Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

LCS105

Elements of Organization - 3 Credits

Students need a basic understanding of how organizations work in order to manage their personal and professional lives. This course provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the foundations underlying all organizations (businesses, non-profit and governmental organizations) specifically as they relate to the nature of: management and leadership, economics both domestically and internationally, ethics, social responsibility, entrepreneurship, human resource management, marketing/advertising, e-commerce, information technology, accounting, investments, money and personal finances.

ENG110

College Writing - 3 Credits

This course is designed to develop and refine the analytical/critical reading skills and the substantive writing skills of freshmen.  This intensive writing class will focus on writing essays of varying length and expose students to the various rhetorical modes of writing that will contribute to their success in university courses and their chosen careers.

ENG120

College Writing II - 3 Credits

College Writing II looks to expand upon the writing skills attained in ENG110. As a student-centered course, students explore their own writing in peer, group, and self-review skill sessions. Students enhance self-editing skills and increase awareness of the revision skills needed in both college coursework and in careers. The course will further develop students' understanding of the writing process from pre-writing to final draft. This course encourages students to have their writing evaluated across the curriculum. The course culminates in a research essay and portfolio of original work.

Pre-requisite: ENG110.

COM107

Intro to Communications - 3 credits

This introductory course will focus on the knowledge and skills that students need to become competent communicators.  This information and these skills will include speaking, listening, media literacy, computer-mediated communication, cultural sensitivity, workplace communication, group dynamics, and critical thinking.  Students will prepare and present speeches and group projects that utilize media and technology.  Emphasis will be place on personal, social and workplace interaction both individually and in group settings.

CIS112

Introduction to Computing - 3 Credits

This course strives to meet the high level of computer literacy required of all students earning a degree from the university. Special emphasis is placed on the ethical use of computer technology for information analysis and communications. Computer units introduce the Internet, Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Students who feel they have attained computer literacy and earn 70 percent on an exemption exam may substitute any other 3-credit course for this core requirement. 

Students may prove competency by passing a waiver examination.  No credit is granted if the requirement is waived.

SCI311

Writing in the Sciences – 3 Credits

This course will focus on word and phrasing choice, language use (verbosity), sentence structure, and the passive voice. Students will learn the correct writing style to properly assemble and document laboratory reports, land-use permits, site assessments, and professional interviews. The final component of the class will involve learning to research peer-reviewed scientific literature, and compose a properly-cited scientific research paper.

Prerequisites: ENG110, ENG120, and COM107.

BIO144

General Biology II - 3 Credits

General Biology II is designed for both the major and non-major college student and provides a continuation of the foundation established in BIO143. Discussions will focus on DNA, gene structure, function and expression, biotechnology, developmental biology, evolution, population genetics and dynamics, species interactions, biological communities, and vertebrate anatomy and physiology. Inquiry based study in the concurrent laboratory component will provide hands-on application of appropriate lecture material.

Prerequisite: BIO143.

This class was previously called BIO134.

BIO144L

General Biology II Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of BIO144 General Biology II.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously called BIO134 Lab.

BIO226

Botany - 3 Credits

Botany is a study of vascular and nonvascular plants. In this course, students will focus on the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of vascular and non-vascular plants as well as the physiology and ecology of representative species from the major plant phyla (divisions).

Prerequisite: BIO144.

BIO360

Ecology - 3 Credits

Ecology is the study of how living creatures interact with the living and non-living components of their environment. Topics in this course include population dynamics, energy flow, biological and geochemical cycles, decomposition, community structure and composition, plant and animal defenses, pest management, and environmental factors that may disrupt the global or local community.

Prerequisite: BIO134.

This class was formerly called BIO260.

CHM115

General Chemistry I - 3 Credits

Introduction to chemical principles including atomic and molecular structure, properties of the elements, stoichiometry, atomic bonding, chemical reactions, and the ideal gas law will be discussed in this introductory course. Inquiry based study in the concurrent laboratory component will provide hands-on application of appropriate lecture material and reinforce both the quantitative and qualitative components of chemistry.

Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: MAT120

This class was previously called CHM105.

CHM115L

General Chemistry I Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of CHM115 General Chemistry I.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously called CHM105 Lab.

CHM116

General Chemistry II - 3 Credits

This is a continuation of General Chemistry I. Principles learned in General Chemistry I will be expanded in this course to include kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, solubility, and pH. Inquiry based study in the concurrent laboratory component will provide hands-on application of appropriate lecture material and reinforce both the quantitative and qualitative components of chemistry.

Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: CHM115

This class was previously called CHM106.

CHM116L

General Chemistry II Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of CHM116 General Chemistry II.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously called CHM106 Lab.

CHM310

Environmental Chemistry - 3 Credits

Over the past 20 years, there has been increasing interest in studying the chemical processes at work in the environment. This course investigates the chemistry that supports studies of energy sources, ozone depletion and formation, water quality, industrial and agricultural processes, toxicology, ground level air pollution, soil quality, and pesticide use.

Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: ENV121.

This class was previously called CHM210.

CHM310L

Environmental Chemistry Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of CHM310 Environmental Chemistry.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously called CHM210 Lab.

MAT120

College Algebra - 3 Credits

This course provides a review of the fundamentals of algebra: a study of function theory, specifically linear and quadratic functions; matrix operations; and linear programming. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving techniques with special attention given to business and other applications.

Prerequisite: MAT101 or placement examination.

PHY115

Physics I - 3 Credits

This is the first part of a two-semester course series that allows students to systematically study the physical forces that shape our universe. Students pay special attention to one and two dimensional motion, work and energy, momentum, the Law of Gravity, rotational dynamics, Laws of Thermodynamics, vibrations and waves, and sound. Lecture topics are re-enforced through hands-on application of theory in a laboratory environment.

Prerequisite: MAT120.

This class was previously called PHY110.

MAT220

Statistics I - 3 Credits

This course acquaints students with the fundamentals of modern statistics. It includes basic concepts of descriptive statistics and inferences about the mean, proportion, and variance of one population. The course also includes an introduction to probability and to linear correlation and regression.

Prerequisite: MAT120 or placement examination.

PHY115L

Physics I Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of PHY115 Physics I.

This class was previously called PHY110 Lab.

PHY116

Physics II - 3 Credits

This laboratory course is part of a two semester sequence that helps students explore the basic tenants of physics. The focus of Physics II is on the dynamic aspects of the universe. Physics II continues with discussion about light, refraction, reflection, mirrors, lenses, optic waves, and relativity, as well as quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.

Prerequisite: PHY 115.

This class was previously called PHY111.

PHY116L

Physics II Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of PHY116 Physics II.

BIO143

General Biology I - 3 Credits

General Biology I is designed for both the major and non-major college student and provides a foundation for all other biology courses. Discussions will focus on the nature of science in general, bimolecular, origin of life, cells and their components, energy and metabolism, photosynthesis, cell reproduction and division, inheritance, taxonomy, viruses, bacteria, protists, vascular and non-vascular plants, and a survey of the animal kingdom (excluding vertebrates). Inquiry based study in the concurrent laboratory component will provide hands-on application of appropriate lecture material.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously called BIO133.

ENV121

Environmental Science - 3 Credits

This interdisciplinary approach to our world emphasizes the history of environmental concerns, biomes, species interactions with each other and their environment, air, water, soil and biological resources, population dynamics, toxicology, energy sources, land use management, and other related topics. Principles of physics, Environmental chemistry, and biology are incorporated throughout the course. Information learned in lecture is re-enforced or enhanced through laboratory activities and experimentation.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously ENV120.

BIO143L

General Biology I Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of BIO143 General Biology I.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously called BIO133 Lab.

ENV121L

Environmental Science Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of ENV121 Environmental Science.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously ENV120 Lab.

ENV200

Environmental Policy - 3 Credits

This course provides the foundation for an examination of the role of government in the conservation, preservation, and utilization of natural resources and the environment. The history of Federal legislation, regulation, and environmental law will be discussed in general terms. Major laws and treaties as well as agencies (and their programs) will be examined in detail.

Prerequisite: ENV121.

ENV201

Environmental Ethics - 3 Credits

Students consider the intrinsic relationships of humans to their biotic and abiotic surroundings. They reflect on the issues of meaning, attitudes, and value. Topics include the historical roots of the ecological crisis and movement, conflicting views on ecological problems, and ethical conflicts associated with the environment and cooperation with nature.

Prerequisite: ENV121.

ENV430

Strategies for Sustainable Development - 3 Credits

Our historic “Frontier Mentality” attitudes are no longer viable in the face of continuing human population increases. More than ever, people faced with issues of renewable and nonrenewable resources, food production, water quality, and environmental health. This course will explore how the application of technology, identification of renewable resources, support of diversity, monitoring of the environment, and minimization of waste can result in resource planning and management strategies that are not only sustainable, but also lucrative in the environmental and business areas.

Prerequisite: ENV121.

ENV301

Soils in our Environment - 3 Credits

This course expands on a student's collected knowledge-base in environmental science by applying it to the concepts of soil science.  The principles of composition and genesis; chemical, physical and biological properties; classification and mapping; soil water; and management and conservation practices will be discussed and demonstrated.  The course will also explore the role of soil in contemporary environmental quality, contamination and remediation issues. 

Prerequisites:  ENV121, BIO144, and one of the following: BIO360, BIO226, or permission of instructor

ENV420

Ecological Field Methods - 3 Credits

This course is an investigation into established ecological sampling and field methods.  Techniques for sampling plants, soils, aquatic invertebrates, small mammals, and insects will be discussed and demonstrated.  Students will learn to design, plan and conduct a field ecology research project, as well as how to effectively analyze, interpret and communicate the collected field data.

Prerequisites- ENV121, BIO144, and one of the following: BIO360, CHM310, or BIO226

ENV498

Independent Study/Internship 1 - 3 Credits
Students engage in independent research in either a laboratory or field setting. Students may also elect to complete a literature review. Results of this work are presented at the end of the semester. Application, proposal submission, and registration policies should be discussed with the faculty mentor prior to registration.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

CSA101

Exploring Self: Inside Out - 3 credits

This course will focus on self-discovery and interaction with others to provide learners with the foundation for examining and further developing their own personal effectiveness. An environment of trust will be built within the class to enable individual and collective openness, discovery and engagement in personal learning. The course will use experiential learning, personal reflection and group interaction as primary approaches. This is a hybrid course, with classroom interaction time blended with online learning and interaction through the Blackboard learning management system.

CSA260

Professional Success Seminar - 3 credits

The course will enable students to develop their own individualized plans for personal, academic and career success. Students will engage in self-evaluation exercises and highly interactive classroom activities to evaluate their own “fit” for certain careers. Students also will participate in resume and cover letter writing activities to prepare for the experiential learning of the next course. This course will allow students to establish short-term career goals and begin a career portfolio to be refined during successive semesters.

CSA400

Career Capstone - 2 credits

This course is a culmination of the career and self-awareness series, a comprehensive program for career and life planning. The course prepares students for a transition from university life to independent work life. Students will learn valuable financial and money management planning and skills. Students will explore life balance issues, life roles, and self-concept as it relates to their future plans. Students will explore employment issues, such as the changing nature of work, diversity, trends, and job outlook. The course will require students to engage in networking and a job search with the goal of employment upon graduation. In addition, students who are seeking graduate school will engage in the application process, interviewing, and essay writing.