Allegheny College: Environmental Science Catalogue

In the Environmental Science major, core courses include biology, chemistry, geology and mathematics. Upper- level courses synthesize and integrate basic sciences and apply that knowledge to analysis and solutions of current environmental problems. Upper-level courses are rich in lab and field experiences. Environmental Science majors often pursue graduate studies and careers in field, laboratory or applied science settings. Students typically work and study at research institutions, regulatory agencies, or private consulting firms that highlight environmental quality. The Environmental Science major prepares students to work in terrestrial, marine, or aquatic arenas, land use assessment, agriculture, forestry, resource management, or pollution assessment and control.

Environmental Studies majors examine the concept of sustainability, integrating environmental, economic, and social concerns, and exploring both desirable future conditions and transitions needed to reach them. The basic tenet of the Environmental Studies major is that progress toward a sustainable future depends on the creative application of interdisciplinary thinking, spanning disciplines across the traditional college divisions, while striving for both depth and breadth. We seek to inspire creativity and combine passion with critical thinking skills in students who one day will be the citizens working to convert the world to more sustainable systems. For the purposes of fulfilling college wide liberal studies requirements, the Environmental Studies major is counted in the division in which the majority of courses in the concentration reside: the social sciences or humanities.

The minimum GPA for a student to graduate with a major in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies is 2.0. All courses required for the Environmental Science and Environmental Studies majors (including Allegheny off-campus courses for which a letter grade is received) are counted in the calculation whether they are Environmental Science courses and courses listed outside the department. Courses required by the major are expected to be taken on a letter-grade basis. Exceptions must be approved by an Environmental Science department advisor.

Environmental Science courses may be used by non-majors to satisfy college distribution requirements. Courses carrying Natural Science credit include: ES 110, FSES 201, ES 210, ES 320, ES 330, ES 335, ES 342, ES 344, ES 346, ES 410, and ES 415. Courses carrying Social Science credit include ES 280, ES 347, ES 348, ES 349, ES 350, ES 360, ES 420, ES 431, and ES 580-589. Internships may carry Natural Science or Social Science credit--see an Environmental Science faculty member for assistance.

Majors in the Department of Environmental Science

The department offers two majors, Environmental Science and Environmental Studies. A set of core courses (24 credits) for each major includes: Environmental Science 110; Environmental Science 210; Environmental Science FS ENV 201; One of Environmental Science 580-589; Environmental Science 600, and Environmental Science 610.

Career Planning

Both Environmental Science and Environmental Studies majors must select areas of concentration related to their major areas of interest. Concentrations include Environmental Philosophy, Environmental History, Communications and the Environment, Ecological Economics, Environmental Law, Environmental Policy, International Sustainable Development, Culture and the Environment, Art and the Environment, Environmental Education, Community Development, Conservation Biology, Terrestrial Ecosystems, Aquatic Ecosystems, Landscape Ecology, Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Geology, Environmental Chemistry, German Society and the Environment. Requirements for each concentration are posted on the department web page. All students are advised to consult an Environmental Science Department faculty member early in their careers for course planning.

Environmental Science (40 additional credits)
Select one (1) from this list (4 credits):
ES 347 Environmental Regulation and the State
ES 340 World Geography
ES 350 Ecological Economics
ES 420 Understanding Third World Environmental Problems
ES 431 Global Environmental Politics
Hist 318 Environmental Thought in Europe
Eng 209 Writing about Culture and Place
Select one (1) from this list (4 credits):
Math 157 or 160 Calculus I
Math 158 or 170 Calculus II
Select five (5) foundation courses from this list (20 credits):
Physics 101 Fundamentals of Physics I
Physics 102 Fundamentals of Physics II
Bio 220 Organismal Physiology and Ecology
Bio 221 Genetics Development and Evolution
FS Bio 201 Investigative Approaches in Biology
Chem 110 Principles of Chemistry I
Chem 112 Principles of Chemistry II
Geo 108 or 110 Environmental Geology or Physical Geology
Geo 230 Field Geology
Select three (3) advanced courses from this list (12 credits):
ES 320 Forest Ecosystems and Management
ES 330 Climate Change: Past and Future
ES 335 Conservation Biology
ES 342 Toxicology
ES 344 Stream Ecology
ES 346 Wetlands
ES 410 Environmental Spatial Analysis
ES 415 Environmental Health
Geo 310 Process Geomorphology
Geo 315 Environmental Geochemistry
Geo 400 Hydrogeology
Bio 310 Microbiology
Bio 330 Ecology
Bio 385 Biostatistics
Bio 360 Plant Physiology
Bio 580 The following Biology junior seminars are acceptable: Stream Ecology, Animal Behavior, Limnology, Environmental Microbiology
Chem 222 Inorganic Chemistry
Chem 231 Organic Chemistry 1

The five foundation and three advanced courses must revolve around a central theme. Courses must be selected in consultation with a faculty member in Environmental Science by the end of the sophomore year. For most students, this selection process will occur during enrollment in ES 210. View the ES web page for suggested course packages. The department expects that students may change course selection during their tenure at Allegheny; the student's advisor must approve all schedule changes.

Environmental Studies (40 additional credits)
Select two (2) from this list (8 total credits):
Math 110 Elementary Mathematical Modeling
Math 157 or 160 Calculus I
Math 158 or 170 Calculus II
Bio 040 Plants and Society
Bio 045 Biology of Algae
Bio 050 Basic Ecology
Bio 060 Cancer: Causes and Consequences
Bio 071 Biotechnology
Bio 078 Biology of Behavior
Bio 081 Insects and Humans
Bio 220 Organismal Physiology and Ecology
Bio 221 Genetics Development and Evolution
FS Bio 201 Investigative Approaches in Biology
Chem 015 The Science of Chemistry
Chem 021 Environmental Chemistry
Chem 110 Principles of Chemistry I
Chem 112 Principles of Chemistry II
Geo 108 or 110 Environmental Geology or Physical Geology
Geo 230 Field Geology
ES 320 Forest Ecosystems and Management
ES 330 Climate Change: Past and Future
Physics 065 Introduction to Physics
Physics 101 Fundamentals of Physics I
Physics 102 Fundamentals of Physics II
Select eight (8) additional courses (32 total credits), including at least two (2) from this list:
ES 347 Environmental Regulation and the State
ES 340 World Geography
ES 350 Ecological Economics
ES 420 Understanding Third World Environmental Problems
ES 431 Global Environmental Politics<

At least six (6) of the eight courses must be upper-level (300 or 400). These eight courses must be relevant to Environmental Studies and must revolve around a central theme. Courses may include those from the ES department or from other departments. Courses must be selected in consultation with a faculty member in Environmental Science by the end of the sophomore year. For most students, this selection process will occur during enrollment in ES 210. View the ES web page for suggested course packages. The department expects that students may change course selection during their tenure at Allegheny; the student's advisor must approve all schedule changes.

Off-Campus Courses and Internships

The department encourages off-campus study and internship experiences for both Environmental Studies and Environmental Science majors. Courses taken at the Duke Marine Biological Laboratory, the Arava Institute in Israel, the School for Field Studies in Costa Rica, the Ecosystems Center in Woods Hole, or any other departmentally approved off-campus study location, may substitute for some or all of the required courses for either major. In addition, internships may also be acceptable substitutes for these courses. Substitutions must be approved in advance by your Department of Environmental Science advisor.

Internships
The department offers credit-bearing internships with local organizations, described below under the course numbers 518-529. Interested students should speak with the department's Internship Coordinator well in advance of the semester they plan to take part in an internship. Internships change from semester to semester and new ones may be available that are not yet listed in the Catalogue. An application is required prior to registering for an internship and students with insufficient coursework or low GPAs may be ineligible.

Off-Campus Study
Allegheny College is affiliated with several off-campus study programs that are relevant to either Environmental Science or Environmental Studies majors. Students interested in studying off-campus should speak with their advisors about the possibility of using off-campus courses in lieu of on-campus major requirements. Each program has different eligibility requirements. More complete descriptions of the off-campus programs and requirements may be obtained from the Environmental Science faculty or from the Director of International Programs and Services, but brief descriptions are provided below.

Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, Kibbutz Ketura, Israel
A semester or year-long program in sustainable development and peace, in cooperation with students from the Middle East, North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Professor Pallant is the liaison. Students receive Allegheny grades.

School for Field Studies, Costa Rica
A one-semester program in sustainable development in the tropics. Professor Pallant is the liaison. Students receive Allegheny grades.

Duke Marine Biological Lab, North Carolina and Bermuda
A one-semester program in marine, coastal and oceanographic biology, chemistry, policy and environment. Professor Wissinger is the liaison. Students receive Allegheny grades.

Semester in Environmental Science, The Ecosystems Center, Woods Hole, Massachusetts
A one-semester program in coastal and terrestrial ecology, environment, and ecosystem processes. Professor Bowden is the liaison. Students receive Allegheny grades.

An overview of the natural science and social science components of the human environment. Topics include: the ecosystem, energy, resource definitions and limitations, water supply, air pollution, sustainable design, environmental policy, environmental justice, solid and hazardous waste management, land use and conservation biology. Designed primarily for first-year students and sophomores. Emphasis is on the use of natural and social scientific knowledge in decision- making and problem-solving.

An examination of analytical research methods used to study the environment. Solving environmental problems requires expertise in conducting research and in understanding how research is performed. Students will participate in field- and laboratory-based research of environmental issues within natural science and social science. Fundamental research skills, including hypothesis definition, experimental design, data analysis and presentation, will be explored. Laboratory, one period. Prerequisite: Environmental Science 110.

An overview of the domestic and international origins, drivers, and consequences of energy sources, uses, technologies, and conflicts. The range of current and future energy choices is stressed, as is the character of the current energy crisis as framed by processes of social adaptation, value transformation, technological change, and the struggle for influence in national and international arenas. Possible topics include “peak oil,” climate change, biofuels for transportation, public communication strategies of multinational energy companies, building energy performance, and energy use and environmental/ health impacts in the Third World. Prerequisite: Environmental Science 110 is recommended but not required.

A study of forest ecosystems and threats to forests caused by human actions. The course examines fundamental ecological processes that control forest ecosystems and the importance of forests in regional and global environments. Impacts of global warming, forest harvesting, air pollution and improper management will be discussed. Management regimes that result in sustainable forest practices will also be explored. Regional forest issues, as well as national and international forest concerns, will be addressed. Laboratory exercises will examine topics in local forested environments. Laboratory, one period. Prerequisite: Environmental Science 110, Environmental Science 210 or a lab-based course in the natural science division.

(also listed as Geology 330)

An examination of climate change on Earth at a variety of scales and the implications of global climate change (both past and future) from a scientific perspective. The course is divided into two seven-week units. The first unit focuses on evidence in the geologic record that provides a history of climate change on Earth over the last two billion years. The second unit focuses on the record of changing atmospheric gas concentrations (e.g. greenhouse gases) during the last 150 years and examines the methods that scientists use to predict and address future climate change. A day-long field trip may be involved. Prerequisites: Geology 110 or 108 or Environment Science 210.

The study of biologial diversity and the increasineffects of human society on populations and communwild organisms. Emphasis on loca and global pattediversity, causes and consequences of declines in ways to work with natural or managed systems to marestore diversity. The laboratory emphasizes learflora and fauna, investigating local conservation and using tools and techniques of woldlife and natmanagement to understand and resolve conversation Prerequisites include Env Sci 110 and one laboratocourse in Biology or Environmental Science, or perthe instructor."

An examination of the physical and human forces that shape governments, economies, and culture. Topics include geology, soils, climate, agriculture, industry, politics, religion, history, and the arts. We investigate how these factors shape human interactions with the environment and influence people’s interactions with one another in various regions and countries.

(also listed as Biology 342)

An introduction to the study of substances toxic to plants and animals. Special emphasis is given to the toxicology of pesticides and herbicides and their mode of action. One laboratory per week emphasizes quantitative analysis of toxins and toxic effects. Prerequisites: Biology 220, 221 and FS Bio 201 or ES 110.

(also listed as Biology 344)

Study of the physical and biological characteristics of stream ecosystems. The laboratory emphasizes field study of local aquatic habitats. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 220, 221 and FS Bio 201 or ES 110.

(also listed as Biology 346)

A study of the ecology and hydrology of marshes, swamps, bogs and other transitional habitats between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Emphasis is on “ecosystem services” (hydrologic filters, pollutant sinks, productivity, biodiversity), on the history of wetlands destruction, and on current regulation and management approaches. The laboratory emphasizes field methods for determination and delineation of wetlands based on soils, hydrology and vegetation. Lecture: Two periods. Lab/field: One period. Prerequisites: Biology 220, 221 and FS Bio 201 or ES 110.

(also listed as Political Science 347)

An inquiry into how key elements of core U.S. institutions (e.g. the market, the State, the corporation, public education) frame and confront environmental issues, and how impediments to thinking creatively about these institutions exacerbates problems of environmental sustainability and responsive democracy. We pay particular attention to the State: what it is, why it may be a useful unit of analysis, how and why (from competing theoretical perspectives) it chooses to confront environmental ills, and how citizens can most effectively influence it.

An examination of the ways in which human economic systems depend upon and impact natural systems. The course includes topics covered in the more traditional field of environmental economics, including cost-benefit analysis, incentive-based regulation of pollution, pollution taxes and tradeable permit schemes, and clean technology promotion. In addition, more fundamental issues emerging from the newer field of ecological economics are also explored, including trade and the environment, sustainable national income accounts, limits to economic growth and sustainable economic design. Prerequisites: Environmental Science 110 and permission of the instructor.

(also listed as Religious Studies 360)

An exploration of the intersection between religion and ecology, and how religion can both contribute to and help address environmental problems. Topics include religion’s role in shaping human relationships with nature, ecological themes that cut across religions and

Principles of Resource Management introduces practical tools used in addressing complex environmental problems including coastal zone planning, guidelines for ecologically sustainable development, environmental impact assessment, fisheries management and protected-area planning and management. We review these tools in terms of their application to local issues and to Case Studies from the Caribbean, the United States, Central America and East Africa. Prerequisites: Must have completed a college-level course in ecology or environmental studies, and are encouraged to have taken coursework in international development, economics or anthropology. Students must have one college- level course in Spanish or otherwise demonstrate a working knowledge of conversational Spanish prior to participation.

Spatial perspectives in environmental problem solving. Students in this class will learn to think spatially, understand the fundamental concepts in spatial analysis, and gain a solid basis for environmental analysis. Topics include map interpretation, map design, map projections, spatial data structure, coordinate systems, geographic information systems, remote sensing, spatial statistics, and spatial analysis. Sources of spatial information include maps, air photos, satellite imagery, global position systems, and census information. Students will learn to interpret, analyze, and model physical and social aspects of our world for application to understanding environmental problems. Emphasis is on appropriate use, limitations, quantitative spatial analysis and interpretation for environmental applications. Prerequisites: Environmental Science 110, Environmental Science 210 or permission of instructor.

Investigation and analysis of current human health impacts related to environmental issues. Students study the ecological, physiological, and social underpinnings of case studies, evaluate causal and correlative associations using key epidemiological tools, design and assess control and mitigation efforts, and develop a response to a local or regional environmental health issue. Students also interpret and conduct risk assessments to prioritize various issues and to evaluate the severity of impacts on specific populations, examining how environmental issues often place disproportionate health burdens on disenfranchised communities and individuals. Prerequisites: Environmental Science 110, Environmental Science 210 or permission of instructor.

A multidisciplinary assessment of the causes and consequences of environmental change and degradation in the less developed (Third World) regions of the world. Underlying forces driving critical environmental problems (e.g. deforestation; soil, air, and water pollution; soil erosion; desertification; urbanization) of developing countries are examined through the use of both case studies and theoretical literature. Prerequisite: Environmental Science 110.

(also listed as Political Science 431)

An analysis of several global environmental issues and how these issues have shaped, and are shaping, domestic and international political relations. Special attention is devoted to international conferences such as the 1992 “Earth Summit” in Brazil and the forging of international environmental agreements. Future policy prospects and political dynamics also are discussed. Students pursuing a major or minor in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies and a major or minor in Political Science may not “double-count” this course toward the degree requirements of both departments. Prior coursework in international relations (e.g. Political Science 130, 240, 245, or 251) is strongly encouraged.

600 Senior Project Senior Project I. Senior Research and Seminar in Environmental Science

Students are evaluated on their proposal and presentation at the preliminary meeting and on progress made during the fall semester. Prerequisite: One of ES 580-89. Credit: Four semester hours.

Students are evaluated on their research effort, oral defense, and written senior thesis. Taken in the spring semester. Prerequisite: Environmental Science 600. Credit: Four semester hours.

Internships

518-527
All credit-bearing internships offered through the Department of Environmental Science consist of three components: (1) constructive participation in the operation of the internship organization (typically six hours/week for a two-credit internship, 12 hours/week for four credits); (2) a reflective and analytical journal to be reviewed periodically by the Internship Coordinator; and (3) a project to be determined jointly by the student, supervisor, and faculty liaison. This project is chosen specifically to integrate hands-on problem-solving with classroom-based academic principles. Students are evaluated by their supervisor, the Internship Coordinator, and the faculty liaison. All internships are two to four credits unless noted otherwise in their description.

518 Internship in Environmental Regulation with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Liaison: Professor Bensel

An internship in research, analysis, policy development and implementation with the Northwest Regional Office of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The intern works in one of DEP’s sections (Water Supply and Community Health, Air Quality Control, Waste Management, Water Management, Environmental Clean-Up, Oil and Gas, or Pollution Prevention and Compliance Assistance). Must be taken for four semester hours of credit. Prerequisites: Environmental Science 110 and permission of instructor.

Liaison: Professor Pallant

An internship in research and environmental education relating to the French Creek watershed. The French Creek Project brings together conservationists, landowners, farmers, the business community, local government officials, and academic institutions in a collaborative effort to protect one of Pennsylvania’s premier streams. Interns participate in research, environmental education, public relations, and office communications; each intern is required to complete a writing assignment (in the form of information fact sheets, educational guides, etc.) as part of his/her internship. Prerequisites: Environmental Science 110 and approval of the Director of the French Creek project.

520 Internship in Wildlife Management with the Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Liaison: Internship Coordinator

An internship in wildlife management with the Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The goals of the Center are to rehabilitate injured animals for release back to the wilderness and to educate the public concerning human impacts on wildlife. This internship is intended to be a first-hand learning experience in human/wildlife interactions, in particular examining the positive and negative impacts of human intervention on the natural world. The intern is introduced to the field of wildlife rehabilitation via a weekly class held by the Center’s director. In addition, the intern is involved in wildlife capture, assessment, treatment, animal maintenance, and wildlife release. Evaluations of particular animals, diseases, or treatment techniques are written by the intern. To gain a fuller understanding of the context within which rehabilitators operate, the intern participates in educational programs for the public and discussions with other wildlife-related groups. Prerequisites: Biology 220 and approval of the Director of Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

(also listed as Geology 521)

Liaison: Professor Cole

The internship involves participation in conducting hydrogeologic investigations and the preparation of groundwater-resource reports. Prerequisites: A minor or major in geology and completion of Geology 310 and 400.

(also listed as Geology 522)

Liaison: Ms. Findlay

An internship in environmental education working with children and/or adults at a local educational facility, such as the French Creek Outdoor Learning Center. This facility is a collaborative effort of the French Creek Project, three local school districts, the Crawford County Development Corporation, and Allegheny’s College/Schools Collaborative; as a remediated Superfund site, the Outdoor Learning Center offers many unique opportunities for exploration and interpretation of local ecology and geology. The Center’s mission is to promote one of Pennsylvania’s premier streams while exploring the impacts of environmental cleanup and management. Interns at this or other environmental education sites participate in research, curriculum development, environmental education, public relations, and office communications. Prerequisites: Environmental Science 110 and approval of the supervisor at the internship site.

(also listed as Biology 523)

Liaison: Professor Wissinger

The intern becomes familiar with the operation of a National Wildlife Refuge and participates in a research project related to wildlife management and conservation biology. In order to be eligible, the student must develop a project proposal in consultation with the liaison and refuge manager. Projects normally involve field or interpretive projects that culminate in a project report, pamphlet, or brochure that is submitted to both the liaison and refuge manager. Prerequisite: Biology 220.

Liaison: Professor Pallant

An internship with land and water conservation with the Crawford County Conservation District or the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Both of these governmental agencies work with forestry and agricultural practitioners to protect soil and water resources in Crawford County. The intern participates in projects such as farm conservation planning, flood prevention and watershed control, conservation education, and field assessments of streams, riparian zones and agricultural areas. Prerequisites: Environmental Science 110 and approval of the supervisor at the internship site.

(also listed as Political Science 518)

Liaison: Internship Coordinator

The student may elect one of the following internship experiences provided he or she has the indicated prerequisites: 1) A specific research project or general work with the Planning Commissioner. The work of the internship requires approximately 10 hours per week. The project is evaluated jointly by the supervising faculty member(s) and the Planning Commissioner; research projects are evaluated through discussions involving the Planning Commissioner, and supervising faculty member(s) and the intern. Prerequisites: Approval of the liaison and the Planning Commissioner, Political Science 341 or 345, and Economics 340, 360, or 585 are recommended. The student intern contracts for two to four semester hours. 2) A project which would involve the preparation of maps and/or reports related to land-use planning, evaluation of natural resources such as sand and gravel deposits, or delineation of areas subject to natural hazards such as flood plains. The liaison, in consultation with the Planning Commissioner, determines a grade based on the student’s final report. Prerequisite: The student must develop a project proposal which is acceptable to both the Planning Commissioner and the liaison. The student intern contracts for two to four semester hours.

(also listed as Biology 527)

Liaison: Professor Wissinger

The intern becomes acquainted with the operation of a fish culture station and participates in a research project related to fisheries management. The internship is conducted in cooperation with the Linesville fish culture station near Pymatuning Lake. In order to be eligible, the student must develop a project proposal in consultation with the liaison and station superintendent. Projects normally involve a field or laboratory study, or a public relations project that culminates in a project report, pamphlet, or brochure that is submitted to both the liaison and refuge manager. Prerequisite: Biology 220.

An internship in industrial ecology with a local industry. Working with the plant engineer, the intern examines the regulatory framework the industry operates within, becomes familiar with the manufacturing processes for a particular industry, and investigates resource/waste minimization opportunities for the industry. Regular meetings with the supervisor, other employees, and environmental engineers from other area industries help develop the intern’s understanding of how environmental regulations and opportunities are perceived by different industries and by individuals with different roles within a particular industry. Prerequisites: Environmental Science 110 and permission of the instructor.

Junior Seminars

580-589
Seminar discussion on a selected interdisciplinary topic in environmental science in preparation for the development of senior research topics. Students analyze the literature, write a literature review, present a seminar, and submit a research proposal. Prerequisite: Declared major in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies or permission of instructor.

Sophomore Seminar

Environmental Problem Analysis

An interdisciplinary analysis of modern controversial environmental issues. Students examine scientific, economic, cultural and political underpinnings of issues. Areas of study address environmental degradation, natural resource use and misuse, human-environmental interactions, and environmental justice. Written assignments and oral arguments and presentations are emphasized. Prerequisite: Environmental Science 110. Counts toward the major in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies.