Environmental Science (BS.ENV)

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For further information about this major, contact Dr. Andrew Vermilyea, the Environmental Science Coordinator: Andrew.vermilyea@castleton.edu

This program integrates the scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry, and geology to provide students with a strong framework from which to analyze environmental problems and develop effective, sustainable solutions. Students earning a BS in Environmental Science will pursue both laboratory and field careers in government, industry, and the non-profit sector. This program prepares students for careers and graduate degree programs in related environmental fields such as toxicology, hydrology, systems ecology, plant ecology, and water chemistry.

Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science will demonstrate:

Scientific Literacy

Read and comprehend various forms of scientific literature including primary science research papers and current topical environmental science articles and books.
Locate and identify various forms of scientific text in support of a research topic.
Derive and interpret scientific data, as well as recognize bias and sources of error in scientific information.
Communicate environmental science issues to peers and broad audiences orally and through writing.

Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills

Differentiate the validity of various sources of information, assess the relevance of information in solving environmental problems, and consider multiple options for solutions.
Follow laboratory protocols, safety standards, and field study procedures.
Understand the use and limitations of statistical tools and ecological models.
Learn and use meaningful questions in order to design scientific studies.

Knowledge and Understanding of Environmental Concepts

Explain and describe geological processes, ecological principles, and chemical interactions as they relate to the causes and consequences of environmental issues.
Recognize that solutions to environmental problems such as climate change, population growth, biodiversity decline, pollution, and others involve an integrated multidisciplinary approach involving scientific and societal considerations.

Complete the following courses (56-57 cr):

BIO 1121 - Biology I 4 cr
BIO 1122 - Biology II 4 cr
CHE 1051 - Chemistry I 4 cr
CHE 1052 - Chemistry II 4 cr
GEY 1030 - Dynamic Earth 4 cr
MAT 1531 - Calculus I 4 cr
BIO 2010 - Cell and Molecular Biology 4 cr -OR- BIO 2125 - Fundamentals of Microbiology 4 cr
CHE 2111 - Organic Chemistry I 4 cr
MAT 2036 - Biostatistics 4 cr
PHY 2110 - Physics I 4 cr
PHY 2210 - Physics II 4 cr
SCI 2100 - Science Colloquium 1 cr *
SCI 2210 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 3 or 4 cr
BIO 3060 - Ecology 4 cr -OR- BIO 3065 - Plant Ecology 4 cr
BIO 3013 - Biogeochemistry 4 cr -OR- CHE 3013 - Biogeochemistry 4 cr
*SCI 2100 is mandatory during the sophomore year and recommended during junior and senior years; however, only one credit will count toward the major.

And complete two of these upper-level elective courses (6-8 cr):

BIO 3030 - Ecology of Water 3 cr
BIO 4250 - Ecotoxicology 3 cr
CHE 3020 - Analytical Chemistry 4 cr
CHE 3030 - Aqueous Geochemistry 3 cr
CHE 4010 - Environmental Kinetics and Chemical Fate 3 cr
GEY 3110 - Hydrogeology 4 cr

(Credits required for the major: 62-65 cr)

And complete the University's Gen Ed requirements

Review the Gen Ed requirements.

Additional Information

For students considering graduate programs in environmental science, MAT 2532 - Calculus II should be taken along with CHE 2112 - Organic Chemistry II .

For students considering environmental engineering or hydrology careers/graduate programs, a minor in mathematics is recommended with MAT 2532 - Calculus II , MAT 3533 - Calculus III , MAT 3210 - Linear Algebra , and MAT 3310 - Differential Equations .

In addition to the above requirements, we strongly recommend that students initiate an internship or research project in environmental science.

We also encourage students to consider the minor in Environmental Studies to enhance their breadth of knowledge of environmental issues.

The BS in Environmental Science may not be combined with a Biology or Ecological Studies major. Up to 12 credits may be applied to a minor in Biology, Chemistry, or Geology.