The
major in Environmental Science leads to a Bachelor of Science and is
designed to achieve a broad understanding of the social, ethical and
scientific aspects of environmental problems, with a strong grounding in
the natural sciences and an orientation in experiential learning.
Features of this major include:
- A rigorous multidisciplinary education in the sciences.
- An orientation towards service learning and experiential learning.
- An internship (or study-abroad) experience with coursework that is interdisciplinary and project oriented.
Core
courses provide a survey of environmental issues; grounding in basic
principles of environmental science, ecology, chemistry and statistics;
and field experience in both natural and human environments. In upper
level work, students use science and technical skills they have acquired
to examine community, regional and global issues. An internship in
the student’s selected area of focus is required so that the student has
practical experience in her field of interest. Opportunities are also
provided for independent study in specialized areas of research.
Goals and objectives of the major are to:
- Develop effective writing, speaking, reading, information-gathering and listening skills.
- Develop skills in problem-solving and critical thinking (i.e. analysis, synthesis and evaluation of information and argument).
- Develop creative thinking and expression.
- Develop a basis for broad scientific literacy.
- Develop the ability to formulate independent judgments that reflect
awareness of environmental, ethical, social and interpersonal
implications.
- Promote a personal understanding of one’s connection with and responsibilities to serving the community and society.
- Promote understanding of ways in which social forces influence the
development of knowledge, ideas and experiences through the comparative
exploration of beliefs and cultures.
- Encourage students to connect theory to application and experience.
Course Requirements
- BIO 101 General Biology
- BIO 102 General Biology
- BIO 230 Conservation Biology
- BIO 314 Ecology
- CHM 101, 102 General Chemistry I, II or CHM 103 Fundamentals of General Chemistry
- CHM 201, 202 Organic Chemistry I, II or CHM 104 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry in Biological Systems
- ENV 110 Introduction to Environmental Science
- ENV 204 Environmental Policy
- ENV 215 Environmental Impact Assessment
- MAT 115 Introductory Statistics or MAT 130 Calculus and Analytical Geometry
- ENV 401 Ecological Perspectives in the Sciences and Humanities
- RLS 220 Environmental Ethics
In addition, select three of the following, at least one of which is at the 300 level:
- BIO 206 Invertebrate Zoology
- BIO 210 Introductory Botany
- BIO 270 Marine Ecology
- BIO 309 Evolution
- CHM 205 Analytical Chemistry
- ENV 203 Science, Technology, and Society
- ENV 216/316 Agroecology
- ENV 217 Environmental Stewardship
- ENV 270/370 Topics (with adviser approval)
- ENV 305/505 Environmental Education
- ENV 355 Internship
Recommended Courses
While
not a requirement, students are encouraged to take ENG 185: Literature
of the Natural World to fulfill their Literature TDS requirement.
Special
topics courses are offered on a regular basis at the 170, 270, 370 and
occasionally 570 (graduate) level. Some of these courses are:
Stewardship of Watershed Ecosystems; Sustainable Architecture;
Sustainable Energy; and Permaculture.
Environmental Education
In
addition to the above, K-12 teacher certification in environmental
education is offered. Since 2003, the Pennsylvania Department of
Education has allowed individuals who already hold an Instructional I
certificate to add a second certification (in most secondary areas) by
passing the appropriate content area PRAXIS test. Students are no longer
required to complete a full dual-certification program through a
college or university. See the list of recommended courses in the
section on Elementary Education and Other Education Programs under Dual
Certification in Environmental Education.
The Richard Alsina Fulton Center for Sustainable Living (FCSL)
The
curriculum in Environmental Studies works in conjunction with the
Richard Alsina Fulton Center for Sustainable Living. A central aspect of
the FCSL is the Fulton Farm. The farm is located adjacent to the campus
on a 50+ acre historic farm and woodland. A variety of habitats provide
a background for restorative and sustainable land-use projects as well
as for field studies in the natural sciences. Through classes, research
opportunities, workshops and conferences, the FCSL highlights a
variety of models for environmentally sound practices in agriculture,
home, ecology and spiritual and community life.
Minor in Environmental Studies
- ENV 110 Introduction to Environmental Science
- ENV 204 Environmental Policy
- Three additional ENV courses at the 200 or 300 level