerequisites: Geology 112 and Chemistry 112. Study of chemical processes operating at or near the surface of the Earth, in bedrock, soils, streams, the oceans and the atmosphere. Particular attention is given to environmental applications. Cross-listed as Geology 325. Laboratory.

326 – Pollution Prevention Planning (3)

Prerequisite: Environmental Science 110. This course provides an examination of the legislative and scientific approaches to reduce pollution. Examples include an evaluation of industry processes, recycling, wastewater, air and solid waste treatment.

330 – Environmental Regulations Compliance (3)

Prerequisite: Environmental Science 110. This course provides an introduction to environmental laws and regulations and the techniques that are applied by environmental professionals to maintain compliance.

421 – Topics in Environmental Science (2–4)

This course will address a special topic in the environmental sciences, such as environmental audits or environmental toxicology. Open to junior and senior Environmental Science majors; others by permission of instructor.

460 – Environmental Science Seminar (2)

Multidisciplinary evaluation of environmental problems. Senior-level seminar for Environmental Science majors; others by permission of the instructor.

481 – Readings in Environmental Science (1–2)

Readings in Environmental Science literature selected by the student, who is guided by a faculty member. Open to junior and senior Environmental Science majors by permission of the department.

491 – Special Problems in Environmental Science (1–3)

Prerequisite: Environmental Science 481. Individual laboratory or field investigation supervised by a faculty member. Open to junior and senior Environmental Science majors with permission of the department.

499 – Internship (Credits variable)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior Environmental Science major in good academic standing with appropriate background. Supervised off-campus experience, developed in consultation with the department.