Daemen College : Academics & Research : Interdisciplinary Programs : Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies
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)
ENS 201: Introduction to Environmental Science (3)
Fulfills core competency: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. A 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. (UG)
ENS 205: Planet Earth I: Physical Features (3)
Cross-listed as NSC-205. 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/NSC 205. Offered Alternate Years. (UG)
ENS 206: Planet Earth Ii: Geographical Features (3)
Cross-listed as NSC 206. 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. This course cannot be used as credit in the major for science majors. Offered As Needed. (UG)
ENS 211: Environmental and Energy Policies I (3)
Cross-listed as GVT 211. A 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. If taken as ENS-211, this course cannot be used as a science elective. Offered Each Year. (UG)
ENS 212: Environmental and Energy Policies II (3)
A continuation of ENS/GVT 211. Prerequisite: GVT/ENS 211. Offered As Needed. (UG)
ENS 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 As Needed. (UG)
ENS 303: Environmental Toxicology (3)
Cross-listed as NSC 303. Fulfills core competency: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. 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-109 and BIO-110/L and CHE 111/L. Offered Each Year (Fall). (UG)
ENS 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-110. Offered Each Year (Spring). (UG)
ENS 304L: Environmental Chemistry Lab (1)
Employs the practical application of chemical analysis for detection and remediation methods of pollution in water, air and land. The chemistry of some alternative energy source is also explored. Corequisite: ENS-304. (UG)
ENS 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. (UG)
ENS 310: Global Water Issues (3)
Fulfills core competencies: Information Literacy, Contextual Competency. Cross-listed as SUST-310. This course investigates the environmental, technological and health-related issues associated with the availability and quality of water worldwide. Case studies of global water problems will highlight these water problems in the context of socioeconomic and politicial issues. Prerequisite: BIO-100, BIO-110, or ENS-201. Offered as Needed. (UG)