Well-designed and accurate chemical, biological, and environmental measurements are key to understanding elemental and nutrient cycling in natural ecosystems. This intensive field- and laboratory-based science program is designed for students with solid preparation in general chemistry, general biology, and precalculus math who want to pursue advanced investigations of environmental systems. Students will study analytical chemistry, chemical oceanography, and scientific research design.ÌýStudents will develop proficiency in modern instrumental techniques of chemical analysis, including CHN Analyzer, EDS, ICP-MS, Discrete Analyzer, and other advanced methods. Program work will focus on quantitative analysis, quality control, research methodology, and scientific writing in a clear and concise style.
During fall quarter, we will address topics in carbon and nutrient cycling across terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems, along with analytical chemistry and instrumental techniques. Students will participate in group projects examining water quality, organic matter content, and nutrient cycling processes in natural waters. Analytical procedures based on EPA, USGS, and other guidelines will be used to measure major and trace anion and cation concentrations, determine weathering rates in natural systems, and quantify terrestrial inputs to marine and freshwater environments. Applicable statistical methods will be used for data analysis.
A 5-day field trip in the fall will take us to diverse sites in central Washington to collect water samples for chemical analyses and quantitative assessments of water chemistry. We will also sample local estuarine and freshwater systems for comparison.
In winter quarter, students will expand their investigations to include multiple ecosystem components—such as soils and sediments, vegetation, and aquatic organisms—to quantify nutrient storage and cycling. Winter work will center on team research projects that integrate experimental design, field sampling, laboratory analysis, and statistical evaluation. Weekly seminars in both quarters will emphasize critical reading of scientific literature, research design, and proposal writing. Students interested in continuing their research into spring should consider enrolling inÌýEnvironmental Science Capstone Research.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
Fall
3* - Analytical Chemistry I
2* - Analytical Chemistry Lab
3* - Chemical Oceanography
2* - Chemical Oceanography Lab
4* - Environmental Analysis Fieldwork
2* - Environmental Analysis Seminar
Winter
3* - Analytical Chemistry II
2* - Analytical Chemistry Lab
3* - Chemical Oceanography
2* - Chemical Oceanography Lab
4* - Environmental Analysis Research
2 * - Environmental Analysis Seminar
Registration
At least one year of college general chemistry with labs, one year of college general biology with lab or fieldwork, and the ability to work easily with numbers and equations (precalculus or equivalent). Prerequisites will be verified on the first day of class.
Must have previous analytical chemistry and marine science courses that are equivalent to fall quarter.
Biology, Chemistry, and Math prerequisites will be verified the first day of class.
Academic Details
marine science, chemistry, ecology, biogeochemistry, chemical instrumentation, environmental analysis, and environmental fieldwork.
Fall: $435 covers an overnight field trip to central Washington ($335) and required lab fees ($100).
Winter: $100 for required lab fees.
Students who satisfactorily complete the program requirements will be awarded upper-division science credits.
Students will design their own research projects in winter with the ability to further carry them out in spring quarter in the program "Environmental Science Capstone Research".