Schools · Programs · Policies · Courses · Index · Other Catalogs · AU Home
Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2006: Programs

Major in Environmental Science

Bachelor of Science

Environmental science is the study of how humans interact with the earth in which we live and the species that it contains. It is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses the natural, physical, and social sciences. Students in this major examine how human population growth and subsequent economic growth influence the use of the earth's resources and environmental problems. Students also investigate ways we can live in a sustainable manner with the Earth.

Successful completion of the environmental science major involves taking courses in a wide range of disciplines including biology, chemistry, mathematics, communication, philosophy, and political science. Students are also required to gain real-world experiences in the form of internships or research. The major emphasizes service to the community and fosters the acquisition of life-long skills.

The environmental science major is ideal for students with varied interests and backgrounds. Students graduating with a degree in environmental science will be prepared for a wide range of opportunities including entrance into graduate schools, and careers in government, industry, and non-profit organizations.

DIVISION I: Science Core Program: 23 semester hours
BIO1220 Biology of Organisms (4)
BIO2200 Humans and the Environment (4)
CHM1310 General Chemistry I (4)
CHM1320 General Chemistry II (4)
MTH2700 Statistics for Research (3)
NSM1300 Earth Science (4)

DIVISION II: Required Courses: 22 semester hours
BIO3150 Invertebrate Biology (4)
or
BIO3250 Vertebrate Biology (4)
or
BIO3260 Comparative Botany (4)
BIO3510 Ecology (4)
CHM2410 Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHM2420 Organic Chemistry II (4)
NSM3940/4940* Internship in Natural Science (3)
or
NSM3970 Research in Natural Science (3)
NSM4990 Senior Capstone in Natural Sciences (3)

*Students must take NSM3940/4940 or NSM3970 for a minimum of 3 semester hours.

DIVISION III: Selected Courses: Choose at least 12 semester hours from at least 3 different disciplines from the following list.
BIO3150* Invertebrate Biology (4)
BIO3250* Vertebrate Biology (4)
BIO3260* Comparative Botany (4)
BIO3370 Conservation Biology (3)
COM3200 Persuasion (3)
COM3510 Corporate and Professional Communications (3)
ENG3020 Advanced Academic Writing (4)
NSM3790 ACCA Affiliated Course (2-4)
NSM3830/4830 Directed Study (1-4)
NSM3940/4940* Internship (1-4)
NSM3970/4970* Research in Natural Science (3)
NSM3980/4980 Independent Study (1-4)
PHL3150 Professional Ethics (4)
PSC3150 The Executive and Legislative Process (4)
PSC/CRJ3180 Constitutional Law and the Judicial System (4)
PSC3550 Comparative Political Systems: Industrial Nations (4)
PSC3560 Comparative Political Systems: Developing Nations (4)
REC3400 Philosophy and Methods of Outdoor Education (3)

*Students must take BIO3150, BIO3250, or BIO3260, and NSM3940 or NSM3970 to graduate. They can also take additional credit hours from these courses to satisfy part of their Division III Selected Courses requirement.

Posted 31 December 2003
Schools · Programs · Policies · Courses · Index · Other Catalogs · AU Home