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Environmental Science (ENVS)


ENVS 2215 - Environmental Science - 4 credits

Fall Semester

Examines the impact of humans on the environment and the impact of our currently industrialized technological environment on humans and other living things. It will integrate a socio- political perspective with technical issues to gain understanding about their complex interconnected nature. This will advance us in our work toward achieving a more habitable global environment. Some of the specific topics to be discussed include population growth and species extinction, energy resources, land use, and various types of pollution. Lecture and Laboratory. Fee.

Prerequisite: any BIOL or SCI course or permission of instructor.


ENVS 2300 - Geospatial Analysis - 3 credits

Fall Semester

Geospatial analysis examines a range of data from the geographical record including aerial photographs, GIS data, the cartographic record (which includes old maps, new maps, specialist maps such as soil and geology maps), satellite data, soil analysis and other environmental samples. This course will be an introduction to the types of data and methods used by Geospatial analysts with a focus on developing GIS skills.

Prerequisite: ENVS 2215 or permission of instructor.


ENVS 3210 - Advanced Environmental Science - 3 credits

Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle

This course builds from a basis of introductory ecology and environmental science, and prepares students to undertake graduate study or enter into the workplace. The course emphasizes current environmental problems such as air pollution, toxic metals, and acidity.

Prerequisite: ENVS 2215.


ENVS 3500 - Junior Seminar - 1 credit

Spring Semester

This course design is to further foster the development of knowledge and skills used by professional scientists. The main goal is the production and delivery of professional quality written reports on current research. The knowledge discussed and accumulated in this course continues to enhance students’ awareness and understanding of scientific inquiry. Extensive analysis of primary scientific literature is central to this course and provides practical experience in developing the skills of written communication used by all scientists.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.


ENVS 3900 - Senior Seminar - 1 credit

Fall Semester

This course design is to further foster the development of knowledge and skills used by professional scientists and engage in career preparation activities for Science Majors. The main goal is the production and delivery of professional quality oral presentations on current research. Extensive analysis of primary scientific literature is central to this course as it provides practical experience in developing the skills in oral communication used by all scientists. Students engaged in research projects also discuss their work/progress and problems that may be arising.

Prerequisite: At least 65 credits accumulated as an Environmental Science major.


ENVS 4000 - Research Communication - 1 credit

Fall and Spring Semesters

Consists of supervised preparation, by the student, of a written report and an oral presentation based on their independent research.

This course meets the General Education Active Learning requirement.

Prerequisite: Permission of area instructor. Signature of faculty supervisor and Department Chair required. Strongly recommended that this be taken the semester after Independent Research 4010 but may be completed concurrently. 


ENVS 4000-H - Honors Thesis - 1 credit

Fall and Spring Semesters

This course will give students an overview of the relevant scientific literature relating to their research project with an emphasis on evaluating, analyzing and reporting their research findings. After completion of authentic research on a question/problem, either in the field, or in a lab on campus or off campus; or in libraries/internet; students will write-up research report and give a public oral presentation to the Science Department and others. Signature of faculty supervisor and Department Chair required.

Prerequisite: Honors Research. Ideally this course will be taken in the spring semester of the student’s senior year. This course can serve as a substitute for BIOL/CHEM/ENVS/FSC 4000 for Honors candidates. 


ENVS 4010 - Independent Research in Environmental Science - 1-3 credits

Fall and Spring Semesters

Independent research on a topic of current interest.  Principles of both literature and experimental (field or laboratory) and/or theoretical research are performed under a faculty member’s supervision.  The student will be required to investigate literature in the field and gain understanding of the nature of the problem/question and methodology that will be used in investigation.  Student will be required to do actual research in libraries or labs, on- or off-campus.  Signature of faculty supervisor and department chair required.

This course meets the General Education Active Learning requirement. 

Prerequisite: Permission of area instructor.  The project must begin no later than the fall of the student’s senior year. 


ENVS 4010-H - Honors Independent Research - 3 credits

Fall and Spring Semesters

Familiar with relevant research in the discipline, an ability to identify valid data and the use to data to drive decisions will be achieved through independent research on a topic of current interest. Principles of both literature and experimental (field or laboratory) and/or theoretical research are performed under a faculty member’s supervision. The student will be required to do authentic research on a question/problem, either in the field, or in a lab on campus or off campus.  Signature of faculty supervisor and Department Chair required. Students may not take this course more than one time for credit. This course can serve as a substitute for BIOL/CHEM/ENVS/FSC 4010 for Honors candidates. 

Prerequisite: Honors candidate and permission of advisor. The project must begin no later than the fall of the student’s senior year.