Environmental Science, B.S.

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Requirements for the B.S. degree

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in environmental science, students must complete a minimum of 124 credits including:

1. An introductory prerequisite core of a minimum of 31 credits, to be completed with a 2.00 grade point average before major standing is awarded, including

a. Required courses

b. Required courses

CHM 157 - General Chemistry I (0 or 5) and
CHM 158 - General Chemistry II (5)
or

c. Required courses

4 credits of physics
PHY 101 - General Physics I (4) or above;

d. 8 credits of mathematics (above MTH 121) or statistics (STA 225 recommended).

STA 225 - Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Reasoning (4)

2. Core requirements of a minimum of 15 credits including

d. Required course

ENV 470 - Environmental Science Internship (3) (Satisfies the requirements for the capstone experience and writing intensive in the major.)

3. Major standing must be achieved three semesters before graduation, and before a student reaches senior status, otherwise graduation may be delayed.

4. Complete one of the specializations described below.

Specialization includes a minimum of 28 credits, and must be approved by the program director. At least 16 of the credits taken at the 300 level or above must be taken at Oakland University.

Specialization in environmental health – (minimum of 28 credits)

Based upon an extensive curriculum planning study, this option combines environmental and occupational health perspectives in scientific and technical courses designed to provide pre-professional training for careers relating human health and safety factors to working conditions. Students learn to recognize, evaluate and control actual and potential environmental hazards..

Many opportunities exist at local and state levels of government to improve health and environmental quality, focusing on toxic substance control, food protection, water quality, and waste management. Students may also pursue careers in environmental consultancy or industry, such as occupational safety and health, risk assessment, and waste management. This specialization is also designed to adequately prepare students for further pursuits of graduate studies in the fields of toxicology, public health, and environmental chemistry.

Required course work includes

BIO 207 - Human Physiology (4) or
BIO 321 - Physiology (4)
BIO 307 - Introduction to Human Microbiology (4) or
BIO 319 - General Microbiology (4)
BIO 325 - Biochemistry I (4)
CHM 234 - Organic Chemistry I (4)
ENV 355 - Public and Environmental Health (3)
ENV 368 - Fundamentals of Hazardous Materials Regulations (3) or
ENV 386 - Principles of Occupational Health (3)
ENV 452 - Environmental Management Systems (3)
ENV 446 - Industrial and Environmental Toxicology (3) or
OSH 446 - Industrial and Environmental Toxicology (3)

Specialization in environmental sustainability and resource management (minimum of 28 credits)

This option emphasizes the wise use of resources, especially as they affect human health and well-being. Program electives offer training for a variety of field and laboratory opportunities including planning, resource management, environmental protection and public policy.

1. Required course work includes

BIO 303 - Field Biology (4) or
BIO 373 - Field Botany (4) or
ENV 375 - Introduction to Apiculture and Sustainability (4)
ENV 309 - Principles of Geology (3)
ENV 312 - Energy and the Environment (4)
ENV 370 - Principles of Soil Science (4)
ENV 373 - Water Resources (3)
ENV 480 - Biogeochemical Cycling (3)

2. Recommended electives include

BIO 311 - Botany (5)
BIO 471 - Ecology of Streams and Rivers (3)
CHM 234 - Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHM 410 - Environmental Chemistry (3) or
CHM 413 - Environmental Aquatic Chemistry (3)
ENV 389 - African Environmental History (4)
ENV 452 - Environmental Management Systems (3)
ENV 485 - Environmental Fate and Transport (3)
ENV 486 - Toxic Substance Control (3)
AN 322 - The Food Quest (4) or
ENV 322 - The Food Quest (4)
AN 410 - Human Adaptation (4)
ENV 354 - Global Environmental Governance (4) or
PS 354 - Global Environmental Governance (4)

Note

Elective courses for the specialization must be approved by the program director.