Environmental Science, Biology Emphasis, BS

Introduction

The Environmental Biology emphasis focuses on field and laboratory approaches to environmental problems such as the conservation of rare or declining species or the restoration of degraded habitats. Environmental Biology stands apart from a traditional biology degree in the way that it integrates interdisciplinary core courses with a mission-oriented, problem-solving methodology. Students completing this major have the analytical skills and technical background necessary to compete in the job market for environmental biology positions or to continue with advanced studies in a graduate program.

Admissions  

Program Length

Four years for a complete BS degree.  Two years for students transferring in with an AAOT degree.  Program length may vary depending upon the student’s course load and academic progress.

Program Learning Outcomes

A student completing a major in Environmental Science, Biology Emphasis, shall demonstrate the ability to:

• Apply the scientific method and quantitative techniques to describe, monitor, investigate and understand environmental systems.
• Use interdisciplinary approaches such as ecology, economics, ethics and policy to identify and devise solutions to environmental problems.
• Be proficient in ecological methods such as wildlife/botanical survey, biodiversity assessment, mathematical modeling, geospatial analysis & monitoring of species/systems.
• Use technology such as geographical information systems and computer programming, to assist in problem solving.
• Effectively understand and convey scientific material from peer-reviewed sources

Baccalaureate Degree Core

Baccalaureate Degree Core Requirements   

Major Requirements

• ENV 100 - Environmental Studies Seminar 1 credit(s)
• ENV 200 - Sustainability Science 4 credit(s)
• ENV 270 - Geospatial Analysis using GIS 4 credit(s)
• ENV 340 - Restoration Ecology 4 credit(s)
• ENV 380W - Environmental Problem Solving 2 credit(s)
• ENV 424 - Conservation Biology 4 credit(s)
• ENV 490 - Capstone Experience 2 credit(s)
• ENV 495 - Research 1-6 credit(s) 2 credits required
• BIOL 200 - Intro Biology: Flow of Energy 4 credit(s)
• BIOL 200L - Intro Biology: Flow of Energy Lab 0 credit(s)
• BIOL 201 - Intro Biology: Flow of Information 4 credit(s)
• BIOL 201L - Intro Biology: Flow of Info Lab 0 credit(s)
• BIOL 314 - Molecular Genetics Laboratory 2 credit(s)
• BIOL 315 - Evolution & Biodiversity 4 credit(s)

• or

• BIOL 317 - Genetics 4 credit(s)
• BIOL 404 - Ecology 4 credit(s)
• CHEM 220 - General Chemistry I 4 credit(s)
• CHEM 230 - General Chemistry II 4 credit(s)
• CS 130 - Introduction to Software Tools 2 credit(s)

Restrictions:

In order to receive an Environmental Science degree with an emphasis in Biology from Pacific University, a student must complete ENV 490 - Capstone Experience , and at least 3 upper-division courses. Students cannot receive a degree in both Environmental Science (biology emphasis) and Biology.

Recommended:

It is strongly recommended that students include the following courses as part of their curriculum in order to have a solid environmental biology foundation:

• Introductory Physics or General Physics
• An introductory statistics course
• Calculus I and II