Environmental Science

Environmental Science

at a glance

Major icon MAJOR Minor icon MINOR

The Environmental Science major at AMU is built upon our Biology degree and includes additional science courses necessary for a strong environmental degree. By enrolling in this program, you’ll explore the fundamentals of biology and ecology while addressing some of the significant problems related to human impact on the environment.

Careers: Environmental Ecology, Biology, Graduate Studies, Zoology, Botany

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ENCOURAGE GOOD STEWARDSHIP

Our Environmental Science major is designed to meet the needs of students who desire a broad ecological and scientific education. As an AMU graduate, you can expect an Environmental Science degree to carry you on to graduate studies or any number of environmental science-related careers.

light bulbFast Fact: AMU Biology students can frequent the Florida Everglades, one of the world’s most important and unique ecosystems.

environmental scientist examining soil skills you will gain

Skills you will gain with

An Environmental Science DEGREE

  1. Interdisciplinary skills. You will explore the interdisciplinary nature of environmental problems and possible solutions. As a result, you will be prepared to delve into a career in botany, entomology, ecology, soil and water science and many other fields.
  2. Laboratory and field experimentation. Using different sampling techniques, you will conduct important experimentation across environmental disciplines.
  3. Critical thinking skills. Whether you are planning a career in the sciences, business or another field, you will benefit from the critical thinking skills afforded through scientific inquiry, critical analysis of experimental data and communication of results.
environmental scientist examining soil skills you will gain

CAREER PATHS

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A look into the

Environmental Science DEPARTMENT

The study of science is born from the conviction of the fundamental intelligibility of the world. Science at Ave Maria University testifies to the Catholic Church’s confidence in human reason’s ability to know the truth about God’s creation even apart from the illuminating power of grace. The natural sciences are not simply technological disciplines, but are truly liberal arts education in which we seek to know truth for its own sake. By enabling us to enter the simultaneous complexity and simplicity of physical reality, science instills within the students a deep sense of wonder at the natural universe.

Jacob Blanchard, M.A.

Instructor of Biology

Jacob BlanchardEducation: B.A., Biology, Ave Maria University; M.A., Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University
Office: Henkels 3052
Email: jacob.blanchard@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7130

Stephen Cronin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology

Stephen CroninEducation: B.S., Molecular & Cellular Biology, Texas A&M University; Ph.D., Biology, University of California, San Diego.
Office: Henkels 3051
Email: stephen.cronin@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1617

Nicholas Curtis, Ph.D.

CHAIR OF THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT, DR. PAULA INES CASTAGNET CHAIR OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY

Nicholas CurtisEducation: B.S., Marine Science & Biology, University of Miami; Ph.D., Cell & Molecular Biology, University of South Florida
Office: Henkels 2053
Email: nicholas.curtis@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7132

Brett Feger, M.S., M.A.

Instructor of Biology, Faculty Athletics Representative

Brett FegerEducation: B.A., Biology, Knox College; M.S., Zoology, Western Illinois University; M.A., Theology, Ave Maria University
Office: Canizaro Library 249
Email: brett.feger@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7366

Ladislav Sallai, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology

Ladislav SallaiEducation: M.S., Pharmacy, Comenius University; Ph.D., Chemistry, University of North Dakota
Office: Henkels 3028
Email: ladislav.sallai@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-2418

William Serson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biology

William SersonEducation: B.S., Biology Millersville University; Ph.D., Plant Physiology, University of Kentucky
Office: Henkels 2045
Email: william.serson@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-2433

  • Ave Maria University is located adjacent to the Florida Everglades, an extremely important ecosystem unlike any other in the world. In addition, students from Ave Maria University regularly explore tropical environments like mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and coral reefs of the Florida Keys.
  • AMU is home to a Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society chapter, which exceptional Biology majors students have the opportunity to join.
  • Ave Maria University Department of Biology faculty teach all lab sections, allowing students more personal attention and expert guidance. Most labs are smaller than 24 students.
  • Student-led organizations include the Biology club and the Science Club
  • The Department of Biology also offers degrees in Biology (B.S. or B.A.), Health Science (B.A.), Exercise Science (B.A.) and Health Science Administration (B.A.), and minors in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Health Science and Exercise Science.

In addition to the core curriculum, environmental science majors take the following courses

  • BIOL 105 Environmental Science I
  • BIOL 211 Biology I Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 212 Biology II Organismal and Population Biology
  • BIOL 220 Zoology
  • BIOL 230 Botany
  • BIOL 240 General Ecology with laboratory or BIOL 241 General Ecology without laboratory
  • BIOL 303 Genetics
  • BIOL 401 Microbiology
  • BIOL 413 Critical Analysis II or BIOL 497 Directed Research
  • CHEM 125 General Chemistry I
  • MATH 150 Functions or MATH 151 Calculus

Two Electives from among the following courses

  • BIOL 106 Environmental Science II
  • BIOL 307 Marine Biology
  • BIOL 310 General and Chemical Oceanography
  • BIOL 321 Tropical Ecology and Field Biology
  • BIOL 340 Conservation Biology
  • BIOL 402 Microbiological Ecology
  • BIOL 403 Animal Physiology
  • BIOL 407 Marine Zoology
  • BIOL 408 Marine Botany
  • BIOL 438 Aquatic Ecology
Click the button to view our typical 4-year plan.

A degree in Environmental Science allows students a wide range of career options, including research based graduate programs, environmental consulting, environmental law, soil and water science, environmental activism, waste management, ecology, marine biology, and agricultural and government agency positions.

Required Courses for the Minor

  • BIOL 105 Environmental Science I
  • BIOL 211 Biology I Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 212 Biology II Organismal and Population Biology
  • BIOL 220 Zoology or BIOL 230 Botany
  • BIOL 240 General Ecology with laboratory or BIOL 241 General Ecology without laboratory

One of the following courses:

  • BIOL 106 Environmental Science II
  • BIOL 307 Marine Biology
  • BIOL 310 General and Chemical Oceanography
  • BIOL 321 Tropical Ecology and Field Biology
  • BIOL 340 Conservation Biology
  • BIOL 402 Microbiological Ecology
  • BIOL 403 Animal Physiology
  • BIOL 407 Marine Zoology
  • BIOL 408 Marine Botany
  • BIOL 438 Aquatic Ecology with laboratory

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ON YOUR JOURNEY

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CAREER SERVICES

Career Services prides itself on providing students, alumni and employers with the opportunity to connect. No matter where you are in your career search, whether it’s deciding on a path, preparing for your first job interview or working on graduate school or fellowship applications, we can help.

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Catholic Culture

The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.

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CORE CURRICULUM

With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.

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Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.

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