COURSE CURRICULUM

In the Environmental Science program, Year 1 required courses are designed to establish a solid foundation in ecological and environmental sciences. The courses include Ecology & Field Biology to introduce students to ecological principles and field-based research methods, Limnology: Lakes & Rivers focusing on freshwater systems, and Managing Rangeland Ecosystems, which covers the principles of rangeland management and sustainability. Additionally, students take Field Botany & Plant Taxonomy, providing essential skills in plant identification and classification. Other Year 1 courses are designed to support students in developing key scientific and technical skills. Scientific Writing & Computer Applications helps students improve their research writing and gain proficiency in environmental data analysis software, while Statistics & Data Management provides the necessary foundation for analyzing environmental data. Inorganic Chemistry offers insight into the chemical processes affecting the environment, and Environmental Mapping & Technology focuses on geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis. Students also complete Introductory Soil Science, which covers soil properties and their impact on ecosystems, and Introductory Wildlife, which introduces key concepts in wildlife biology and conservation. An optional practicum (EPR 200) is available, which provides students with hands-on experience in the field of environmental science. This practicum requires a minimum of 30 days of work, and students must have completed 30 credits in environmental sciences and be in good academic standing to participate. If taken, the practicum provides valuable real-world experience and can help students apply what they’ve learned in Year 1. In Year 2, the required courses dive deeper into specialized topics. Students study Fundamentals of Remediation (ESC 423), which addresses environmental cleanup and restoration techniques, and Invasive Plant Ecology & Management (SC 281), focusing on the management of invasive species. Additional key courses include Environmental Site Assessment (SC 307), which focuses on site evaluation for contamination, and Resource Industries (SC 311), examining the environmental impact of industrial activities. Year 2 also includes technical courses in energy systems such as Basic Energy Principles (RC 200), Introduction to Wind Energy (RC 204), and Introduction to Solar Energy (RC 205), covering alternative energy technologies. Geo Energy Exchange – Installation (RC 206) focuses on the installation of geo-exchange systems for energy efficiency. In soil science, students take courses like Soil Conservation and Reclamation (SO 320), Soil Classification & Landforms (SO 340), and Soil Health & Fertility (SO 350), which focus on the sustainable management of soil resources. These courses prepare students for careers in environmental science, conservation, land reclamation, and the sustainable energy sector.