Environmental & Resource Science

Mission Statement

Environmental and Resource Sciences is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the interaction of processes that shape our natural environment. Environmental Science studies the interplay among humankind and other species and the physical, chemical, and biological processes that regulate the function of both natural and engineered environments. Environmental science seeks to model and describe environmental processes to understand their effects upon humankind and consider the reciprocal effects of human activities on these processes.

The degree program in Environmental and Resource Sciences allows students to develop the skills and interdisciplinary understanding needed to deal with environmental issues by building on a foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, and social policy. The environmental and resource science program is designed to provide the broad general and scientific knowledge appropriate to a variety of careers in resource management. The program prepares students for advanced professional degrees in environmental science. The program also serves students who would like to teach natural science in secondary schools and prefer an interdisciplinary approach.

Learning Outcomes

• Student will be able to identify and describe the dynamic physical and chemical processes, acting at the Earth’s surface which provide resources and energy for natural ecosystems and for human needs.
• Students will identify and explain biological characteristics of ecosystems and explain the dynamics of the relationship of ecosystems to their physical environment with particular emphasis on the southwestern United States.
• Students will be able to appraise the affects that human needs have had on ecosystems and to formulate ideas or processes that will insure sustainability of human-influenced ecosystems.
• Students will be able to perform practical applications of data collection and interpretation for environmental restoration and management under federal and local laws and regulations.