Mission and Goals
In support of the educational mission of the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, the Nicholas School administers for Trinity College undergraduate courses of study in the fields of “Environment” and “Earth and Ocean Sciences.”
Environment
Environmental Science, as a defined course of study, grew from the recognition that threats to local and global environmental health require broader, more inter-disciplinary approaches than may characterize traditional discipline-based curricula. In general terms, environmental science encompasses the physical, chemical and biological processes that occur on or near the surface of the earth on time scales relevant to humans. Because many environmental threats result from human actions, the study of the environment may also include the interface between science and social science sub-specialties in political science, public policy, economics, law and other fields.
The Nicholas School’s undergraduate program administers two ‘Environment’ majors, leading to a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree:
Bachelor
of Arts (A.B.) in Environmental Sciences and Policy
The A.B. degree in Environmental Sciences and Policy is designed for
students interested in the interdisciplinary study of environmental issues.
The major permits students to combine studies in natural sciences with
courses in social sciences and humanities to develop focal areas or themes
relevant to the student’s individual interest.
The A.B. major seeks to instill:
- Competency in basic science, math and social science courses pre-requisite to advanced study.
- Understanding and appreciation of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental science and policy.
- Depth of knowledge in a chosen area of environmental natural and social sciences relevant to student career goals or interests.
- Enhanced skills of data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Bachelor
of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Sciences
The B.S. degree in Environmental Sciences is designed for students interested
in an in-depth scientific perspective on environmental issues. The major
is designed to encourage breadth in the physical and life sciences and
depth in a chosen area of scientific concentration.
The B.S. major seeks to instill:
- Competency in basic science and math courses pre-requisite to advanced study.
- Knowledge of the breadth of the environmental sciences.
- Depth of knowledge in a chosen area of environmental science relevant to student career goals or interests.
- Enhanced skills of data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Earth and Ocean Sciences
The field of geosciences is the study of the physical processes occurring on the earth, on time scales of days to billions of years. Responding to society’s increasing awareness of environmental challenges, the Earth and Ocean Science division at Duke offers courses of study that include elements of classical geology as well as oceanography and climate change. Hallmarks of our program include emphases on fieldwork and student-conducted research.
The Nicholas School’s undergraduate program administers two ‘Earth and Ocean Science’ majors, leading to a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree:
Bachelor
of Science (B.S.) degree in Earth and Ocean Sciences:
The B.S. degree in Earth Sciences is designed for students interested in an in-depth
scientific perspective on the earth and oceans, and for students who wish to
pursue an academic or professional career in earth and/or ocean sciences. The
major is designed to lead to breadth of knowledge through field experiences in
addition to traditional classroom study.
The B.S. major in Earth and Ocean Sciences seeks to instill:
- Competency in basic science and math courses pre-requisite to advanced study.
- Knowledge of the breadth of the earth and ocean sciences.
- Skills of data collection, analysis and interpretation.
- Facility with observation and data collection through fieldwork.
Bachelor
of Arts (A.B.) degree in Earth and Ocean Sciences:
The
A.B. degree in Earth and Ocean Sciences is designed to provide a general
knowledge of the processes that shape and control the earth and environment.
It is not intended for students who intend to pursue graduate or professional
careers in geoscience.
The A.B. degree in Earth and Ocean Sciences seeks to instill:
- General knowledge and understanding of the field of earth and ocean sciences.
