Mar 28, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2017-2018 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Science, B.S.


Objectives


The objective of the Environmental Science major is to prepare students for a career in the field of environmental sciences. Students receiving this degree can either pursue graduate studies or enter the field of environmental science where jobs are available, for example, with private businesses, governmental agencies, and environmental non-profits and advocacy groups.

The Environmental Science major is a rigorous interdisciplinary program involving course work in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and environmental science and engineering. The following is a list of learning outcomes for this degree program:

  1. Students will be able to apply the scientific method to formulate and test hypotheses.
  2. Students will be able to assess and evaluate effectively global environmental processes embedded in a social and ethical context.
  3. Students will have proficiency in the following:  Earth systems science, micro- and macroevolution, ecosystem services, and anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems.
  4. Students will have proficiency in the fundamental concepts of the physical and life sciences.
  5. Students will have basic field, laboratory, and analytic skills in a quantitative capacity.
  6. Students will effectively communicate through written assignments and oral presentations.
  7. Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills needed for assessing and solving problems relating to environmental issues and policies.

Laboratory courses are designed to maximize hands-on experience in collecting samples from various media, and using an array of equipment to characterize samples of soils, water, and air. Many of the environmental science courses include field trips to the adjacent Ballona Wetlands and Santa Monica Bay to demonstrate methods for collecting samples, and to study environmental conditions and resident biota. Internships with local environmental organizations and companies are an integral component of the program. The major requires that the student conduct a research project followed by presentation of results upon completion.

Major Requirements


Note:


In order to be eligible to take an upper division science course, a student must have a C (2.0) average in the lower division science courses.

Upper Division Requirements:


33 upper division science hours which will include:

Note:


A student must have a C (2.0) average in upper division science courses.

B.S. Degree in Environmental Science


(125 S.H.)

Freshman Year


Total: 15-16 semester hours

Total: 15-16 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Fall Semester


Total: 17-18 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 15-16 semester hours

Junior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 16-17 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 14-15 semester hours

Senior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 15-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 12-14 semester hours

Total: 119-128 semester hours


The proper sequence of the University Core courses should be discussed with the student’s advisor. The course sequence in Mathematics depends on the results of the Mathematics Placement Exam.

Notes:


* Applied Ecology elective is selected from: BIOL 312 BIOL 314 BIOL 315 BIOL 316 BIOL 321 BIOL 322 BIOL 422 , or by consent of director.

** Upper Division science electives are selected from: ENVS 310 ENVS 356 ENVS 420 ENVS 504 ENVS 515 ENVS 525 ENVS 531 ENVS 533 ENVS 550 , BIOL 311 BIOL 333 BIOL 334 BIOL 335 BIOL 474 BIOL 477 CHEM 354 CHEM 356 CHEM 460 CHEM 482 CHEM 560 CIVL 550 , HHSC 322 , or by consent of director.

*** Dean’s list requires a minimum of 15 semester hours.