REVISED
Fall 2013, Winter 2014 and Spring 2014 quarters
- Faculty
- Erik Thuesen biology, marine science , Cheri Lucas-Jennings law and public policy, environmental law
- Fields of Study
- biology, environmental studies, law and government policy, law and public policy, marine science and political science
- Preparatory for studies or careers in
- environmental studies, biological sciences, public policy, marine science
- Description
-
Water is essential to life, and the management and regulation of water and aquatic ecosystems will provide many of the subjects for our study in this full-year program. When combined with introductory policy components starting with the Pacific Northwest and looking globally, our studies of the biological, physical and chemical characteristics of oceans will provide the valuable knowledge necessary to make instrumental decisions about marine resources and habitats. It is essential to understand the interconnections between biology and ecology in order to make informed decisions about how environmental policy should proceed. This core program is designed to provide legal knowledge and scientific skills necessary to understand problems facing Earth’s ecosystems. Learning will take place through lectures, seminars, a workshop series and biology laboratory exercises. Work in the field and multi-day field trips in fall and winter are also planned to gain first-hand exposure to various marine environments.
In the fall, we will cover standard topics of first year college biology, using marine organisms as our foci. The overall objective of this component is to gain basic familiarity with the biology and ecology of ocean life. Focal topics in the social sciences will include the use and abuse of decision-making authority. Particularly with respect to the Point-No Point Treaties and the Boldt Decisions, we will assess how science and culture interact to safeguard endangered biota. Can we reduce these to private entitlements or are policy impacts necessarily public? Fall quarter topics will be mostly gathered from local and regional issues.
In the winter, we will further our studies of marine organisms and ecosystems examining marine biodiversity in various contexts. We will learn more about the bio-ecological and social dimensions of water quality. International markets for raw resources and international waters for anadromous fish make state commerce issues dependent on larger ecological components. Seminars and lectures in environmental policy will begin to explore such international issues. Workshops on research techniques during winter quarter will develop successful individual or group projects to be undertaken in the spring quarter.
In spring, students will be required to undertake a community-based internship or carry out a research project related to ocean life. Internships might be with local or state government agencies or NGOs. Research projects should be interdisciplinary and include an out-reach component. This independent work will provide valuable hands-on experience to build practical knowledge and skills in environmental policy and science.
- Campus Location
- Olympia
- Online Learning
- Hybrid Online Learning < 25% Delivered Online
- Books
- Greener Store
- Required Fees
- $170 in fall and $385 in winter for overnight field trips.
- Internship Required
- Spring: An internship in environmental policy or environmental science, or an independent research project is required. Students must complete an In-program Internship Learning Contract (designed for this program) in consultation with the faculty and Academic Advising.
- Offered During
- Day
Program Revisions
| Date | Revision |
|---|---|
| May 8th, 2013 | Fees have increased from $155 to $170 in fall and $350 to $385 in winter. |
| February 18th, 2013 | New program added. |