HELP 2014-2015 HillBook (Class of 2018) [ARCHIVED HILL BOOK] Environmental Sciences and Studies Print this Page Facebook this Page (opens a new window) Tweet this Page (opens a new window)

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Program Director:
Susan M. Mooney

Environmental Sciences and Studies Steering Committee:
C. Ives, Religious Studies
B. Meigs, Environmental Studies
S. Mulholland, Economics
R. Rodgers, Political Science
C. Schnitzer, Chemistry
M. Tyrrell, Biology

Faculty Fellows:
K. Burkholder
K. Murdock
 

Two majors are offered: a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Another option is a minor in Environmental Sciences & Studies.

Departmental Mission

The Environmental Sciences and Studies program provides students with knowledge of the basic principles of ecology and environmental science, including economic, political, sociological, and philosophical dimensions. Students have the opportunity to tailor the program to their career and personal goals through the choice of two majors, course selection, directed study, internships, independent research, and senior thesis.

Given the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of environmental problems, students aspiring to contribute toward the solutions must acquire knowledge in a variety of areas. Consequently, Environmental Studies is an interdepartmental program, taught by faculty from across the college. Additionally, the program collaborates with student clubs such as the Students for Environmental Action (SEA), as success in environmental work ultimately demands organizing and activism skills which Environmental Studies majors and minors are encouraged to develop via taking leadership roles in such clubs here on campus.

Vision

Environmental Sciences and Studies students are strongly encouraged to study away from campus for at least one semester; studying another ecosystem and the human culture(s) that resides there greatly enhances one’s preparation for environmental work. Options available to ENV students, in addition to traditional study in another country, include a semester at the University of Portland, Oregon or the SEA semester oceanography sailing program based at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Students in the major and minor programs frequently enroll in the upper-level courses from a variety of disciplines listed in the major without completing the pre-requisites that majors in those disciplines are required to complete. In these cases students will need approval prior to course selection.

Learning Outcomes

Majors in Environmental Science will demonstrate:

1. An in-depth understanding of fundamental concepts in the natural sciences and mathematics (biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and math), particularly as they pertain to understanding the natural environment.
2. The ability to integrate knowledge across those disciplines, becoming skilled in the use of multiple lenses to analyze complexity.
3. Competence in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of environmental science data.
4. Critical and constructive thinking on environmental issues and problems, at both the local and global levels.
5. Valuing the natural world and future humanity, developing/adopting an environmental ethic as part of a broader commitment to social justice, and take personal and political action in keeping with those values.
6. Effective communication skills (written and oral), for audiences of natural scientists and beyond, into the public area.

Majors in Environmental Studies will demonstrate:

1. Relevant disciplinary knowledge in the natural and social sciences as well as in the humanities.
2. The ability to integrate knowledge across those disciplines, becoming skilled in the use of multiple lenses to analyze complexity.
3. Critical and constructive thinking on environmental issues and problems, at both the local and global levels.
4. Valuing the natural world and future humanity, developing/adopting an environmental ethic as part of a broader commitment to social justice, and take personal and political action in keeping with those values.
5. Effective communication skills (written and oral), for various audiences including the public.

Programs

• Environmental Science, B.S.
• Environmental Studies, B.A.

• Environmental Sciences & Studies Minor

• Environmental Science, B.S./Environmental Engineering, B.S. Dual Degree

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