Environmental Science and Technology, Water Resources Concentration, B.S.

The Water Resources concentration under the Environmental Science and Technology major includes coursework in environmental biology and chemistry, soils and hydrogeology, and pollution control technology. It takes a close look at the basic biology, chemistry, and geology of natural surface and ground waters. In addition, the role of human impacts on these systems, through pollutant inputs and climate change, will be carefully evaluated. This program addresses the management of our natural water resources and provides students with the tools to address treatment and remediation of contaminated systems. This concentration offers preparation for careers or graduate work involving field sampling, pollutant analysis, site assessment, and treatment technologies.

Major in Environmental Science and Technology

Director: John DiVincenzo

Environmental Science and Technology (EST) is an interdisciplinary major offered in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences. The broad-based curriculum offers coursework in the natural sciences, life sciences, mathematics, agriculture, technology, and the arts. Four concentrations in environmental areas—Energy Technology, Environmental Health and Safety, Planning and Site Analysis, and Water Resources—are available to allow the student to pursue an area of interest.

No minor is required but is encouraged for EST students. Courses that are part of a student’s major cannot be used in a minor. The requirements for a major in Environmental Science and Technology can be obtained from the director of the program and include an EST core, 30 hours in General Education outside of the math and science areas, and several hours in an identified specialty or concentration. Each of the concentrations has its own advisor.

Typical employment opportunities exist in the various levels of governmental agencies and as environmental consultants in manufacturing, construction, and agricultural industries in such areas as air and water quality control, environmental analysis, recycling, hazardous and solid waste management, and noise.

Courses are offered by Agribusiness and Agriscience, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Technology, and Geosciences.

Students are encouraged to pursue opportunities offered through the Center for Energy Efficiency and the CLEAR Water Institute. The center promotes energy economics and environmental awareness and stewardship for students, faculty, administrators, and others in the community. Through interaction with local, state, and federal associations, the center offers certification seminars, educational and training opportunities, and leadership in achieving energy management and efficiency goals. The institute is an interdisciplinary group of scientists that address environmental issues related to water quality. Undergraduate research opportunities exist.

Students should consult their advisors each semester to plan their schedules.

NOTE: The specific requirements and characteristics of the concentrations are under review.

Selection of courses available to EST students

ABAS 3340 - Soil 3 credit hours
ABAS 3370 - Soil Analysis 3 credit hours
ABAS 4370 - Soil and Water Conservation 3 credit hours
BIOL 2230 - Microbiology 4 credit hours AND
BIOL 2231 - Microbiology Lab 0 credit hours
BIOL 3050 - Parasitology 3 credit hours AND
BIOL 3051 - Parasitology Lab 0 credit hours
BIOL 3220 - Environmental Regulations and Compliance 3 credit hours
BIOL 3400 - General Ecology 4 credit hours AND
BIOL 3401 - General Ecology Lab 0 credit hours
BIOL 4080 - Mycology 4 credit hours AND
BIOL 4081 - Mycology Lab 0 credit hours
BIOL 4250 - Limnology 4 credit hours AND
BIOL 4251 - Limnology Lab 0 credit hours
BIOL 4570 - Principles of Toxicology 3 credit hours AND
BIOL 4571 - Principles of Toxicology Lab 0 credit hours
BIOL 4590 - Principles of Environmental Toxicology 4 credit hours
CHEM 2030 - Elements of Organic Chemistry 4 credit hours AND
CHEM 2031 - Elements of Organic Chemistry Lab 0 credit hours
CHEM 2230 - Quantitative Analysis 5 credit hours AND
CHEM 2231 - Quantitative Analysis Lab 0 credit hours
CHEM 4230 - Instrumental Analysis 4 credit hours AND
CHEM 4231 - Instrumental Analysis Lab 0 credit hours
CHEM 4600 - Introduction to Environmental Chemistry 3 credit hours
CHEM 4610 - Environmental Chemistry 3 credit hours
CHEM 4630 - Detection of Chemical Pollutants 4 credit hours AND
CHEM 4631 - Detection of Chemical Pollutants Lab 0 credit hours
EST 2810 - Introduction to Environmental Science 3 credit hours
EST 4770 - Pollution Control Technology 3 credit hours
EST 4810 - Energy and the Environment 3 credit hours
EST 4820 - Solar Building Design 3 credit hours
EST 4840 - Energy Auditing 3 credit hours
ET 4420 - Industrial Safety 3 credit hours
ET 4440 - Fire Safety 3 credit hours
ET 4450 - Industrial Hygiene 3 credit hours
GEOG 4530 - Geographic Information Systems 3 credit hours
GEOL 4130 - Hydrogeology 4 credit hours