This course is intended for students in the last semester of the Environmental Technology program. Current environmental issues are considered by utilizing guest speakers, an alumni panel, and audiovisual resources. Field trips are made to regional sites of environmental interest. A job search is organized and resumes are prepared with cover letters.
This is the "capstone" course for students in the Environmental Technology curriculum. The course includes a survey of the techniques used for sampling and laboratory analysis of soil, water, and microbiological samples. Chemistry topics include a review of inorganic and organic chemicals of environmental concern. Microbiology topics include the biology of microogranisms in soil, water, and waste treatment.
A student may contract for an independent study through an arrangement with an instructor who agrees to direct such a study. The student will submit a plan acceptable to the instructor and to the department chairperson. The instructor and student will confer regularly regarding the process of the study.
This course will explore the issues of food production and consumption, the persistence of hunger and malnutrition in a world of plenty, and the role of science and technology in pursuing the elusive goal of 'food security for all' using a multi/interdisciplinary perspective. Comparative analysis is used throughout the course to explore topics which link ecology, culture, economics, and the ability of societies to sustain healthy environments and viable food and farming communities.
