Questions most often asked about the program
The Environmental Science program deals with the biological, chemical, and physical dimensions of environmental issues. It trains students to do field and laboratory analysis with up-to-date equipment and techniques. The Environmental Studies program focuses on the behavioral, political, legal, and social facets of environmental problems. The two programs share several areas of interest such as resource analyses, geography, and geology.
What does the internship involve?
The internship is an opportunity to gain valuable experience by "trying out" a professional position before graduation. It also provides contacts in the environmental network. A great deal of responsibility for arranging an internship rest with the student. In order to choose an internship you should ask yourself three questions: 1) What would I like to do when I graduate? 2) What organization does what I want to do? and 3) Who is the person in the organization that makes the decisions about hiring? Then speak with the program advisor who will attempt to make the appropriate arrangements for your internship.
How can I plan for the "senior seminar," ENST 485: Seminar on Environmental Topics?
Several semesters before enrolling in the course, students should be thinking about the research paper that they will be writing in the "senior seminar" course. You should choose a topic that reflects your interests and draws from your experiences in previous courses and from your internship. Of great importance in the choice of a resource person who will help you find up-to-date materials, help you ask pertinent questions, and critique the first draft of your paper. Obviously, it would be to your advantage to identify a topic and resource person at least a semester before you take the course. You will make a public presentation of your topic. In order to become acquainted with the senior seminar, you are required to attend the public presentations as part of ESCI/ENST 395: Seminar in Environmental Issues during the Winter Term prior to the term you take ENST 485. The course instructor is available for consultation about the requirements at any time.