Belmont Abbey College

We hear constantly in national and local news about environmental issues. These issues include concerns related to human health; economic development; protection of unique organisms; habitats and land forms; human rights concerns from a global perspective; and the debate about ensuring the future.

Frequently the debate on these issues is focused on fear and passion rather than knowledge and understanding of fundamental underlying principles. The reality is that environmental issues are usually complex and require a background in both the social and natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, political science, economics, and sociology

The environmental science concentrations at Belmont Abbey are part of the Biology major. There are two separate concentrations: a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science. It is also possible to minor in Environmental Science. The program is designed to give students a strong foundation in the sciences, and an interdisciplinary background to environmental issues. It is not the purpose of the concentration to have students become experts in all aspects of the environment, but rather to become education citizens capable of making informed decisions concerning the relationship of humans and the natural world. Students majoring in this program will be able to pursue graduate work in environmental science or compete for employment in environmental monitoring programs in municipal government or industry

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Students electing to pursue the degree in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science must complete all of the requirements of the Biology major with specific course substitutions as noted below. Students pursuing either environmental science degree option must have a 2.3 GPA in BI 101, BI 201, and BI 231 in order to be accepted into the degree program. To graduate, students must have at least a grade of “C” in all biology and environmental science courses specifically required in the major.

Within all of the general requirements of the College for graduation the following specific courses are required: BI 101, 201, 231, 300, 305 OR 403, 407, and 408; CH 105, 106, 221, and 222; EC 202; EV 300, 350, and 498; MA 151, 152, and 208; PY 101 and 102. In addition, 8 credit hours of approved upper level (courses numbers 300 or 400) science courses are required for graduation. Students must have a grade of “C” or better in all required Biology and Environmental Science courses to graduate with this major.

Within all of the general requirements for graduation, the following specific courses are required: BI 101, 201, 231, 300, and 305 OR 403, 407, and 408; CH 105, 106, and 210; EC 202; EV 300, 350, and 498; MA 151 and 208. In addition, 8 credit hours of approved upper level science courses are required for graduation.

15 credit hours in Biology and Environmental Science at the 200 level or higher including those with (*) chosen from the following: BI 231* (Organismal Diversity), BI 305 (Field Biology), BI 306 (Entomology), BI 308 (Microbiology), BI 311 (Taxonomy of Vascular Plants), BI 326 (Plant Ecology), BI 403 (Ecology), EV 300* (Environmental Science), and EV 350* (Environmental Issues).

15 credit hours including EV 300, 350 and 3 courses in education as approved by the Education department and the Director of Environmental Science.

Dr. Elizabeth Baker, Professor of Biology, Chair of Natural Sciences Division, Liberal Studies Coordinator
B.A. George Washington University, M.S. University of Michigan, Ph.D. University of Virginia

Dr. Michael McLeod, Professor of Biology, Coordinator of Environmental Science
B.S. Lincoln Memorial University, M.S. East Tennesee State University, Ph.D. Miami University of Ohio

Dr. Sheila Reilly, Chair and Professor of Biology
B.S. Grove City College, Ph.D. State University of New York-Stony Brook

Mr. Robert Tompkins, Associate Professor of Biology
A.A.S. Rutledge College, B.S. Guilford College, M.S. North Carolina State University