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Faculty
Carolyn Bocian, Clare Booth Luce Assistant Professor of Environmental
Science (Program Chair)
Saundra Herndon Oyewole, Professor of Biology
Brunella Bowditch, Associate Professor of Biology
Beverly Smith-Franklin, Clare Booth Luce Assistant Professor of Biology
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Description
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field concerned with
the interaction between a rapidly expanding human population and our
finite natural resources. Today, significant environmental problems
exist, including global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain,
desertification, energy and mineral depletion, and loss of biodiversity,
but in recent years we have also improved our scientific understanding
of earth systems. Support for environmental protection is high among the
American public, and satellite communication networks link nations
together as never before, enabling scientists to communicate with the
general public about environmental issues. The Environmental Science
Program provides students with science credentials, knowledge of public
policy and international relations, and good communications skills so
they can pursue an increasing number of career opportunities.
Students in the College of Arts and Sciences may pursue a major or a
minor in environmental science. The major requires competence in
traditional science and mathematics areas plus the ability to integrate
material across disciplines (emphasized in environmental science
courses). Hands-on learning, site visits, and a variety of outdoor field
experiences are key aspects of each student's training.
Trinity students customize their environmental science major in one
of three supporting focus areas: research, education, and public policy.
However, students may consider courses in combination from any of the
three areas and propose a program plan that is unique to specific
interests and goals. Many of these classes will also fulfill specific
FLC requirements.
All majors engage in either a research project or internship their
junior or senior year. Research projects may be done at Trinity or in
association with other academic, government, or private scientific
institutions. Internships may be done on Capitol Hill, with law or
consulting firms, conservation organizations, or at local parks. Study
abroad options also exist through Trinity's Travel and Study Programs.
The Environmental Science Program also supports a minor in
environmental science designed for science majors. Some environmental
science courses support major programs in biology and chemistry.
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Major Requirements
Required Courses (62-65 credits)
ALL of the following courses:
BIOL 111General Biology I
BIOL 112 General Biology II
BIOL 221 or ENVS 345 Plant Diversity or Ornithology
BIOL 351 Ecology
CHEM 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry I
CHEM 112 Fundamentals of Chemistry II
CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 223 Organic Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry Lab II
ENVS 211 Global Environmental Science
ENVS 231 Environmental Geology
MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics
MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
PHYS 111 General Physics I
PHYS 112 General Physics II
PHYS 211 General Physics III
ONE internship or research project selected from among:
ENVS 491 Internship
ENVS 497 Directed Research
ONE senior seminar:
NSCM 491 Divisional Seminar (1 credit)
Focus Area Courses (12 credits)
TWELVE additional credits approved in advance by the Program
Chair from the focus areas described below, including at least one ENVS
course.
Research Focus Area
BIOL 221 Plant Diversity
BIOL 241 Introductory Genetics
BIOL 451 Evolution
CHEM 331 Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 332 Chemical Analysis
ENVS 325 Ornithology
ENVS 431 Soil Biogeochemistry
ENVS 443 Conservation Biology
MATH 225 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
MATH 315 Mathematical Probability and Statistics
PHIL (303) Readings in the Philosophy of Science
Education Focus Area
COM 201 Interpersonal Communication
COM 250 Public Relations I
COM 265 Introduction to Mass Communication
COM 325 Intercultural Communication
COM 383 Journalism
EDCC 510* Human Growth and Development
EDCC 520* Foundations of Education
EDCC 540* Teaching and Learning
ENVS 241 Environmental Field Camp
INAF World Geography I
NSCM 391 Instructional Assistantship
* Course may be applied towards requirements of the B.A./M.A.T.
program.
Policy Focus Area
BUA 337 International Business
COM 325 Intercultural Communication
COM 360 Small Group Communication
COM 365 Advocacy and Argument
COM 385 Organizational Communication
ECO 122 Introduction to Economics II (Microeconomics)
ECO 235 Environmental Economics
ENVS 421 Environmental Assessment and Federal Law
INAF Model Organization of American States
MGT 210 Introduction to Association and Nonprofit Management
PHI 215 Environmental Ethics
PSC 312 Introduction to International Relations
PSC 322 International Law and Organization
PSC 325 Congress and Public Policy Making
PSC 352 Public Policy
PSC 353 Politics of the Federal Budgeting Process
PSC 413 Seminar in International Relations
PSC 422 Political Power
SOC 237 Community Development and Urban Problems
SOC 254 Global Social Issues
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Minor Requirements
Required Courses (19-21 credits)
ALL of the following courses:
BIOL 111 General Biology I
CHEM 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry I
ENVS 211 Global Environmental Science
ENVS 231 Environmental Geology
ENVS 498 Independent Study
MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics
Non-science majors may construct an individualized minor in
scientific literacy in consultation with the Program Chair.
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Program Policies
Advanced Placement:
A score of 4 or 5 on an AP exam will meet appropriate science and
mathematics requirements.
CLEP Policy:
Satisfactory scores on CLEP examinations will meet appropriate science
and math requirements.
Grades in Major Courses:
Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better
in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major.
Pass/No Pass: The
pass/no pass option is not acceptable for courses taken to fulfill major
requirements.
Sophomore Planning:
In their fourth semester, majors will submit a program plan describing
intended focus area courses and desired options for internships or
research projects. Sophomores will also participate in a brief, oral
conference with the program chair and other division faculty on
environmental science topics.
Senior Assessment:
In their final term, majors will assess their intellectual growth by a
capstone experience involving two components. The first involves written
response (three hours maximum) to several broad, synthetic questions
designed by each student in consultation with the program chair and
other faculty. The second involves a public, student-led seminar based
on additional exploration of one of these questions in an applied
context (chosen by the Program Chair).
TELL Policy: TELL
credits are not acceptable to fulfill requirements for the major.
Transfer Credits:
May be accepted with the approval of the Program Chair.
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Course Descriptions
ENVS 101 Discovering Planet Earth
Introduces non-science majors to evolution, earth science, and plate
tectonics with an emphasis on the mid-Atlantic region. Labs include use
of the scientific method, development of observational skills,
computer-assisted learning, and several field trips. There is an
additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ENV 101
Discovering Planet Earth.
4 credits
FLC Area IV
Core III
ENVS 111 Environmental Science I
Presents a comprehensive base in environmental science for majors
and non-science majors. Examines case studies of environmental problems,
including the loss of biodiversity, global warming, pollution, hazardous
waste disposal, and dependency on fossil fuels. Social, political and
economic considerations will be discussed. The course consists of three
hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Participation on
several field trips will be required. Environmental Science I is not a
prerequisite for Environmental Science II. Formerly ENV 104 The Science
of Global Change I.
4 credits
FLC Area IV
Core III
ENVS 112 Environmental Science II
Serves as a continuation of ENVS 111, examining a different set of
topics. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of
lab per week. Participation on several field trips will be required.
Environmental Science I is not a prerequisite for Environmental Science
II. Formerly ENV 105 The Science of Global Change II.
4 credits
FLC Area IV
Core III
ENVS 211 Global Environmental Science
Examines contemporary human impacts on the biosphere using the
methods of science. Lectures present and analyze empirical data as one
input to contemporary policy decisions on air and water quality,
resource extraction, and conserving biodiversity. Participation on
several field trips will be required. Formerly ENV 241 Global
Environmental Science.
4 credits
Prerequisites: Any science course numbered 110 or higher
Core III
ENVS 221 America’s Public Lands: Policy and the 21st
Century
Travel to other states to meet local citizens and land management
professionals to examine issues of state and federal rights, growth,
logging, grazing, wilderness, and visitorship to national parks. Field
and seminar format. Involves camping, hiking, and backpacking for four
weeks in the summer. There is an additional laboratory fee for this
course. Formerly ENV 270. America’s Public Lands: Policy
and the 21st Century.
4 credits
Prerequisites: Sophomore status and permission of the instructor
ENVS 231 Environmental Geology
Relates principles of modern geology, rock and mineral
identification techniques, concepts of geologic time, and plate
tectonics. Discusses geologic hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, land-
slides), resources (groundwater, energy, minerals), and public health
concerns (waste disposal, radon, asbestos). Most labs involve fieldwork.
There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ENV 245 Environmental Geology.
4 credits
Prerequisites: Completion of any Trinity science course or permission of
the instructor
Core III
ENVS 241 Environmental Field Camp
Travel to Mountain Lake Biological Station in the Appalachian
Mountains of southern Virginia. Students learn to identify local animals
and plants, conduct biological surveys, keep field journals, and discuss
assigned readings. Involves daily hiking on mountain trails. Travel and
laboratory fees are additional. Formerly
ENV 250 Environmental Field Camp.
3 credits
Core III
ENVS 299 Honors Seminar: Biodiversity
Explores the broad history of biological diversity, from the origins of
life through the evolution of dinosaurs to the disappearance of
prehistoric mammals during the last Ice Age. Current issues addressed
will include the scope of present-day biological diversity, its
usefulness to humans, and its importance to ecosystems. The course will
emphasize the causes of extinction, its possible consequences, and
strategies to conserve and restore biological diversity for the future.
There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Admission to the Honors Program or ENVS 101.
ENVS 343 Entomology
Prepares students to identify commonly encountered insects in the
field and to understand their important roles in ecosystems. Emphasizes
how this abundant and important group of animals has resolved the basic
challenges of survival and reproduction. Beneficial and detrimental
effects of insects are discussed. Labs integrate field trips, census
work, and preparation and collection of insect specimens. There is an
additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ENV
301 Field Entomology.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and BIOL 112
ENVS 345 Ornithology
Students learn to identify local birds by sight and sound, to
appreciate the role of birds as environ- mental indicators, and to
understand aspects of avian biology and ecology including flight,
migration, and courtship behavior. Labs integrate early morning field
trips, census work, and electronic instructional modules. There is an
additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ENV
325 Field Ornithology.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 111and BIOL 112
ENVS 381 Special Topics: Florida Ecology
Explores the ecology of Florida through an experiential,
interdisciplinary approach to learn about the natural environment and
the threats facing it. The course employs the scientific method to gain
an appreciation of the empirical aspect of nature, including quantifying
and investigating patterns of biodiversity. Students are exposed to a
variety of environmental problems and examines some of their ethical,
political and cultural dimensions. Travel and laboratory fees are
additional. Formerly ENV 357A Special Topics in
Environmental Science: Florida Ecology. Costa Rica Ecology, 357C.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor
ENVS 382 Special Topics: Hawaii Ecology
Explores the ecology of Hawaii through an experiential,
interdisciplinary approach to learn about the natural environment and
the threats facing it. The course employs the scientific method to gain
an appreciation of the empirical aspect of nature, including quantifying
and investigating patterns of biodiversity. Students are exposed to a
variety of environmental problems and examines some of their ethical,
political and cultural dimensions. Travel and laboratory fees are
additional. Formerly ENV 357B Hawaii Ecology
3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor
ENVS 383 Special Topics: Costa Rica Ecology
Explores the ecology of Costa Rica through an experiential,
interdisciplinary approach to learn about the natural environment and
the threats facing it. The course employs the scientific method to gain
an appreciation of the empirical aspect of nature, including quantifying
and investigating patterns of biodiversity. Students are exposed to a
variety of environmental problems and examines some of their ethical,
political and cultural dimensions. Travel and laboratory fees are
additional. Formerly ENV 357C Costa Rica Ecology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor
ENVS 421 Environmental Assessment and Federal Law
Analyzes environmental assessment and impact statements related to
use of federal lands. Discusses existing regulations, methods of data
collection, and presentations in the policy-making arena. Features guest
speakers, field trips to mitigation sites, and attendance at
congressional hearings. Formerly ENV 435 Environmental Assessment and
Federal Law.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Junior status
ENVS 431 Soil Biogeochemistry
Explores the complex interactions that occur within soil, which
represents the critical boundary between the biosphere and the
lithosphere. Soil formation, biological productivity in different
environments, and global strategies to reduce soil degradation and
erosion are discussed. There is an additional laboratory fee for this
course. Formerly ENV 425 Soil Biogeochemistry.
4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 111, CHEM 221, and CHEM 222
ENVS 443 Conservation Biology
Considers current and future management of biodiversity by examining
major philosophical and legal traditions, ecological theory, and case
histories (e.g., protection of predatory mammals, migratory birds,
wetlands and old-growth forest communities). Genetic techniques, the
role of zoos, gap analysis, and local stewardship agreements are
evaluated. Formerly ENV 430 Conservation Biology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, BIOL 112, and BIOL 351
ENVS 491 Internship
Encourages off-campus experience that is policy- or
education-oriented. This may involve legislative activities on Capitol
Hill, work for environmental law or consulting firms, government
agencies, conservation groups, or parks and nature centers. May be
repeated for credit, although additional internships may require a more comprehensive written report and presentation of a
public seminar upon completion. Formerly ENV
371 Junior Year Environmental Internship and ENV 471 Senior Year
Environmental Internship.
2-4 credits
Prerequisites: Junior status as ENVS major and approval of Program Chair
ENVS 497 Directed Research
Encourages on- or off-campus experience examining a particular
research problem in environmental science. Students may propose their
own projects or work closely with scientists from academia, government,
or industry on existing projects. May be repeated for credit, although
additional research projects may require a more comprehensive written report and presentation of a
public seminar upon completion. Formerly ENV 372 Junior Year
Environmental Research and ENV 472 Senior Year
Environmental Research.
2-4 credits
Prerequisites: Junior status as ENVS major and approval of Program Chair
ENVS 498 Independent Study
Allows for directed study on an environmental topic of interest as approved by
the program chair in support of the environmental science minor.
Culminates in a written report and a 20-minute oral presentation.
Formerly ENV 252 Independent Study.
1-3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
NOTE: Descriptions for courses listed as NSCM (natural sciences and
mathematics) appear in the interdisciplinary
courses section of this catalog.
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