Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Science Bachelor of Science degree
(Interdisciplinary Studies major housed in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Office: 220 Houghton Hall
(716) 673-3292
Sherri A. Mason, Coordinator
Email: environmental.science@fredonia.edu
Website: http://www.fredonia.edu/department/chemistry/environmental/
Human population growth and economic development require large quantities of natural resources, often resulting in environmental degradation. As a result, there is an increasing demand for scientists with a background in environmental science to address the environmental challenges faced in this century. The major in Environmental Science integrates the principles of the natural sciences to study human resource utilization and evaluate the options to mitigate impacts to natural ecosystems and resources. In the major, an assessment approach is taken in the study of topics such as species diversity, point and non-point source pollution, fate and transport of hazardous substances, geological resources, hydrological patterns, etc. In the process, students study scientific phenomena and are trained in applications to field and laboratory work, data analysis and modeling.
Many of the courses in the major have field components where students collect environmental samples, analyze them, and produce comprehensive interpretations of the data. Students draw on the strengths of SUNY Fredonia’s programs in biology, chemistry, geosciences, geographic information systems, and environmental science courses specifically designed for this major. As seniors, students demonstrate their ability to conduct independent work in the environmental sciences through an internship with local conservation departments, industries and municipalities, or through research with a Fredonia faculty member.
Possible careers after completion of this major include: graduate school, environmental consulting, resource management, conservation scientist, aquatic and fishery research/management, wildlife management, conservation officer, environmental and community planning, etc.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Major in Environmental Science
A: Core Requirements:
1. Environmental Science (10 credit hours)
| ESCI 310 | Methods in Environmental Analysis | 3 |
| ESCI 410 | Environmental Assessment | 3 |
| ESCI 440 | Environmental Sciences Seminar | 1 |
| ESCI 490 | Environmental Sciences Practicum | 1-3 |
2. Mathematics (9-11 credit hours)
3. Biology (16 credit hours)
4. Geosciences (12 credit hours)
5. Geographic Information Systems (6 credit hours)
| GIS 201 | Geographic Information Systems I | 3 |
| GIS 301 | Geographic Information Systems II | 3 |
| or | |
| GEO 311 | Global Climate | 3 |
6. Chemistry (15 credit hours)
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
| CHEM 125 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
| CHEM 126 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CHEM 215 | Organic Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
| CHEM 225 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 317 | Analytical Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| or | |
| CHEM 473 | Environmental Aquatic Chemistry | 3 |
| or | |
| CHEM 474 | Environmental Atmospheric Chemistry | 3 |
7. Physics (4-5 credit hours)
8. Economics (6 credit hours)
| ECON 202 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 380 | Environmental/Natural Resource Economics | 3 |
9. History (3 credit hours)
| HIST 310 | World Environmental History | 3 |
| or | |
| HIST 352 | Environmental History of North America | 3 |
B. Recommended Electives
To be chosen during consultation with faculty advisor based upon future plans and interests of the student. Electives could include courses required to complete minors in compatible areas, such as Biology, Geographic Information Systems, Geology, Chemistry, Public Health, etc. Other course options include: