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 NS will be able to:
1) Characterize the abiotic and biotic components and processes of a system at different spatiotemporal scales
- Identify and describe the quantitative and qualitative properties of key system components (e.g. atmospheric conditions, minerals, landscape elements, flora, and fauna)
- Define the processes that shape a system
- Apply an appropriate temporal and spatial scale to the system (e.g. maps, timelines)
- Relate the components and processes of a system in space and time (e.g., conceptual models)
- 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
- Identify and analyze how laws, regulations, decision-making, and customs influence the environment
- Examine how environmental risks unequally impact humans based on racial, social, and economic lines.
- Describe and evaluate how human activities can contribute to a sustainable system
- 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
- Identify an appropriate research question based on careful field observations and scientific literature
- Generate multiple hypotheses explaining an observation, citing published literature
- Design a sampling protocol that generates data, or select an existing data set that can adequately test a hypothesis
- Use scientific equipment effectively by calibrating for accuracy and recording instrument precision
- Analyze and interpret data to draw a conclusion and relate findings to a broader context
4) Engage in the conversation about environmental issues
- Identify and critically evaluate evidence, reasoning, common misconceptions, and conclusions about environmental issues (identify limitations and implicit biases)
- Formulate an informed decision based on information derived from different sources (e.g., coursework, media, peer-reviewed literature)
- Develop science-based solutions for environmental problems
5) Effectively communicate scientific ideas to a diverse audience
- Recognize, evaluate, and practice different communication modalities
- Select appropriate style and content and tailor to the audience
- Provide evidence to support assertions
- Deliver clear and organized content with a logical flow
- Distill, synthesize, and communicate complex ideas
6) Transform knowledge and skills into personal and career growth
- Recognize and develop transferable skills and confidence as a scientist
- Develop practical experience in environmental science
- Realize a personal connection or role in environmental issues
- Build the skills and motivation to continue learning
- 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)
Refer to the English section of the Core Curriculum
Study and Technology Skills (0-3 credits)
Refer to the Study and Technology Skills section of the Core Curriculum
Mathematics (3 credits)
Refer to the Mathematics section of the Core Curriculum.
Classes in the major may be used to fulfill this Core requirement. Consult an Academic Advisor.
Natural Sciences (7-8 credits)
Refer to the Natural Sciences section of the Core Curriculum.
Classes in the major may be used to fulfill this Core requirement. Consult an Academic Advisor.
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 190A | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Lecture | 3.00 |
| BIOL 190L | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Lab | 1.00 |
| BIOL 191A | Introduction to Organismal Biology Lecture | 3.00 |
| BIOL 191L | Introduction to Organismal Biology Lab | 1.00 |
| ENV 101 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3.00 |
| ENV 220/BIOL 220 | Introduction to Ecological Principles | 3.00 |
| ENV 480 | Geographic Information System for Environmental Management | 4.00 |
| GEOG 117 | Meteorology/Climatology. | 3.00 |
| GEOL 101A | Exploring Planet Earth Lecture | 3.00 |
| GEOL 101L | Exploring Planet Earth Laboratory | 1.00 |
Related Math/Science Core Requirements (19 Credits)
Major Electives List A (9-11 credits)
Choose 3 courses from the following (9-11 credits).
Major Electives List B (12 credits)
Choose 12 additional credits from the following list or from classes not taken from Area A. One course must be a 4-credit course that includes a lab component. NRES 416 or NRES 480 may be repeated for credit in Area B, but should total no more than 6 credits (either repeated or in combination).
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
|