Environmental Science (BS)

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Affiliation: School of Sciences & Mathematics

Environmental Science explores the interaction between natural systems and organisms, including humans. Majors examine topics from multiple disciplines including biology, chemistry, agricultural science, economics, political science, and environmental studies. A degree in Environmental Science trains students to be interdisciplinary thinkers that can solve local and global environmental issues that intersect science, technology, and public policy. Graduates depart ready to address modern challenges associated with environmental change. The major builds a foundation in core natural and social science courses (Parts I and II) before providing flexibility in upper division elective courses (Part III). In this manner, students can prepare for careers related to conservation management, ecology, sustainability, environmental justice, community engagement, and many others.

Conducting research is a core component of the environmental science major. Initial training in experimental design, programming, and statistics are provided in the foundation courses sequence. All majors conduct a service-based learning experience with the Truman or Kirksville communities to develop practical, data driven solutions on topics such as waste management, emissions reductions or land use change (ENVS 332 ). Upper-division students have multiple avenues to expand on research either through independent studies under faculty supervision (e.g., AGSC 441 , BIOL 441 , CHEM 441 , ENVS 473 ) or internships with local or national organizations working on environmental issues (e.g., ENVS 471-472).

Facilities accessible to environmental science students include the Truman Farm, research and computer labs, chemistry instrumentation equipment (including high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance), as well as classrooms designed to facilitate a variety of teaching and learning approaches. Students may choose to get involved with on-campus organizations associated with environmental science, such as the Truman Sustainability Office or student groups including the Environmental Campus Organization, the Student Climate Union, the Wildlife Association, Save the Bees, and more.

COMMUNICATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Effective communication is a critical skill for any science major, but it is particularly relevant for environmental scientists tasked with conveying complex topics to other scientists as well as policymakers, members of the general public, or representatives from industry or non-profits. Within foundation courses, students practice deconstructing complex scientific concepts to distinct audiences (BIOL 104 ) and explore mechanisms to combat misinformation in a digitized world (ENVS 200). As a writing-enhanced course, ENVS 200 also teaches students how to construct an argument, find supporting evidence, and propose solutions to pressing challenges. As upperclassmen, students complete at least one service-based learning experience that unites research and public outreach around community environmental issues (ENVS 332 ).

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

There are four requirements to earn departmental honors in Environmental Science:

The student must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or greater upon graduation.
The student must develop and conduct an independent research project under the supervision of a Truman faculty member. If a research project is conducted externally (e.g. with city government or a summer program), a Truman faculty member should be consulted during all phases of the project.
Upon completion of the independent research project, a written manuscript of publishable quality in journal style will be submitted to the supervising faculty member. The manuscript must be approved by two additional faculty members based on quality, depth, and analysis.
The student must present either an oral or poster presentation at a local, regional, or national meeting. Truman’s Student Research Conference is an acceptable outlet, provided the student gives an oral presentation.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

Dialogues Requirements: 42-61 Credits

Missouri Statute: 0-4 credits

Major Requirements: 65 Credits

Majors must complete all courses listed under Part I (Required Support) and Part II (Major Requirements). Courses in Part I also count towards Dialogues requirements. Part III (Major Electives) are broken into four sections (1-4); students must earn at least 3 credit hours from each section, and accumulate at least 16 cumulative credit hours in sections 1-4. A final grade of “D” or “F” does not earn credit towards the major in any course listed in Parts I-III.

Part I: Required Support: 16 Credits

CHEM 130 - Chemical Principles I Credit(s): 4
CHEM 131 - Chemical Principles II Credit(s): 4
ECON 201 - Principles of Microeconomics Credit(s): 3
MATH 198 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Credit(s): 5

Part II: Major Requirements: 33 Credits

AGSC 314 - Principles of Soil Science Credit(s): 4
BIOL 104 - Ecology and Evolution of the Organism Credit(s): 4
BIOL 107 - Cells, Molecules, and Genes Credit(s): 4
BIOL 301 - Introduction to Ecology Credit(s): 4
ENVS 200 - Introduction to Environmental Studies Credit(s): 3
ENVS 210 - Environmental Science Credit(s): 4
ENVS 332 - Grassroots Environmentalism Credit(s): 3
ENVS 480 - Seminar in Environmental Studies Credit(s): 1
GEOG 320 - Geographic Information Science Credit(s): 3
BIOL 345 - Introduction to Mathematical Biology Credit(s): 3
OR BIOL 502 - Biometry Credit(s): 3
OR STAT 331 - Biostatistics Credit(s): 3

Part III: Major Electives: 16 Credits

3 credit hours or more must be earned in each section 1-4.

Note:

Independent research (e.g. AGSC 441-442, BIOL 441-444, CHEM 441-443, ENVS 473), if related to environmental science, may also count towards section 4 upon approval.