Earth and Environmental Science

专业详情

Content Objectives of the Earth and Environmental Science Major

Completing the Earth and Environmental Science major gives students a broad understanding of the Earth works and how humans interact with their physical environment.  At completion of the program, graduates know the basic physical and chemical processes that operate in and on the planet and understand how direct and indirect methods are used to examine and understand the structure, composition and dynamics of Earth.  Graduates appreciate how humans and ecosystems interact with the dynamic Earth, and have an in-depth knowledge of the atmosphere and climate change, the rock cycle, natural hazards and the hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles.  Additionally, they understand the scale of properties and process of environmental change both time and space.

Skill Set Objectives of the Earth and Environmental Science Major

While completing the Earth and Environmental Science major, students acquire a broad range of skills in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and data analysis. Students can determine the environmental or geologic processes that have led to the current state of environmental change. Graduates can use the basic equipment of a geologic or environmental science laboratory or outdoor campaign.  Graduates are able to analyze scientific literature, interpret scientific data, understand the scientific process and conduct a research project. They know which basic statistical and graphical tests should be used, how to perform them, and how to communicate the results to varying audiences.  Graduates have the skills and knowledge to achieve admission to graduate school, professional degree programs, or gain employment.