The Environmental Science AS degree program prepares students for introductory jobs in the field of environmental science, environmental technology and for transfer into a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Environmental Science/Studies as well as other Biological or Natural Science related programs. Students will complete a strong base of science and math courses along with other core program and general education courses. This program articulates to each of Bemidji State University’s (BSU) Environmental Studies Program five emphases or tracks:

  • Ecosystem Studies emphasis
  • Environmental Health & Toxicology emphasis
  • Policy and Planning emphasis
  • Geohydrology emphasis
  • Industrial Ecology emphasis  

 

Print


2018 - 2019

  • Curriculum

    Program Courses
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    COMM1010 or COMM1110 - 1 course
    Course Subject: COMM         Course Number:1010
    Course Title:Fundamentals of Public Speaking or      Goal Areas:01       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course provides instruction and practical experience in the basics of public speaking. This course has a performance component: students are expected to create and deliver informative, persuasive and other types of speeches.
    		Fundamentals of Public Speaking orView-COMM101001 3
    Course Subject: COMM         Course Number:1110
    Course Title:Principles of Interpersonal Communication      Goal Areas:01,07       Credits:3

    Course Description:This introductory course looks at communication in one-to-one relationships in friendships, families, the workplace, and elsewhere. Students will be challenged to discover and assess their own communication strengths and weaknesses as they define and discuss what it means to be a competent interpersonal communicator. Course content includes both theory and practice (skill development).
    		Principles of Interpersonal CommunicationView-COMM111001,07 3
    Course Subject: CHEM         Course Number:1061
    Course Title:Principles of Chemistry I      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:This course is a study of the basic concepts of Chemistry, with an emphasis on atomic theory, stoichiometric relationships, kinetic-molecular theory, molecular structure, and chemical bonding as related to the gas and liquid and solid phases. The lab portion with experiments includes observation, data collection, and mathematical applications that support the concepts being studied in class. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Placement in this class will be determined by student college assessment score and/or successful completion of Math 1150 with a grade of C or better.
    		Principles of Chemistry IView-CHEM106103 4
    Course Subject: ECON         Course Number:1070
    Course Title:Principles of Microeconomics      Goal Areas:05       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course covers theories of consumer and producer behavior as well as market structure, the role of government in the economy, distribution of income, externalities, and taxes.
    		Principles of MicroeconomicsView-ECON107005 3
    Course Subject: EEVS         Course Number:1100
    Course Title:Physical Geology      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:A course examining the earth¿s formation, composition, structure and natural systems. Learners will practice making observations, forming scientific questions and posing hypotheses as they explore the earth¿s internal and external processes and how they shape the surface of the earth. Topics include: geologic time, plate tectonics, rock and mineral identification, introduction to topographic and geologic maps, surficial processes, climate change and environmental concerns. Course is open to all students. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 Credits.
    		Physical GeologyView-EEVS110003 4
    Course Subject: EEVS         Course Number:2000
    Course Title:Introduction to Environmental Science      Goal Areas:03,10       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course focuses on the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science by including the biological, geological, and physical-chemical of the discipline. It provides a case-study based examination of the intersection of science, policy, economics, society, culture and diversity as they relate to today's environmental problems. Students will use the process of science to understand global environments and the human impacts on them by the application of primary literature, graphical skills and lab-like data analyses.
    		Introduction to Environmental ScienceView-EEVS200003,10 3
    Course Subject: ENGL         Course Number:1202
    Course Title:College Writing II      Goal Areas:01       Credits:2

    Course Description:This class focuses on the research process, textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, rhetorical strategies for argument and persuasion, and successful integration of sources into a longer academic paper utilizing MLA (or other, as appropriate) documentation format. The class may be disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or topical in content, as noted on the class registration site. Prerequisite: Engl 1200 or 1201 with a grade of C or higher
    		College Writing IIView-ENGL120201 2
    Course Subject: MATH         Course Number:1210
    Course Title:Applied Statistics      Goal Areas:02,04       Credits:4

    Course Description:This course provides students with practical statistical tools for analyzing a variety of data. Students will learn how to choose which statistical test to implement, how to apply computer software to conduct tests, and how to interpret the statistical results. Topics include discussion of frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variation, exploratory data analysis, probability, hypothesis testing and inferences about proportions and means (one and two populations), analysis of variance, correlation, linear regression, and nonparametric statistics. Prerequisites: College math placement above Math 1150 or successful completion of Math 1150 or higher with grade of "C" or better.
    		Applied StatisticsView-MATH121002,04 4
    Course Subject: PHIL         Course Number:1200
    Course Title:Environmental Philosophy      Goal Areas:06,10       Credits:3

    Course Description:Environmental Philosophy is concerned with developing rational and moral theories of dealing with our environmental concerns and discussing ways of putting them into practice. Using a variety of specific philosophical perspectives, we will examine the effects of population growth, ecosystem destruction, species extinction, pollution, climate change, resource extraction, agriculture, etc. on humans and the environment. We will develop ways of understanding relationships between humans and the environment and ways of acting on our responsibilities to the natural world and its inhabitants.
    		Environmental PhilosophyView-PHIL120006,10 3
    College Writing I (minimum grade 1.67)
    Course Subject: ENGL         Course Number:1200
    Course Title:Gateway College Writing or      Goal Areas:01       Credits:4

    Course Description:This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
    		Gateway College Writing orView-ENGL120001 4
    Course Subject: ENGL         Course Number:1201
    Course Title:College Writing I      Goal Areas:01       Credits:4

    Course Description:This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
    		College Writing IView-ENGL120101 4
     
    The Environmental Studies Program will transfer to Bemidji State
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Ecosystem Studies OR Environmental Health and Toxicology Track
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Course Subject: BIOL         Course Number:1101
    Course Title:Principles of Biology I      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:This is the first course in a two-semester biology sequence. This course introduces students to the concepts of cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, heredity and genetics. This course is intended for students for biological and physical science majors or those planning to enter a professional program. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisite:ENGL 0990 or a 78 on the Accuplacer Reading Comprehension AND CHEM 1061 or Concurrent Registration with CHEM 1061
    		Principles of Biology IView-BIOL110103 4
    Course Subject: BIOL         Course Number:1102
    Course Title:Principles of Biology II      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:This course is the second in the two semester sequence of introductory biology. Topics include principles of evolution, ecology, biodiversity and an introduction to living systems. Utilization of preserved animal specimens is a required part of this course. One semester of college chemistry is recommended. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisite: BIOL 1101; or BIOL 1001 with instructor permission and concurrent enrollment in CHEM 1061
    		Principles of Biology IIView-BIOL110203 4
    Course Subject: CHEM         Course Number:1062
    Course Title:Principles of Chemistry II      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:A continuation of CHEM 1061, this course emphasizes chemical equilibrium, solution chemistry, acid-base chemistry, precipitation reactions, complex ion formation, oxidation-reduction, and electrochemical reactions. The laboratory portion includes experimental applications of the lecture topics: determination of cation and anion (qualitative) content of unknown mixture, kinetics, acid-base equilibria, solubility, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and an introduction to nuclear chemistry. CHEM 1061 is required for this course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
    		Principles of Chemistry IIView-CHEM106203 4
    College Algebra or Higher: MATH1150(3), MATH1170(4), MATH1180(5), MATH1200(3), MATH1221(5), MATH1222(5), MATH2000(4), MATH2010(3), MATH2220(5), MATH2300(4), MATH2400(4)
     
    Geohydrology Track
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Course Subject: PHYS         Course Number:1201
    Course Title:Principles of Physics I      Goal Areas:03       Credits:5

    Course Description:This course is the first of an algebra-based two-semester introductory physics sequence.Topics to be covered include: motion in one and two dimensions, Newton's laws of motion, energy, momentum, rotational motion, static equilibrium, oscillations, gravitation, fluids. Concepts of right-triangle trigonometry will be introduced as needed. (4 hours lecture, 2 hours lab). Prerequisite: Successful completion of either MATH 1150 or MATH 1180 with a C or better OR eligibility for either MATH 1170 or MATH 1221 through College math placement score.
    		Principles of Physics IView-PHYS120103 5
    College Algebra or Higher: MATH1150(3), MATH1170(4), MATH1180(5), MATH1200(3), MATH1221(5), MATH1222(5), MATH2000(4), MATH2010(3), MATH2220(5), MATH2300(4), MATH2400(4)
     
    Policy and Planning Track
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Course Subject: ECON         Course Number:1060
    Course Title:Principles of Macroeconomics      Goal Areas:05,08       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course covers mainstream theories, the economy's recent performance, national income and output levels, money and the banking system, inflation and unemployment, fiscal and monetary policies, economic growth, and international trade.
    		Principles of MacroeconomicsView-ECON106005,08 3
    Course Subject: POLS         Course Number:1100
    Course Title:American Government and Politics      Goal Areas:05,09       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course is a general introduction to American politics with emphasis on the Constitution, citizen participation, elections, and the role of the major governmental institutions - Congress, presidency and judiciary - in the formulation of public policy in the United States.
    		American Government and PoliticsView-POLS110005,09 3
    Complete one Goal 4 course: MATH1010(3), MATH1031(3), MATH1032(3), MATH1080(3), MATH1090(4), MATH1130(3), MATH1140(3), MATH1150(3), MATH1160(4), MATH1170(4), MATH1180(5), MATH1190(5), MATH1200(3), MATH1221(5), MATH1222(5), MATH2010(3), MATH2220(5), MATH2300(4), MATH2400(4), PHIL1050(3)
     
    Industrial Ecology Track
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Course Subject: BIOL         Course Number:1101
    Course Title:Principles of Biology I      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:This is the first course in a two-semester biology sequence. This course introduces students to the concepts of cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, heredity and genetics. This course is intended for students for biological and physical science majors or those planning to enter a professional program. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisite:ENGL 0990 or a 78 on the Accuplacer Reading Comprehension AND CHEM 1061 or Concurrent Registration with CHEM 1061
    		Principles of Biology IView-BIOL110103 4
    Course Subject: CHEM         Course Number:1062
    Course Title:Principles of Chemistry II      Goal Areas:03       Credits:4

    Course Description:A continuation of CHEM 1061, this course emphasizes chemical equilibrium, solution chemistry, acid-base chemistry, precipitation reactions, complex ion formation, oxidation-reduction, and electrochemical reactions. The laboratory portion includes experimental applications of the lecture topics: determination of cation and anion (qualitative) content of unknown mixture, kinetics, acid-base equilibria, solubility, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and an introduction to nuclear chemistry. CHEM 1061 is required for this course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
    		Principles of Chemistry IIView-CHEM106203 4
    College Algebra or Higher: MATH1150(3), MATH1170(4), MATH1180(5), MATH1200(3), MATH1221(5), MATH1222(5), MATH2000(4), MATH2010(3), MATH2220(5), MATH2300(4), MATH2400(4)
     
    MnTC Electives
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Additional MnTC Courses (if needed to meet 60 total credits): AMST1010(3), AMST1020(3), AMST2210(3), AMST2220(3), ANTH1010(3), ANTH1020(3), ANTH1130(3), ANTH1140(3), ARBC1030(3), ARBC1101(4), ARBC1102(4), ARBC2201(4), ART1040(3), ART1101(3), ART1102(3), ART1160(3), ART1170(3), ART1270(3), ART1301(3), ART1302(3), ART1310(3), ART1320(3), ART1340(3), ART1341(3), ART1361(3), ART1362(3), ART1401(3), ART1402(3), ART1770(3), ART1810(1), ART1820(2), ART2180(3), ART2190(3), ART2300(2), ART2611(3), ART2612(3), ART2640(3), ART2740(1), ART2750(1), ART2780(1), ART2781(1), ART2782(1), ART2800(1), ART2820(1), ART2860(1), ART2900(1), ART2970(1), ASL1101(4), ASL1102(4), ASL1300(3), ASL2201(4), ASL2202(4), BIOL1000(4), BIOL1001(4), BIOL1002(4), BIOL1030(4), BIOL1101(4), BIOL1102(4), BIOL1120(3), BIOL1130(4), BIOL1140(4), BIOL1160(4), BIOL1200(4), BIOL1350(3), BIOL1360(4), BIOL1600(1), BIOL1610(1), BIOL1650(1), BIOL2020(4), BIOL2030(4), BIOL2100(4), BIOL2111(4), BIOL2112(4), BIOL2360(4), CHEM1000(4), CHEM1010(4), CHEM1030(4), CHEM1061(4), CHEM1062(4), COMM1010(3), COMM1110(3), COMM1210(3), COMM1310(3), COMM1410(3), COMM1510(3), COMM1610(3), COMM1710(3), COMM1810(3), COMM1910(3), ECON1050(3), ECON1060(3), ENGL1111(3), ENGL1112(3), ENGL1140(3), ENGL1150(3), ENGL1201(4), ENGL1202(2), ENGL1250(2), ENGL1400(3), ENGL1450(3), ENGL1900(3), ENGL1950(3), ENGL2010(3), ENGL2020(3), ENGL2030(3), ENGL2270(3), ENGL2300(3), ENGL2310(3), ENGL2320(3), ENGL2330(3), ENGL2340(3), ENGL2350(3), ENGL2360(3), ENGL2370(3), ENGL2380(3), ENGL2390(3), ENGL2450(3), ENGL2460(3), ENGL2500(3), ENGL2550(3), ENGL2560(3), ENGL2580(3), ENGL2590(3), ENGL2900(3), ENGL2950(3), GCST1030(3), GCST1040(3), GCST1210(3), GCST1211(3), GCST1212(3), GCST1213(3), GCST1220(2), GCST1320(3), GEOG1000(2), GEOG1010(3), GEOG1040(3), GEOG1100(3), GEOG1190(3), GEOL1010(2), GEOL1020(2), GEOL1030(2), GEOL1040(2), GEOL1110(4), GEOL1120(4), GEOL1130(4), GEOL1150(4), GEOL1160(4), GEOL1850(3), GEOL1851(1), GERM1030(3), HIST1010(3), HIST1020(3), HIST1030(3), HIST1110(3), HIST1120(3), HIST1130(3), HIST1140(3), HIST1200(3), HIST1210(3), HIST1220(3), HIST1240(3), HIST1270(3), HIST1700(3), HIST2500(3), HIST2600(3), HIST2700(3), HUM1210(3), INTD1030(3), INTD1040(3), INTD1210(3), INTD1211(3), INTD1212(3), MATH1010(3), MATH1031(3), MATH1032(3), MATH1080(3), MATH1090(4), MATH1130(3), MATH1140(3), MATH1150(3), MATH1160(4), MATH1170(4), MATH1180(5), MATH1190(5), MATH1200(3), MATH1221(5), MATH1222(5), MATH2010(3), MATH2220(5), MATH2300(4), MATH2400(4), MUSC1130(1), MUSC1160(1), MUSC1170(1), MUSC1180(1), MUSC1200(3), MUSC1220(3), MUSC1241(3), MUSC1242(3), MUSC1300(3), MUSC1320(1), MUSC1350(3), MUSC1500(2), MUSC1501(2), MUSC1502(2), MUSC1510(1), MUSC1560(1), MUSC1600(2), MUSC1610(1), MUSC1800(2), MUSC1801(2), MUSC1802(2), MUSC1810(1), MUSC1830(1), MUSC1850(1), MUSC1860(1), MUSC1870(1), MUSC2010(2), MUSC2170(3), MUSC2180(3), MUSC2241(3), MUSC2242(3), MUSC2970(1), NSCI1000(4), NSCI1010(1), NSCI1020(1), NSCI1030(1), NSCI1050(4), NSCI1060(3), NSCI1061(1), NSCI1070(3), NSCI1071(1), NSCI1110(4), NSCI1120(4), PHIL1010(3), PHIL1020(3), PHIL1030(3), PHIL1040(3), PHIL1050(3), PHIL1060(3), PHIL1070(3), PHIL1110(3), PHIL1200(3), PHIL1210(3), PHIL1220(3), PHYS1000(4), PHYS1030(4), PHYS1050(4), PHYS1060(3), PHYS1061(1), PHYS1070(3), PHYS1071(1), PHYS1120(4), PHYS1140(3), PHYS1201(5), PHYS1202(5), PHYS1400(3), PHYS1410(1), PHYS1450(3), PHYS1460(1), PHYS1601(5), PHYS1602(5), POLS1100(3), POLS1140(3), POLS1600(3), POLS1700(3), PSYC1165(3), PSYC1170(3), PSYC2110(3), PSYC2340(3), PSYC2350(3), SOC1110(3), SOC1130(3), SOC2110(3), SOC2210(3), SOC2410(3), SPAN1030(3), SPAN1101(5), SPAN1102(5), SPAN2201(5), SPAN2202(5), TFT1200(3), TFT1210(3), TFT1250(3), TFT1260(3), TFT1270(3), TFT1280(3), TFT1290(3), TFT1310(3), TFT1320(3), TFT1350(3), TFT1500(3), TFT1510(3), TFT1520(3), TFT1531(3), TFT1532(3), TFT1540(3), TFT1600(1), TFT1610(1), TFT1710(3), TFT2010(3), TFT2500(3), TFT2950(1)
     
                                   Total Credit Required60

  • Program Outcomes

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    Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World:



    • Demonstrate a general understanding of the interconnected and interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues.

    • Identify and explain environmental processes, ecosystems and human-environment interactions.

    • Explain and apply the scientific process by making observations, developing hypotheses, designing experiments and interpreting, analyzing and synthesizing data.

    • Recognize and articulate the impact of human development on natural systems, including global, regional and local examples.


    Intellectual and Practical Skills:



    • Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative methods, qualitative analysis and critical thinking for scientific problem solving.

    • Communicate science and environmental issues effectively through written reports and oral presentations.

    • Work effectively both individually and as a member of a group.


    Personal and Social Responsibility and Engagement: 



    • Reflect critically and from a diversity of viewpoints about their roles and identities as citizens, consumers and environmental actors in a complex, interconnected world.

    • Identify and justify key stakeholders in humanities and social sciences that need to be part of sustainable solutions 


    Integrative and Applied Learning:



    • Integrate facts, observations, concepts and methods from multiple disciplines to solve scientific and environmental problems.

    •  Be prepared to transfer to a baccalaureate program.

    •  Be prepared for work in the environmental technology field. 


     

  • Career Opportunities

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    Information on careers, including salary and employment outlook data, is available on the iseek and Bureau of Labor Statistics websites: www.iseek.org and www.bls.gov.

  • Transfer Information

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    If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information

  • Degree Information

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    The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is intended for students whose primary goal is to complete the credentials for a specific career and/or prepare for transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree at a college or university with whom North Hennepin Community College has an articulation agreement. The A.S. degree provides a balance of general education courses and the required scientific, professional or technical courses in the degree program.


    A student shall:



    • Earn a minimum of 60 semester credits as required in the program, with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above in courses taken at North Hennepin Community College. Specific programs may have additional requirements or a higher minimum grade point average.

    • Earn a minimum of 15 semester credits at North Hennepin Community College. A student must complete at least 50% of career specific courses at North Hennepin Community College.

    • Earn 30 credits in at least 6 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) goal areas.

    • Earn 30 professional/technical credits.

    • Have four years to complete the graduation requirements as published in the catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment. Students taking more than four years to complete their graduation requirements may follow any catalog published during the four-year period preceding their graduation.


    Completion of an A.S. degree fulfills the Goal Area 2 requirement of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).


    Developmental Courses
    Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.


    Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information
    North Hennepin Community College is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 763-493-0555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.

  • Accreditation

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    North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the: Higher Learning Commission 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60602-2504 1-800-621-7440