Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Degree

3 Credits

This course is designed to introduce biology at an entry level by examining the hierarchy that ranges from the fundamentals of cell biology to the physiology of organisms, and the interactions among those organisms in their environment. The topics in this course include cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, evolution, physiology, and ecology.

3 Credits

This course will examine the concepts and issues related to the conservation of biodiversity. Topics will include the impact of society on plants and animals, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, extinction, and genetic diversity.

3 Credits

This course will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies that are required to identify and analyze risks associated with environmental problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing these problems.

3 Credits

This course will introduce the key concepts of geology by examining the Earth and the processes that take place within it. Topics will include historical geology, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, igneous activity, mass wasting, weathering, and erosion systems.

3 Credits

This in-depth environmental science course examines how people use science to understand how they relate to the environment. The course explores relationships between people and ecosystems, and the science behind how ecosystems work. It reviews the historical development of the environmental movement, interactions between humans and natural ecosystems, and more specifically, the role of a growing population and associated pressures on natural resources. This course further examines how economics, natural systems, and conservation are interrelated. The many forms of pollution as well as types of energy resources are addressed. This course challenges students to consider the impact of lifestyle choices on environmental sustainability.

4 Credits

This course provides students with in-depth knowledge of the principles and applications of chemistry. Topics include chemical nomenclature, atomic theory, stoichiometry, periodicity, chemical bonding, thermochemistry, gas laws, and properties of solids and liquids. Students may apply these concepts using practical examples, facilitated discussions, and experiments conducted through completion of virtual labs. This course is the first half of the general chemistry sequence, which is completed in CHM/151: General Chemistry II.

4 Credits

This course continues the examination of principles and applications of chemistry that was begun in CHM/150: General Chemistry I. Topics include properties of solutions, acids and bases, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, oxidation & reduction, ionic and redox equations, and electrochemistry. Students apply these concepts using practical examples, facilitated discussions, and experiments conducted through completion of virtual labs.

3 Credits

This course provides the fundamental principles of ecology and evolution. Students will focus on populations and communities, adaptation, and other factors that affect organisms.

3 Credits

This course applies the theoretical economics tools to environmental issues. Special emphasis will be devoted to analyzing the role of public policy regarding the economy and the environment.

3 Credits

This course explores the administrative regulations and policies that are requisite to environmental protection. Federal, state, and local policies will be examined.

3 Credits

The purpose of this course is to provide the fundamental knowledge of the effects of environmental chemicals on living systems, and the toxic responses of the human and plant systems. Students will discuss risk, ethics, and social responsibility with regard to environmental toxicology.

3 Credits

This course provides an overview of the basic concepts of human and ecological risk assessment. Students evaluate various components of risk assessment, including human health, environmental, occupational, ecological, and risk management. Significant case studies are used to illustrate the assessment process.

3 Credits

This course applies scientific, philosophical, economic, and ethical principles to current and future environmental issues. Students will analyze the cumulative impact of human activities on global ecosystems, as well as responsibilities to the natural world, in terms of the complex interrelationships humans have with their environment.

3 Credits

Students will be presented with a broad treatment of the preservation and efficient use of resources as well as methods of reversing current resource consumption. Topics will include sustainable practices, population growth, hydrologic cycle, water treatment processes, waste management, alternative energies, and sustainable design.

3 Credits

This course examines environmental problems from a local, national, and international perspective. Federal legislation will be reviewed on air pollution and water quality. Students will be introduced to control techniques for treating air and water, and the emerging environmental issues such as global climate changes, bioterrorism, organic pollutants, and industrial ecology.

3 Credits

This course will examine the impact of human activity on the environment. Students will examine a variety of environmental issues influenced by human activity, including the development and impact of global climate change on Earth.

3 Credits

This course will introduce topics covering a wide variety of alternative energy sources, the need for renewable energy, as well as the problems associated with them. Energy sources will include oil, coal, natural gas, hydroelectric, nuclear, wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, and biofuels.

3 Credits

This course will examine the fundamentals of public policy analysis to the environment. Students will explore the management of public policy issues related to land use and urbanization, ecosystem preservation, global analysis, and policy making.