Nov 05, 2024  
2007-08 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2007-08 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Science - Major


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Environmental science as a discipline of study is based on the biology of organisms and their ecosystems.  Environmental science addresses the impact of humans on these organisms, their survival and the dependence of humans on the biological integrity of ecosystems. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental science at Nazareth College is a program of study that prepares students to confront issues related to protecting the ecology of humans and other species.  The major provides flexibility through related electives and a required internship or research project (Field Study).

Career opportunities for environmental scientists are growing rapidly.  Parks and nature centers have always hired environmental teachers but the pay is often low and employment is often seasonal.  Industry and government, however, are under pressure to increase recycling programs, reduce waste, cut costs and conduct environmentally sound policies.  People are needed who can read and understand the regulations regarding hazardous materials and administer programs. State and local governments hire people to define and issue policies and to enforce regulations.  Industries hire people who can learn the laws and understand the science of pollution and energy conservation.  Environmental scientists with technical skills and knowledge in biology and chemistry are also needed in government and private research labs to help investigate the effectiveness of pollution control programs and measure the ecological effects of contamination.

All Biology Department courses for the major programs must be completed with a grade of C- or better to satisfy the program requirements. 

Biology Core - Environmental Science


The Biology core provides the foundation for this program.  Students take the courses listed below, as well as additional biology electives.  The Senior experience prepares the students for their exit examination and subsequent post-undergraduate career plans.

Other Required Courses for Environmental Science - Major


In addition to the Biology core, students in the Environmental Science major are required to take the 44-46 credits listed below.

Biology Elective Requirement


Students are required take one upper-level Biology course.  BIO 310/310L is recommended  (Credits: 3-4)

Microbiology, Environmental and Physical Science Requirement


Students are required to take the following:

Chemistry Requirement


Students are required to take the following two courses ( Note: All courses must be taken with the laboratory whenever a laboratory is offered. ):

Economics Requirement


Select one of the following two courses:

Mathematics Requirement


Select one of the following two courses:

Additional Requirement


Select one the following two courses:

Related Elective Courses for Environmental Science - Major


For the Environmental Science Major, students select four advanced study electives from the  list of courses below. Two semesters of a Modern Foreign Language are recommended. A course that has fulfilled a requirement cannot also be selected as an elective.

Note: All courses must be taken with the laboratory whenever a laboratory is offered.


Senior Experience for Environmental Science - Major


For Biology and Environmental Science majors, the Senior Seminar functions as the Senior Experience of the core curriculum. Senior Seminar (Bio/Env. 450, 451) is a two-semester, 3-credit course sequence.  The first semester develops scientific reasoning and communication skills essential for the graduating Biology and Environmental Science majors, and encourages the integration of students’ scientific experience with other modes of inquiry.  The second semester is devoted to the preparation and presentation of a major research paper based on original laboratory research or extensive synthesis and a report on biological research literature.  Senior Seminar enables students to integrate materials from diverse courses within biology, while using knowledge and skills from their entire college experience to reflect upon and communicate that material to each other through written and oral presentations.

Environmental Science Sample Program


Freshman Year


  • Perspectives I Credits: 6
As well as:

Junior Year


  • Perspectives II Credits: 3
  • Physical Science (SCI 135 or similar course) Credits: 3
  • Chemistry Electives Credits: 7-8
  • Liberal Arts Elective Credits: 3
  • Related Electives Credits: 6 - These should be upper-division courses which include environmental issues and problems (Political Science, Economics, biology, etc).

As well as:

Senior Year


  • Perspectives II Credits: 3
  • Liberal Arts Electives Credits: 9
  • Related Electives Credits: 6

As well as:

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