Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Science Bachelor of Science
(Interdisciplinary Studies major housed in the Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences)
Office: 340 Science Center
(716) 673-3292
Dr. Sherri A. Mason, Coordinator
Email: environmental.science@fredonia.edu
Website: http://home.fredonia.edu/interdisciplinary
Our current socio-economic system requires large quantities of natural resources: fossil fuels, metals, wood, water, plants, rocks and minerals. The extraction, refining, shipping and processing of these natural resources to meet our societal needs and create our consumer products, not to mention their use and disposal, often results in environmental degradation- whether understood or (often) unintended. As a result, there is an increasing demand for environmental scientists to address the environmental challenges we face in this century.
An environmental scientist applies a scientific understanding of the natural world to the protection of the environment. These members of the scientific community are concerned with balancing human needs with the needs of organisms in the natural environment and the needs of future generations who may be harmed by environmental abuses.
The Environmental Sciences major integrates the strengths of programs in Biology, Chemistry, and Geosciences to understand the Earth ecosystem as a whole. As our socio-economic system is nested within this ecosystem, our students are also required to take courses in geographic information systems, as well as courses outside of the natural sciences, in order to provide a complete picture of the complexities of the problems we face as a society.
Many of the courses in this major have field components where students collect environmental samples, analyze them, and produce comprehensive interpretations of the data.
Students demonstrate their ability to conduct independent work in the environmental sciences through internships with local conservation departments, consulting firms or municipalities, or through research with a faculty member.
Possible careers after completion of this major include: environmental consulting, resource management, conservation scientist, aquatic and fishery research/management, wildlife management, conservation officer, environmental and community planning, and graduate school.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Major in Environmental Science
A: Core Requirements:
1. Environmental Science (14 credit hours):
| ESCI 105 | Global Environmental Issues | 3 |
| ESCI 310 | Methods in Environmental Analysis | 3 |
| ESCI 410 | Environmental Assessment | 3 |
| ESCI 440 | Environmental Sciences Seminar | 1 |
| ESCI 441 | Environmental Sciences Senior Seminar | 1 |
| ESCI 490 | Environmental Sciences Practicum | 1-3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
NOTE:
ESCI 490 is a variable 1-3 credit course. Students need to complete the course for at least 3 credits to satisfy the degree requirements.
2. Mathematics (9-11 credit hours):
3. Biology (16 credit hours):
| BIOL 131 | Introductory Ecology and Evolution | 3 |
| BIOL 132 | Introductory Ecology and Evolution Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 133 | IntroductoryCell and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 134 | Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 243 | Organismal Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 244 | Organismal Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 330 | Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 331 | Ecology Laboratory | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
4. Geosciences (12 credit hours):
5. Geographic Information Systems (6 credit hours):
| GIS 201 | Geographic Information Systems I | 3 |
| GIS 301 | Geographic Information Systems II | 3 |
| or | |
| GEO 311 | Global Climate | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
6. Chemistry (15 credit hours):
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
| CHEM 125 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
| CHEM 126 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CHEM 215 | Organic Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
| CHEM 225 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 317 | Analytical Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| or | |
| CHEM 341 | Introduction to Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
7. Environmental Perspectives (6 credit hours):
Choose two courses from the following:
| COMM 321 | Environmental Communication | 3 |
| ECON 380 | Environmental/Natural Resource Economics | 3 |
| ENGL 333 | Environmental Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 374 | Writing and Social Change | 3 |
| HIST 310 | World Environmental History | 3 |
| HIST 352 | Environmental History of North America | 3 |
| POLI 387 | Environmental Policy | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
B. Recommended Electives
To be chosen during consultation with faculty advisor based upon future plans and interests of the student. Electives could include courses required to complete minors in areas such as Geographic Information Systems, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Business, Criminal Justice, Geology, or Chemistry.
Total Credit Hours: 78-80