Environmental Science Foundations

In this program we will learn introductory chemistry, introductory biology, and mathematics through the lens of aquatic ecosystems. A tiny fraction (less than 0.01%) of water on Earth is found in lakes and rivers, making our freshwater systems especially vulnerable to human impacts. An integrated knowledge of chemistry, biology, and math is necessary to understand how freshwater systems function, which is the first step necessary to preserve and/or restore these systems. Students will have the opportunity to earn 6 credits in Introductory Chemistry, 6 credits in Introductory Biology, and 4 credits in Algebraic Thinking.

Introductory chemistry concepts we will cover include: properties of aqueous solutions; atoms, molecules, and ions; chemical reactions and redox reactions; chemical bonding; physical properties of solutions; gases, chemical equilibrium; and properties of acids and bases. In introductory biology, we will study the diversity of life on Earth; taxonomy and phylogenetics; evolutionary processes; the function of biomolecules; cellular structure, function, and reproduction; photosynthesis and cellular respiration; introductory botany, zoology, and ecology. Concepts we will cover in mathematics will include: dimensional analysis, linear equations, exponentials, logarithms, power laws, introductory geometry, and introductory trigonometry. Field and lab experiences will integrate biology, mathematics, and chemistry concepts with freshwater ecology methods. We will use Evergreen's forest reserve and local field sites as natural laboratories to support our learning.

Through this program you will gain the fundamentals of chemistry, biology, and math that you will need to be successful in more advanced environmental studies programs. This program is intended for students wanting to explore the natural sciences prior to enrolling in Integrated Natural Sciences , as well as students who are interested in broadening their understanding of the natural sciences. This program will prepare you for advanced work in natural history and the winter/spring program Riding the Global Carbon Cycle from the Mountains to the Sea . However, this program will not provide you with the full sequence of general biology, general chemistry, or precalculus, which are generally required for upper-division programs like Molecule to Organism , Environmental Analysis , Marine Environments, Atoms, Molecules, and Reactions, and Field Ecology. Please talk with the faculty about your long-term goals to determine whether or not this program or a program like Integrated Natural Sciences (where you earn a full year of both general biology and general chemistry) would be better for you.