Environmental Science

ENV-designated courses qualify as Natural Science or Liberal Arts electives. Only ENV120, ENV220, ENV300, and ENV310 may be used to fulfill the general education science elective requirement.

ENV 120

Environmental Science: A Global Concern - 4 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.

 

ENV 180

Introduction to Forensic Science - 3 Credits

This course begins with a basic overview of forensic science from the “science” viewpoint. Scientific principles and practices will be applied to specific examples within the following: drug analysis, paternity, DNA fingerprinting, hair/fiber analysis, blood identification, microscopy, spectrophotometry, and chromatography.

Cross listed with BIO180. Prerequisite: BIO133 or ENV120 and permission of the instructor.

 

ENV 181

Forensic Science Laboratory - 2 credits

Students will have the opportunity to learn about several forensic techniques and increase their skill at each technique in a hands-on format. Each student will perform experiments and analyze evidence with techniques including, but not limited to, the following: density determination, measurement and accuracy, statistical analysis, microscopy, hair and fiber analysis, fingerprint analysis, impression lifting and analysis, DNA fingerprinting and gel electrophoresis, thin

layer chromatography, light spectrophotometry, glass fragment analysis, soils, ballistics, spatter patterns, and gas

chromatography.

Prerequisite or Co-requisite: BIO/ENV180 or CHM106 or BIO134 or permission of the instructor.

 

ENV 200

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: ENV120.

 

ENV 201

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: ENV120.

 

ENV 220

Environmental Impact Assessment - 3 Credits

Preparation and review of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) brings together people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and goals to generate an assessment of the impact of private or government projects. This course serves to not only provide students with procedural information associated with the production of an EIS, but also supply them with basic field techniques. The final work product of this field-based course includes but is not limited to an Environmental Impact Statement.

Prerequisite: ENV120.

 

 

ENV 230

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: ENV120.

 

ENV 235

Environmental Education - 3 Credits

This is a “hands-on” course emphasizing teaching methods for environmental concepts and issues. Students focus on ways to educate in formal and informal settings. They also gain a better understating of National Science Education Standards. Each student will regularly design unique lesson plans/ activities and participate in those designed by his or her fellow classmates.

Prerequisite: ENV120.

 

ENV 280

Forensic Science II - 3 Credits

This course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of several aspects of forensic science including crime scene processing, evidence collection, chain of evidence (with associated paperwork), motor vehicle accidents, blood spatter, and ballistics. Students will be asked to analyze evidence, participate in case studies, and utilize databases for both ballistics and blood spatter.

Cross listed with BIO280. Prerequisites: ENV180, ENV181 or Permission of instructor.

 

ENV 290

Chemistry and Physics in Forensics - 3 Credits

To analyze many crimes, one needs to have a good understanding of both chemistry and physics. Students will learn about the fundamentals of organic and inorganic chemistry (titration, precipitation, color metric tests) and apply them to forensic uses. Students will also apply the basic physical principles (one dimensional and two dimensional analysis, kinematics, motion and gravitation, work and energy, momentum, rotational motion, solids and fluids, and heat and

thermodynamics).

Cross listed with BIO290. Prerequisites: MAT130, ENV180, or PHY110 and CHM105, or Permission of instructor.

 

ENV 300

Toxicology - 3 Credits

This course begins with the basic principles of toxicology including dose response relationships, bioactivation and bioaccumulation, detoxification and risk determination. Principles will be applied to specific examples within the following: hepatic, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, and reproductive systems. Emphasis will be placed on chemical carcinogen (natural and synthetic) and drug metabolism.

Prerequisite: ENV120 or BIO120 or BIO133 or permission of the instructor.

 

ENV 310

Natural History - 3 Credits

Natural History examines the changes in a community, ecosystem, or organism over time. This course focuses on how geology and climate have determined the plan and animal populations and communities that live in New England. Discussions also include how humans have interacted with and affected not only the landscape, but also the flora and fauna distribution.

Prerequisite: ENV120.

 

ENV 315

General Occupational Safety and Health - 3 Credits

General Occupational Safety and Health are topics that should concern every person. How to find a listing of the federal regulations governing work place safety and health, interpret the documents, and apply the information is the focus of this course. Students with a theoretical science background will have the opportunity to use that information in real world settings, and those who excel in hands-on learning will find that this course allows them to utilize their strengths to learn science. Students may earn the 10-hour or 30- hour OSHA certification while learning not only rules and regulations, but also real world applications of that material.

 

ENV 405

Environmental Law and Practice - 3 Credits

Students learn the relevant federal and state environmental laws together with their practical application to corporate and real estate transactions. Specific areas of study include environmental due diligence. The course covers the specific area in which individuals encounter environmental issues in the practice of law.

Cross listed with LAW405. Prerequisite: BUS204 or ENV120 or LAW101.

 

ENV 435/498

Independent Study/Internship 1 - 4 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.

You must speak with your academic advisor as well as the Career Services Office before registering. Click here for more information.