Alternate content for script Text Only VersionSkip to Main Content

BA in Biology: Environmental Science Track

Close up hands of scientist ecologist in the forest taking sample of water in the test tube.

 Understand Your World with an Environmental Science Concentration  

If you are someone who would like to use your science skills to help solve some of the planet’s most pressing issues, the Environmental Science track is an ideal choice for you. These classes are designed to prepare you to solve ecological issues which are fundamental to driving policy and social change.  Contemporary environmental quality problems include management of biodiversity, air and water pollution, as well as the investigation of the link between human health and the environment. This track promotes an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues through both coursework and independent study/internship experience allowing students to address all parameters important in sustainable development. 

As an Environmental Science student at Rosemont, you can join Dr. Jeannette Dumas and her research group, the Stream Team, to study the health of the campus stream, a tributary of Mill Creek. You will assess water quality by measuring pollutants and quantifying the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates that serve as bioindicators of stream health. At Rosemont, we recognize the link between conducting research and developing creative independent thinking and problem solving--two key skills necessary for a successful scientific career. 

Why Study Environmental Science at Rosemont? 

Our program combines hands-on experience with coursework in your field to deepen your understanding of the content and best prepare you for the job market. All biology students do an internship or conduct research with a professor before they graduate to ensure that they’ve practiced research techniques. You will also learn to present papers and lead discussion on current biological topics as part of your Senior Seminar- crucial skills for any science career. 

At Rosemont, we believe that no matter what discipline you study, the ability to communicate effectively is a cornerstone of success. That’s why you’ll have learning experiences focused on a foundation in scientific writing and oral communication that will support your success in any STEM profession. Rosemont prepares all its students to build a career based on sound leadership, ethics, and communication that combine with strong skills in your field of study. 


Look Forward to a Successful Future  

Environmental professionals work in government and corporate sectors to evaluate and manage resources, create and influence policy around issues tied to global warming. Others pursue research opportunities in academia and the non-profit sector. Careers include: 

  • Environmental technician
  • Environmental science teacher
  • Marine biologist
  • Environmental chemist
  • Wildlife biologist
  • Environmental consultant
  • Microbiologist
  • Environmental lawyer 

Degree Requirements for a BA in Biology: Environmental Science Track

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Environmental Science Track requires 120 credits to complete. Rosemont also has an Environmental Studies major, which is more interdisciplinary.


General Education Requirements (57-58 credits)

 In addition to meeting the course requirements for the Biology major, Environmental Science concentration, all students must also fulfill the General Education requirements for the Undergraduate College. Student may apply 6 credits from their major toward these requirements. 


Required Courses (37-41 Credits)

In this course, you will gain the fundamental knowledge and skills that are necessary to advance in the biology major. You will develop the ability to study biology effectively and to think critically about relevant biological concepts. You will study cells & cellular processes, physiology, molecular biology and genetics, ecology and evolution. Students who do not place into College Algebra, MAT- 0115 or a higher-level math course must first take this course and its associated one-credit laboratory before enrolling in BIO 150 General Biology I.  Prerequisite: none. (3 credits)

Laboratory that accompanies and is a corequisite to the General Biology Fundamentals Lecture (BIO-0130). In this course, you will develop laboratory skills necessary for advancement in the biology major. You will practice microscopy, measuring with laboratory tools, dissection, and data analysis and interpretation. You will investigate important biological concepts presented in lecture by doing inquiry-based laboratory exercises. (1 credit)

Introductory course into the cellular structure with emphasis on the cell cycle, genetics, and cellular metabolism. Prerequisites: High school biology and high school chemistry and placement into MAT 0115 or a level higher math class, or a grade of C- or higher in BIO 0130, BIO 0131, CHE-0130, and CHE-0131. (3 Credits)

An introductory laboratory, to accompany BIO 0150, examining cellular structure with emphasis on the cell cycle, genetics, and cellular metabolism. (1 Credit)

Insights into the diversity of life by comparing the biology of organisms on different branches of the tree of life.  Emphasis is on understanding evolutionary relationships among plants and animals by focusing on comparative anatomy, physiology, and ecology. Prerequisites: AP biology score of 4, BIO 0150 and BIO 0151 with a minimum grade of C. (3 Credits)

An introductory laboratory, to accompany BIO 0155, examining the diversity of life.  Emphasis is on understanding plant and animal biology, ecology and evolution. (1 Credit)

A study of the structure, life cycles, physiology, nutrition, metabolism and genetics of the major groups of microorganisms, as well as microbe-human interactions, infection, disease, and immunity. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO 0150, BIO 0155, and BIO 0220 or POI. (3 Credits)

Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0200, Microbiology.  The laboratory component emphasizes methods in culturing, staining, and determining physiological reactions of representative organisms. (1 Credit)

A study of elementary principles governing Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance as they pertain to chromosomes, mapping, recombination, and mutation in eukaryotic organisms. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO-0150 and BIO-0151. (3 Credits)

Lab experience, to accompany BIO-0220, Genetics.  The laboratory component includes experiments dealing with Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, probability, Chi-square testing, mutation, karyotyping, and molecular genetics. (1 Credit)

A study of the fundamental inter-relationships between plants and animals and their living and non-living environment. Includes laboratory and field experience. (3 Credits)

Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0230, Ecology. (1 Credit)

An introduction to modern evolutionary theory, emphasizing speciation in general and in humans in particular. Supporting evidence derived from paleontology, biogeography, taxonomy, embryology, comparative anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. Offered every other year, spring semester. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO-0150 and BIO-0151. (3 Credits)

The laboratory accompanies the lecture course Evolution (BIO 0240). Laboratory studies include modeling and experiments of evolutionary processes, systematics and classification of organisms, observations of structural and functional adaptations important to diverse groups of organisms and deducing patterns of descent from morphological and molecular data. (1 Credit)

A systematic study of human anatomy and physiology with laboratory focusing on form through individual gross dissection of major anatomical systems in representative specimens and lecture emphasizing integration and function of body systems.  Includes laboratory experience. Prerequisites: AP biology or BIO 0150, BIO 0155, or POI; AP chemistry or CHE 0142 and CHE 0145. (3 Credits)

Laboratory experience, to accompany BIO 0245, Anatomy and Physiology I.  It includes gross dissection, histology and multimedia. (1 Credit)

This is an upper level biology course for majors that focuses on oceanography, diversity and functioning of different marine ecosystems, biology of marine organisms, and threats to the ocean environment. General ecological principles as they apply to the marine environment will be highlighted. Requirements: Field trip. Prerequisites: BIO 0150, BIO 0155, CHE 0142, CHE 0145, and either BIO 0230 or BIO 0240; or permission of instructor. Offered: As needed. (3 Credits)

A seminar based on the presentation of papers on current biological topics followed by discussion. Prerequisite: senior biology major status. Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

Students must earn a C or better in BIO 0150, BIO 0151, BIO 0155, BIO 0156, CHE 0142, CHE 0143, CHE 0145, and CHE 0146 before taking upper-level (200 level or above) courses in biology.


Required Supporting Courses (15-19 Credits)

In this course, you will gain the fundamental knowledge and skills that are necessary to advance in the biology major. You will develop the ability to study biology effectively and to think critically about relevant biological concepts. You will study cells & cellular processes, physiology, molecular biology and genetics, ecology and evolution. Students who do not place into College Algebra, MAT- 0115 or a higher-level math course must first take this course and its associated one-credit laboratory before enrolling in BIO 150 General Biology I.  Prerequisite:  none. (3 Credits)

Laboratory that accompanies and is a corequisite to the General Biology Fundamentals Lecture (BIO-0130). In this course, you will develop laboratory skills necessary for advancement in the biology major. You will practice microscopy, measuring with laboratory tools, dissection, and data analysis and interpretation. You will investigate important biological concepts presented in lecture by doing inquiry-based laboratory exercises. (1 Credit)

A study of the foundational concepts in chemistry and the basis of the physical and chemical properties of matter.  Topics covered include atomic structure, the Periodic Table, physical and chemical properties, and reaction stoichiometry.  Prerequisite:  Placement into College Algebra MAT-0115 or a level higher math course. Students should enroll concurrently in lecture and lab.  Permission of the instructor is needed just to take the lecture course. (3 Credits)

Laboratory experience, General Chemistry I. (1 Credit)

An in-depth study of intermolecular forces, solutions, colligative properties, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Prerequisites: AP Chemistry credit or CHE 0142. (3 Credits)

Laboratory experience, General Chemistry II. (1 Credit)

A systematic study of the structure, properties, and reactions of aliphatic compounds, including reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and synthetic applications. Prerequisites: AP chemistry credit or CHE-0145.  Offered fall semester. (3 Credits)

Laboratory experience, Organic Chemistry I. (1 Credit)

An examination of different conceptions of nature, and different theories about the relationship of humans to their natural environment, that have shaped current debates about environmental issues. Readings will be drawn from historically important moral theories as well as from contemporary philosophical writings in the area of environmental ethics.  Offered every other year. (3 Credits)

 Electives

The remaining hours are electives and can consist of science courses, but should not be limited to those particular disciplines. The remaining credit hours are electives and can consist of science courses (BIO 0245 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO 0247 Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory are strongly recommended), but should not be limited to those particular disciplines. 

apply today