Environmental Science Concentration
Biology Department
Program Overview
The Environmental Science concentration is one of several programs within the Biology Department at Saint Francis University. The goal of the Biology Department is to present the life sciences in a manner that emphasizes the connections between such disciplines as zoology, plant biology, molecular biology, physiology, microbiology, and genetics. A student enrolled in the Environmental Science concentration will receive this fundamental background as part of their Bachelor of Science degree in biology, but will also be able to pursue interests in ecology and environmental science. The program’s strength lies in linking a strong foundation in advanced biological sciences to the study of today’s ecological challenges such as understanding biodiversity, protection of wetlands and watersheds, energy use and sustainability, the preservation of natural resources, and public health. Environmental issues are considered in terms of their impact on such socioeconomic challenges as politics, industry, management, and the conservation movement.
Career Direction
If you like investigating the world around you, are naturally curious about how things works, enjoy being outside, like solving challenging problems, and want to make contributions to society, a career in environmental science may be right for you. There are many career pathways that students in the program at Saint Francis may wish to pursue. Students may go on to Masters and Doctoral level graduate school programs in such diverse fields as ecology, environmental law, microbiology, forestry, entomology, resource conservation, and wildlife management. For those students desiring to enter the job market immediately following graduation, careers with local environmental groups, educational centers, environmental laboratories, state and federal government agencies, and landscape and engineering firms are just a few of the possibilities. The field of environmental science is broad and diversified, so there are many potential jobs for individuals with well-rounded academic backgrounds.
Coursework
Required courses in the Environmental Science Concentration include Biology I, Biology II, Ecology, Environmental Problems, Genetics, Microbiology, and Evolution. In addition to these core courses, students choose from electives designed specifically for those interested in environmental biology. These include Freshwater Biology, Field Biology, Marine Biology, Invertebrate Zoology, Animal Behavior and Environmental Chemistry. Students are also welcome to take courses in Cell Biology, Physiology, and Biochemistry. Students also complete two years of chemistry, one year of math, and one year of physics to complete their training as a well-rounded scientist. Environmental Science is an inter-disciplinary field, so the curriculum at Saint Francis also includes classes in statistics, computer science, economics, business, political science, and sociology. For details on the course requirements, click here.
Undergraduate Research
The program offers qualified students the opportunity to do undergraduate research one-on-one with a faculty advisor. Forests and steams surround the Saint Francis campus, so there are several types of ecological research that can be done here. Undergraduate research will enable you to build your resume by demonstrating to future employers that you have already done something with your education.
Cooperative Program with Duke University
Through a 3-2 cooperative program with Duke University, Saint Francis students may apply to complete a professional masters degree in forest resource management, resource ecology, ecotoxicology and environmental chemistry, water and air resources, or resource economics and policy. Students in this program complete three years at Saint Francis and four semesters (48 credits) at Duke. This program is designed to save the qualified student time and money, and to enable the student to proceed on to more specialized study following their junior year.
Extracurricular Activities
The biology department encourages students to become involved in activities outside of the classroom. In the Environmental Science concentration, you can do this in several ways. There are opportunities for internships and volunteer work with local state parks, government agencies, environmental groups, and with companies in the environmental field. Students may also become involved in environmental activities by working on our watershed nature trail, or by participating in our department's Environmental Awareness Society, Biology Club, or Scuba Club
The Lake Saint Francis Watershed Trail
One of the most valuable resources available to students in the Environmental Science program is the Lake Saint Francis Watershed Trail. To take a virtual hike on the trail, click here. The trail is located in the forest just behind campus and was designed to provide access to the University’s quieter, more natural areas, and to increase knowledge of the local ecology. The trail is lined with thirty interpretive signs that explain the features of the landscape and focus on two main themes: 1) the relationship of watershed streams and springs to the lake located at the base of the watershed, and 2) the many ecological communities located along the path. Students enrolled in Ecology (Biology 203) participate in many labs that utilize areas of the trail to examine ecological principles. Upperclassmen in the Environmental Science program have the opportunity to design independent research projects that investigate aspects of the trail's ecology.
The Commitment of the University to the Environment
Saint Francis University is proud to be recognized as a leader in environmental stewardship. The recycling program, the use of geothermal energy in the Christian Hall dormitory, the new wind-energy initiative, and the awards in environmental policy are just some of the indicators that the University is committed to a healthy environment. As St. Francis of Assisi is the Patron Saint of Ecology, it is appropriate that one of the Franciscan goals of higher education at Saint Francis University states, in part, “We care for the earth which is our home and work to protect and preserve it for future generations.”
For more information about the Environmental Science program, please contact:
Dr. Wayne Takacs
Chairperson
Biology Department
Saint Francis University
Loretto, PA 15940-0600
phone 814-472-3079
email WTakacs@francis.edu
or
Dr. Lane J. Loya
Environmental Science Program Coordinator
Biology Department
Saint Francis University
Loretto, PA 15940-0600
phone 814-472-3094
email LLoya@francis.edu
