Advice

 

If you are thinking of pursuing a major or minor in environmental studies, you should plan to take at least one of the introductory courses during your first year.

ES100, a new, non-lab science course that introduces environmental science through the lens of systems thinking. Although not a lab course, students will actively engage in data collection, analysis, and interpretation of systems ranging from energy in ecosystems to environmental toxins and human health.

ES101, a lab-based introduction to methods of analysis, takes the campus as its laboratory. You’ll measure water pollution in Lake Waban, survey invasive species on campus, and use GIS-technology to study our local environment. 

ES102, a survey of major concepts in environmental studies, focuses on climate change and introduces ideas such as environmental justice, sustainability, the commons, and market-based environmental policies.  

These courses do not need to be taken in order, so you may begin exploring ES by taking any course first.