Environmental science is the multidisciplinary scientific study of the systems, resources, and human-caused problems associated with Earth's near surface environment. Sometimes referred to as the critical zone, as it is critical to humanity, the near surface environment spans the upper bedrock to the top of the tree canopy and includes all the fluids, gasses and organisms therein. Environmental Science is an in-demand field, with abundant job prospects as well as opportunities for funded graduate study.
Western's Environmental Science major (ESCI) includes ESCI specific introductory coursework followed by a suite of required courses in biology/ecology, chemistry, geochemistry/hydrology, GIS, physics and math and environmental policy and politics. The major includes an extensive list of elective coursework, allowing students to tailor their ESCI major to their personal scientific interests. A capstone Applied Environmental Science course synthesizes the degree and can be completed during the school year with a
group or solo project involving field, lab and/or GIS work on interesting environmental science problems from the Rocky Mountains to the Colorado Plateau, or with a summer REU experience or externally funded research with WCU professors. An ESCI major provides much of the coursework needed to complete several other natural science minors and we strongly encourage ESCI majors to consider minoring in Biology, Chemistry, Geology or obtaining a GIS certificate.
Program Learning Goals:
- Students will be able to identify common minerals and rocks and interpret them as controls on soil and water geochemistry.
- Students will apply the concepts and tools of ecology to environmental science.
- Students will be able to quantify the amount and quality of surface and ground waters.
- Students will apply the scientific method by utilizing field observations, computational and quantitative techniques, including GIS, to interpret environmental science data.
- Students will effectively communicate environmental science to a variety of audiences.
Environmental Science Courses
An introduction to Earth Science related systems and resources with a focus on human interaction with the surface environment. Topics include geologic hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides as well as Earth resources like critical minerals, clean water and soils. Laboratory and field trips provide training in map interpretation, rock and mineral identification, surface and groundwater quantification and local and Colorado geological history.
Investigation of post-baccalaureate degree options in environmental science. Students receive guidance in finding and applying to job opportunities as well as funded graduate degree programs. Occasional guest speakers will meet with students to discuss their career paths and experiences. Prerequisites: BIOL 151 and ESCI 105, or instructor permission.
An examination of the environmental sciences through readings of primary literature, secondary literature and discussions of the environmental science discipline. The professional practices, procedures and standards of environmental science are discussed. Students will develop a professional portfolio of an environmental science project. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prerequisites: Instructor approval. This course is intended for students at the end of their Environmental Science minor.
A mentored research experience in interdisciplinary environmental science. A written research proposal; field, lab or computer-based research project; and oral presentation of results are all required. ESCI majors may substitute a substantial research experience or internship for this course with approval of the ESCI council. Prerequisites: BIOL 301; GEOL 362; GEOG 340; MATH 213; or instructor permission.