Oct 11, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Science, A.S.

Location(s): North Campus


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Degree: Associate in Science (A.S.)
HEGIS Code: 5619
Curriculum Code: 2061.ENS

Liberal Arts Division

Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences: Algebra, Trigonometry, Chemistry
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Transfer into degrees in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Biology and the Natural Sciences

Program Description

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Environmental Science at Erie Community College’s North Campus is achieved through an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with the knowledge and technical experience needed to transfer to a four-year degree program in Environmental Science, Environmental Biology or Environmental Studies. Through laboratory-oriented, multi-disciplinary coursework, students will gain a broad and integrated knowledge base of the basic sciences as well as knowledge of issues focusing on environmental integrity, sustainable resources and ecological problems. With coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics and environmental science, students will acquire a solid background in ecosystems, biodiversity and conservation. The Environmental Science Program at SUNY Erie complements other SUNY offerings, providing students with a strong foundation for transfer to four-year educational institutions.

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with an Associate in Science degree in Environmental Science, the graduate will be able to:

  • identify technologies relevant to environmental problems and determine their efficiency and impact;
  • demonstrate and solve environmental problems while focusing on environmental integrity, sustainable resources, ecological aspects and non-technical human aspects of these problems;
  • conduct experiments and write lab reports in a clear and concise manner using proper communication skills; and
  • utilize developed mathematical methods and apply physical concepts to environmental problem solving.

Transferablility

Erie Community College provides university parallel degree programs for students aspiring to baccalaureate degrees and related professions. Graduates of Environmental Science will be well-positioned to transfer to other educational institutions offering degrees in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Biology and the Natural Sciences. Currently, these include: B.S. or B.A. in Environmental Studies at the University of Buffalo; and a B.S. degree in Environmental Science or B.S. in Environmental Biology at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse. Additional articulation agreements are in process of development with other public and private colleges for transfer.

Admission Requirements

A high school diploma or HSE (High School Equivalency) is a basic requirement. It is necessary that the student have a background in elementary algebra. The student should have taken college preparatory courses in high school in mathematics (algebra and trigonometry) and chemistry. All students seeking matriculation are required to take the mandatory placement test and achieve a test score in English which qualifies them to take EN 100 Composition I and to take MT 125 College Mathematics. Students who have taken the New York State Regents English III with a score of 85 or higher are considered to be prepared for EN 100.

Service learning courses in the Environmental Science curriculum will provide a practical experience for students to learn while contributing to their communities. Students will participate in organized curricular projects that address community needs while enhancing their academic knowledge and skills and fostering civic responsibility. Targeted SUNY Erie’s Environmental Science courses will provide students with the opportunity to:

  • use the knowledge and technical skills from one or more Environmental Science courses to identify and address community problems;
  • collaborate with peers and community members to establish and achieve goals; and
  • develop skills and professional attitudes beneficial for the workplace and for participating in civic affairs.

SUNY Transfer Path Requirement

Students matriculating in this program are required to fulfill the SUNY Transfer Path Requirement that most closely aligns with the program. Speak to your adviser for details.

Curriculum

Total Degree Credits: 60.0 - 64.0

First Year, Fall Semester


First Year, Spring Semester


Second Year, Fall Semester


Second Year, Spring Semester


Electives:


STEM Electives:

GL 160 - Physical Geology   Credit Hours: 3 and
GL 161 - Lab for GL 160    Credit Hours: 1
GL 170 - Field Ecology    Credit Hours: 3   
GL 190 - Unconventional Hydrocarbon Recovery    Credit Hours: 3 
CH 116 - Chemistry and the Environment    Credit Hours: 3 and
CH 117 - Lab for CH 116    Credit Hours: 1
CH 220 - Organic Chemistry I      Credit Hours: 3 and
CH 221 - Lab for CH 220    Credit Hours: 1
CH 240 - Analytical Chemistry    Credit Hours: 3 and
CH 241 - Lab for CH 240    Credit Hours: 1
PH 122 - Environmental Science II    Credit Hours: 3 and
PH 123 - Lab for Environmental Science II    Credit Hours: 1
PH 130 - Alternative Energy    Credit Hours: 3

MT 125 - College Mathematics   Credit Hours: 4
MT 180 - Pre-Calculus Mathematics    Credit Hours: 4
MT 181 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I    Credit Hours: 4
BI 230 - Microbiology    Credit Hours: 3 and
BI 231- Lab for BI 230    Credit Hours: 1

ENS Capstone options:

GL 130 - Hazardous Waste Operations    Credit Hours: 3  
GL 180 - Internship in Environmental Technology and Geoscience    Credit Hours: 3
GL 270 - Field Ecology Expedition   Credit Hours:  3  

Note:


  1. SUNY General Education Requirements and Course Listings  
  2. Field Trips may be required or may be optional for PH 120, PH 121, PH 122, PH 123, GL 130, GL 160, GL 161 GL 170, GL 180, and GL 270.
  3. Off site courses PH 120 Environmental Science offered at Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper must be taken concurrently with PH 121 Laboratory for PH 120 offered at Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper.

 

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