Environmental Science Minor

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on application of fundamental concepts and methods from the physical, chemical, and biological sciences to the study of the natural environment.  The Environmental Science minor provides students with a framework for developing a scientific understanding of Earth’s natural systems and their interconnections with human society. A minor in Environmental Science allows students from diverse backgrounds to pursue interests in interdisciplinary applied natural sciences.

13-18 credits

NSM PEAK

 

Minor Requirements


 

ENV-161Environmental Systems Science

3 credits

ENV-161LEnvironmental Systems Science Lab

1 credit

Complete one additional introductory course (3-4 credits):

BIO-140Idaho Natural History

3 credits

BIO-140LIdaho Natural History Lab

1 credit

CHE-141General Chemistry I

3 credits

CHE-141LGeneral Chemistry Laboratory I

1 credit

GEO-101Physical Geology

3 credits

GEO-101LPhysical Geology Lab

1 credit

GEO-150Physical Geography

3 credits

Complete one Mathematics course (3 credits):

The credits for the math requirement (MAT-125 or  higher) are counted in the Professional Foundations minor.

MAT-125Data Analysis and Statistics

3 credits

MAT-212Multiple Regression Analysis

3 credits

Complete two of the following (6-10 credits): (Note: BIO-203 is prereq for all listed 300-level BIO course options)

Students gain depth in the Environmental Science minor through taking 2 courses at the 200-level or above. Course options can blend ENV, BIO and GEO courses, or focus within one area. 

BIO-203Ecology, Evolution and Diversity

3 credits

BIO-203LEcology Evolution and Diversity Lab

1 credit

BIO-306Conservation Biology

3 credits

BIO-317Stream Ecology

3 credits

BIO-317LStream Ecology Lab

1 credit

BIO-319Ichthyology

3 credits

BIO-319LIchthyology Lab

1 credit

BIO-322.1Field Botany

3 credits

BIO-322LField Botany Lab

1 credit

BIO-326Coastal Marine Ecology

4 credits

BIO-326LCoastal Marine Ecology Lab

1 credit

BIO-345Ecology

3 credits

BIO-345LEcology Lab

1 credit

BIO-346.1Field Biology Preparation

2 credits

BIO-346Field Biology

4 credits

ENV-350Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

2 credits

ENV-350LIntroduction to Geographic Information Systems Lab

1 credit

GEO-310Earth's Dynamic Climate System

3 credits

GEO-320Watershed Hydrology

3 credits

BIO-340Zoology

3 credits

BIO-340LZoology Laboratory

1 credit

Outcomes

 

Upon successful completion of this minor, students will be able to:


1) Describe the Earth’s natural systems, their interaction, and how they are affected by anthropogenic resource use;
2) Apply scientific reasoning to develop and test environmental questions through the principles and techniques of conducting environmental fieldwork;
3) Identify the roles of scientific and mathematical inquiry and knowledge in environmental decision making; and
4) Describe the role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem services.