Environmental Science and Policy Learning Objectives

Students who complete this program will be able to:

  • Evaluate and present scientific data
    • Students will have a working knowledge of basic statistics and appropriate graphing techniques.
    • Students will have the functional knowledge required to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for data analysis.
  • Understand and apply the scientific method:
    • Students will develop testable hypotheses, learn the importance of careful experimental design, and carry out experiments.
  • Integrate information across disciplines.
    • Students will be able to use information from their core courses to complete their advanced courses. They will apply information from a variety of core courses in their capstone experiences either through independent research or an internship.
  • Develop familiarity with the scientific information underlying environmental issues.
    • Students will learn basic principles of biology, ecology, chemistry, and geology that underlay environmental issues. They will learn to recognize ecosystem types and identify a variety of organisms found in New England.
  • Understand how environmental policy is developed. Students will be able to apply legislations and regulations governing environmental policy in case studies used in advanced courses and in capstone experiences.
  • Understand the planning and review process.
    • Students will be able to evaluate proposed residential and commercial developments and apply appropriate strategies necessary to achieve sustainability.
    • Students will be able to interpret engineering plans and apply environmental regulations to proposals.
    • Students will be able to demonstrate that they understand the planning cycle and develop skills in resource management and conservation.
  • Communicate scientific and technical information to the public.
    • Students will be able to write lab reports and summaries to develop technical writing skills. Students will be able to demonstrate writing and speaking skills necessary to translate scientific information to the public.
  • Understand and apply geographical methodologies and techniques.
    • Students will learn properties of geographical data, levels of measurement, measures of spatial distribution and analysis, and the interpretation and processing of aerial photographs and satellite images.