Environmental and Resource Science B.S.

Mission Statement

Environmental and Resource Science is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the interaction of processes that shape our natural environment. Environmental science studies the interplay among humankind and other species and the physical, chemical, and biological processes that regulate the function of both natural and engineered environments. Environmental science seeks to model and describe environmental processes to understand their effects upon humankind and consider the reciprocal effects of human activities on these processes.

The degree program in Environmental and Resource Science allows students to develop the skills and interdisciplinary understanding needed to deal with environmental issues by building on a foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, and social policy. The Environmental and Resource Science program is designed to provide the broad general and scientific knowledge appropriate to a variety of careers in resource management. The program prepares students for advanced professional degrees in environmental science. The program also serves students who would like to teach natural science in secondary schools and prefer an interdisciplinary approach.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete a degree in Environmental and Resource Science at NSC will be able to:

1) Characterize the abiotic and biotic components and processes of a system at different spatiotemporal scales 

  1. Identify and describe the quantitative and qualitative properties of key system components (e.g. atmospheric conditions, minerals, landscape elements, flora, and fauna) 
  2. Define the processes that shape a system
  3. Apply an appropriate temporal and spatial scale to the system (e.g. maps, timelines)
  4. Relate the components and processes of a system in space and time (e.g., conceptual models)
  5. Predict how a disturbance (e.g., climate change) will affect a system

2) Qualify and quantify the interactions between human social systems and the environment

  1. Identify and analyze how laws, regulations, decision-making, and customs influence the environment
  2. Examine how environmental risks unequally impact humans based on racial, social, and economic lines.
  3. Describe and evaluate how human activities can contribute to a sustainable system
  4. Utilize data to demonstrate the disproportionate health impacts communities of color or low socioeconomic status experience due to environmental factors such as pollution, calling attention to the need for environmental justice  

3) Design a well-reasoned study to address current issues in environmental science

  1. Identify an appropriate research question based on careful field observations and scientific literature
  2. Generate multiple hypotheses explaining an observation, citing published literature 
  3. Design a sampling protocol that generates data, or select an existing data set that can adequately test a hypothesis
  4. Use scientific equipment effectively by calibrating for accuracy and recording instrument precision
  5. Analyze and interpret data to draw a conclusion and relate findings to a broader context

4) Engage in the conversation about environmental issues 

  1. Identify and critically evaluate evidence, reasoning, common misconceptions, and conclusions about environmental issues (identify limitations and implicit biases)
  2. Formulate an informed decision based on information derived from different sources (e.g., coursework, media, peer-reviewed literature)
  3. Develop science-based solutions for environmental problems

5) Effectively communicate scientific ideas to a diverse audience  

  1. Recognize, evaluate, and practice different communication modalities
  2. Select appropriate style and content and tailor to the audience
  3. Provide evidence to support assertions
  4. Deliver clear and organized content with a logical flow 
  5. Distill, synthesize, and communicate complex ideas

6) Transform knowledge and skills into personal and career growth

  1. Recognize and develop transferable skills and confidence as a scientist
  2. Develop practical experience in environmental science
  3. Realize a personal connection or role in environmental issues
  4. Build the skills and motivation to continue learning
  5. Foster a culture of inclusive excellence, promote diversity, and actively demonstrate that everyone belongs in the environmental science community regardless of race, gender, and socioeconomic background.

Curriculum

Recommended Schedule

A recommended course sequence for Environmental and Resource Science B.S. is provided for students as guidance to complete their major in four years.

College Core Curriculum (33-44)

English (3-8 credits)

Students take ENG 101 during their first semester and ENG 102 during the second semester. Students needing extra assistance in English writing skills will take ENG 100 or ENG 116. Refer to the English section of the Core Curriculum.

ENG 100Composition I Enhanced

5.00

ENG 116Composition for Multilingual Students

5.00

ENG 101Composition I

3.00

and
ENG 102Composition II

3.00

Study and Technology Skills (0-3 credits)

CEP 123College and Career Success

2.00

Mathematics (4 credits)

MATH 181Calculus I

4.00

Natural Sciences (8 credits)

CHEM 121AGeneral Chemistry I

3.00

CHEM 121LGeneral Chemistry Laboratory I

1.00

CHEM 122AGeneral Chemistry II

3.00

CHEM 122LGeneral Chemistry Laboratory II

1.00

Social Sciences (3 credits)

Refer to the Social Science section of the Core Curriculum

Fine Arts (3 credits)

Refer to the Fine Arts section of the Core Curriculum

Humanities (6 credits)

Refer to the Humanities section of the Core Curriculum

Constitution (3-6 credits)

Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

Cultural Diversity (3 credits)

Refer to the Cultural Diversity section of the Core Curriculum

Major Requirements

Environmental and Resource Science Core Courses (25 Credits)

BIOL 190AIntroduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Lecture

3.00

BIOL 190LIntroduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Lab

1.00

BIOL 191AIntroduction to Organismal Biology Lecture

3.00

BIOL 191LIntroduction to Organismal Biology Lab

1.00

ENV 101Introduction to Environmental Science

3.00

ENV 220/BIOL 220Introduction to Ecological Principles

3.00

ENV 480Geographic Information System for Environmental Management

4.00

GEOG 117Meteorology/Climatology.

3.00

GEOL 101AExploring Planet Earth Lecture

3.00

GEOL 101LExploring Planet Earth Laboratory

1.00

Related Math/Science Core Requirements (7 Credits)

PHYS 151AGeneral Physics I - Lecture

3.00

PHYS 151LGeneral Physics I Laboratory

1.00

STAT 391Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences

3.00

Major Electives List A (9-11 credits)

Choose 3 courses from the following (9-11 credits).

ENV 345Environmental Regulations: History, Law, and Methods

3.00

NRES 210Environmental Pollution

3.00

NRES 304Principles of Hydrology

3.00

NRES 322Soils

3.00

BIOL 441Field Ecology

4.00

or

BIOL 472Limnology

3.00

BIOL 472LLimnology Lab

1.00

Major Electives List B (12 credits)

Choose 12 additional credit hours from the following list or those not taken in the major elective list in 'List A' above. One course must be a 4 credit course that includes a lab component.
BIOL 300APrinciples of Genetics

3.00

BIOL 300LPrinciples of Genetics Laboratory

1.00

BIOL 305Introduction to Conservation Biology

3.00

BIOL 319Vertebrate Biology

4.00

BIOL 321Marine Biology

3.00

BIOL 330Plant Biology

3.00

BIOL 330LPlant Biology Lab

1.00

BIOL 340Urban Agriculture

4.00

BIOL 351AMicrobiology Lecture

3.00

BIOL 351LMicrobiology Lab

1.00

BIOL 408Bioremediation

3.00

BIOL 415Evolution

3.00

BIOL 416Bioinformatics

3.00

BIOL 419Tropical Ecology

3.00

BIOL 433Ornithology

4.00

BIOL 441Field Ecology

4.00

BIOL 462Microbial Ecology

3.00

BIOL 472Limnology

3.00

BIOL 472LLimnology Lab

1.00

ENV 345Environmental Regulations: History, Law, and Methods

3.00

ENV 492Undergraduate Research

1.00-3.00

ENV 493Independent Study

1.00 - 3.00

ENV 494/BIOL 494Environmental Science Colloquium

1.00

GEOL 333Principles of Geomorphology

4.00

GEOL 405Geology of the National Parks

3.00

NRES 210Environmental Pollution

3.00

NRES 304Principles of Hydrology

3.00

NRES 322Soils

3.00

NRES 360Environmental Instrumentation

4.00

NRES 416Internship

1.00-3.00

NRES 432Advanced Environmental Toxicology

3.00

NRES 467Regional and Global Issues in Environmental Sciences

3.00

NRES 480Independent Study

1.00 - 3.00

NRES 485Special Topics in Environmental Science

1.00-4.00

NRES 485LSpecial Topics in Environmental Science Lab

1.00

Upper Division Electives (18 Credits)

General Elective Credits (total overall credits to 120)

Complete credit hours from any department, 16 of which should be upper division.

Summary of credit requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Environmental & Resource Science

 College Core Curriculum
 33-44
 Major Core Requirements
 54-55
 Electives (at least 16 credits must be Upper Division)
21-34
 Total Credits
120