Environmental Science: Environmental Biology, AS (EBIO-AS)

CT State Community College Catalog 2023-2024 New students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2023 will begin as students of Connecticut State Community College under this catalog.  Continuing students from one of the 12 community colleges will be transitioned into a CT State program in this catalog as of the start of the Fall 2023 term. The policies, courses and programs described are applicable as of the Fall 2023 term and may be updated as circumstances require.

The Environmental Biology AS program is intended for students interested in Environmental Biology, Ecology, or a related field. The environmental field is a broad-based area of study and is truly interdisciplinary in nature. The subjects of biology, chemistry and geology are interwoven to provide a full picture of our environment and humanity’s impact upon this system. The degree provides students with a foundation in the basic sciences and highlights the field’s interdisciplinary nature, with a focus on the life sciences.

The goal of the Environmental Biology program is to prepare students to transfer into a biological environmental science program at a four-year institution. The requirements for the Environmental Biology program allow students to transfer seamlessly to most four-year colleges and to successfully complete their bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology, Ecology, or a related field without loss of credit or time.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

• Research and assess the accuracy of information from print, online and media sources and be able to distinguish between scientific fact and media sensationalism.
• Apply the scientific method to environmental problems using both laboratory and field skills to gather, analyze and interpret scientific data.
• Scientifically analyze and critically evaluate local/regional/global environmental problems in terms of ecological principles and development of sustainable solutions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science with the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry, geology, law and public policy.
• Describe the relationship between biotic organisms and the abiotic factors within an ecosystem.
• Demonstrate knowledge gained from scientific investigation by appropriate written, oral and mathematical means as these skills are vital to success as an environmental profession.
• Examine environmental problems and issues as well as establish personal positions on such issues and problems collaboratively.