Environmental Sciences

An exploration of interrelationships of environmental factors and how they influence and are influenced by national and global environmental problems.

Lab for ENV 105

This course provides a broad overview of natural resource conservation with particular emphasis on soil, water, and biodiversity. Principles of natural resource conservation, management techniques, current issues, and the history of conservation will be investigated.

An introductory study of a specific topic in Environmental Science. Intended for freshmen and sophomores, or for students with little or no background in the subject. The student may repeat the course, but not the same topic.

Lab for ENV-295

This course offers an introduction to concepts of Geographic Information Systems, geospatial analysis, and visualization. GIS skills will be developed with hands-on use of leading software.

Lab for ENV-310

This field course offers an introduction to the identification of organisms relevant to environmental science, as well as survey techniques, sampling, and analysis. Emphasis will be on local ecosystems and sampling and analytical techniques currently employed by regional environmental science-related agencies.

Lab for ENV-320

A qualitative and quantitative study of the interrelationships of organisms and the environment; lecture and laboratory.

Lab for ENV-337

A study of the biology, chemistry, and geology of the Earth. An examination of the composition and reactions of the oceans, atmosphere, crustal minerals, and living organisms. Modeling of elemental/molecular reservoirs and transfers will be an important component of the laboratories.

Lab for ENV 351

An interdisciplinary study of inland waters: lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries and wetlands. Water topics to be studied include: unique characteristics, distribution, origins, and the biological, physical and chemical composition. A primary focus will be on the ecological and economical importance of water and human impacts. Laboratory and field work are required.

Lab for BIO 360

This course provides a deeper look into the nature of the global climate system. Students will examine the factors influencing climate, including interactions among the atmosphere, oceans, solid earth, and biosphere. Aspects of the carbon cycle and transfer of energy between systems will be explored, with a focus on impacts due to human activities.

Instruction in critical reading and analysis of recent primary and secondary source journal articles in the scientific literature. Students will develop and present literature critiques of research articles relevant to their discipline in biology, biochemistry, or environmental science.

Opportunity for students to conduct investigative study in the laboratory and/or field or to perform some type of creative work not covered by other courses. The student will work with a faculty member to develop a research proposal, and carry out the proposed work. Completed Application for Research and Research Proposal forms are required. The course will culminate with the preparation of a research report. May be repeated.

An in-depth, self-directed study for Junior- or Senior- level students under the guidance of a sponsoring faculty member on a planned topic that is not covered by an existing Keuka College course.

This is considered the capstone course for students completing majors within the natural sciences. The course focuses on instruction in critical thinking, analysis and information literacy in the science field and current topics in modern science. Each student will write a substantial research paper on a scientific area of interest using knowledge from previous coursework. Each student will complete a public presentation of his/her topic.

A broad range of opportunities exist for environmental science majors to experience real-world applications in their field of study. This Field Period is intended to enhance career opportunities and examine, in depth, specific areas of interest. Areas of interest can vary from political issues to highly specialized laboratory and field techniques. This Field Period must be evaluated by a faculty member in the Natural Sciences.

An advanced study of a specific topic in Environmental Science. Intended for juniors and seniors or for students with an appropriate background in the subject. The student may repeat the course, but not the same topic.

Lab for ENV-495

Opportunity for senior students to conduct original investigative study in the laboratory and/or field, or to perform creative work of the type not covered by other courses. The student will work with a faculty member to develop a research proposal and carry out the proposed work. Completed Application for Research and Research Proposal forms are required. The work may be a continuation of a project started in BIO/CHM/ENV 398 or another course. The project will culminate in the preparation of a formal research report. May be repeated.