Academic Catalog
Division of Environmental Science
Environmental science at ESF is an interdisciplinary degree program that takes full advantage of its location within an environmentally focused college. The program offers students a tremendous variety of courses and faculty members to choose from, excellent facilities for research and field study, and a level of faculty expertise that is rarely found at other colleges.
The faculty members who deliver the program perform teaching, research and public service activities to promote environmental practices that will improve the lives of people within New York state and around the world.
Program Objectives
The program's objectives are to prepare students who:
- Will engage in environmental work while employed by government agencies and industry or in private consulting jobs that specialize in public works and the inventory, management, design, use, restoration and protection of natural and cultural resources,
- Are prepared to enter advanced academic studies involved with any of the many aspects of environmental science, and
- Will continue to develop the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to changing technological, environmental and business conditions to the benefit of society, employer and self.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
The curriculum in the bachelor’s degree program provides a strong foundation in the sciences and introduces students to the interdisciplinary breadth of environmental science through a selection of core courses dealing with the geographical, physical, social and living environments.
- Senior Staff Assistant/Curriculum Coordinator: Ann Moore
Students have the flexibility to satisfy their core requirements by completing courses in biology, chemistry, ecology, geography, engineering, forestry, environmental studies and other areas of study. College-wide general education requirements provide additional opportunities for students to complete courses in the arts, humanities and social sciences to develop a broader context for personal and professional growth.
Required Courses
| Course Number | Course | Codes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| APM 105 | Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I | G | 4 |
| APM 106 | Survey of Calculus and Its Applications II | 4 | |
| APM 391 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 3 | |
| EFB 101 | General Biology I: Organismal Biology and Ecology | G | 3 |
| EFB 102 | General Biology I Laboratory | G | 1 |
| EFB 103 | General Biology II: Cell Biology and Genetics | G | 3 |
| EFB 104 | General Biology II Laboratory | G | 1 |
| EFB 120 | The Global Environment and the Evolution of Human Society | G | 3 |
| EFB 320 | General Ecology | 3 | |
| ENS 132 | Orientation Seminar: Environmental Science | 1 | |
| ENS 232 | Professional Development in Environmental Science | 1 | |
| ESF 300 | Introduction to Geospatial Information Technologies | 3 | |
| EWP 190 | Writing and the Environment | G | 3 |
| EWP 290 | Research Writing and Humanities | G | 3 |
| EWP 407 | Writing for Environmental & Science Professionals | 3 | |
| FCH 150 | General Chemistry I | G | 3 |
| FCH 151 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | G | 1 |
| FCH 152 | General Chemistry II | G | 3 |
| FCH 153 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | G | 1 |
| FOR 207 | Introduction to Economics | G | 3 |
| PHY 211 | General Physics I | G | 3 |
| PHY 212 | General Physics II | 3 | |
| PHY 221 | General Physics I Laboratory | 1 | |
| PHY 222 | General Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
Lower Division Electives
| Course | Codes | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Free electives | 12 | |
| General Education Courses: American History, Western Civilization, Other World Civilizations, The Arts, Foreign Languages | G | 6 |
Environmental Science Core
Students must complete one course from each of the following environmental science core areas.
NOTE: Courses used to complete the advanced chemistry, biology, or mathematics requirements, environmental science core requirements, or option requirements may NOT be used to satisfy more than one of these requirements.
The Physical Environment
| Course | Codes | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAR 305 | Earth Science of Energy | 3 | |
| EAR 403 | Geomorphology | 3 | |
| ERE 380 | Energy Systems Engineering | 3 | |
| EST 231 | Environmental Geology | 3 | |
| FCH 210 | Elements of Organic Chemistry | 4 | |
| FCH 221 AND FCH 222 |
Organic Chemistry I Organic Chemistry Laboratory I |
3 1 |
|
| FCH 360 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 | |
| FOR 338 | Meteorology | G | 3 |
| FOR 340 | Watershed Hydrology | 3 | |
| FOR 345 | Introduction to Soils | 3 | |
| GNE 172 | Statics and Dynamics | 4 | |
The Living Environment
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFB 303 | Introductory Environmental Microbiology | 4 | |
| EFB 326 | Plant Evolution, Diversification and Conservation | 3 | |
| EFB 327 | Adirondack Flora | 3 | |
| EFB 336 | Dendrology | 3 | |
| EFB 342 | Fungal Diversity and Ecology | 3 | |
| EFB 345 | Forest Health | 3 | |
| EFB 351 | Forest Entomology | 3 | |
| EFB 355 | Invertebrate Zoology | 4 | |
| EFB 384 | Field Herpetology | 3 | |
| EFB 385 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy | 4 | |
| EFB 388 | Ecology of Adirondack Fishes | 3 | |
| EFB 440 | Mycology | 3 | |
| EFB 462 | Animal Physiology: Environmental and Ecological | 4 | |
| EFB 483 | Mammal Diversity | 4 | |
| EFB 485 | Herpetology | 3 | |
| EFB 486 | Ichthyology | 3 |
The Social Environment
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EST 220 | Urban Ecology | 3 | |
| EFB 337 | Field Ethnobotany | 3 | |
| EST 361 | History of the American Environmental Movement | G | 3 |
| EST 390 | Social Processes and the Environment | 3 | |
| EST 450 | Sustainable Enterprise | 3 | |
| EWP 390 | Literature of Nature | 3 | |
| FOR 465 | Natural Resources Policy | 3 | |
| FOR 487 | Environmental Law and Policy | 3 | |
| FOR 489 | Natural Resources Law and Policy | 3 |
Advanced Courses in Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics
An advanced course is one that has at least one prerequisite or is numbered 300 or above. Note: Courses used to complete the advanced courses in chemistry, biology or mathematics requirement may NOT be used to complete the environmental science core or option requirements.
| Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Courses in science or mathematics | 6 |
Option Area
Students must complete at least 15 credits in ONE of the following option areas of study. Courses used to complete the advanced chemistry, biology, or mathematics requirements; environmental science core requirements; or upper division electives may not be used to satisfy the option area requirements.
Environmental Information and Mapping (16 credits required)
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERE 365 | Principles of Remote Sensing | 4 | |
| ERE 371 | Surveying for Engineers | 3 | |
| FOR 458 | Advanced Topics in GIS | 3 | |
| GEO 381 | Cartographic Design | 3 | |
| LSA 300 OR EFB 518 |
Digital Methods and Graphics I Systems Ecology: Ecology Modeling and Design |
3 3 |
Watershed Science (15 credits required)
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOR 340 | Watershed Hydrology | 3 | |
| FOR 345 | Introduction to Soils | 3 | |
| FOR 442 | Watershed Ecology and Management | 3 |
Choose TWO courses from the list below:
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFB 423 | Marine Ecology | 4 | |
| EFB 424 | Limnology: Study of Inland Waters | 3 | |
| EFB 486 | Ichthyology | 3 | |
| EFB 487 | Fisheries Science and Management | 3 | |
| EFB 542 | Freshwater Wetland Ecosystems | 3 | |
| ERE 412 | River Form and Process | 3 | |
| ERE 508 | Water - An Incredible Journey | 3 | |
| FOR 338 | Meteorology | G | 3 |
| GEO 316 | River Environments | 3 | |
| CEE 657 | Ecological Biochemistry | 3 |
NOTE: CIE 657, Ecological Biogeochemistry, is an upper-division Syracuse University course. Access by petition only; confer with your academic advisor.
Health and the Environment (17 credits required)
Required Courses
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EHS 250 | Foundations of Environmental Health | 2 | |
| EFB 400 | Toxic Health Hazards | 3 | |
| EFB 360 | Epidemiology | 3 |
Elective courses
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFB 303 | Introductory Environmental Microbiology | 4 | |
| EFB 307 | Principles of Genetics | 3 | |
| EFB 308 | Principles of Genetics Laboratory | 1 | |
| EFB 325 | Cell Biology | 3 | |
| EFB 385 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy | 4 | |
| EFB 453 | Parasitology | 3 | |
| EFB 462 | Animal Physiology: Environmental and Ecological | 4 | |
| EHS 320 | Disease Prevention | 3 | |
| EHS 350 | Environmental Health Management | 3 | |
| EHS 360 | Environmental Sampling Methods | 3 | |
| EHS 440 | Occupational Health and Safety | 3 | |
| EHS 480 | Hazardous Waste Management | 3 | |
| ENS 470 | Environmental Risk Assessment | 3 | |
| FST 102 | Food Fights: Contemporary Food | 3 |
Earth and Atmospheric Systems Science & Analysis (16 credits required)
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCH 399 | Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences | G | 3 |
| EFB 424 | Limnology: Study of Inland Waters | 3 | |
| FOR 345 | Introduction to Soils | 3 |
Choose TWO courses from the list below:
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| APM 307 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 | |
| APM 485 | Differential Equations for Engineers and Scientists | 3 | |
| APM 585 | Partial Differential Equations for Engineers and Scientists | 3 | |
| CIE 457 | |||
| ERE 365 | Principles of Remote Sensing | 4 | |
| FCH 380 | Analytical Chemistry I | 2 | |
| FCH 381 | Analytical Chemistry II: Spectroscopic, Chromatographic and Electroanalytical Instrumental Technique | 3 | |
| FCH 510 | Environmental Chemistry I | 3 | |
| FCH 511 | Atmospheric Chemistry | 3 | |
| FCH 515 | Methods of Environmental Chemical Analysis | 3 | |
| MCR 480 | Fundamentals of Microscopy | 3 |
NOTE: Upon consultation with option area coordinator, students may select courses beyond those listed above that align with professional goals.
Renewable Energy (15 credits required)
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE 441 OR CME 305 |
Biomass Energy Sustainable Energy Systems for Buildings |
3 3 |
|
| SRE 325 | Energy Systems | 3 | |
| SRE 337 | Energy Resource Assessment | 4 | |
| SRE 479 | Life Cycle Assessment | 3 |
and a minimum of 3 credits from the following:
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CME 305 | Sustainable Energy Systems for Buildings | 3 | |
| ERE 380 | Energy Systems Engineering | 3 | |
| EST 427 | Environmental and Energy Auditing | 3 | |
| FCH 360 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 | |
| PSE 361 | Engineering Thermodynamics | 3 | |
| PSE 370 | Principles of Mass and Energy Balance | 3 | |
| SRE 422 | Energy Markets and Regulation | 3 | |
| SRE 416 | Sustainable Energy Policy | 3 | |
| SRE 454 | Renewable Energy Finance and Analysis | 3 | |
| PHY 305 | Solar Energy Science and Architectures |
Upper Division Electives
| Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | 15 |
Students completing the environmental science program must complete 15 credits of upper division electives to satisfy the graduation requirements. Course taken to satisfy the advanced math/science or option areas cannot also be used to satisfy the upper division elective requirement.
Under the guidance of their academic advisor, students may design their own block of electives. Course selection should support the student’s capstone research, career or advanced academic study goals. Alternatively, this requirement can also be satisfied by choosing an official college minor. A list of minors is available:
Senior Synthesis (Capstone) Courses
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENS 498 | Environmental Science Capstone | 1 | |
| ENS 498 OR ENS 420 |
Research Problems in Environmental Science Internship in Environmental Science |
3 | |
| OR | Project-Oriented Coursework* | 3 |
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENS 494 | Environmental Science Capstone | 1 | |
| ENS 498 OR ENS 420 OR |
Research Problems in Environmental Science Internship in Environmental Science |
1 - 5 1 - 5 |
NOTE: ENS 498 and ENS 420 are taken for 3 credits
*Students may select from a list of project-oriented coursework to fulfill their senior synthesis requirement. Upon consultation with their advisor, students may also select courses beyond those listed on a case-by-case basis. Acceptable courses include:
-
ENS 496 Renewable Energy Capstone Seminar
-
ENS 596 International Interdisciplinary Urban Ecosystem Design
-
EFB 525 Limnology Practicum (student will need to enroll in an additional credit hour)
-
ESF 496 Special Topics classes (must confer with advisor)
-
Other
Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 126
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health
Environmental health focuses on the study of how people interact with their environment—the air and water around us, the plants and animals we encounter, and the workplaces and homes where we spend much of our lives. The field is broad, encompassing the direct effects of the environment on human health, and the factors that adversely affect the ecological balances essential to human health and environmental quality.
Core Courses
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| APM 105 | Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I | G | 4 |
| APM 106 | Survey of Calculus and Its Applications II | 4 | |
| APM 391 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | G | 3 |
| EFB 101 | General Biology I: Organismal Biology and Ecology | G | 3 |
| EFB 102 | General Biology I Laboratory | G | 1 |
| EFB 103 | General Biology II: Cell Biology and Genetics | G | 3 |
| EFB 104 | General Biology II Laboratory | G | 1 |
| EFB 303 | Introductory Environmental Microbiology | 4 | |
| EFB 360 | Epidemiology | 3 | |
| EFB 400 | Toxic Health Hazards | 3 | |
| EHS 250 | Foundations of Environmental Health | 2 | |
| EHS 320 | Disease Prevention | 3 | |
| EHS 350 | Environmental Health Management | 3 | |
| EHS 360 | Environmental Sampling Methods | 3 | |
| EHS 420 | Professional Internship in Environmental Health | 1 - 5 | |
| EHS 440 | Occupational Health and Safety | 3 | |
| EHS 480 | Hazardous Waste Management | 3 | |
| ENS 132 | Orientation Seminar: Environmental Science | 1 | |
| ENS 470 | Environmental Risk Assessment | 3 | |
| ENS 494 | Environmental Science Capstone | 1 | |
| ESF 200 | Information Literacy | 1 | |
| EWP 190 | Writing and the Environment | G | 3 |
| EWP 290 | Research Writing and Humanities | G | 3 |
| FCH 150 | General Chemistry I | G | 3 |
| FCH 151 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | G | 1 |
| FCH 152 | General Chemistry II | G | 3 |
| FCH 153 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | G | 1 |
| FCH 221 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 | |
| FCH 222 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 | |
| FCH 223 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 | |
| FCH 224 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 | |
| FCH 399 | Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences | G | 3 |
| NSD 114 | Food Safety and Quality Assurance | 2 | |
| PHY 101 | Major Concepts of Physics I | 4 | |
| PHY 102 | Major Concepts of Physics II | 4 |
NOTE: PHY 101 and PHY 102 both include a lab.
General Education Electives
Students are required to take one course from three of the following areas for a total of 9 General Education Electives
| Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Social Science | G | 3 |
| American History | G | 3 |
| Arts | G | 3 |
| Western Civilization | G | 3 |
| Other World Civilizations | G | 3 |
| Foreign Language | G | 3 |
Focus Area Electives
21 credits required for breadth and depth of knowledge.
Breadth: 3 credits from each of 3 focus areas (total of nine credits)
Depth: 12 credits from a fourth focus area.
NOTE: Some Focus Area Elective courses may have prerequisites, effectively exceeding the 126 minimum credit requirement for the B.S.
NOTE: Only three credits total from the 21 can be from a 200-level course or lower without prior approval of the curriculum coordinator.
A. Built Environment
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EST 132 | Orientation Seminar for Environmental Studies | 1 | |
| EST 220 | Urban Ecology | 3 | |
| EST 231 | Environmental Geology | 3 | |
| LSA 311 | Natural Processes in Design and Planning | 3 | |
| LSA 326 | Landscape Architectural Design Studio I | 5 | |
| LSA 451 | Comprehensive Land Planning | 3 | |
| LSA 470 | Thematic Landscape Design Studio | 6 |
B. Geospatial Technology
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERE 365 | Principles of Remote Sensing | 4 | |
| ERE 371 | Surveying for Engineers | 3 | |
| ERE 553 | Introduction to Spatial Information | 1 | |
| ERE 566 | Introduction to Global Positioning Systems | 1 | |
| ESF 300 | Introduction to Geospatial Information Technologies | 3 |
C. Soils
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERE 511 | Ecological Engineering in the Tropics | 3 | |
| FOR 332 | Forest Ecology | 4 | |
| FOR 345 | Introduction to Soils | 3 | |
| FOR 535 | Advanced Forest Soils | 3 | |
| FOR 635 | Forest Soils and Their Analyses | 3 |
D. Water and Wastewater
Students interested in this focus area are encouraged to take APM205 and APM206 in place of APM105 and APM106, as the higher level calculus is required for many of the courses; also students interested in this focus area are encouraged to take PHY211/221 and PHY212/222 in place of PHY101 and PHY102, as the higher level physics is required for many of the courses.
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEE 442 | Treatment Processes in Environmental Engineering | 4 | |
| EAR 401 | Hydrogeology | 3 | |
| EAR 420 | Contaminant Hydrogeology | 3 | |
| EFB 496 | Topics in Environmental and Forest Biology | 1 - 3 | |
| EFB 505 | Microbial Ecology | 2 | |
| ERE 275 | Ecological Engineering | 3 | |
| ERE 339 | Fluid Mechanics | 4 | |
| ERE 340 | Engineering Hydrology and Hydraulics | 4 | |
| ERE 440 | Water and Wastewater Treatment | 3 | |
| ERE 480 | Fate and Transport of Contaminants | 3 | |
| FCH 360 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 | |
| FCH 510 | Environmental Chemistry I | 3 | |
| FOR 487 | Environmental Law and Policy | 3 |
E. Solid/Hazardous Materials and Waste Management
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEE 341 | Introduction to Environmental Engineering | 3 | |
| EFB 496 | Topics in Environmental and Forest Biology | 1 - 3 | |
| ERE 275 | Ecological Engineering | 3 | |
| ERE 340 | Engineering Hydrology and Hydraulics | 4 | |
| ERE 405 | Sustainable Engineering | 3 | |
| ERE 465 | Environmental Systems Engineering | 3 | |
| ERE 468 | Solid and Hazardous Waste Engineering | 3 | |
| ERE 480 | Fate and Transport of Contaminants | 3 | |
| FOR 487 | Environmental Law and Policy | 3 |
F. Hydrogeology
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAR 401 | Hydrogeology | 3 | |
| EAR 420 | Contaminant Hydrogeology | 3 | |
| ERE 480 | Fate and Transport of Contaminants in Environmental Systems | 3 | |
| ENS 496 | Hydrology and Human Health | 3 | |
| ERE 508 | Water - An Incredible Journey | 3 | |
| FOR 340 | Watershed Hydrology | 3 | |
| FOR 345 | Introduction to Soils | 3 | |
| FOR 442 | Watershed Ecology and Management | 3 |
G. Food Protection
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FST 102 | Food Fights: Contemporary Food | 3 | |
| FST 307 | Feeding the World: Global Agri-Food Governance | 3 | |
| FST 402 | Feeding the City: Urban Food Systems | 3 | |
| FST 421 | Morality of a Meal: Food Ethic | 3 | |
| NSD 114 | Food Safety and Quality Assurance | 2 | |
| NSD 115 | Food Science I | 3 | |
| NSD 225 | Nutrition in Health | 3 | |
| NSD 427 | Public Health Nutrition | 3 | |
| NSD 455 | Community Nutrition | 3 | |
| NSD 481 | Medical Nutrition Therapy I | 3 | |
| NSD 555 | Food, Culture and Environment | 3 |
H. Public Health
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHP 221 | Community Health Promotion | 3 | |
| PHP 309 | Health Disparities and Underserved Populations | 3 | |
| FST 403 | The Human Right to Adequate Food and Nutrition | 3 | |
| PHP 302 | Influencing Healthy Behavior | 3 | |
| PHP 305 | Community Mental Health Promotion | 3 | |
| PHP 313 | Issues and Challenges: US Health Care Delivery | 3 | |
| PHP 306 | Understanding Health Systems: Macro and Micro Perspectives | 3 | |
| PHP 318 | Dynamics of Addiction | 3 | |
| PHP 414 | Introduction to Ethics & Laws in Healthcare Administration | 3 | |
| PHP 415 | Public Health Ethics | 3 | |
| PHP 437 | LGBTQ Health and Well Being | 3 | |
| PHP 438 | Native American Health Promotion | 3 | |
| PHP 462 | Culture and Reproductive Health and Medicine | 3 | |
| PHP 463 | Global Health | 3 |
I. Pre Medical Track
Students taking this track as their depth area must also select courses from 4 other focus areas, rather than three other focus areas for their breadth. This focus area does not count as one of the three breadth areas, but courses can count as Open Electives.
| Course Number | Course | Codes* | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTC 498 | Research Problems in Biotechnology | 1 - 9 | |
| EFB 307 | Principles of Genetics | 3 | |
| EFB 308 | Principles of Genetics Laboratory | 1 | |
| EFB 325 | Cell Biology | 3 | |
| EFB 385 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy | 4 | |
| FCH 530 | Biochemistry I | 3 | |
| FCH 532 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
Open Electives
Six (6) Credit hours. Students can take more than the 4 hours of open electives, but need to be aware that those extra credits will not substitute for required courses. Students are encouraged but not required to use some of their open electives to do research projects either on or off campus within the EHS framework. Below are listed some courses that might be of interest to EHS students.
EST 203 Introduction to Sociology
EST 220 Urban Ecology
EST 245 Foundations of Environmental Communication
EST 321 Government and the Environment
EST 361 History of the American Environmental Movement
EST 390 Social Processes and the Environment
EST 395 Public Communication of Science and Technology
EST 426 Community Planning and Sustainability
EFB 217 Peoples, Plagues, and Pests
EFB 352 Entomology
EFB 453 Parasitology
LSA 190 Clashing Perspectives in the Built Environment
FOR 202 Introduction to Sociology
FOR 204 Natural Resources in American History
FOR 489 Natural Resources Law and Policy
Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 126
NOTE: For students considering a career in Environmental Risk Assessment or Environmental Remediation, it is strongly recommended that they that take:
ENV 165 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (2 Credits) at Onondaga Community College over Winter Break. This course culminates with the awarding of the 40 hour HAZWOPER Certification, which is required by OSHA and many potential internship sponsors or employers.