Environmental Studies 30 credits

(30 credits plus 12 credits of experiential learning)

The interdisciplinary field of environmental studies explores the complex and rich relationships of humans (individuals, communities, society) with their physical environment. This timely major allows students to gain a first hand appreciation for their physical surroundings and a broad and deep understanding of our dependencies on the natural world at an unparalleled time in human history. In addition to a field and research-based required core of 18 credits and a required GIS course, students choose 12 credits of course work from two categories: Naturalist Education and Ecological Philosophy, Public Policy, and Civic Engagement, and 9 credits of internship coursework. Throughout the program, a systems-based perspective and civically engaged environmental field research are emphasized. Students explore science-informed solutions to environmental problems involving government action, collective effort, and personal initiative as they gain a deep understanding of and appreciation for the complexity 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 the Breadth of Human Diversity
• Prepare for Future Careers and Learning

I. REQUIRED CORE (18 Credits Plus 3 Credits Experiential):

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.

NB: Education (Early Childhood, Elementary, SPED) majors are waived from 6 of the 9 research internship credits. Middle School Education majors would need to take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in addition to the courses for the Environmental Studies major.

Students complete a total of 12 credits (4 courses) from sections II-III, two courses per section, and at least one course at the 3xxx level or above.

II. NATURALIST EDUCATION (6 Credits):

Choose TWO courses.

III. ECOLOGICAL PHILOSOPHY, PUBLIC POLICY, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT (6 Credits):

Choose TWO courses.

IV. INTERNSHIP (9 Credits):

NOT required of Education Majors - these courses MAY be counted as choices under the Naturalist Education section for Education Majors.

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 Studies 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 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.

CECON 2101

Microeconomics

3 credits

Microeconomics examines the economic behavior of individual actors – individuals, households, businesses, nonprofit organizations, governments – in order to understand choice in the face of scarcity and the allocation consequences of these choices. This examination is set in the broader context of concern for human well-being. The course covers the basic model of the competitive market, as well as alternative models of market power. The course draws upon a variety of case studies and real-world examples to facilitate students' intuitive knowledge of economics.

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.

CNSCI 2101

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

3 credits

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer-based systems used to enter, store, transform, map, analyze and interpret data. In this introductory course we will study how GIS systems work and how to use GIS software (ArcMap) to map and analyze data. Emphasis will be placed on the basic elements of cartography and GIS (lecture) and hands-on applications (labs). The majority of the labs will focus on exploring Cambridge and analyzing our urban environment. The course will combine lecture, discussion, and hands-on exercises in the computer lab. The focus of the first half of the course will be learning how to use GIS software and how to perform geographic analysis. In the second half of the course, students will complete a GIS project. Offered every Fall semester.

CNSCI 3540

Environmental Field Research

3 credits

Students enrolled in this interdisciplinary course complete a significant field research project focused on ecological sustainability. Students are expected to demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. They use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, and communicate information. Students utilize computer-based tools for organization, data collection, modeling, productivity, and presentation. The results are disseminated to the Lesley community and the general public through several venues (examples: poster session, oral, electronic and print forms of presentation). Offered every Fall semester. Prerequisite: CMATH 2142.

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 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.