Environmental Science Major

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE B.S.

The interdepartmental major in Environmental Science is designed to prepare students to monitor the quality of the environment, interpret the impact of human actions on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and develop strategies for ecosystem restoration. Career opportunities in this field include conservation biology, environmental analysis, wildlife biology, environmental education, ecological research, environmental planning, resource management, and environmental chemistry.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students who complete the program in Environmental Science will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the process of science and of the concepts and theories of biology across a broad range of organizational levels: molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological.
2. Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of the principles of physical, organic, analytical, and inorganic chemistry, including the structure of matter, fundamental chemical reactions, and the factors that regulate such processes.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic techniques of chemical investigation and the fundamental principles and operating procedures of the major instruments used in chemical characterization and analysis.
4. Participate in the life of the departments of Biology and/or Chemistry by involvement in science clubs and/or in various positions of responsibility such as graders, tutors, and teaching assistants.
5. Develop career goals and define a path by which to achieve these goals.
6. Develop a rationally defensible integration of science and faith, particularly with regard to environmental stewardship.
7. Gain entry to professional or graduate schools or to science-related careers.