Keeping and Serving God's Creation ... Genesis 2:15

Course Descriptions Below are course descriptions for the core ecology and environmental studies courses applicable to the Environmental Science major.  These courses also serve as upper level courses required by the Department of Biology.  Additional courses in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and the social sciences are also required.   For a list of all required coursework for the environmental science major and minor, please click here. Introduction to Ecology and Diversity (3 credits) This introductory course covers principles of ecology and evolution. The course emphasizes topics such as the phylogenic diversity of life, basic evolutionary patterns and processes, biodiversity and conservation, population ecology, species and community interactions, animal behavior and ecosystems. Environmental Science (3 credits) This introductory course covers principles of environmental science; the study of how humans interact with the creation.  The course includes topics such as human population growth, extinction and loss of biodiversity, air and water pollution, global climate change, food and water security issues, waste management, energy and water conservation, and sustainable development/adaptive management.  Emphasis will be placed on understanding our Christian response to these concerns as caretakers of the earth. Environmental Science Laboratory (2 credits) This laboratory will engage the students in experimentation to understand such environmental issues as global climate change, acid precipitation, alternative energy sources, composting and landfill design, groundwater contamination and remediation, land conservation, and cleanup of oil spills.  Students will be introduced to the elementary principiles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its usefulness for mapping and solving environmental problems. Environmental Ethics and Policy (3 credits) A discussion course that introduces the student to the variety of ethical approaches taken with regard to the environment, including creation care, stewardship, biocentrism, ecocentrism, ecofeminism, the land ethic, and deep ecology.  Students will also look at environmental policies that arise out of these various approaches to environmental ethics. Freshwater Biology (3 credits) A comprehensive examination of the biology and ecology of watersheds, lakes, ponds, streams, vernal pools, and wetlands. Marine Biology (3 credits) Introduction to marine ecology, stressing abiotic-biotic relationships. The immediate goal is familiarization with marine biology along the New England coast. This course is open to biology teachers and advanced majors. Aquatic Biology Lab (3 credits) Aquatic Biology Lab engages students in field and laboratory methods for the observation, collection, identification, and analysis of New England's freshwater, estuarine, and marine populations and communities.  This course meets the lab requirements for both Freshwater and Marine Biology courses. Current Topics in Environmental Science (3 credits) Discussion of one or more current topics related to the fields of ecology and environmental science.  Possible topics might include (but not be limited to) global climate change, forest ecology, water resources, and sustainable development. Conservation Biology (3 credits) This course emphasizes the applicatioin of ecological principles to the conservation of biodiversity.  Students examine the major threats to biodiversity, including human exploitation of species, habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, and global climate change, as well as the methods used to monitor and resolve these concerns.  Case studies will be employed as a tool for discussing current issues in conservation biology. Conservation Biology Lab (2 credits) A laboratory course that introduces students to the use of statistical models and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for resolving conservation problems.  Students will also take field trips to learn from and work alongside of those who are engaged in conservation biology at a practical level. Travel Courses ENC biology professors currently teach travel courses in Belize, New Zealand, and Romania.  We are looking at the possibility of offering travel courses to other locations in the US and abroad.  These course may fall under one or more course headings, including Field Problems in Ecology or Current Topics in Environmental Science.

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