Environmental Science

Why study Environmental Science?

Environmental Science students explore relationships between traditional sciences (biology, chemistry, physics and geology) to study human impact on natural systems. Complex issues such as climate change, waste management, resource availability, biodiversity and pollution persist in society, and there is an increasing demand for engineers and managers with a strong foundation in the sciences and well-developed communication skills.
 
Environmental Science majors gain these communication skills, as well as abilities in research and monitoring techniques and insights into research and data interpretation.

 

Environmental Science at Heidelberg

Heidelberg’s multidisciplinary Environmental Science major provides a strong background in the traditional sciences. At the upper level, students select a specialization in Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Water Resources. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students choose to conduct an independent research project or to work as an intern.
 
Majors also have the opportunity to interact with research scientists from the on-site National Center for Water Quality Research (NCWQR). The laboratory has a staff of seven full-time researchers involved in chemical, biological and hydrological studies. NCWQR programs center on the collection, analysis and interpretation of environmental data necessary for improved water resource management in the Great Lakes Basin. Much of the NCWQR’s research focuses on assessing the impacts of agricultural land use on water resources and on evaluating the effectiveness of agricultural pollution abatement programs. The laboratory’s research programs are supported by governmental agencies, industries and foundations.
 
In addition, Heidelberg’s Environmental Science students gain valuable preparation for graduate school and employment through the program’s:

  • Emphasis on hands-on learning – in the field and laboratory;
  • One-on-one interaction with faculty members who are actively engaged in environmental research;
  • Real-world training in environmental issues that incorporates official agency methods; and
  • Versatile design that builds knowledge based on previous experience in coursework and the field.

 

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

The Environmental Science major is administered by the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, which also offers a major in Biology and minors in Biology, Environmental Studies and Geology. The programs of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences are designed to provide a background in the earth and life sciences within the context of a liberal arts education and to prepare majors for occupational goals and advanced training. Courses serve students in the basic liberal arts program, as well as those who plan to teach in elementary or secondary schools and those who are interested in scientific research.

 

Facilities

Heidelberg’s Environmental Science program’s courses and laboratories are housed in the newly renovated Bareis Hall and the brand new Gillmor Science Hall, which opened in January 2005. Gillmor Hall is also home to our internationally renowned water quality laboratory, noted above, which was designated by Congress in 2002 as the National Center for Water Quality Research.
 

Department News

Going green Nov. 12, 2007 – A group of Heidelberg students are seeing green and could win big. A $10,000 grant from the U.S. EPA will allow them to explore ways to help the environment while beautifying the campus. The grant is part of the EPA’s P3 (People, Prosperity and Planet) competition that supports teams of college and university students who compete to design and build sustainable technologies. Anne Stearns is the project coordinator.