Environmental and Natural Sciences - Lyndon

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Faculty

Ian Balcom, Associate Professor 
Alan Giese, Professor 
Benjamin Luce, Professor 

Mission Statement

The Northern Vermont University-Lyndon Department of Natural Sciences offers students exciting opportunities to engage in hands-on learning about the natural world and sustainable technologies and practices. Our tight-knit community of faculty, staff, and students work collaboratively to produce degrees in Environmental Science, Natural Science and Sustainability Studies. The Department also offers minors in biology, chemistry, physics, and geology, and provides scientific instruction in support of other degree programs at NVU.

Our mission is to create highly effective environmental, community, and educational leaders through participatory learning about the natural world and our role in it.

Program Goals

The Northern Vermont University-Lyndon Department of Natural Sciences offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in Environmental Science, Natural Science, and Sustainability Studies. The goals of the department are to:

• Prepare students for successful careers in the natural and environmental sciences and the field of sustainability, including careers in biological assessment, advocacy, environmental preservation and restoration, bioremediation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency, recycling, and other green practices and initiatives.
• Prepare students intending to pursue graduate level studies in the sciences. In particular this means preparing our graduates with both a broad-based education in science, and specialized upper-division course work relevant to their specific area of graduate study interest.
• Prepare our science students with competency in all aspects of laboratory work and safety, and a strong background in the use of current laboratory technology and techniques.
• Provide training for secondary school science teachers by providing a curriculum that allows students to meet state requirements for licensure.
• Provide our students with an exciting, in-depth capstone experience in multidisciplinary, applied research, projects, or internships to deepen their preparation and better prepare them for successful careers in science and sustainability.
   

Program Description

The requirements set forth in each of the majors are designed to prepare graduates for a wide variety of potential career paths. Central to the design of each of our program’s degree tracks is an emphasis on the versatility imparted by a liberal arts education. We strive to prepare students for employment and continued life-long learning. Therefore, the requirements for the science majors integrate direct, hands-on learning with critical and creative thinking oriented education.

Program Assessment

As is evident from our goals, our objective is to prepare our students for careers in the environmental sciences, natural sciences, sustainability, science education, and graduate school. In order to evaluate our success in meeting these objectives we invite annual peer review of our program by a panel of external scientists and professionals, and solicit feedback from our graduates. We pay particular attention to our assessment advisory panel’s evaluation of our seniors’ preparation for employment and/or graduate level programs.

Student Learning Outcomes by Degree Program

Upon graduation, all Natural Science, Environmental Science, and Sustainability Studies students shall be able to:

• Apply the scientific process and critical thinking in problem solving.
• Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use current scientific technology/instrumentation in the lab and field.

In addition, Natural Science students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the application of fundamental natural science concepts in the analysis or resolution of a science-based question of interest.
• Conduct original research, organize that research into an original argument, and present that argument in oral and/or written forms.

In addition, Environmental Science students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the application of fundamental environmental science concepts in the analysis or resolution of a science-based question of interest.
• Apply appropriate techniques to the analysis of environmental problems.

In addition, Sustainability Studies students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of how ethical, cultural, and political considerations may affect the implementation of sustainability initiatives.
• Demonstrate the application of science-based knowledge in the design of a sustainability initiative.

Pre-Nursing Program

Students who are interested in the pre-nursing program must complete the Northern Vermont University application and submit it to the Admissions Office. A recommended course of study will be discussed upon meeting with an academic advisor during the registration process.

Programs

• Environmental Science (B.S.): Environmental Science Concentration - L
• Environmental Science (B.S.): Sustainability Studies Concentration - J, L
• Natural Science (B.S.) - L

• Biology Minor - L
• Environmental Chemistry Minor - L
• Environmental Science Minor - L
• Geographic Analysis Minor - L
• Geology Minor - L
• Natural Science Minor - J, L
• Physics Minor (Calculus-Based) - L
• Physics Minor - L
• Sustainability Studies Minor - L
• Wildlife Management Minor - J, L

• Pre-Health Professional Curricula - L

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