The BSES minor is an interdisciplinary program of study that may strengthen and complement a major. Students should have a basic foundation in science knowledge. Graduates will understand the basics of principles and concepts that will include some of the following disciplines: biology, chemistry, physical and atmospheric sciences, geology, and ecology. Goals of the minor are:
1. Knowledge of environmental science methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
1.1 Apply laboratory and field research techniques to examine environmental sciences questions/problems
1.2 Understand benefits, trade-offs, and coordination of laboratory vs field environmental science
1.3 Use digital tools to understand and solve quantitative problems including computer software for statistical, tabular, graphical or spatial analysis of data
1.4 Apply statistical techniques in sampling and analysis
2. Systems thinking at the intersections of natural sciences, social sciences, public policy, and environmental management
2.1 Understand cultural, historical context in which natural systems exist
2.2 Identify relationships among human, biological, chemical and other disciplinary sub-systems
2.3 Compare and evaluate environmental systems across space and time
2.4 Select relevant information and data to address a particular environmental challenge
2.5 Assess complexity in a given environmental system (e.g., feedback loops, emergent qualities, etc.)
2.6 Understand the institutional structures (policy, incentives, economics) that are used to manage natural systems
3.Technical communication skills (including graphs and tables as well as text) for a variety of audiences
3.1 Write and speak effectively to communicate technical environmental science information that is concise, well-organized, well-referenced, and distinguishes between observation and inference.
3.2 Develop graphic visuals that effectively communicate environmental science information in the form of charts, tables, figures.
3.3 Interpret and translate environmental science information for a variety of audiences including scientists, policy-makers, and the general public.