Environmental Science (A.S.)
Associate in Science
Program Advisor: Bruce Winn
413-236-4688 • bwinn@berkshirecc.edu
The Environmental Science degree program emphasizes biodiversity studies coupled with natural resource management for sustainable ecosystems. Multidisciplinary courses are offered mainly in the Ralph Hoffmann Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy Center while students develop hands-on field skills in forests, fields, lakes, streams and marshes both on campus and at nearby locations.
The program fosters community connections with conservation agencies, local schools and resource-related industries through service-learning, directed and independent studies, and frequent field trips.
Students should consult with an Environmental Science faculty member before selecting program electives to meet career goals. Students should also consult an advisor about career opportunities and transfer agreements and requirements of different schools.
Expected Outcomes
Graduates of this program should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of major ecological principles;
- Recognize and describe the significance of biodiversity on Earth;
- Demonstrate an understanding of evolutionary processes and biological systematics;
- Describe the role of environmental science in social policy- making and the future of sustainable ecosystems;
- Communicate understanding of the Scientific Method; and
- Demonstrate technical and quantitative skills essential to basic scientific inquiry.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete all program and general education credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.
Program Courses
| BIO-109 | Introductory Ecology I | 4 |
| BIO-110 | Introductory Ecology II | 4 |
| BIO-111 | Introduction to Botany | 4 |
| BIO-112 | Zoology | 4 |
| ENV-101 | Conservation of Natural Resources I | 4 |
| ENV-102 | Conservation of Natural Resources II | 4 |
| GEY-121 | Earth Systems Science | 4 |
| GEY-136 | Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| - | Science Electives | 7 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 39 |
BIO-111: See footnote 1
Science Electives: See footnote 3
BIO-112: See footnote 1
General Education Courses
| CHM-101 | Introductory Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHM-102 | Introductory Chemistry II | 4 |
| COM- | Communication | 3 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 6 |
| MAT- | Mathematics | 3 |
| - | Behavioral & Social Science | 3 |
| - | Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 26 |
Additional Requirements
| Core Competencies Portfolio |
4 items |
| FORUM |
4 units |
| Health/Fitness |
30 hours |
Minimum Cumulative Average
Area of Specialization:
| All required BIO, CHM, ENV & GEY courses and Science Electives |
2 |
Suggested Pathway to Graduation
The following is a suggestion for completing this program in two years. The actual time needed to complete the program will vary according to each student’s individual needs.
First Semester
| BIO-112 | Zoology | 4 |
| CHM-101 | Introductory Chemistry I | 4 |
| ENV-101 | Conservation of Natural Resources I | 4 |
| MAT- | Mathematics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Second Semester
| BIO-111 | Introduction to Botany | 4 |
| CHM-102 | Introductory Chemistry II | 4 |
| ENV-102 | Conservation of Natural Resources II | 4 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Third Semester
| BIO-109 | Introductory Ecology I | 4 |
| - | Science Elective | 4 |
| - | Behavioral & Social Science | 3 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 3 |
| GEY-121 | Earth Systems Science | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Science Elective: See Footnote 3
Fourth Semester
| BIO-110 | Introductory Ecology II | 4 |
| COM- | Communication | 3 |
| GEY-136 | Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| - | Science Electives | 3 |
| - | Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17-18 |
Science Elective: See Footnote 3
Footnotes
- Students focusing on Biotechnology may substitute General Biology I & II (BIO-101 & BIO-102) for Botany & Zoology (BIO-111 & BIO-112).
- CHM-150, Essentials of Chemistry, and a lab science may be substituted for this requirement; one more credit must be taken in Free Electives.
- Science electives chosen from BIO, CHM, ENV, GEY, or PHY courses selected in consultation with the student’s advisor and consistent with transfer or career plans. The program requirement for science electives is 7 credits, but the requirement is usually satisfied with two 4-credit lab sciences.