Course Requirements

The environmental science concentration at Coe College involves completing a major in either biology or chemistry, with the addition of upper level coursework in the other discipline. The combination of courses offers excellent preparation for graduate work or for entering the job market.

Sample Four-Year Plan for Environmental Science/Biology

The following represents only two of many paths students can take to complete the major in environmental science with a biology or chemistry major. Note that students typically take four courses per semester for a total of eight each year. Check the Coe catalog to review all of your options. Summer classes at Coe’s Wilderness Field Station are highly recommended and can serve as a biology elective.

First Year

BIO 145/140 Cellular and Molecular Biology
BIO 155/150 Organismal and Ecological Biology
CHM 101/101L General Chemistry 1
MTH 135 Calculus 1

Second Year

BIO 202 Topics in Evolution
BIO 235/230 Genetics
CHM 102/102L General Chemistry 2
CHM 221 Organic Chemistry 1

Third Year

BIO 205/200 General Botany
CHM 211/211L Analytical Chemistry
BIO 295/290 Spatial Ecology

Fourth Year

BIO 535/530 Environmental Microbiology
BIO 255/350 Animal Physiology
One additional biology elective

Sample Four-Year Plan for Environmental Science/Chemistry

First Year

BIO 155/150 Organismal and Ecological Biology
CHM 101/101L General Chemistry 1
CHM 102/102L General Chemistry 2
MTH 135 Calculus 1
MTH 145 Calculus 2

Second Year

CHM 211/211L Analytical Chemistry
CHM 221 Organic Chemistry 1
BIO 145/140 Cellular and Molecular Biology
BIO 235/230 Genetics

Third Year

CHM 321 Organic Chemistry 2
BIO 295/290 Spatial Ecology
BIO 165 Introduction to Ornithology
PHY 215/210 General Physics 1
PHY 225/220 General Physics 2
CHM 705 Seminar in Chemistry 1

Fourth Year

CHM 322 Organic Chemistry Laboratory
CHM 341/341L Physical Chemistry 1
BIO 535/530 Environmental Microbiology
CHM 411 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
CHM 715 Seminar in Chemistry 2