Environmental Science
Tony Masiello, Environmental Science Program Director
Science 228E
Cheney, WA 99004
p: 509.359.2306
program web page
Faculty
Biology—Computer Engineering Building Rm 119
Justin Bastow, Ross Black, Rebecca Brown, Krisztian Magori, Joanna Matos, Camille McNeely, Charlotte Milling, Robin O’Quinn, Paul Spruell, Jenifer Walke
Chemistry/Biochemistry—Science Bldg Rm 226
Nicholas Burgis, Ashley Lamm, Tony Masiello, Wes Steiner
Geosciences—Science Bldg Rm 124
Brian Buchanan, Erin Dascher, Carmen Nezat, Rik Orndorff, Chad Pritchard, Rob Sauders, Lauren Stachowiak, Sarah Tsikalas, Stacy Warren
Staff
Jessica Samson - Environmental Science Admin Asst, Science Bldg Rm 124
Degrees
BS–Environmental Science Major with Environmental Biology Option
BS–Environmental Science Major with Environmental Chemistry Option
BS–Environmental Science Major with Environmental Geology Option
Required courses in these programs of study may have prerequisites. Reference the course description section for clarification.
Undergraduate Programs
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that combines physical, chemical and biological sciences with social, political, and economic understanding needed to study the environment and address environmental problems. The Environmental Science program integrates classroom work in biology, chemistry, and geosciences with extensive field, lab, and research experience. Graduates leave EWU with the necessary professional and technical skills for employment in the environmental profession or entry into graduate or professional school.
The Environmental Science Program offers undergraduate programs leading to a Bachelor of Science. All majors take a core of Environmental Science courses complemented by a concentration in one of the three core sciences (biology, chemistry, and geosciences). Students acquire and develop scientific knowledge and quantitative and technical skills that prepare them to meet the needs and challenges of the contemporary world, including the ability to collect data, communicate effectively, appreciate diversity, work collaboratively, synthesize knowledge utilizing the scientific method, solve complex problems, and adapt to change. Motivated students have the opportunity to obtain a double major in both Environmental Science and their concentration area (biology, chemistry, or geosciences).
Faculty from the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Geosciences participate, teach, and advise in the Environmental Science Program. Courses are aimed at introducing students, both science and non-science majors, to a dynamic view of how humans interact with their environment.
Environmental Science Courses
ENVS 100. INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. 4 Credits.
Notes: includes a weekly laboratory that uses basic quantitative techniques for collecting and analyzing data from environmental systems.
Pre-requisites: MTHD 104. Corequisite: ENVS 100L.
Satisfies: a BACR for natural sciences.
An introductory exploration of environmental science that emphasizes a scientific approach toward understanding contemporary human interaction with the natural environment. The structure, function, and interrelationships of terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric systems are treated through the application of biological, chemical, and geological principles. Companion course to ENVS 100L.
ENVS 100L. INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE LAB. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: MTHD 104. Corequisite: ENVS 100.
Companion lab to ENVS 100.
ENVS 300. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE JUNIOR SEMINAR. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: ENVS 100 and major declared as Environmental Science.
Exposes a variety of potential careers in the environmental sciences.
ENVS 323. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS I: SPATIAL ANALYSIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES. 5 Credits.
Cross-listed: GEOS 323.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with an emphasis on its applications in the environmental sciences. May be taken to satisfy a core requirement in the Geosciences programs. Includes hands-on GIS work in the lab and instructor demos of various toolsets with increasing complexity.
ENVS 399. DIRECTED STUDY. 1-5 Credits.
ENVS 400. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SENIOR SEMINAR. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: ENVS 300 and junior or senior standing.
Through reading current literature, discussion, and writing, students integrate knowledge of chemistry, biology, and geology with current environmental issues.
ENVS 449. ADVANCED SPATIAL ANALYSIS. 5 Credits.
Cross-listed: GEOS 449.
Pre-requisites: GEOS 323 or ENVS 323, or GEOS 321.
An advanced course building Geographic Information System models for environmental applications. Students design, collect data, process data, and build several spatial models of increasing complexity. Covers advanced techniques in Geographic Information Systems including raster processing, analysis methods and layout design, and documents projects in a report form and creates production quality maps.
ENVS 490. CAPSTONE: ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY. 3 Credits.
Cross-listed: GEOS 490B.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 172 and CHEM 172L or permission of instructor. Corequisite: ENVS 490L or GEOS 490BL.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–senior capstone.
Application of principles of geochemistry to environmental problems, including air and water pollution, water-rock interactions, weathering, and soil formation. Origin, distribution, and transport of inorganic contaminants in air, water, soils, sediments, and plants. The behavior of trace elements in near surface environments. Companion course to ENVS 490L or GEOS 490BL.
ENVS 490L. CAPSTONE: ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY LAB. 1 Credit.
Cross-listed: GEOS 490BL.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 172 and CHEM 172L or permission of instructor. Corequisite: ENVS 490 or GEOS 490B.
Companion lab to ENVS 490 or GEOS 490B.
ENVS 496. EXPERIMENTAL COURSE. 1-15 Credits.
ENVS 499. DIRECTED STUDY. 1-5 Credits.