ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Program List

Associate in Science Degree

This program is intended for students with an interest in environmental science, environmental biology, soil science, environmental health, environmental monitoring, sustainable agriculture/horticulture, and resource economics. This program provides students with a strong background in the basic sciences as well as introduces them to the interdisciplinary concepts of environmental risk, assessment, and management. Students enrolled in the Environmental Science program prepare to transfer into Bachelor of Science degrees such as those offered through the College of Agricultural and Natural Resources at UCONN, the School of Arts and Sciences at Central Connecticut State University, the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Western Connecticut State University, and many other college and university programs across the state, region, and country. This program is intended to assist students in pursuing a career in environmental research, consulting, monitoring, remediation, and oversight.

Advisor: Tara Jo Holmberg, tholmberg@nwcc.commnet.edu , 860-738-6363
General Education Requirements
  ENG*101 Composition 3

Literature or Communication

 ENG*102 Literature & Composition 3
Behavioral Science   Behavioral Science Elective 3
Humanities/ Arts   Humanities or Art Elective 3
Mathematics MAT*137
MAT*186		 Intermediate Algebra OR
Precalculus 		 3 (4)
Natural/ Physical Science Bio*121 General Biology I 4
Social Science ECN*101 Principles of Macroeconomics 3
Liberal Arts COM*173 Public Speaking 3
      25 (26)
Program Requirements
 

BIO*122

 General Biology II 4
  BIO*235 Microbiology 4
  CHE*121 General Chemistry 4
  CSC*102 Introduction to Computer Science 3
  EVS*100 Intro To Environmental Science 3
  HIS*201
HIS*202		 US History I OR
US History II		 3
  MAT*167 Statistics with Technology 3
  HPE* Physical Education Elective 1
  HPE* Physical Education Elective 1
      26
Specialized Program Requirements
  CHE*122 General Chemistry II 4
    Lab Science Elective 4
    Elective 3
      11
    Total 62(63)

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate basic laboratory skills and a working knowledge of safety procedures.
  2. Understand and be able to apply the scientific method of inquiry.
  3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis.
  4. Explain the principles of evolution, ecology and natural selection.
  5. Understand basic cellular and organismal biological principles.
  6. Demonstrate basic understanding of chemical concepts, chemical formulas, compounds, reactions and basic acid/base theory.
  7. Explain principles of solution chemistry.
  8. Explain principles governing gases.
  9. Demonstrate a basic understanding of field sampling, soil composition and pH testing.
  10. Understand the fundamental scientific principles surrounding environmental issues.
  11. Define the term environment and identify some important environmental concerns we face today.
  12. Evaluate the major environmental risks we face and how risk assessment and risk acceptability are determined.
  13. Identify the importance of wicked problems, resilience, and adaptive management in environmental planning.
  14. Transfer to a four year program in Environmental Science.