Science of Natural and Environmental Systems

Foundation Courses:

The purpose of this component of the program is to provide a strong foundation in the basic sciences and an introduction to the relationships between the biophysical and social sciences. Many of these courses (listed below) will also contribute to completion of CALS distribution requirements.

The freshman and sophomore years are designed to provide a strong scientific basis for future advanced study and to become engaged in environmental studies through DEA 1500  and NTRES 2010 . Depending on student interest and available time, other courses in environmental study may be taken as electives early in the schedule. Advanced placement credit will be accommodated in the program through consultation with the student’s faculty advisor.

• two semesters of college-level biology
• two semesters of college-level calculus
• four semesters of college-level chemistry and physics (at least one semester of each)
• one semester of college-level statistics
• DEA 1500 - Introduction to Human Environmental Relations (crosslisted)
• NTRES 2010 - Environmental Conservation

Environmental Core:

The environmental core consists of seven courses. Its purpose is to provide a rigorous, integrated understanding of the environment, broadly defined. This core recognizes that knowledge of the environment encompasses physical and biological sciences, social sciences, and human behavior. SNES 1101 , required in the freshman year, provides a unifying overview of the goals, depth, and breadth of the major.

Core courses are to provide integration (among areas, disciplines, methodologies, topics, and issues); systems emphasis; basic, rigorous presentation of core material; root competencies for understanding the environment; a framework for further advanced courses; and a new way of thinking that enables innovative solutions to difficult problems.

Programs of Study:

Programs of study that focus in one or more areas of environmental science have been established to provide disciplinary expertise sufficient for entry-level professional proficiency. Each student in the major will be required to take four courses at the 3000 level or above in at least one program of study.

Programs of study do not replace or duplicate current majors. Rather, they provide the basic core of knowledge essential for an introductory understanding of the area—the concepts, basic science, methodologies, and major applications. Programs of study include:

• Environmental Agriculture
• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Economics
• Environmental Information Science
• Sustainable Development

For more information about this major or minor, see snes.eas.cornell.edu, visit the undergraduate program office in 12 Fernow Hall, or send e-mail to sw38@cornell.edu.