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Metropolitan State University (Home)

Environmental Science Minor

College of Sciences / Natural Sciences
Undergraduate minor

About The Program

The environmental science minor provides students with a broad introduction to the discipline of environmental science, with coursework in biology, chemistry, geology and integrated environmental science. The environmental science minor complements other majors and prepares students to apply scientific methods to solve environmental problems, to think critically and quantitatively, to relate science to current issues, and to understand the experimental methods, techniques and instrumentation used in environmental science.

Student outcomes

Students earning the environmental science minor will be able to:

  • Read, analyze, present and interpret quantitative data
  • Demonstrate competence in physical science
  • Demonstrate competence in ecological science and evolutionary biology
  • Apply numeracy and college-level skill with mathematics to environmental problems

Related programs

How to enroll

Current students: Declare this program

Once you’re admitted as an undergraduate student and have met any further admission requirements your chosen program may have, you may declare a major or declare an optional minor.

Future students: Apply now

Apply to Metropolitan State: Start the journey toward your Environmental Science Minor now. Learn about the steps to enroll or, if you have questions about what Metropolitan State can offer you, request information, visit campus or chat with an admissions counselor.

Get started on your Environmental Science Minor

Program eligibility requirements

To be eligible for acceptance to the Environmental Science minor, students must submit an Undergraduate Program Declaration Form when the following is completed:

  • Prerequisite math course and Foundation courses of BIOL 112 General Biology II, CHEM 112 General Chemistry II, GEOL 110 Introduction to Earth Sciences

All prerequisite and required courses must be completed with grades of C- or above. Transfer coursework equivalency is determined by the Natural Sciences Department.

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Each core science course must include at least one semester credit of professionally supervised on-ground laboratory experience with standard undergraduate laboratory equipment and materials. Lower-division (100- and 200-level) courses cannot be used to fulfill upper division core or elective requirements in the minor.

Each student must complete 22 credits in the minor including at least 10 upper division credits and at least 10 credits from Metropolitan State University. A student must include at least 5-credits of coursework in the environmental science minor that is not counted as part of their major or other minor. Work with your academic advisor to assure both major and minor requirements are met when planning out your course load. All prerequisite and required courses must be completed with grades of C- or above.

Minor Requirements (22 credits)

+ Pre - requisite Math

Completion of college algebra or pre-calculus or math assessment placement above college algebra is required prior to taking the Minor Foundation courses. These prerequisites fulfill math GELS requirements.

Choose one

This course develops the fundamental concepts of algebra with an emphasis on the classification and analysis of linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions. Applications to the natural and social sciences are given throughout. It aims to provide insights into the nature and utility of mathematics, and helps students develop mathematical reasoning skills.

Full course description for College Algebra

This course is designed to prepare students for calculus. Topics include polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; the algebra of functions; multiple function representations; and an introduction to analytic geometry.

Full course description for Precalculus

+ Foundation Courses (12 credits)

The second semester of the comprehensive first year course in biology. Covers the evolution and diversity of life, plant biology, animal biology and ecology. Lab activities include use of the microscope, examination of organisms, and experiments in plant physiology and ecology; may include animal dissection. Intended for biology and life sciences teaching majors.

Full course description for General Biology II

The second semester of the comprehensive algebra-based first year course in chemistry. Covers acid/base theory, chemical equilibria, nuclear and electrochemistry, redox reactions, terminology, functional groups, reactivity of organic compounds and an introduction to biochemistry. Includes lab. Intended for students pursuing the biology or life sciences teaching major and/or chemistry minor.

Full course description for General Chemistry II

This course is an introduction to geology, meteorology and astronomy. Topics include measurement and the scientific method, rocks and minerals, weathering and erosion, earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, geologic time and the history of the Earth, structure and composition of the atmosphere, weather patterns, climate, a history of modern astronomy, the solar system, light and the sun, and stars beyond our solar system. Check the Class Schedule for the dates and times of required field trips. Includes Lab.

Full course description for Introduction to Earth Sciences

+ Upper Division Core Courses (10 credits)
Biological Science (5 credits)

Select one from the following.

This course covers the science of ecology, focusing on population and community ecology, the investigation of patterns in the distribution and abundance of organisms and the processes responsible. The content and methods of modern ecological research are emphasized. Students read ecological research papers and do field investigations, experiments and computer modeling. Most of the weekly labs take place outdoors. Intended for biology, environmental science and life sciences teaching majors.

Full course description for Ecology

This course covers the biology, chemistry and physics of aquatic habitats with an emphasis on the ecology of lakes in Minnesota. The content and methods of modern limnological research are emphasized. Labs focus on field and lab investigation of water bodies in the metropolitan area. Most of the weekly labs take place outdoors. Intended for biology, environmental science and life sciences teaching majors and other qualified students.

Full course description for Limnology

This course covers ecosystem theory, nutrient cycling, energy flow, and related global environmental topics including acid rain, greenhouse effect, climate change and mercury pollution. The content and methods of modern ecosystems research are emphasized. Lab activities may include field investigations, lab experiments, and computer modeling. Intended for biology, environmental science, and life sciences teaching majors and other qualified students.

Full course description for Ecosystem and Global Ecology

This course covers the biology, chemistry and physics of aquatic habitats with an emphasis on the ecology of lakes in Minnesota. The content and methods of modern limnological research are emphasized. Labs focus on field and lab investigation of water bodies in the metropolitan area. Most of the weekly labs take place outdoors. Intended for biology, environmental science and life sciences teaching majors and other qualified students.

Full course description for Limnology

This course covers ecosystem theory, nutrient cycling, energy flow, and related global environmental topics including acid rain, greenhouse effect, climate change and mercury pollution. The content and methods of modern ecosystems research are emphasized. Lab activities may include field investigations, lab experiments, and computer modeling. Intended for biology, environmental science, and life sciences teaching majors and other qualified students.

Full course description for Ecosystem and Global Ecology

Physical Science (5 credits)

Select one course or set of courses, either CHEM 311 AND CHEM 311L or ESCI 317 or GEOL 314.

This course addresses the principles of atmospheric chemistry, the chemistry of climate change, water chemistry, and soil chemistry. During the course of the semester, students will learn the chemistry behind modern challenges to our environment. It will include an examination of the sources, reactions, transport, and fates of different chemical species in the environment. While a variety of topics will be covered during the semester, the following topics will be the main areas of focus: a) atmospheric chemistry and air pollution; b) the chemistry of climate change; c) water chemistry and water pollution; d) hazardous organic compounds; and e) soil chemistry.

Full course description for Environmental Chemistry

This two-credit laboratory course is intended for Chemistry and Environmental Science majors. This course contributes to the Category 2 Courses in the Chemistry major and Physical Science Core Courses in the Environmental Science major. CHEM 311L must be taken concurrently with CHEM 311 Environmental Chemistry. The specific areas of focus, where methods and techniques, specialized equipment, instrumental methods, and safety procedures, will be atmospheric chemistry and water chemistry. Students will gain experience with bench analytical techniques, such as titration, and instrumental analyses, such as atomic absorption and UV-VIS, which will result in acquiring skills that can be utilized in a career in environmental science and related fields.

Full course description for Environmental Chemistry Lab

This course covers the composition, structure, optical and thermal properties, and behavior of the atmosphere, including the flows of energy to, from, and through the atmosphere, the resulting motion of the atmosphere at scales from local to planetary, the impact of human activity on the chemical composition and physical properties of the atmosphere, and the resultant effects of those anthropogenic changes on the built and natural environment (i.e. acid precipitation, ozone destruction, smog, greenhouse effect warming etc). The content and methods of modern atmospheric and environmental science are emphasized. Lab activities will include field investigations, lab experiments, and computer modeling. Intended for students majoring in environmental science and related fields. This course meets the Physical Science Core requirement of the Environmental Science major.

Full course description for Atmospheric Science

This course develops topics in earth surface processes, including geomorphology and general hydrology. Studies of Late Cenozoic landscape change will focus on glacial and fluvial processes in the Upper Midwest. We will examine surface water and groundwater hydrology with an emphasis on the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota. The course will employ college algebra skills to develop a semi-quantitative approach to groundwater and surface water hydrology. Mandatory Saturday field trips are an essential component of this course.

Full course description for Earth Surface Environments