Learning Goals

1. ENVS majors will gain a broad background in the fundamental concepts of the physical and life sciences.

• Conceptual knowledge in biology, geology, chemistry, physics, statistics
• Familiar with the components, structure, and function of Earth and human – systems organization, laws of energy and matter, system responses to change, differences between Earth systems and human systems
• Compare and contrast features of living systems that acknowledge a common origin while recognizing evolutionary differences

2. ENVS majors will gain knowledge and experiences in the basic methods, instrumentation and quantitative analytical skills used to conduct scientific research in environmental science.

• be able to frame scientific questions or problems
• be able to undertake investigations and perform analyses that provide information about questions and help to solve problems related to environmental science
• Demonstrate an understanding of the process of science and developed an appreciation of contemporary issues in ENVS.
• Receive training and engage in hands-on laboratory work using up-to-date equipment and methods in the areas of sampling and analysis of physical and biological systems.
• Develop independent research skills and an ability to apply basic mathematical techniques in the environmental sciences.
• ENVS students can demonstrate quantitative literacy, including the application of statistical and graphical methods to analyze and interpret data.

3. ENVS majors will develop critical thinking and communication skills, both oral and written, for purposes of conveying information to both professional scientists and the lay public

• be able to communicate the results of scientific investigations orally and in writing
• be able to evaluate scientific arguments critically
• Demonstrated critical thinking by successfully applying fundamental concepts to novel scenarios.

4. ENVS majors will develop intellectual independence, scientific literacy and an appreciation for the connections between environmental science and society.

• Acquire and comprehend information from published scientific literature
• be able to locate, obtain, read, and understand appropriate literature in the environmental sciences
• Embraces lifelong learning, has career knowledge
• capable of self-directed learning
• applies scientific thinking to everyday problems
• appreciates relevance of ENVS to society