Overview

The Minor in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program, administered jointly by the Department of Civil Engineering and the Department of Natural Sciences. It gives students the opportunity to examine environmental issues from a variety of perspectives. The knowledge of major environmental science issues is central to theories and research in chemistry, biology, civil engineering, as well as social science, business, and public policy. The purpose of this program is to provide students with the broad conceptual framework of environmental issues and to offer a new global vision of this interesting discipline.

The Minor in Environmental Science aims at providing quality education to interested students and enriching their knowledge in existing global environmental issues and problems. It exposes them to important issues related to environmental problems and their causes, including ecosystems and how they work, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, species extinction, air pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, solid waste disposal, and renewable energy. Concepts in environmental ethics, management and policies concerning preservation of the environment will also be provided. Additionally, it covers topics related to the study of natural and non-natural chemical and microbiological substances in the environment and their transformations, ending with remediation to most of environmental pollution issues.

Program Educational Objectives

The Minor in Environmental Science aims at providing students with

1. an understanding of the social, economic, political and legal framework of environmental issues,
2. sufficient background to be able to collect, analyze and formulate possible solutions to environmental problems,
3. an understanding of the intertwining effects and impacts of human activities on the world vital natural resources, and
4. better job market opportunities.

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the Minor in Environmental Science, students will

a. understand the underlying concepts and principles associated with environmental science,
b. identify sources of water, soil and air pollutants,
c. demonstrate familiarity with the practical/field dimensions of a range of environmental problems and issues,
d. understand the interrelationships between society, economy and environment,
e. critically review environmental impact assessment reports,
f. discuss remediation strategies of a variety of environmental contaminants, and
g. recognize potential harmful role of human being in shaping the environment.

Curriculum

Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits, as per the following:

• Core Courses (9 cr)
• Elective Courses (9 cr)

Core Courses (9 cr)

• ENV200 Introduction to Environmental Science (3 cr)
• ENV402 Environmental Policy and Management (3 cr)¹
• ENV422 Environmental Impact Assessment (3 cr)²

¹or CIE525 Environmental Policy and Management (3 cr)
²or CIE522 Environmental Impact Assessment (3 cr)

Elective Courses (9 Cr)

• BIO203 Introduction to Ecology (3 cr)³
• CHM340 Environmental Chemistry (3 cr)
• CIE424 Water Distribution and Treatment (3 cr)
• CIE426 Wastewater Collection and Treatment (3 cr)
• CIE520 Solid Waste Management (3 cr)
• CIE585 Risk and Natural Hazard Management (3 cr)
• ENV423 Environmental Microbiology (3 cr)
• ENV426 Environmental Remediation (3 cr)⁴
• ENV427 Environmental Physics (3 cr)

³For Engineering students, this course may replace ENV200.
For Biology students, this course may be substituted it with BIO331 Ecology.
For Civil Engineering students, CIE courses are considered as CIE Technical Elective courses.

⁴or CIE526 Environmental Remediation (3 cr)