Major in Natural and Environmental Sciences (BSc)
The Bachelor of Science program in Natural and Environmental Science provides an advanced understanding of the natural environment through interdisciplinary scientific education and research. When majoring in Natural and Environmental Science, students will choose a concentration in either Conservation Biology or Environment and Health.
Conservation Biology focuses on conservation issues that affect wildlife and habitats. The protection and preservation of the natural world has become a growing concern worldwide. It is an especially urgent concern in Africa, because of its high rate of human population activities that disturb the environment.
Environment and Health focuses on an understanding of the biological and physical world, the man-made pollutants released by human activities, and the impact of contemporary societal activities on human health. Through the choice of electives students can personalize their program to emphasize either the sources of pollution and their measurement or the biological processes within the human body affected by health and disease.
Both concentrations provide comprehensive foundations in natural scientific inquiry through courses in biology, chemistry, toxicology, physics, and those directly related to the environment and ecology.
The Conservation Biology concentration prepares students for positions as researchers, advisors and administrators in such organizations as:
- universities
- national parks
- ministries of forestry and wildlife
- a wide variety of governmental agencies
- non-government organizations, both Nigerian and international
- eco-tourism organizations and businesses
The Environment and Health concentration prepares students for careers in:
- petrochemical industry
- environmental consulting and management firms
- national and state government agencies managing health and environmental issues
- regulatory agencies that monitor industries for pollution
- agrochemical industry
- waste management
- electrical power plants and other utilities
- municipal waste treatment facilities
- industries and manufacturing companies
- universities
The Environment and Health concentration includes courses that assist students who wish to continue their studies in medicine and health-related graduate programs.
To talk to a faculty adviser, please contact Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, Interim Associate Dean of School of Arts & Sciences at Rm 212 A&S Building or [email protected].
The Bachelor of Science in Natural and Environmental Science requires a total of 60 credit hours in courses related to the major and science subjects. The following core courses are required in both the Conservation Biology and Environment and Health majors:
ANT 201: Cultural Anthropology (3)
BIO 105: Introduction to Zoology (4)
BIO 120: General Biology I (4)*
BIO 121: General Biology II (4)*
CHE 120: General Chemistry I (4)
CHE 121: General Chemistry II (4)
NES 201: Introduction to Natural and Environmental Science (3)
NES 202: Principles of Ecology (4)
NES 490: Senior Research Project in Natural and Environmental Science (3)
PHY 131: College Physics I (4)
PHY 132: College Physics II (4)
Mathematics and Statistics requirements:
MAT 210: Calculus I (3)** (formerly MAT121)
STA 101: Introduction to Statistics (3)
Conservation Biology Concentration
Conservation Biology majors are required to complete at least thirteen (13) credit hours selected from
the following courses:
BIO 106: Introduction to Botany (4)
BIO 220: Animal Behavior (3)
BIO 301: Biological Research Methods (4)
BIO 360: Cell and Developmental Biology (4)
GEO 101: Introduction to Geology (4)
NES 310: Behavioral Ecology (3)
NES 320: Special Topics in Natural and Environmental Science(3)
NES 330: Independent Study in Natural and Environmental Science (1-3)
NES 401:Community Ecology and Population Biology (3)
NES 406: Plant Community Ecology (3)
NES 493: Internship in Natural and Environmental Science (3)
STA 305: Biostatistics (3)
WRI 300: Writing in the Discipline (3)
WRI 321: Preparation of Written and Oral Reports (3)
Environment and Health Concentration
Environment and Health majors are required to complete at least thirteen (13) credit hours selected from the following courses:
BIO 106: Introduction to Botany (4)
BIO 230: Molecular Genetics (4)
BIO 240: Microbiology and Immunology (4)
BIO 320: Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)
BIO 360: Cell and Developmental Biology (4)
CHE 210: Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHE 211: Organic Chemistry II (4)
CHE 330: Analytical Chemistry (4)
CHE 350: Biochemistry (3)
GEO 101: Introduction to Geology (4)
NES 300: Environmental Policy and Risk Management (3)
NES 320: Special Topics in Natural and Environmental Science (3)
NES 330: Independent Study in Natural and Environmental Science (3)
NES 340: Pollution: Sources and Effects (3)
NES 342: Environmental Toxicology (3)
NES 344: Environmental Risk Assessment (3)
NES 493: Internship in Natural and Environmental Science (3)
NES 420: Environmental and Occupational Health (3)
NES 430: Environmental Chemistry (4)
STA 305: Biostatistics (3)
WRI 300: Writing in the Discipline (3)
WRI 321: Preparation of Written and Oral Reports (3)
Advised Electives
Students should consult with their academic advisors in selecting elective courses or a minor that will augment their program of study.
