Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies

at EDUCO - University of Nebraska - Lincoln USA

Ethnic studies involves the exploration and examination of factors that bear on the lives and experiences, both past and present, of ethnically diverse peoples. The Institute for Ethnic Studies is interdisciplinary and intercollegiate and focuses on the experiences of individuals and groups who are of African, African-American, Latino/a, Latin American, or Native origin of descent both in the United States and elsewhere.

Biological systems engineering (BSEN) is one of two engineering degree programs offered in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. Biological systems engineers need to understand biological phenomena and apply engineering principles to solve challenges faced by society. To solve complex problems, a biological systems engineer needs not only to develop expertise in a specific discipline but also be prepared to work across disciplinary boundaries in diverse professional communities. As such, BSEN students develop both depth through engineering coursework in one of three emphasis areas (biomedical engineering, food and bioprocess engineering, or environmental and water resources engineering) and breadth through purposefully selected coursework in the other areas. Biological systems engineers with an emphasis in biomedical engineering might work on systems to micropropagate tissue culture, design devices for monitoring and correcting heart arrhythmias, or develop biological sensors and imaging devices for detecting diseases in humans. Biological systems engineers with an emphasis in food and bioprocess engineering might advance products and manufacturing practices through the design of equipment and processes for producing foods and biofuels. Biological systems engineers with an emphasis in environmental and water resources engineering might restore streams, lakes and wetlands; manage ecosystems; minimize nonpoint source pollution; or design systems for animal waste management.

Geography is a comprehensive discipline that, via spatial patterns analysis, reveals the intricate attributes and connectivity of human cultures and the natural environment. As such, geography is critical to understanding the complexities of global change. Students may specialize in one of many areas, including climate and weather, cultural/human geography, geographic information systems, historical geography of the Great Plains, natural resources, physical geography, pre-community and regional planning, regional studies, or remote sensing.

An education in geography prepares students for careers in government agencies as well as those involved with foreign service, land management, tourism, health care delivery systems, environmental assessment, transportation development, land use planning, air traffic control, and GIS and cartographic analysis, and in a wide variety of businesses, particularly those concerned with environmental mapping, geographic information systems, and planning. A geography major also prepares students for graduate-level degrees in geography, law (especially environmental law), international business, urban and regional planning, and teaching at all levels.

The global studies major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln prepares students for a changing and complex world by increasing their knowledge of global issues and developing their skills in critical thinking, communication, and logical analysis. The interdisciplinary program is designed to help students understand the growing connectedness and diversity of interactions at the global level. Global studies provides students with a range of classroom, community, and co-curricular activities both domestically and internationally. It is built on the framework of:

• Being a dynamic and well-integrated interdisciplinary academic program for student learning opportunities and an active partner in the College’s internationalizing the curriculum strategic plan;
• Providing students a variety of well-vetted academic and international/experiential learning opportunities that will enhance their depth of global understanding;
• Collaborating with other internationally-focused programs at UNL to promote interest in and understanding of global events and structures; and
• Developing strong, mutually-beneficial partnerships with relevant community groups and individuals.

The plant biology major is designed to provide a flexible entry for undergraduate students that have an interest in the plant sciences. Once enrolled in the program, students will take a core of classes that will allow them to continue in the plant biology major or would also allow them to easily transfer to other Life Sciences programs. Students will have the opportunity to interact with the faculty of the Center for Plant Science Innovation as well as other departments and schools for advising and research opportunities.

The goal of the plant biology program is to offer a field of study to students who are interested and talented in the basic sciences and mathematics and who:

• May never have considered applying this knowledge to plants.
• Have always dreamed of this field of study.
• Have always had an interest in plants but are uncertain that this field of study is right for them.

Studying plant biology will allow students to explore and understand plants at molecular, cellular, physiological, organismal, population, and community levels and by taking ecological, evolutionary, agricultural, and horticultural perspectives. This is accomplished through required courses in different scientific fields (e.g., biology, biochemistry, chemistry, agronomy, horticulture) and through different options in the major (ecology and management option and biotechnology option).

The design and technical production option is for those desiring concentrated training/education in scenic, lighting, sound, and costume design, as well as technical theatre production. The training the student receives in this program allows him or her to seek an entry-level position in professional theatre, television or film industries, or pursue further education at a graduate school or internship program. It is the goal of the faculty to give the student the classroom instruction, practical experience, and individual attention needed to form clear goals pertaining to a career in technical theatre.

The field of marketing includes many different career opportunities such as advertising, distribution, marketing research, customer relationship management, merchandising, marketing communication, retailing, product management, professional selling, and sales management. The management of activities related to the flow of both goods and services from producer to consumer has become increasingly important in this age of consumer-oriented production. This importance has increased the demand for well-qualified persons, both as specialists in technical aspects of marketing and as general marketing managers. New developments are appearing in quantitative analysis of marketing problems, use of social media, in studies of consumer behavior, in international marketing, and in the social responsibilities of marketing. These developments hold exciting promise for the future.

Academic preparation for some careers is best achieved by combining marketing courses with courses in other departments of the University. For this reason it is important for the student to consult with a faculty member in the Department of Marketing before deciding on a particular course of study. Courses within the department include those from the following disciplines: Marketing, Marketing Communication, Distribution Channels, Retailing, Sales Management, Marketing Research, Professional Selling, Marketing Information Systems, Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, and International Marketing. Outside the College, courses in psychology, sociology, journalism, mathematics, communication studies, art, and geography may be helpful.

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers courses in Arabic, German, Japanese, the Romance Language group (French, Spanish), and the Slavic group (Czech, Russian). Whenever possible, the courses are conducted in the language that is studied. The aim of instruction is reading, writing, aural and oral proficiency, and an understanding of the life, literature, and culture of the country. Lectures and films in the language studied are offered during the school year for the benefit of the students in the department. Language laboratories supplement class work.

Chemistry deals with the analysis, structure, properties, and synthesis of matter ranging in size from single atoms to biologically-active small molecules to DNA and proteins. A degree in chemistry prepares students for many career options: industry (research, analysis, production), teaching, graduate studies, or professional schools. Chemistry is also a valuable second major for students completing degrees in a number of science, math, or engineering disciplines.

Food science and technology students find career opportunities with food processing firms, government agencies, and educational institutions. Types of positions available to food science and technology graduates include new product development, quality assurance, food plant management, food research, food marketing and sales, and education.

The curriculum includes a balance of courses in food science, biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities. Food science courses include food engineering, food analysis, food chemistry, food microbiology, nutrition, quality assurance, and commodity processing courses. Students are encouraged to participate in an internship program that provides summer employment in the food industry.