ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES/FORENSIC STUDIES

 

Environmental Studies Program

 

The Environmental Studies program prepares students who are majoring in History and Government, Biology or Natural Science for employment with non-governmental organizations, government agencies, consulting firms, or companies involved in research and development. The specialization consists of courses selected from three areas: government and policy studies, science, and interdisciplinary courses in environmental studies offered by the History and Government and Natural Sciences Departments.

 

The following degree programs are available: Bachelor of Arts in History and Government with Specialization in Environmental Studies; Bachelor of Science in Biology with Specialization in Environmental Studies; and Bachelor of Science in Natural Science with Specialization in Environmental Studies. Please refer to the History and Government and Natural Sciences sections of the Catalog for requirements.

 

Environmental Studies Courses (ENS)

 

201     Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Fulfills core competency: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Survey of ecological principles, human modifications of environment, population dynamics, environmental pollutants and the effects on ecological systems. Intended for non-science majors, cannot be used for major credit for science majors. Offered As Needed.

 

205     Planet Earth I: Physical Features (3)

An introduction to physical aspects of geology, hydrology, the atmosphere and oceanography of the Earth and the application of these principles from a scientific perspective to land use and planning. Cannot receive credit for both ESC 107 and ENS 205. Offered Alternate Years.

 

206     Planet Earth II: Geographical Features (3)

An examination of the features that distinguish the different ecosystems. Topics include the use of spatial statistics, remote sensing and interpretation of land/satellite data as a means of distinguishing the features. Cannot be taken to satisfy major requirements in government/history or science. Offered As Needed.

 

211     Environmental and Energy Policies I (3)

Cross-listed as GVT 211. Survey of major environmental and energy policies and the intergovernmental administrative system established to implement them. Topics include a history of the environmental movement, green politics, international environmental issues and the contrasts between scientific and political decision-making. Offered Each Year.

 

212     Environmental and Energy Policies II (3)

Cross-listed as GVT 212. A continuation of ENS 211. Prerequisite: ENS/GVT 211. Offered Alternate Years.

 

217     American Political Parties and Pressure Groups (3)

Cross-listed as GVT 217. An examination of the principles, development and organization of American political parties as well as the electorate and the electoral process. The nature and role of political interest groups will be examined. Special emphasis will be placed on environmental activism at national, state and local levels. Offered As Needed.

 

219     Politics, Planning and Land Use (3)

Cross-listed as GVT 219. Principles and practice of land management policies at the state and local levels of government. Topics include zoning power of local government, preparation of master plans, variance procedures, federal mandates and Environmental Impact Statements. Offered Alternate Years.

 

303     Environmental Toxicology (3)

Fulfills core competency: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Cross-listed as NSC 303. An examination of different types of toxins, their routes into organisms, environmental fates and roles in metabolic pathways. Applications to environmental and occupational health as well as detection and risk assessment are included. Prerequisites: BIO 110 lecture and lab, CHE 111. Offered Alternate Years.

 

304     Environmental Chemistry (3)

An examination of the chemical aspects of pollution (water, air and land) including detection and remediation methods. Chemistry for the sustainable use of natural resources is discussed. Prerequisite: CHE 101 or 111, lecture and lab. Offered Alternate Years.

 

304L   Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (1)

Lab techniques and experiments to detect pollution. Co-requisite: ENS 304; Laboratory, 3 hours. Offered Alternate Years.

 

309     Population Dynamics (3)

An examination of the relationships between human and animal populations and their environment. Topics include demography, population growth and relevant models, population genetics and environmental stresses on populations. Prerequisite: BIO 302. Offered As Needed.

 

 

411     Environmental Law (3)

Cross-listed as GVT 411. Case study approach to judicial interpretations of environmental laws. Additional topics may include litigation as a political tactic, expansion of standing to sue and intervener funding strategies. Prerequisite: ENS/GVT 211. Offered As Needed.

 

 

Forensic Studies Program

 

Contact: Brenda Young, Natural Sciences Department; Denise Emer, Psychology Department

 

Forensic Studies is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for careers and graduate work in forensic science, forensic psychology and criminal justice. A minor in Forensic Studies requires a minimum of 18 credits of specialized coursework from the natural sciences, government and psychology. Students should select particular courses suited to their career plans in consultation with their advisor. A specialization in Forensic Science is offered with the B.S. in Natural Science for those students who would like to pursue graduate study or employment in the scientific application of forensics.

 

Forensic science course listings appear in the Natural Science section of the Catalog. Program details are available from the Natural Sciences and Psychology departments, or from the Office of the Registrar.