COURSE CURRICULUM

The Environmental Science program includes a series of required courses designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of ecological principles and environmental management. In Year 1, students will engage in courses such as Ecology and Field Biology, where they will learn about ecological concepts and field methods for observing organisms in their natural environments. Limnology, focusing on freshwater ecosystems like lakes and rivers, and Managing Rangeland Ecosystems, which emphasizes sustainable practices for maintaining biodiversity on rangelands, are also core subjects. Field Botany and Plant Taxonomy will provide practical experience in plant identification and classification. Other Year 1 courses include Scientific Writing and Computer Applications, which teach students how to communicate scientific findings, and Statistics and Data Management, which helps develop skills in analyzing environmental data. Additionally, students will study Inorganic Chemistry to understand chemical processes in the environment, Environmental Mapping and Technology for skills in GIS and spatial data analysis, and Introductory Soil Science for insights into soil properties and conservation. An Introduction to Wildlife course will cover species biology, behavior, and conservation. In addition, there is an optional work-integrated learning course, the Environmental Science Practicum, which allows students to gain practical experience and potentially opt out of certain Year 2 courses like BI 210 or SC 301. Year 2 courses build upon the foundation laid in Year 1 and include Forest Ecology, Wetlands Classification and Management, and the Human Dimension of the Environment, which explores how human activity impacts the environment. Invasive Plant Ecology and Management, Applied Hydrology, and Fundamentals of Restoration Ecology will teach students how to manage and restore ecosystems. Soil Classification and Landforms and Soil Health and Fertility will deepen their understanding of soil science. Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Wildlife Biodiversity will round out their studies, emphasizing the conservation and protection of wildlife and their habitats. Together, these courses offer a well-rounded education in environmental science, preparing students for careers in ecological research, conservation, and environmental policy.