Department of Applied Environmental Science
Environmental Science, Tech & Policy BS Overview
Environmental Science Technology and Policy B.S. students acquire skills spanning the full range of tasks involved in professional environmental science and management, including the following:
Fieldwork
Students learn how to plan and execute field trips that yield useful environmental data. This includes collecting biological samples and water samples, recording wildlife observations, measuring rivers and other landscape features using surveying equipment, delineating habitats, and using GIS and GPS to plan and record the spatial layout of samples and measurements.
Laboratory analysis
Students go beyond mastering basic laboratory skills, learning to prepare solutions to analyze water, soil, and air samples, and using advanced technologies to analyze biological samples. Students learn to effectively manage and analyze large data sets.
Geospatial technology
Students learn to use remote sensing data and geographic information systems to combine physical, cultural, and biological data to generate maps and models.
Quantitative analysis
Students apply fundamental mathematical and statistical skills and use the scientific method in the design, application,and interpretation of scientific research.
Communication
Students analyze and synthesize information from a multi-stakeholder perspective to develop alternative scenarios for environmental science problems, and communicate their recommendations in oral and written formats.
Environmental management and decision making
Students apply the nomenclature, concepts and methodology of chemistry, biology, physics, earth science and economics to understand, describe and predict environmental science processes.