Environmental Sciences Major: Soil and Watersheds Option (B.S.)

Program Overview

The University of New Hampshire's Environmental Sciences program offers a comprehensive understanding of environmental processes and their interactions with human activities. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, field and laboratory experiences, and effective communication, the program prepares students for careers in environmental consulting, monitoring, research, and policy. Graduates are well-equipped to address complex environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable solutions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Description:

The University of New Hampshire's College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA) and the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) jointly offer a bachelor of science degree in environmental sciences. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field concerned with interactions between biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape the environment and control natural systems' response to human activities. Students graduating from this program will understand these processes, gain experience working in interdisciplinary teams to apply their knowledge, and develop effective communication skills for both scientific and lay audiences. The program provides significant experience with field, laboratory, and analytical methods relevant to professional environmental science positions, along with a basic understanding of environmental policy. UNH is recognized for its leadership in environmental sciences research, and the program capitalizes on faculty expertise in areas such as biogeochemical cycling, environmental chemistry, ecosystem science, global change, hydrology, plant ecology, soil science, and water resource management.

Objective:

The Environmental Sciences program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape the environment and control natural systems' responses to human activities. The program emphasizes developing students' abilities to work in interdisciplinary teams, apply their knowledge to real-world environmental issues, and effectively communicate their findings to both scientific and lay audiences.

Outline:

Core Curriculum:

• Discovery & Writing Program Requirements: Required
• Foreign Language Requirement: None
• Major Requirements:
• Scope of the Major (Introduction - 3 Courses):
NR 400, NR 403, NR 435 or NR 437
• The Scientific Basis (Foundation - 7 Courses):
BIOL 412, CHEM 403, 405, or 411, NR 561 or CHEM 404, PHYS 401 or 407, BIOL 411, 402, or PHYS 402, 408, MATH 424B or 425, BIOL 528 or EREC 525
• Earth and its Systems (Core - 6 Courses):
ESCI 401, 402, or 409, NR 504, NR 501, ESCI 514, GEOG 473, or 670, BIOL 541 or NR 527, 660, or MEFB 530, 674
• Human Dimensions:
NR 602, NR 662, NR 507, NR 784, or MEFB 702
• Environmental Toolkit (Methods - 2 Courses):
ESCI 534, NR 658, ESCI 777, FORT 581, NR 757, ESCI 778, NR 707, or NR 713
• Soil and Watershed Systems (Advanced Topics –5 courses –20 credits):
NR 761, NR 706, NR 703, NR 730, 751, 661, MEFB 508, NR 744, ESCI 642, NR 743, ESCI 654, 705, 710, 747, CEE 796, or 754
• Integration and Research (The Capstone Experience):
NR 663, NR 786, NR 795, or NR 799
• Individualization of Education (19 Credits): Courses selected with advisor guidance to align with student interests and career goals, potentially including minors, dual majors, study abroad programs, research projects, or internships.

Assessment:

• Performance on exams, labs, and written assignments throughout the program.
• Projects and research papers in capstone courses.
• Capstone project evaluating students' ability to synthesize knowledge, solve environmental problems, and communicate findings effectively.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced faculty from COLSA and CEPS with expertise in environmental sciences, including biogeochemical cycling, environmental chemistry, ecosystem science, global change, hydrology, plant ecology, soil science, and water resource management.
• The program emphasizes hands-on learning through field and laboratory work, and provides opportunities for students to engage in research projects and internships.
• The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork through group projects and research experiences.

Careers:

• Graduates of the Environmental Sciences program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:
• Environmental consulting firms
• Educational facilities (e.g., science centers)
• Environmental monitoring laboratories (e.g., water treatment plants, the Environmental Protection Agency)
• Government agencies (e.g., the U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resource Conservation Service)
• University and government research laboratories
• Nongovernmental environmental organizations
• The program also provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in environmental sciences or related fields.