Environmental Sciences

Subject abbreviation: ENSC College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

James Sickman, Ph.D., Chair Robert Graham, Ph.D., Vice-Chair CNAS Undergraduate Academic Advising Center, (951) 827-7294; CNASstudent@ucr.edu, envisci.ucr.edu

Professors

Michael A. Anderson, Ph.D. Environmental

Chemistry David E. Crowley, Ph.D. Soil Microbiology Ariel Dinar, Ph.D., Environmental Economics Jianying “Jay” Gan, Ph.D. Environmental

Chemistry Robert C. Graham, Ph.D. Soil Mineralogy and

Pedology Keith C. Knapp, Ph.D. Natural Resource

Economics Daniel Schlenk, Ph.D. Aquatic Ecotoxicology James Sickman, Ph.D. Watershed Hydrology and

Biochemistry Jiri Simunek, Ph.D. Hydrology Laosheng Wu, Ph.D. Soil Physics Marylynn V. Yates, Ph.D. Environmental

Microbiology Professors Emeriti

Christopher Amrhein, Ph.D. Soil Chemistry Janet T. Arey, Ph.D. Atmospheric Chemistry Roger Atkinson, Ph.D. Atmospheric Chemistry Andrew C.-S. Chang, Ph.D. Agricultural

Engineering Walter J. Farmer, Ph.D. Soil Chemistry William T. Frankenberger, Jr., Ph.D. Soil

Microbiology William A. Jury, Ph.D. Soil Physics John Letey, Jr., Ph.D. Soil Physics Lanny J. Lund, Ph.D. Soil Morphology, Genesis,

and Classification Albert L. Page, Ph.D. Soil Chemistry David R. Parker, Ph.D. Soil Biogeochemistry Roberto Sánchez-Rodriguez, Ph.D. Environmental

Policy Henry J. Vaux, Jr., Ph.D. Natural Resource

Economics Paul J. Ziemann, Ph.D. Atmospheric Science Associate Professors

Kenneth A. Baerenklau, Ph.D. Resource and

Environmental Economics Environmental Engineering / Environmental Sciences 270 / Programs and Courses

David M. Crohn, Ph.D. Biosystems Engineering Kurt A. Schwabe, Ph.D. Resource and

Environmental Economics Assistant Professor

Roya Bahreini, Ph.D. Atmospheric Science

**

The Department of Environmental Sciences offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in Environmental Sciences. Students can choose to concentrate their studies in one of three options: Natural Science, Social Science, or Environmental Toxicology.

The necessity of maintaining an acceptable level of environmental quality is placing increasing demands upon governments and industries locally, nationally, and worldwide. To help meet those demands, the Environmental Sciences program is designed to provide training for students intending to enter environmental professions or for students preparing for graduate study in law, research, or teaching in a capacity that utilizes a background in the science of the human environment.

The structure of the Environmental Sciences curriculum provides a broad scope of instruction that enables students to explore the various disciplines and professions involved with solving environmental problems as well as opportunities for students to focus their training in accordance with their own educational and career objectives. All students majoring in Environmental Sciences must complete a set of “core requirements” consisting of courses that provide a basic understanding of the physical, biological, and social sciences and their application to the analysis of environmental processes and issues. In addition to the core requirements, students must complete the required courses and an appropriate number of elective courses as designated in the option they select. Students are not expected to select an option during the freshman year so that they can be introduced to dimensions of the environmental sciences about which they may have no previous knowledge. Those wishing to change their selection of an option may do so at any time as long as they are able to complete the requirements for the bachelor’s degree within the 216-unit limit specified by the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Environmental Internship Program

The Environmental Internship Program offers students opportunities to work with government agencies, private firms, and nonprofit organizations involved in environmental affairs. As excursions into professional life, internships provide “hands-on” experience in applying the principles presented in courses. Beyond the highly specialized training associated with on-the-job activities, students can gain insights into their aptitudes, aspirations and work habits that enable them to clarify their academic and career objectives. Professional acquaintances established during internships can continue to serve as important contacts for students after the internship is completed.

Although most internships are part-time (12–15 hours per week) positions in the Riverside area, organizations that host student interns are located throughout the United States and in Washington, D.C. Students working as interns may receive stipends, hourly wages, or serve as volunteers, depending upon the specific appointment. Up to 16 units of credit toward the bachelor’s degree may be earned by developing an academic component of the internship in consultation with a faculty supervisor and enrolling in ENSC 198-I.

Undergraduate Research

Students interested in enhancing the status of knowledge about environmental processes or seeking new solutions to environmental problems may gain training and experience as part-time employees in the department’s research laboratories and other research facilities, such as the Air Pollution Research Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil and Water Research Service, located on campus. Those wishing to conduct their own research under faculty supervision may earn academic credit by enrolling in ENSC 197. Expenses for both laboratory and field experiments are eligible for funding by the campus mini-grant program which supports undergraduate research and creative activity.

Environmental Toxicology Option

As a curriculum that emphasizes the chemistry and biochemistry of toxic substances in the environment, this option prepares students for careers dealing with the control of toxics in the environmental media of air, water, soil, and ecosystems and in such related fields as public health and industrial hygiene. Qualified students completing this option may enter UCR’s graduate program in Environmental Toxicology without significant deficiencies in their undergraduate curriculum.

Natural Science Option

As a general curriculum emphasizing the natural sciences, this option is suitable for students wishing to maintain a broad range of choices in technically oriented environmental professions such as air and water pollution control, hazardous materials management, public health, natural resource management, and environmental impact analysis. The Natural Science option is also appropriate as background for graduate study in such disciplines as ecology, forestry, air and water science, and environmental engineering. Students may earn either the B.A. or B.S. degree by completing the requirements specified by the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Social Science Option

Developed for students whose interests are oriented toward the social context of the environmental sciences, this option is appropriate preparation for careers dealing with environmental regulation, land use planning, environmental impact analysis and administration of environmental protection programs. The Social Science option is also suitable for those intending to continue their education in such areas as natural resource economics, urban planning, and environmental law. Both the B.A. and B.S. degrees are available to students in the Social Science option.

California Teach-Science/Mathematics Initiative (CaTEACH-SMI) California Teach-Science Mathematics Initiative (CaTEACH-SMI) has a goal of addressing the critical need of highly qualified K-12 science and mathematics teachers in California. With an economy increasingly reliant on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the anticipated large scale retirement of qualified teachers, this is an essential time to explore and prepare for a career in teaching science or mathematics.

CaTEACH-SMI at UCR offers undergraduate students paid/unpaid opportunities, such as the SMI & Alpha Center Apprentice Program, to explore STEM teaching as a career option. Through CaTEACH-SMI, students receive advising and mentoring to prepare for entrance into an intern teaching credential program while diligently coordinating with academic advisors to ensure completion of STEM degree requirements. The CaTEACH-SMI Resource Center provides future STEM teachers with material and financial resources which includes the National Science Foundation (NSF) Noyce Scholarship Program, to promote planning and professional development towards a science/ mathematics education career.

For more information about the CaTEACH-SMI program, please visit smi.ucr.edu, the Resource Center at 1315 Pierce Hall, or on Facebook at facebook.com/ScienceMathInitiativeAtUcr.

Applicants to majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences are selected on the basis of academic preparation, as assessed by their GPA and the strength of preparation for the intended major. A GPA of at least 2.70 is required. (This is a baseline GPA for consideration and not a guarantee of admission.)

In addition, applicants will need to complete college courses comparable to at least two of the following UCR year-long sequences in order to meet selection criteria for this major. Courses must be completed with “C” grades or better:

MATH 009A and MATH 009B (mandatory)

And at least one sequence from:

• 1. BIOL 005A/BIOL 05LA and BIOL 005B (and

BIOL 005C, if articulated)

• 2. CHEM 001A, CHEM 01LA, CHEM 001B,

CHEM 01LB, CHEM 001C, and CHEM 01LC

• 3. Organic chemistry (one-year lower-division),

each course completed with a grade of “B” or better

• 4. PHYS 002A, PHYS 02LA, PHYS 002B,

PHYS 02LB PHYS 002C, and PHYS 02LC

• 5. PHYS 040A, PHYS 040B, and PHYS 040C

• 6. MATH 009C, MATH 010A, MATH 010B, and

MATH 046

Courses must be completed with a letter grade, with no grade lower than a “C.” Students should visit assist.org for updated and comprehensive major preparation requirements.

See Undergraduate Studies section.

See College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Colleges and Programs section.

Some of the following requirements for the major may also fulfill some of the College’s breadth requirements. Consult with a department advisor for course planning.

The major requirements for both the B.A. and the B.S. degrees in Environmental Sciences are as follows: Students must fulfill MATH 008B or MATH 009A; MATH 009B; CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C; BIOL 002 or BIOL 005A; BIOL 003 or BIOL 005A; ENSC 001, ENSC 002, ENSC 006, or ENSC 143A, ENSC 100, ENSC 101, and ENSC 102 with a grade point average of 2.0 or better and no grade lower than a C-. If a grade lower than a C- is received in 2 or more core courses required for the major, either in separate courses or repetitions of the same course, the student may be discontinued from the major. Students must, under such circumstances, petition the department to remain in the major. Students are also required to choose one of the options and satisfactorily complete the option requirements. Students in Environmental Sciences are required to demonstrate adequate progress towards earning the degree. Adequate progress is defined as completion of MATH 009B prior to the beginning of the Winter Quarter of the second year of residence or Junior standing (>90 units) and at least one course from ENSC 100, ENSC 101, or ENSC 102 must be completed prior to the end of the third year of residence or senior standing (>135 units).

Note To gain maximum benefit from participating in the Undergraduate Research and Environmental Internship Programs, students intending to enroll in ENSC 197 and ENSC 198-I should contact their advisor during the quarter prior to enrollment in these courses.

Core Requirements

• 1. Lower-division requirements (41-42 units)

• a) ENSC 001, ENSC 002

• b) CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C,

CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC

• c) MATH 005 or MATH 008A, MATH 008B

or MATH 009A, MATH 009B

• d) POSC 010

• 2. Upper-division requirements (14 units):

ENSC 100, ENSC 101, ENSC 102, ENSC 191

Environmental Toxicology Option (70-79 units)

• 1. BIOL 005A, BIOL 05LA, BIOL 005B

• 2. CHEM 005 or BIOL 005C; CHEM 112A,

CHEM 112B, CHEM 112C

• 3. ENTX 101, ENTX 154

• 4. PHYS 002A, PHYS 002B, PHYS 002C
• 5. PHYS 02LA, PHYS 02LB, PHYS 02LC are

recommended

• 6. ENSC 006/ECON 006 or ENSC 143A/ECON 143A (ECON 003 prerequisite)

• 7. BCH 100 or both BCH 110A and BCH 110B;

BIOL 102 or BIOL 121/MCBL 121; BCH 110C or BIOL 107A

• 8. STAT 100A and STAT 100B

• 9. Elective Courses: At least one course from

ENSC 127, ENSC 133/MCBL 133, ENSC 135/CHEM 135/ENTX 135, ENSC 136/CHEM 136/ENTX 136, ENSC 140, ENSC 141/MCBL 141, ENSC 144/ENVE 144, ENSC 163, BPSC 134/ENSC 134, ENSC 104, ENSC 107, ENSC 138/GEO 138, CBNS 150/ENTX 150, ENSC 197, ENSC 198-I

Natural Science Option (65-71 units)

• 1. BIOL 005A, BIOL 05LA, BIOL 005B

• 2. PHYS 002A, PHYS 002B, PHYS 002C

• 3. PHYS 02LA, PHYS 02LB, PHYS 02LC are

recommended

• 4. CHEM 112A, CHEM 112B

• 5. GEO 001 or GEO 002

• 6. ENSC 006/ECON 006 or ENSC 143A/ECON 143A (ECON 003 prerequisite)

• 7. STAT 100A and STAT 100B

• 8. Elective Courses:

• a) At least one course from BIOL 005C,

CHEM 005, CHEM 112C, MATH 009C

• b) A total of at least five courses from

the following (at least three must be Environmental Sciences) BIOL 116, BIOL 121/MCBL 121, BIOL 121L/MCBL 121L, BPSC 104/BIOL 104, BPSC 165, BPSC 166, CHEM 109, ENSC 120/NEM 120, ENSC 127, ENSC 133/ MCBL 133, ENSC 135/CHEM 135/ENTX 135, ENSC 136/CHEM 136, ENSC 140, ENSC 141/MCBL 141, ENSC 144/ ENVE 144, ENSC 163, ENSC 174, BPSC 134/ ENSC 134, ENSC 104, ENSC 107, ENSC 138/GEO 138, ENSC 197, ENSC 198-I, BIOL 121/MCBL 121, BIOL 116, BIOL 121L/MCBL 121L, BPSC 104/BIOL 104, BPSC 165, BPSC 166, CHEM 109, ENTX 101, GEO 157, GEO 160

Social Science Option (85-90 units)

• 1. BIOL 002, BIOL 003

• 2. GEO 001 or GEO 002

• 3. ECON 003

• 4. ENSC 143A/ECON 143A, ENSC 143B/

ECON 143B, ENSC 143C/ECON 143C, ENSC 172, ENSC 174

• 5. ECON 101 or ECON 107 or SOC 110

• 6. STAT 100A and STAT 100B

• 7. Elective Courses:

• a) At least one course from ENSC 133/MCBL 133, ENSC 140, ENSC 141/MCBL 141,

ENSC 142, ENSC 144/ENVE 144, ENSC 155, ENSC 163, BPSC 134/ENSC 134, ENSC 104, ENSC 107, ENSC 138/GEO 138, ENSC 197, ENSC 198-I

• b) A total of at least six courses from the

following: Economics: ECON 102, ECON 103, ECON 104A, ECON 105A, ECON 116, ECON 129, ECON 146, ECON 148, ECON 156, ECON 160/BUS 160, ECON 181, ECON 182, ECON 183 Society and culture: ANTH 110, ANTH 129, ANTH 132, ANTH 134, ANTH 135, ANTH 142, ANTH 170, ANTH 186/LNST 166, PHIL 117, PHIL 137, SOC 137, SOC 143/URST 143, SOC 182/URST 182, SOC 184 Regulation and law: ECON 119, POSC 101, POSC 106S, POSC 127, POSC 166, POSC 181, POSC 182, POSC 183 Management/Analytics: BUS 104/STAT 104, BUS 122, BUS/ECON 162, ECON 110, ECON 111, ECON 112, GEO 157, GEO 160, MATH 120, SOC 111

The minor in Environmental Sciences consists of the following.

• 1. Lower-division requirements (23 units)

• a) ENSC 002 or ENSC 017; ENSC 006/

ECON 006

• b) CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C,

CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC

• 2. Upper-division requirements (20 units)

• a) ENSC 100, ENSC 101, ENSC 102

• b) Eight (8) units of additional upper-division

courses in Environmental Sciences, no more than 4 units of which are in courses numbered 190-198

Of the specified upper-division units, a minimum of 16 units must be unique to the minor and may not be used to satisfy major requirements.

See Minors under the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences in the Colleges and Programs section of this catalog for additional information on minors.