Overview
The Minor in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program administered jointly by the Department of Civil Engineering and the Department of Natural Sciences. This program is designed to offer students a comprehensive conceptual framework for understanding environmental issues from a global perspective. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students gain insights into the complex interactions between human activities and the environment, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to address contemporary environmental challenges.
Mission
The Minor in Environmental Science aims at providing a quality education to students interested in enriching their knowledge of existing global environmental issues and problems. It exposes them to important issues related to environmental problems and their causes. Concepts in environmental ethics, management and policies concerning the preservation of the environment are also provided. Additionally, the program covers topics related to the study of natural and non-natural chemical and microbiological substances in the environment and their transformations and discusses methods of remediation to most environmental pollution issues.
Program Objectives
The Minor in Environmental Science aims at providing students with:
- an understanding of the social, economic, political and legal framework of environmental issues,
- sufficient background to be able to collect, analyze and formulate possible solutions to environmental problems,
- an understanding of the intertwining effects and impacts of human activities on the world’s vital natural resources, and
- better job market opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Minor in Environmental Science, students will:
- understand the underlying concepts and principles associated with environmental science,
- identify sources of water, soil and air pollutants,
- demonstrate familiarity with the practical/field dimensions of a range of environmental problems and issues,
- understand the interrelationships between society, economy and environment,
- critically review environmental impact assessment reports,
- discuss remediation strategies of a variety of environmental contaminants, and
- recognize the potential harmful role of human beings in shaping the environment.
Curriculum
Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits, distributed as follows:
- Core Courses (9 cr.)
- Elective Courses (9 cr.)
Core Courses (9 credits)
- ENV200 Introduction to Environmental Science (3 cr.)
- ENV402/ CIE525 Environmental Policy & Management (3 cr.)
- ENV422/ CIE522 Environmental Impact Assessment (3 cr.)
Elective Courses (9 credits)
- BIO331 Ecology (3 cr.)1
- CHM340 Environmental Chemistry (3 cr.)
- CIE424 Water Distribution & Treatment (3 cr.)
- CIE426 Wastewater Collection & Treatment (3 cr.)
- CIE520 Solid Waste Management (3 cr.)
- CIE585 Risk & Natural Hazard Management (3 cr.)
- ENV423/ CIE527 Environmental Microbiology (3 cr.)
- ENV426/ CIE526 Environmental Remediation (3 cr.)
- ENV427 Environmental Physics (3 cr.)
1 For Biology Students
For Civil Engineering students, CIE courses are considered as CIE Technical Elective courses.
