Course Requirements
The environmental sciences minor is appropriate to include with a wide variety of majors since the complex and critical relationship we have with our environment is a vital and growing concern of our society and of students regardless of their major.
In addition, an individualized major may be developed in Environmental Sciences utilizing courses in the biology and chemistry areas.
Environmental Sciences Minor (24-25 credit hours)
A minor in Environmental Sciences is advantageous to anyone interested in the interrelatedness of life and the universe. In addition, an individualized major may be developed in this area utilizing courses in the biology and chemistry areas.
Environmental Studies - Required Courses
21 credit hours required; all courses listed.
A study of the major unifying concepts of biology at the molecular, cellular and organismic level, including a survey of the major groups of living organisms. Three classes plus one two-hour lab per week. Course fee applies.
Conservation and management of renewable resources such as soil, water, air, minerals, plants and animals in relation to the total environment.As needed.
Principles and concepts pertaining to the study of organisms and their biotic and a biotic environment. Includes consideration of interrelationships at the level of the individual, population, community and ecosystem. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Course fee applies. Prerequisites: BI 141 and BI 142, or instructor‘s consent.
Critical study of current research issues in biology conducted in seminar fashion. Student research and the oral presentation of biological problem are major components of the course.
Critical study of current research issues in biology conducted in seminar fashion. Student research and the oral presentation of biological problem are major components of the course.
Research and discussion of one or more topics of current biological interest. For majors only. For those seeking secondary education certification, the topics will include drugs, human nutrition and social biology.As needed. Course fee. Prerequisites: BI 141 and BI 142.
For the student interested in environmental issues, an introduction to questions related to the environment. Ecosystems and the human impact on ecosystems as population density increases will be included. Different kinds of environmental damage and their problems will be discussed as well as peace and justice issues in the environmental arena.
Environmental Studies - Electives
Choose one of the following course options (at least 3 credit hours required).
Offers a basic knowledge of the science of chemistry as a tool for understanding the physical world. With this knowledge, we examine the following: how scientists approach and solve problems and how chemistry-related concepts appear in our day-to-day lives. No prior chemistry background is assumed. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisites: Score of 38 or better on mathematics placement test or completion of MA 101. Course fee applies.
Introduces the basic chemical concepts of atomic structure, periodicity, and the chemical reactions of both gases and solutions, and the thermodynamics of these reactions. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory. Course fee applies. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or consent of professor.
Environmental Science Major
While not in the general curriculum offerings, a major in environmental sciences can be customized for students wishing to pursue this area of study.
Environmental Studies Minor (18-19 credit hours)
A minor in Environmental Studies helps students understand the interconnections within the natural world and with human society. Information about the environment, sustainability, conservation, energy and climate change are the types of topics to be discussed. This minor is appropriate to include with a wide variety of majors since the complex critical relationship we have with our environment is a vital and growing concern of our society and of all students regardless of their major.
Environmental Studies Minor - Required Courses
15-16 credit hours total.
Choose one of the following courses (3-4 credit hours).
For the student interested in environmental issues, an introduction to questions related to the environment. Ecosystems and the human impact on ecosystems as population density increases will be included. Different kinds of environmental damage and their problems will be discussed as well as peace and justice issues in the environmental arena.
Conservation and management of renewable resources such as soil, water, air, minerals, plants and animals in relation to the total environment.As needed.
All of the following courses are required.
Focuses on Indiana's diversity of organisms and ecosystems, including the geological and biological history of the state. Field laboratories will introduce students to the major taxonomic groups of organisms and local Indiana Habitats.
Provides an overview of environmental law that is relevant to the everyday lives of all citizens. As an overview, offers the curious student the resources needed to explore environmental subject areas or issues more fully. Revolves around the primary federal environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. Interesting cases, such as does a cetacean have standing to sue, will be incorporated as learning tools.
Work experience with a firm or agency directly related to the student’s major area of study. The learning experience is structured within the College approved guidelines for the internship program. Through close supervision by the director of interns, faculty advisor and the worksite supervisor, the student works toward achieving goals outlined in the individual learning contract.
Additional General Studies Science:
Choose one of the following courses (3 credit hours).
A study of the normal integrated functioning of the human organism in the context of principles and concepts relating the human organism to its environment. The major unifying concept of biology – evolution – is used as a framework for this study. Emphasis is placed on the scientific method and other problem-solving techniques. Fulfills general studies requirement. Course fee applies. Prerequisite: Score of 38 or better on mathematics placement exam or completion of MA 101.
Offers a basic knowledge of the science of chemistry as a tool for understanding the physical world. With this knowledge, we examine the following: how scientists approach and solve problems and how chemistry-related concepts appear in our day-to-day lives. No prior chemistry background is assumed. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisites: Score of 38 or better on mathematics placement test or completion of MA 101. Course fee applies.
Environmental Studies Minor - Electives
Choose one course (3 credit hours) from the options shown:
Explores the ethical challenge of increased competition for world resources. Examines how changing understandings of stewardship, fairness and rights shape moral choice in issues including distribution of goods, care of nature and care of human populations.Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one ID 3xx course.
This course examines what humans eat from multiple disciplines: biology and evolution; agriculture and environmental science; politics, business and economics; history, anthropology and culture; ethics and religion. The course will cover the history of food systems, leading up to a focus on the role of government and business in modern food systems, and the environmental impacts and sustainability of food systems. Finally, the course looks at individual food choices, from several perspectives including: nutrition, ethics, and cultural diversity. Prerequisites: Successful completion of at least one ID 300-level or above.
Information about Course Requirements
We do our best to keep this information updated, but you should always double-check to ensure you are meeting graduation requirements. For the most current course requirements please review the latest undergraduate college catalog. Always consult your academic advisor when registering for courses or when you have questions about course requirements.
