Environmental Program
Albert Einstein reportedly defined the environment as “everything that isn’t me.” This commonsense, working definition also suggests the scope and complexity of the environmental issues facing us today. Understanding, and eventually solving, the many environmental challenges of our world increasingly require a working knowledge of a variety of disciplines. As a result, the Environmental Program at King’s College is designed to provide a diverse group of students with the knowledge base to confront these challenges. If current or future students have any question about the Environmental Program at King's College please contact Dr. Brian Mangan, the Program Director.
Our curricula emphasize a holistic approach from many different perspectives, including many from outside the traditional sciences that usually comprise environmental programs. Our majors draw upon courses from a number of fields, including the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities and the arts. Students choosing this program will be exposed to a variety of learning settings and strategies, including foundational and advanced classes and laboratories, problem-based learning, and experiential learning. In addition, a significant portion of the curriculum occurs in field settings, including immersion courses at remote sites that are focused on ecosystems such as the Adirondack Park, Chesapeake Bay, and the tropical forests of Peru.
The Environmental Program offers students a choice of two environmental majors.
Both majors will prepare students interested in continuing their education through graduate studies or professional school. Sufficient variability exists within both majors so that courses can be tailored to meet a student’s interests and career path. Majors also have the option of pursing concentrations in Environmental Policy and Wildlife Conservation.
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The Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies is designed to prepare students for careers in environmental management, economics, advocacy, policy and law.
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The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science will prepare students for careers in environmental research and technology, and environmental resource management.
Environmental Studies Planner 2011-2012 (PDF File)
Environmenatl Studies Planner 2012-2013 (PDF File)
Environmental Science Planner 2011-2012 (PDF File)
Environmental Science Planner 2013-2013 (PDF File)
Environmental Program Newsletter (PDF File)
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Degree Requirements
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
B.A. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
(13 COURSES — 42 CREDITS *denotes cross-listing as Core courses)
ENST 200 Earth Science (3)
ENST 201* Environmental Science I (4; cross-listed as Core 270)
ENST 202* Environmental Science II (4; cross-listed as Core 274)
ENST 355 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (3)
ENST 360 Environmental Law (3)
ENST 314 Environmental Sociology (3)
ENST 370 Environmental Seminar (3)
ENST 410 Environmental Sampling and Analysis (3)
ENST 452 Environmental Policy (3)
ECON 112 Principles of Economics: Micro (3)
MATH 128 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis (4)
SOC 312 Dynamics of Population (3)
One of the following:
ENST 490 Independent Study of Environmental Issues (3)
ENST 491 Environmental Research (3 or more)
ENST 499 Environmental Internship (3)
In addition, students must complete seven of the following major electives to match their individual career goals (at least two must be from the ENST 401 series):
BIOL 314 Microbiology (4)
BIOL 349 Animal Behavior (4)
BIOL 430 Ecology (4)
CORE 164 Environmental Literature (3; counts also as a CORE requirement)
CORE 284 Environmental Ethics (3: counts also as a CORE requirement)
ECON 356 Economic Development and International Geography (3)
ECON 493 Women, Poverty, and the Environment (3)
ENST 350* Environmental Art (3; cross-listed as Core 177E)
ENST 367 Environmental Psychology (3)
ENST 310 Computer Modeling in Biology and Environmental Science (3)
ENST 401A Conservation Biology (3)
ENST 401B Wildlife Natural History (4)
ENST 401C Wildlife Ecology & Management (3)
ENST 401D Ecotoxicology (4)
ENST 401E Wildlife Techniques (4)
ENST 401F Water Quality Analysis (4)
ENST 401G Tropical Ecology (3)
ENST 401H Chesapeake Bay Ecology (4)
ENST 401I Adirondack Park Ecology (4)
ENST 401J Environmental Management (3)
ENST 401K Wetland Ecology and Delineation (3)
ENST 401L Environmental Health (3)
ENST 401M Tropical Ecosystems: Peru (3)
PS 232 Public Administration (3)
PS 352 Policy Analysis (3)
SOC 212 Social Problems (3)
SOC 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
WMST 190P Global Health Issues and Problems (3)
MINOR REQUIREMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
(6 COURSES — 20 CREDITS)
ENST 201* Environmental Science I (4)
ENST 202* Environmental Science II (4)
Four additional courses from the major elective courses listed above for the B.A.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Degree Requirements
B.S. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (14 COURSES — 53 CREDITS)
ENST 201* Environmental Science I (4)
ENST 202* Environmental Science II (4)
ENST 370 Environmental Seminar (1-3)
ENST 410 Environmental Sampling and Analysis (3)
BIOL 113 Evolution and Diversity (4)
BIOL 210 Organisms and Their Ecosystems (4)
CHEM 113 General Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 114 General Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 241 Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 242 Organic Chemistry II (4)
PHYS 111 General Physics I (4)
PHYS 112 General Physics II (4)
MATH 128 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis (4)
One of the following:
ENST 490 Independent Study of Environmental Issues (3)
ENST 491 Environmental Research (3 or more)
ENST 499 Environmental Internship (3)
In addition, students must complete six of the following major electives to match their individual career goals (at least two must be from the ENST 401 series):
BIOL 314 Microbiology (4)
BIOL 233 Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
BIOL 349 Animal Behavior (4)
BIOL 430 Ecology (4)
CHEM 243 Analytical Chemistry (5)
CHEM 244 Instrumental Analysis (5)
ENST 200 Earth and Space Science (3)
ENST 355 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (3)
ENST 310 Computer Modeling in Biology and Environmental Science (3)
ENST 401A Conservation Biology (3)
ENST 401B Wildlife Ecology & Management (3)
ENST 401C Ecotoxicology (4)
ENST 401D Wildlife Techniques (3)
ENST 401E Environmental Compliance (3)
ENST 401F Water Quality Analysis (3)
ENST 401G Tropical Ecology (3)
ENST 401H Chesapeake Bay (3)
ENST 401I Adirondack Ecology (4)
ENST 401J Environmental Management (3)
ENST 401K Wetland Ecology and Delineation (3)
ENST 401L Environmental Health (3)
ENST 410 Ecological/Environmental Sampling and Analysis (3)
ENST 452 Environmental Policy (3)
SOC 312 Dynamics of Population (3)
CONCENTRATIONS
(4 COURSES FOR EACH CONCENTRATION)
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
ENST 260 Environmental Law (3; required)
ENST 452 Environmental Policy (3; required)
PS 232 Public Administration (3)
PS 231 American Intergovernmental Relations (3)
PS 333 State Politics (3)
PS 351 Municipal Administration (3)
PS 352 Politics of Policymaking (3)
PS 425 Political Behavior (3)
ECON 356 Economic Development and International Geography (3)
ECON 493 Women, Poverty, and the Environment (3)
ENST 314 Environmental Sociology (3)
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
ENST 401B Wildlife Natural History (4; required)
ENST 401C Wildlife Ecology & Management (3; required)
ENST 401E Wildlife Techniques (4)
ENST 401A Conservation Biology (3)
ENST 401D Ecotoxicology (4)
BIOL 349 Animal Behavior (4)
BIOL 430 Ecology (4)
Course Descriptions
ENST 200 — Earth and Space Science (3)
Introduction to the formation and function of the earth and other planets in the solar system. Emphasis is given to basic geology, meteorology and climatology associated with our planet. 3 lecture hours.
ENST 201 — Environmental Science I (4)
Introduction to concepts and principles of environmental science. Through a combination of field and laboratory experiences students will be introduced to methods for assessing and monitoring the environmental health of ecosystems. Topics for discussion include weather and climate, biodiversity, ecosystem management, energy transfer and balance, population growth, bioremediation, and environmental toxicology. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.
ENST 202 — Environmental Science II (4)
Introduction to the environmental issues and problems. Topics will include energy, global warming, water resources, toxic wastes, ozone depletion, and renewable and non-renew- able resources. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.
ENST 255 — Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (3)
A hands-on approach to learning and using GIS software packages. Emphasis is on effective-user interfacing as well as GIS terminology and application. Cross-listed as CIS 255
ENST 260 — Environmental Law (3)
This course investigates various laws in the United States and their impacts on environmental protection. The student will examine numerous case studies drawn from both local and global environmental problems. Prerequisites for Environmental majors are ENST 201, 202, however, these prerequisites do not necessarily apply to students outside of the Environmental Program. Interested students should consult with the program director.
ENST 310 — Computer Modeling in Biology and Environmental Science (3)
The student will learn the basics of how to use a visual-modeling environment, Stella II, to simulate various phenomena in biology, ecology, and environmental science. Computer assignments and models will be tailored to students in their individual major. No computer programming experience is needed and the course is open to any student in the sciences. Cross-listed as BIOL 310.
ENST 314 — Environmental Sociology (3)
Human societies vary tremendously in how they interact with the natural environment, including how they define, use, and allocate natural resources, how social systems have been shaped by climate, space, and the presence of other species, how societies members have viewed their role in the ecosystems, and the manner in which human activities have altered their habitat over time, both intentionally and unintentionally. At the same time, there has been less variation in how the consequences of environmental degradation and misallocation of resources are experienced; within and across societies, the consequences of poor environmental stewardship tend to be suffered disproportionately by the less
privileged members of local and global social orders. In this course, we will explore the relationship between humans and the environment throughout history and across the globe,
with particular attention to environmental justice issues, the emergence of environmental consciousness and cultures, and the interaction between environmental, economic, and
social components of “sustainability.”
ENST 350 — Environmental Art (3)
This course is an exploration of the environment through artistic media. The goal of this course is to encourage students to connect to the environment through art. Students will be encouraged to pursue this environmental connection through numerous artistic
avenues including drawing, painting, writing, photography, sculpture, and woodcraft. In addition, students are welcome to bring other environmental media to the course. Cross-listed as Core 177.
ENST 370 — Environmental Seminar (1-3)
The Environmental Seminar is the setting for the Sophomore/Junior Diagnostic Project, a screening device used by Environmental faculty to determine the ability of students to transfer critical thinking and effective communication skills to a selected question. The seminar can involve literature review, case studies, or an actual environmental project with a significant service-learning component. The Seminar provides students with a better understanding of the training needed for success in the environmental field. Prerequisites for Environmental majors are ENST 201 and 202.
ENST 401A-K — Special Environmental Courses (3-4)
Selected topics in environmental science/ studies. Courses A, B, E G, and J are primarily lecture format. Courses C, D, F, and K contain a significant lab and/or field component; courses H and I are week-long immersion courses. Topics include:
A) Conservation Biology (3) An introduction to the loss, restoration, and maintenance of the Earth’s biological diversity.
B) Wildlife Ecology and Management (3) The study of the interrelationships between wildlife and their environments with an emphasis on human management of wildlife resources.
C) Ecotoxicology (4) An introduction to the science that investigates the effects of pollutants and toxins on the ecology of individuals, populations and communities of organisms.
D) Wildlife Techniques (3) A field course designed to expose students to basic research techniques used in the study of wildlife.
E) Environmental Compliance (3) A course devoted to understanding and fulfilling the demands of environmental legislation and permitting.
F) Water Quality Analysis (3) A lab course that introduces students to the biological and chemical analysis of fresh water.
G) Tropical Ecology (3) An introduction to the interrelationships between organisms and their environments in the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet.
H) Chesapeake Bay Ecology (4) An immersion course focused on the history, geology, economy and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, taught by King’s faculty in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Students will spend a week at the bay in a CBF residential facility.
I) Adirondack Park Ecology (4) Students spend a week with King’s faculty in the Adirondack Park at the Adirondack Ecological Center, studying the history, economy, and ecology of the Park.
J) Environmental Management (3) An introduction to the field of environmental management, including interviews with practicing environmental professionals.
K) Wetland Ecology & Delineation (3) A course focused on the interrelationships of wetlands and the methods used to delineate their boundaries.
Environmental majors are required to take ENST 201 and 202 as prerequisite courses for the ENST 401 courses. However, these prerequisites do not necessarily apply to students outside of the Environmental Program. Interested students should consult with the Environmental Program director. Some of these courses are cross-listed as BIOL 401.
ENST 410 — Ecological/Environmental Sampling and Analysis (3)
Introduction to methods of sampling and analysis in the environmental field. Topics include the design of a sampling program, methods of sample collection, and the statistical analysis of sampling data. Prerequisites for Environmental majors are ENST 201, 202, and MATH 126 or 128. However, these prerequisites do not necessarily apply to students outside of the Environmental Program. Interested students should consult with the program director.
ENST 452 – Environmental Policy (3)
An examination of the different facets of environmental policy. For more detail see the description for PS 452 in the Political Science section of this catalog.
ENST 490 — Independent Study in Environmental Issues (3-4)
This course can be completed with any faculty member involved in Environmental Studies, and can take the form of a senior thesis, community service, or research. Community service provides students with real world experience in a variety of fields within the broad area of environmental studies. Senior thesis or research allows students to explore specific problems and solutions relate to the environment. Prerequisite: ENST 370.
ENST 491 — Environmental Research (3-6)
Students participate in departmental research projects initiated by faculty. The students work under the direction of faculty conducting independent and original research.
ENST 499 — Internship (3-6)
A full semester or more of field experience designed to give students the opportunity to acquire experience and skills while working with practicing professionals. Students may choose from a variety of internships: government, consulting, research, not-for-profit
organizations, business, industry, and other areas. Scheduling is to be arranged with internship advisor. Approval of Program Director required. A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required for an internship.
Questions? Comments?
Email: Biology@kings.edu