Environmental Science 30 credits

(30 Credits plus 15 credits of experiential learning)

The Environmental Science major prepares individuals for graduate-level training in environmental sciences, or for entry-level employment in a broad and growing spectrum of environmental careers. Students who complete this major will gain scientific literacy and both broad and deep knowledge of biology, earth sciences, or health within the context of the complex environmental challenges facing humanity today. An Integrated Science Track designed specifically for future Middle School, Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education teachers allows students to meet teacher licensure requirements for Middle School General Science and leads to comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and the science associated with them. Students wishing to focus on Middle School Mathematics should declare the Mathematics major. A focus on research and field experience in all tracks provides students with first-hand research experiences and helps them develop the essential thinking skills necessary for understanding and studying the environment from multiple perspectives. Student research, performed in cooperation with Cambridge communities, will involve civic engagement and contribute to the understanding of local urban ecosystems. Immersion in the field will lead to transformative thinking about humans and their complex relations with their environment. The major will lead to the development of a sense of place and a sense of social responsibility informed by a deep understanding of nature, the history of life and humanity, and the complexities of human-environment interactions.

Learning Goals

• Develop Critical Thinking and Inquiry Skills
• Develop Scientific Literacy
• Understand the Application of Science to Issues of Social Concern
• Understand from Multiple Perspectives (including a historical perspective) the Breadth of Human Diversity
• Prepare for Future Careers and Learning

Program Tracks

The Environmental Science major provides students with the opportunity, working with their advisors and science faculty members, to develop concentrations in biology and earth science. A separate track exists for students who want to pursue the growing field of environmental health. Education majors, including Middle School (separate sub-track), Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education Majors, also have a separate track of study. All students will work closely with advisors to choose courses (science, foundation, free elective) that contribute to a comprehensive program of study.

I. REQUIRED CORE (21 Credits):

Choose ONE:

Choose ONE:

Required:

*Students who have completed AP Biology with a score of 4 or higher must take CBIOL 2101 in the place of CBIOL 1101

II. Electives (9 Credits):

Choose 3 courses from CPHYS, CBIOL, CNSCI with at least 1 at 3xxx level or above (Education majors MUST take CNSCI 3540 Environmental Field Research for 3 of the 9 credits).

III. Research/Field (6 Credits):

NOT required of Education Majors (except for CNSCI 3540, which MUST be taken under Category II by education majors).

Choose ONE:

IV. Internship (9 Credits):

NOT required of Education Majors (except for CNSCI 3540, which MUST be taken under Category II by education majors)

Optional Health Track (9 Credits):

Students in this track may replace the 2 courses above in section II with the two courses below plus 1 additional CHLTH course.

Marine Studies Consortium (MSC)

This consortium is an association of 17 Massachusetts higher education and research institutions. MSC courses offer unique learning opportunities in marine and aquatic sciences, environmental policy, and environmental management. The courses are potential choices for Environmental Science majors, as well as Education majors. The Biology of Fishes course, offered at the New England Aquarium, may be the only ichthyology course in the world where students use the resources of a major aquarium at every class meeting. Other courses, such as the Biology of Whales and Water Resources Management, are offered nowhere else in New England at the undergraduate level. Courses, which include an additional consortium tuition fee, are held during the evenings on the campuses of our member institutions. MSC course descriptions can be found in the course descriptions section of this catalog. Students wishing to take MSC courses should contact Cristin Ashmankas, Assistant Professor, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Lesley College at 617.349.8956, or cashmank@lesley.edu. Full information about the MSC can be found at www.assumption.edu/msc/courses.html.

CBIOL 1101

Biology with Lab

3 credits

This course introduces the core concepts in modern biology, with an emphasis on the way of thinking in science. Topics covered include an introduction to organisms and ecology, evolutionary theory, Mendelian genetics, biological chemistry, and biology of the cell. This course meets for four hours weekly in order to integrate laboratory experiences. Offered every semester.

CBIOL 2101

Biology II with Lab

3 credits

In this course, students will build upon the material from Biology I, by examining the underlying processes and emerging properties of living systems, and applying that understanding in laboratory and field work. Topics to be covered include the molecular basis of biological reactions; biology of the cell; plant systems; animal systems; metabolism; reproduction; genetics; evolution; and populations and ecosystems. Offered every Spring Prerequisite: CBIOL 1101 or equivalent.

CMATH 2148

Concepts and Applications of Calculus 1 (formerly Conceptual Calculus)

3 credits

Calculus is the mathematical study of change. It provides a tool for exploration of a broad range of phenomena across the physical, biological, and social sciences. This course introduces concepts of limit, continuity, derivative, and the definite integral and draws connections between the graphical ideas of tangents and area and the functional ideas of instantaneous rate of change and net change. This course requires a facility with algebra and functions, including exponential functions, logarithms, trigonometric functions, linear functions, and logarithms. Offered every semester. Prerequisites: CMATH 2146 or equivalent coursework in precalculus or college algebra or permission of full-time Mathematics faculty.

CMATH 3522

Inferential Statistics

3 credits

Statistical inference draws conclusions from data. The emphasis of this course is on the reasoning of inference — the what and how of making judgments about data. Topics include significance tests involving means and proportions, linear and multiple regression, and one- and two-way analysis of variance. A research project making use of inferential statistics is required. Offered every semester. Prerequisite: CMATH 2142 or permission of the instructor.

CNSCI 2100

Humans and the Environment

3 credits

This course provides an interdisciplinary focus on the interactions between humans and the environment. Topics of consideration include an overview of ecosystems; population growth; species extinction and preservation; air, water, and soil pollution and control; agriculture and world food production; and preservation, conservation, and sustainable resource management. Specific case studies will be considered as well as the view of different cultures toward their physical surroundings. Offered every Spring semester. Prerequisite: Strong background in environmental issues and scientific thinking recommended.

CPHYS 1104

Earth Science with Lab

3 credits

Topics in geochemistry, crystal structure, and the molecular nature of minerals and ores introduce students to the physical nature of soils and rocks. Plate tectonics and continental drift provide a holistic model of the evolution and dynamic nature of the earth's geology and climate. A survey of planetary geology widens this model to include consideration of other planets. A student project is required. This course meets for four hours weekly in order to integrate laboratory experiences. Offered every semester.

CPHYS 1308

Investigations in Chemistry I with Lab

3 credits

This course covers the basic topics in inorganic and organic chemistry including: atomic structure, periodic relationships, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and molecular structures. The topics are developed further by considering practical examples such as: air and water pollution, pesticides, food additives, forensic science, pharmaceuticals, and energy technologies. The impact of each on public policy and human health is discussed. A student project is required. This course meets for four hours weekly in order to integrate laboratory experiences. Offered every Fall semester.

CPHYS 2210

Conceptual Physics with Lab

3 credits

This course covers: mechanics, heat, fluids, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism using the inquiry method and laboratory exercises. The emphasis is on classical physics although selected topics in modern physics are introduced. The design of experiments, as well as the collection and interpretation of data, are stressed. Examples are drawn from both the life sciences and engineering disciplines. The presentation of material is divided between qualitative and quantitative approaches. A familiarity with high school algebra is assumed. This course meets for four hours weekly in order to integrate laboratory experiences.

CPHYS 3010

Our Changing Climate

3 credits

Our Changing Climate will explore the dynamics of the Earth system that affect climate. We will look at how the Earth's climate has changed over various time scales and how scientists are predicting it will change. We will skim the surface of the impact our current climate change is introducing to the planet, ecosystems, and society. Our Changing Climate will pull together topics presented in lower level courses into a broader and deeper understanding of this ever so timely topic. It is the goal of this course to familiarize you with the science of climate change and make you comfortable and effective at redistributing the science to a non-science society. Offered every Spring semester. Prerequisite: CPHYS 1104.