Environmental Sciences

Subject abbreviation: ENSC College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Jianying Gan Ph.D., Chair Andrew Gray Ph.D, Vice Chair CNAS Undergraduate Academic Advising Center, (951) 827-7294; CNASstudent@ucr.edu, envisci.ucr.edu

Professors

Roya Bahreini, Ph.D. Atmospheric Science Jianying “Jay” Gan, Ph.D.

Environmental Chemistry Daniel Schlenk, Ph.D. Aquatic Ecotoxicology Jiri Simunek, Ph.D. Hydrology David Volz, Ph.D. Environmental Toxicology

Professors Emeriti

Michael A. Anderson, Ph.D. Environmental

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

Engineering David M. Crohn, Ph.D. Biosystems

Engineering David E. Crowley, Ph.D. Soil Microbiology Robert C. Graham, Ph.D. Soil Mineralogy William A. Jury, 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 James Sickman, Ph.D. Watershed Hydrology

and Biochemistry Henry J. Vaux, Jr., Ph.D. Natural Resource

Economics Laosheng Wu, Ph.D. Soil Physics Marylynn V. Yates, Ph.D. Environmental

Microbiology Paul J. Ziemann, Ph.D. Atmospheric Science

Associate Professors

Hoori Ajami, Ph.D. Groundwater Hydrology Andrew Gray, Ph.D. Watershed Hydrology Amir Haghverdi, Ph.D. Agricultural and

Urban Water Management Francesca Hopkins, Ph.D. Climate Change

and Sustainability Ying-Hsuan Lin, Ph.D. Environmental

Toxicology

Assistant Professors

Pete Homyak, Ph.D. Ecosystem and Soil

Microbial Processes King-Fai Li, Ph.D. Environmental Science/

Statistics William Porter, Ph.D. Environmental Sciences Samantha C. Ying, Ph.D. Soil

Biogeochemistry Cooperating Faculty

Emma Aronson, Ph.D. (Plant Pathology and

Microbiology) Ariel Dinar, Ph.D. (School of Public Policy) Darrel Jenerette, Ph.D. (Botany and Plant

Sciences) Kurt A. Schwabe, Ph.D. (School of Public

Policy) Haofei Zhang, Ph.D. (Chemistry)

The Department of Environmental Sciences offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in Environmental Sciences. Students are encouraged to concentrate their studies in one of five specialization areas: Soil Sciences, Hydrologic Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Toxicology, and Environmental Management.

Modern human activities related to natural resource development, agriculture, urbanization, industry, and transportation are placing unprecedented pressure on the earth’s life support systems. Changes taking place in atmospheric physics and chemistry, land cover, freshwater and marine resources, and chemical cycling threaten the ability of human society to sustainably meet current and future needs. Science-based solutions are needed to sustainably manage our natural resources and improve public health. To help meet these challenges, our program emphasizes training for students in the biological, chemical, and physical aspects of environmental sciences and health, centered on the major environmental media of air, soil, water, and the biosphere.

The structure of the Environmental Sciences curriculum provides a broad scope of instruction that enables students to explore various disciplines and professions focused on solving environmental problems. 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 management issues. In addition to the core requirements, students must complete 8 units of lower-division and 20 units of upper- division elective courses.

Students have the option to select their electives from different specialization areas or to focus their training in one of the five specialization areas based on their own educational and career objectives. The specialization areas of Soil Sciences, Hydrologic Sciences, or Atmospheric Sciences are suitable for students wishing to maintain a broad range of choices in technically-oriented environmental professions such as pollution control, hazardous materials management, public health, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and impact analysis. These options also provide the necessary background for graduate study in soil science, water resources, or atmospheric sciences as well as interdisciplinary areas such as ecosystem science and forestry. The Environmental Toxicology specialization area emphasizes the chemistry and biochemistry of toxic substances in the environment, preparing students for careers dealing with the control of contaminants in various environmental media as well as related fields such as public health and industrial hygiene. The Environmental Management specialization area is oriented for the social context of environmental sciences and prepares students for careers dealing with environmental regulation, land-use planning, environmental impact analysis, and administration of environmental protection programs.

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, including Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, CA. 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 U.S. Salinity Laboratory, located on campus, and the USDA Pacific Southwest Research Station, located on Canyon Crest Drive. 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.

California Teach-Science and Mathematics Initiative (CalTeach-SMI) California Teach-Science and Mathematics Initiative (CalTeach-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. CalTeach-SMI at UCR offers undergraduate students opportunities to explore STEM teaching as a career option. Through CalTeach-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 CalTeach-SMI Resource Center provides future STEM teachers opportunities to promote planning and professional development towards a science/ mathematics education career.

For more information about the CalTeach-SMI program, please visit smi.ucr.edu, the Resource Center at 1114 Pierce Hall, or on Facebook at facebook.com/ScienceMathInitiativeAtUcr and on Instagram at instagram.com/smiatucr/.

Transfer Selection Criteria 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 007A or MATH 009A; MATH 007B or MATH 009B (mandatory)

And at least one sequence from:

• 1. BIOL 005A/BIOL 05LA or BIOL 020 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-divi

sion), 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.

TThe major requirements for both the B.A. and the B.S. degrees in Environmental Sciences are as follows: Students must fulfill all required core courses in environmental science, biology, chemistry, math, physics, and statistics 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 in Environ-mental Sciences are required to demonstrate adequate progress towards earning the degree. Adequate progress is defined as completion of MATH 009B or MATH 09HB or MATH 007B 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 (77–79 units)

• a) ENSC 001 and ENSC 002

• b) BIOL 005A, BIOL 05LA or BIOL 020,

BIOL 005B

• c) CHEM 001A or CHEM 01HA, CHEM 001B

or CHEM 01HB, CHEM 001C or CHEM 01HC, CHEM 01LA or CHEM 1HLA, CHEM 01LB or CHEM 1HLB, CHEM 01LC or CHEM 1HLC

• d) CHEM 008A and CHEM 08LA or CHEM 08HA and CHEM 08HLA; CHEM 008B

and CHEM 08LB or CHEM 08HB and CHEM 08HLB

• e) MATH 007A or MATH 009A or MATH 09HA; MATH 007B or MATH 009B or

MATH 09HB

• f) PHYS 002A or PHYS 02HA, PHYS 02LA or

PHYS 02HLA, PHYS 002B or PHYS 02HB, PHYS 02LB or PHYS 02HLB, PHYS 002C or PHYS 02HC, PHYS 02LC or PHYS 02HLC

• g) POSC 010

• h) STAT 010

• i) One course from ENSC 006, ECON 006,

PBPL 001, ECON 003, or POSC 020

• 2. Upper-division requirements (18 units):

ENSC 100, ENSC 101, ENSC 102, ENSC 110, ENSC 191

Electives

Students are free to choose from the lists below to fulfill their lower-division and upper-division elective requirements:

1.Lower-division electives (8 units):

At least two electives from BIOL 005C, CHEM 005, CHEM 008C and CHEM 08LC, CHEM 08HC and CHEM 08HLC, MATH 009C or MATH 09HC or MATH 010A, GEO 001 or GEO 002

• 2. Upper-division electives (20 units):

At least 20 units of electives from the following list, with a minimum of 16 units from Environmental Sciences or Environmental Toxicology:

ENTX 101, ENTX 154, ENSC 103/ENTX 103, ENSC 104, ENSC 105, ENSC 107, ENSC 120/ NEM 120, ENSC 127, ENSC 130, ENSC 133/ MCBL 133, ENSC 134/BPSC 134, ENSC 135/ CHEM 135/ENTX 135, ENSC 136/CHEM 136, ENSC 138/GEO 138, ENSC 139/GEO 139, ENSC 140, ENSC 144/ENVE 144, ENSC 163, ENSC 165, ENSC 172, ENSC 174, ENSC 175, ENSC 177, ENSC 197, ENSC 198-I, BCH 100 or both BCH 110A or BCH 110HA and BCH 110B or BCH 110HB; BCH 110C or BCH 110HC or BIOL 107A; BIOL 102 or BIOL 121/ MCBL 121; BIOL 116, BIOL 121L/MCBL 121L, BPSC 104/BIOL 104, BPSC 146, BPSC 165, BPSC 166, CBNS 150/ENTX 150, CHEM 109, GEO 157, GEO 160

Suggested courses of study are also provided below for specialized areas in environmental sciences to assist students to meet minimum employment requirements for entry-level positions in government agencies, nongovernment organizations (NGO), and environmental consulting firms. Students are strongly encouraged to schedule a meeting with a Faculty in their specialization area of interest for curriculum and career advice. A list of core Faculty in each specialization area is available at envisci.ucr. edu/undergrad.

Soil Sciences: Recommended to meet lower-division electives: BIOL 005C, GEO 001 or GEO 002, MATH 009C or MATH 09HC or MATH 010A; Recommended to meet upper-division electives: ENSC 104, ENSC 107, ENSC 120/NEM 120, ENSC 127, ENSC 133/ MCBL 133, ENSC 134/BPSC 134, ENSC 138/GEO 138, ENSC 139/GEO 139, ENSC 144, ENSC 175, ENSC 177, BPSC 146

Hydrologic Sciences: Recommended to meet lower-division electives: MATH 009C or MATH 09HC or MATH 010A, GEO 001 or GEO 002; Recommended to meet upper- division electives: ENSC 105, ENSC 107, ENSC 127, ENSC 136/CHEM 136, ENSC 140, ENSC 163, ENSC 165, ENSC 175, ENSC 177

Atmospheric Sciences: Recommended to meet lower-division electives: CHEM 005, CHEM 08C and CHEM 08LC, CHEM 08HC and CHEM 08HLC, MATH 009C or MATH 09HC or MATH 010A; Recommended to meet upper-division electives: ENSC 103/ENTX 103, ENSC 130, ENSC 135/CHEM 135/ENTX 135, ENSC 136/CHEM 136, ENSC 175, ENSC 177, GEO 160

Environmental Toxicology: Recommended to meet lower-division electives: BIOL 005C, CHEM 005, CHEM 008C and CHEM 08LC or CHEM 08HC and CHEM 8HLC; Recommended to meet upper- division electives: ENTX 101 required + at least 3 electives from ENSC or ENTX: ENSC 103/ENTX 103, ENSC 135/CHEM 135/ENTX 135, ENSC 136/CHEM 136, ENSC 177, CBNS 150/ENTX 150, ENTX 154, BCH 100 or both BCH 110A or BCH 110HA and BCH 110B or BCH 110HB, BIOL 102 or BIOL 121, BCH 110C or BCH 110HC or BIOL 107A Environmental Management: Recommended to meet lower-division electives: BIOL 005C, GEO 001 or GEO 002, MATH 009C or MATH 09HC or MATH 010A; Recommended to meet upper-division electives: ENSC 103/ENTX 103, ENSC 144, ENSC 153, ENSC 172, ENSC 174, ENSC 175, ENSC 177

The minor in Environmental Sciences consists of the following.

• 1. Lower-division requirements (23 or 24 units)

• a) ENSC 002

• b) CHEM 001A, CHEM 001B, CHEM 001C,

CHEM 01LA, CHEM 01LB, CHEM 01LC

• c) One course from ENSC 006, ECON 006,

PBPL 001, ECON 003, or POSC 020

• 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.