The Environmental Science and Ecology Major begins with the basic principles of general chemistry, biology, statistics, and physics. Then students apply foundational knowledge to solve problems and do original research in field courses encompassing ecology, conservation biology, alternative energy, environmental engineering, and environmental planning with the aim of understanding the complexities of environmental problem-solving.

An interdisciplinary approach to environmental science supports an examination of economic, political, and social issues surrounding the sustainable management of natural resources. Lake Tahoe’s proximity to the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences located on the SNC campus gives students direct access to the current research and conservation efforts of agencies working within the region. A bachelor’s degree in environmental science and ecology prepares students for work in public and private conservation agencies, research groups, and graduate research programs.

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Environmental Science and Ecology
Students must take MATH 130 (Calculus I) to fulfill their General Education Math requirement.
LOWER DIVISION REQUIREMENTS		Credits
BIOL 101, 105	Biology I and Lab	4
BIOL 102, 106	Biology II and Lab	4
CHEM 101, 105	Chemistry I and Lab	4
CHEM 102, 106	Chemistry II and Lab	4
PHYS 201, 205	Physics I and Lab	4
MATH 251	Statistics	4
	Total Lower Division	24
UPPER DIVISION REQUIREMENTS		Credits
BIOL 381, 385	Ecology and Lab	4
ENVS 355, 356	Environmental Engineering and Lab	4
ENVS 423	Environmental Planning and Public Policy	4
MATH 351	Biological Statistics	3
ENVS 471	Research Methods in Environmental Science	2-3
ENVS 390 or 481	Internship or Senior Research Project	≥ 1
SELECT ONE		4
BIOL 301, 305	Animal Behavior and Lab
BIOL 341, 345	Microbiology and Lab
BIOL 410, 425	Genetics and Lab
BIOL 421, 425	Ecology of Aquatic Systems and Lab
CHEM 311, 315	Organic Chemistry I and Lab
CHEM 312, 316	Organic Chemistry II and Lab
ENVS 421, 425	Geographical Information Systems and Lab
Choose Nine credits from the following:		9
BIOL 356	Birds of the Eastern Sierra and Great Basin
BIOL 357	Lake Tahoe Basin Ecosystems
BIOL 358	Desert and Montane Ecosystems
BIOL 359	Great Basin Flora
BIOL 361	Evolution and Paleontology
BIOL 386	Intertidal Ecology of the Central Pacific Coast
BIOL 407	Conservation Biology
BIOL 420	Tropical Field Biology
ENVS 353	Alternative Energy Systems I
ENVS 354	Alternative Energy Systems II
	Elective within major
	Internship or research project
	Total Upper Division	≥31
Total Environmental Science and Ecology major requirements		≥55
CORE requirements		31
Electives		34
TOTAL (At least 42 credits must be upper division)		120