Environmental Sciences
(Interdisciplinary Studies major housed in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Office: 220 Houghton Hall
(716) 673-3292
E-mail: Sherri.Mason@fredonia.edu
Sherri A. Mason, Coordinator
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 Sciences 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 Sciences
A: Core Requirements:
1. Environmental Sciences (10 credit hours)
Methods in Environmental Analysis |
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Environmental Assessment |
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Environmental Science Seminar |
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Environmental Science Practicum |
2. Mathematics (9-11 credit hours)
University Calculus I & II (recommended) |
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or |
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Survey of Calculus I & II |
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Statistics for Scientists |
3. Biology (16 credit hours)
Principles of Biology I & Lab |
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Principles of Biology II & Lab |
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Biodiversity & Lab |
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Ecology & Lab |
4. Geosciences (12 credit hours)
Geology I & Lab |
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Geomorphology |
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Hydrogeology |
5. Geographic Information Systems (6 credit hours)
Geographic Information Systems I |
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Geographic Information Systems II |
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or |
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Global Climate |
6. Chemistry (15 credit hours)
General Chemistry I & Lab |
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General Chemistry II & Lab |
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Organic Chemistry I & Lab |
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Analytical Chemistry I |
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or |
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Environmental Aquatic Chemistry |
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or |
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Environmental Atmospheric Chemistry |
7. Physics (4-5 credit hours)
College Physics I & Lab |
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or |
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University Physics I & Lab |
8. Economics (6 credit hours)
Microeconomics |
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Enviro Economics |
9. History (3 credit hours)
World Environmental History |
Prerequisite: (HIST) 102 or 116 or 135 (CCC)
or |
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Environmental History of North America |
Prerequisite: (HIST) 105 or 106 or 133 (CCC)
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:
Biological Conservation |
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Aquatic Biology |
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Fisheries Science |
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Biochemistry |
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Plant Taxonomy |
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Biostatistics |
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Scientific Revolutions |
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Organic Chemistry II |
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Analytical Chemistry I |
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Analytical Chemistry II |
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Analytical Chemistry I Lab |
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Environmental Aquatic Chemistry |
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Environmental Atmospheric Chemistry |
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Visual BASIC I |
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Science Programming using C/C++ |
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Oceanography |
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Thirsty Planet |
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Global Climate |
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Vanishing Earth Resources |
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Structural Geology |
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Stratigraphy |
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Mineralogy |
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Geographic Information Systems II |
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Remote Sensing/Image Processing |
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Special Topics in GIS |
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Environmental Policy |
