Environmental Sciences Major: Hydrology Option (B.S.)

Program Overview

The Environmental Sciences Major: Hydrology Option (B.S.) is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of environmental sciences, with a focus on the interaction of biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape the natural environment. The program prepares students for careers in environmental science, environmental management, and related fields, through coursework in geomorphology, soils/mineralogy, surface water hydrology, groundwater hydrology, and quantitative analysis. Students also complete a capstone experience, which is a research project or internship that allows them to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world environmental problem.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Environmental Sciences Major: Hydrology Option (B.S.) is a 128-credit interdisciplinary program offered jointly by the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) and the College of Life Science and Agriculture (COLSA) at the University of New Hampshire. The program focuses on the interaction of biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape the natural environment. Students graduating with a degree in environmental sciences will have an understanding of these interacting processes, the ability to communicate effectively with both scientific and lay audiences, competency in field methods appropriate for entry-level environmental science positions, competency in the use and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a basic understanding of environmental policy, and the ability to contribute to multidisciplinary teams.

Objectives:

• To provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of environmental sciences.
• To develop students' analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• To prepare students for careers in environmental science, environmental management, and related fields.

Program Description:

The Hydrology Option provides students with a solid grounding in fundamental hydrological principles and quantitative reasoning. The program includes coursework in:

• Geomorphology
• Soils/Mineralogy
• Surface Water Hydrology
• Groundwater Hydrology
• Quantitative Analysis
Students will also complete a capstone experience, which is a research project or internship that allows them to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world environmental problem.

Outline:

First Year

• Fall: Professional Perspectives in Natural Resources, Introduction to Environmental Science, Calculus I, General Chemistry I, First-Year Writing
• Spring: Geology and the Environment, Calculus II, General Chemistry II, Discovery Discipline Course 1

Second Year

• Fall: Techniques in Environmental Sciences, Landscape Evolution, Statistics for Engineers and Scientists, Discovery Discipline Course 1
• Spring: Freshwater Resources, Principles of Mineralogy, General Physics I, Discovery Discipline Course 1

Third Year

• Fall: General Physics II, Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology, GIS for Earth & Environmental Sciences, Discovery Discipline Course 1
• Spring: Fate and Transport in the Environment, Natural Resources and Environmental Policy, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Preparation for Capstone, Quantitative analysis elective

Fourth Year

• Fall: Principles of Hydrology, Senior Capstone (or free-elective if capstone is otherwise satisfied), Approved Science Elective, Discovery Discipline Course 1
• Spring: Groundwater Hydrology, Approved Science Elective, Free Elective, Discovery Discipline Course 1

Assessment:

Students in the Environmental Sciences Major: Hydrology Option (B.S.) are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Homework assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Capstone experience

Teaching:

The Environmental Sciences Major: Hydrology Option (B.S.) is taught by a team of experienced faculty members from the Department of Earth Sciences in CEPS and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment in COLSA. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Labs
• Field trips
• Guest speakers

Careers:

Graduates of the Environmental Sciences Major: Hydrology Option (B.S.) are prepared for a variety of careers in environmental science, environmental management, and related fields. These careers include:

• Environmental consultant
• Environmental scientist
• Environmental engineer
• Water resources manager
• Soil scientist
• Conservationist
• Park ranger
• Teacher
• Researcher