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Environmental Science and Policy Department
Environmental Science and Policy Curricula
The program provides a strong foundation while also having much flexibility. Two larger B.S. concentrations - Science and Policy - allow for different emphasis, while a smaller B.A. degree allows for easy pairing with Marist’s joint Masters program in Adolescence Education. Within each concentration, students may choose from a wide range of courses to meet their interests, goals, and requirements. Three environmental minors are also available. Environmental Science & Policy overlaps with several of the natural and social sciences. Environmental considerations are essential in understanding the biology, behavior, and health of humans and other animals. Our curriculum is beneficial for students interested in zoology, botany, social sciences, liberal arts, business, teaching, and international affairs. Students with interests in these and other fields can apply their concern and interest in the environment in either the Science or Policy concentrations, or in the Environmental Earth Science B.A. degree. Indeed, this program is well suited to dual majors and minors, allowing students to strengthen their undergraduate education and career preparation. Such preparation is also enhanced by our internships and research requirements.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Science Concentration
Examines natural systems, adverse impacts of human activities upon these systems, and how society deals with these impacts. Topics may include ecology; biodiversity; forests and deforestation; human population growth and control; food production and world hunger; energy resources; and water and air pollution. In addition to the science of these topics, related politics, economics, and ethics are discussed.
The nature, composition, and organization of parties and pressure groups; the role played by these two forces in the political process; history and programs of parties and pressure groups will be analyzed. Also, the nature of contemporary voting behavior is examined.
This course focuses on Earth's geologic resources and how they influence man's use of the physical world. Topics include plate tectonics; earthquakes; rock and mineral formation; weathering and erosion; groundwater and surface water; Course Descriptions 213 stratigraphy and energy resources; glaciation and geologic history. Students make observations and measurements and translate them into meaningful data from which inferences can be drawn. Through hands-on experience, students gain skills of map reading, identification of minerals and rocks, interpretation of geologic and topographic maps.
Laboratory to accompany ENSC 210.
This course will provide an introduction to Geographic Information Systems. A Geographic Information System is a series of tools to create, edit, maintain, and analyze maps and data about features that occur over a specific geographic area. The course will detail the terminology, concepts, and applications that are commonly used with GIS. Hands-on training will be provided in the labs for input and edit functions, ad hoc query and analysis functions, and facilities management functions.
Through a heavily field-based, hands-on approach, this course teaches the physical and chemical components and processes of the Earth’s hydrologic cycle and climate systems, in context of biologic and human systems. Topics include above and belowground freshwater systems, weather and climate mechanisms and phenomena, energy fluxes and the structure and dynamics of the land surface, critical zone, oceans, and atmosphere, including their combined influence on the climate regionally and globally, and science communication in context of complex societal topics, such natural resource extraction and climate change. Students will synthesize their understanding through quantitative and spatial analysis, and will advance their abilities in science communication through multiple presentations and written forms of assessment. Through multiple course projects, students will quantitively observe, analyze, solve, and communicate about complex scientific questions, requiring creative synthesis of new and existing information of varying sources– enhancing student’s skills in quantitative observation, information literacy, critical inquiry using scientific thinking, and independent and team-based work on multi-week, multi-deliverable projects.
[Dual listed as BIOL 360]: This course involves the study of the interrelationships among organisms and with their environments. Topics include organism responses to physical and chemical conditions, population growth and regulation, intra- and interspecific competition, herbivory, predation, parasitism, mutualism, community structure, ecosystem productivity, nutrient cycling, and decomposition.
The purpose of this course is to examine the NEPA- and NYS SEQRA-based approaches to environmental impact assessment. Students will learn how to design a statistically acceptable monitoring program; how to collect samples; how to prepare and preserve samples for analyses; and how to interpret environmental data in the assessment of impacts.
Students are required to complete ENSC440 and ENSC441 or ENSC 398 and ENSC399 to satisfy degree requirements.
ENSC 440-441 Research I and II (6 credits)
- Students conduct research in Environmental Science or Policy under the direction of a faculty member. Students make individual arrangements with a faculty member to plan and conduct the study. At the end of her/his work, a written report and a public seminar are presented by the student, which may include a presentation at a scientific conference.
ENSC 398-399 Internship (6 credits)
- The internship is designed to be a pre-professional work-related experience at an off-campus location. Generally taken in the junior or senior year, placements may be obtained within scientific, governmental, or advocacy organizations or with private consulting firms and environmental laboratories. The student intern will be supervised by an on-site professional and by the Environmental Science & Policy internship coordinator. Internships must be approved by the Program Director and the Office of Career Services prior to their commencement.
This is the capping course in Environmental Science & Policy. The course examines the moral implications of human attitudes regarding other species and the environment. This course explores the historical roots and current world views that have generated the present state of widespread environmental degradation. The interrelationship of ecology, economics, sociology, and ethics will also be studied.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Policy Concentration
Examines natural systems, adverse impacts of human activities upon these systems, and how society deals with these impacts. Topics may include ecology; biodiversity; forests and deforestation; human population growth and control; food production and world hunger; energy resources; and water and air pollution. In addition to the science of these topics, related politics, economics, and ethics are discussed.
The nature, composition, and organization of parties and pressure groups; the role played by these two forces in the political process; history and programs of parties and pressure groups will be analyzed. Also, the nature of contemporary voting behavior is examined.
This course will provide an introduction to Geographic Information Systems. A Geographic Information System is a series of tools to create, edit, maintain, and analyze maps and data about features that occur over a specific geographic area. The course will detail the terminology, concepts, and applications that are commonly used with GIS. Hands-on training will be provided in the labs for input and edit functions, ad hoc query and analysis functions, and facilities management functions.
This discussion-based course serves as a forum for students from the Science and Policy concentrations to discuss their perspectives with each other and with faculty. The instructor will choose a theme to guide readings and discussions. Students and the materials they choose will be the primary sources of information. Learning will occur largely through questioning, reasoning, synthesis, and discussion, rather than simply by absorbing information.
[Dual listed as BIOL 360] This course involves the study of the interrelationships among organisms and with their environments. Topics include organism responses to physical and chemical conditions, population growth and regulation, intra- and interspecific competition, herbivory, predation, parasitism, mutualism, community structure, ecosystem productivity, nutrient cycling, and decomposition.
[Dual listed as ECON 305] A policy-oriented examination of the relationship between the economy and the natural environment. Topics include the environmental consequences of economic growth and development; the labor market impacts of environmental legislation; and the economic theories of "public goods" and "social costs."
The purpose of this course is to examine the NEPA- and NYS SEQRA-based approaches to environmental impact assessment. Students will learn how to design a statistically acceptable monitoring program; how to collect samples; how to prepare and preserve samples for analyses; and how to interpret environmental data in the assessment of impacts.
[Dual Listed as POSC 420] This course will cover the constitutional principles, values, and socioeconomic impacts affecting planning; basic planning, land-use, and development practices such as environmental impact statements, master plans, citizen participation; and issues facing environmentally sound planning today.
An overview of current environmental law issues, including impact review, air and water quality, solid and hazardous waste, and toxic substances. Emphasis on federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements, and case-law interpretation.
Students are required to complete ENSC440 and ENSC441 or ENSC 398 and ENSC399 to satisfy degree requirements.
ENSC 440-441 Research I and II (6 credits)
- Students conduct research in Environmental Science or Policy under the direction of a faculty member. Students make individual arrangements with a faculty member to plan and conduct the study. At the end of her/his work, a written report and a public seminar are presented by the student, which may include a presentation at a scientific conference.
ENSC 398-399 Internship (6 credits)
- The internship is designed to be a pre-professional work-related experience at an off-campus location. Generally taken in the junior or senior year, placements may be obtained within scientific, governmental, or advocacy organizations or with private consulting firms and environmental laboratories. The student intern will be supervised by an on-site professional and by the Environmental Science & Policy internship coordinator. Internships must be approved by the Program Director and Marist Center for Career Services prior to their commencement.
This is the capping course in Environmental Science & Policy. The course examines the moral implications of human attitudes regarding other species and the environment. This course explores the historical roots and current world views that have generated the present state of widespread environmental degradation. The interrelationship of ecology, economics, sociology, and ethics will also be studied.
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Earth Science
Examines natural systems, adverse impacts of human activities upon these systems, and how society deals with these impacts. Topics may include ecology; biodiversity; forests and deforestation; human population growth and control; food production and world hunger; energy resources; and water and air pollution. In addition to the science of these topics, related politics, economics, and ethics are discussed.
The nature, composition, and organization of parties and pressure groups; the role played by these two forces in the political process; history and programs of parties and pressure groups will be analyzed. Also, the nature of contemporary voting behavior is examined.
This course focuses on Earth's geologic resources and how they influence man's use of the physical world. Topics include plate tectonics; earthquakes; rock and mineral formation; weathering and erosion; groundwater and surface water; stratigraphy and energy resources; glaciation and geologic history. Students make observations and measurements and translate them into meaningful data from which inferences can be drawn. Through hands-on experience, students gain skills of map reading, identification of minerals and rocks, interpretation of geologic and topographic maps.
Laboratory to accompany ENSC 210.
This course will provide an introduction to Geographic Information Systems. A Geographic Information System is a series of tools to create, edit, maintain, and analyze maps and data about features that occur over a specific geographic area. The course will detail the terminology, concepts, and applications that are commonly used with GIS. Hands-on training will be provided in the labs for input and edit functions, ad hoc query and analysis functions, and facilities management functions.
Through a heavily field-based, hands-on approach, this course teaches the physical and chemical components and processes of the Earth’s hydrologic cycle and climate systems, in context of biologic and human systems. Students will advance their abilities in science communication through multiple presentations and other written forms of environmental deliverables, including social media.
[Dual taught as ENSC 360] This course involves the study of the interrelationships among organisms and the environment. Topics include interactions of biological, physical, and chemical conditions. Emphasis is on systems-scale thinking, and numerically-based approaches to understanding these systems, applied through local fieldwork and global theories.
Students are required to complete ENSC440 or ENSC 398 to satisfy degree requirements.
ENSC 440 Research I (3 credits)
- Students conduct research in Environmental Science or Policy under the direction of a faculty member. Students make individual arrangements with a faculty member to plan and conduct the study. At the end of her/his work, deliverables are presented by the student, which may include a presentation at a scientific conference or an externally submitted proposal or manuscript.
ENSC 398 Internship (3 credits)
- The internship is designed to be a pre-professional work-related experience at an off-campus location. Generally taken in the junior or senior year, placements may be obtained within scientific, governmental, or advocacy organizations or with private consulting firms and environmental laboratories. The student intern will be supervised by an on-site professional and by the Environmental Science & Policy internship coordinator. Internships must be approved by the Program Director and Marist Center for Career Services prior to their commencement.
This is the capping course in Environmental Science & Policy. The course examines the moral implications of human attitudes regarding other species and the environment. This course explores the historical roots and current world views that have generated the present state of widespread environmental degradation. The interrelationship of ecology, economics, sociology, and ethics will also be studied.
Environmental Science Minor
This course is designed to introduce science majors to the major generalizations in biology. Topics include the scientific method, the chemical and cellular basis of life, energy transformation, DNA structure and replication, protein synthesis, and cell division. The laboratory will emphasize hands-on exercises including such topics as data analysis, dissection, taxonomy and classification, and cell division.
Designed to introduce science majors to fundamental concepts in biology. Topics include transmission genetics, evolutionary theory, and selected ecological principles along with an examination of science as a process and the distinction between science and religion. The laboratory will emphasize experimental design, genetics, evolution and animal diversity.
A basic introduction to chemistry emphasizing the language of chemistry, its fundamental concepts, and development of problem-solving skills. This course provides an appropriate background for students with insufficient preparation in high school chemistry who may wish to take General Chemistry I-II.
One-credit course designed to inculcate accepted laboratory procedures with regard to safety, techniques, measurement, and reporting of results.
Examines natural systems, adverse impacts of human activities upon these systems, and how society deals with these impacts. Topics may include ecology; biodiversity; forests and deforestation; human population growth and control; food production and world hunger; energy resources; and water and air pollution. In addition to the science of these topics, related politics, economics, and ethics are discussed.
[Dual listed as BIOL 360] This course involves the study of the interrelationships among organisms and with their environments. Topics include organism responses to physical and chemical conditions, population growth and regulation, intra- and interspecific competition, herbivory, predation, parasitism, mutualism, community structure, ecosystem productivity, nutrient cycling, and decomposition.
- ENSC 210: Intro to Geology (3 credits)
- ENSC 212: Into to Geology Lab (1 credit)
- ENSC 230: Intro to Geographic Info Systems (3 credits)
- ENSC 309: Environmental Chemistry Lab (1 credit)
- ENSC 310: Environmental Chemistry (3 credits)
- ENSC 313: Environmental Microbiology (3 credits)
- ENSC 321: Natural History of the Hudson Valley (3 credits)
- ENSC/BIOL 327: Freshwater Ecology (3 credits)
- ENSC 380: Principles of Environmental Assessment (3 credits)
- ENSC 404: Environmental Toxicology (4 credits)
- BIOL 211: Plant Biology (4 credits)
- BIOL 420: Invertebrate Zoology (4 credits)
Environmental Policy Minor
Examines natural systems, adverse impacts of human activities upon these systems, and how society deals with these impacts. Topics may include ecology; biodiversity; forests and deforestation; human population growth and control; food production and world hunger; energy resources; and water and air pollution. In addition to the science of these topics, related politics, economics, and ethics are discussed.
The nature, composition, and organization of parties and pressure groups; the role played by these two forces in the political process; history and programs of parties and pressure groups will be analyzed. Also, the nature of contemporary voting behavior is examined.
This course will provide an introduction to Geographic Information Systems. A Geographic Information System is a series of tools to create, edit, maintain, and analyze maps and data about features that occur over a specific geographic area. The course will detail the terminology, concepts, and applications that are commonly used with GIS. Hands-on training will be provided in the labs for input and edit functions, ad hoc query and analysis functions, and facilities management functions.
[Dual listed as ECON 305] A policy-oriented examination of the relationship between the economy and the natural environment. Topics include the environmental consequences of economic growth and development; the labor market impacts of environmental legislation; and the economic theories of "public goods" and "social costs."
[Dual Listed as POSC 420] This course will cover the constitutional principles, values, and socioeconomic impacts affecting planning; basic planning, land-use, and development practices such as environmental impact statements, master plans, citizen participation; and issues facing environmentally sound planning today.
An overview of current environmental law issues, including impact review, air and water quality, solid and hazardous waste, and toxic substances. Emphasis on federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements, and case-law interpretation.
Choose either option:
- Choose three elective credits related to the minor with approval of Chair of Environmental Science & Policy
- Complete a three-credit internship with approval of Internship Coordinator of Environmental Science & Policy
Environmental Studies Minor
Examines natural systems, adverse impacts of human activities upon these systems, and how society deals with these impacts. Topics may include ecology; biodiversity; forests and deforestation; human population growth and control; food production and world hunger; energy resources; and water and air pollution. In addition to the science of these topics, related politics, economics, and ethics are discussed.
- ENSC 210: Intro to Geology (3 credits)
- ENSC 212: Intro to Geology Lab (1 credit)
- ENSC 313: Environmental Microbiology (3 credits)
- ENSC 321: Natural History of Hudson Valley (3 credits)
- ENSC/BIOL 327: Freshwater Ecology (3 credits)
- ENSC/CHEM 310: Env Chemistry (3 credits)
- ENSC/BIOL 360: Ecology: Principles and Practice (4 credits)
- ENSC 404: Environmental Toxicology (4 credits)
- BIOL 211: Plant Biology (4 credits)
- ENSC/POSC 202: Environmental Politics & Policy (3 credits)
- ENSC/ECON 305: Environmental Economics (3 credits)
- ENSC/POSC 420: Environmental Planning (3 credits)
- ENSC 425: Environmental Law (3 credits)
- ENSC 230: Intro to Geographic Info Systems (GIS) (3 credits)
- ECON 150: Economics of Social Issues (3 credits)
- ECON 340: Economic Development: Toward Global Equality (3 credits)
- POSC/GBST 103: Intro to Global Studies (3 credits)
For additional information including other course requirements, recommended program sequence, and course prerequisites, please refer to the catalog.