Course Catalog
Campus Undergraduate Program
Environmental Science
The Environmental Science Department offers the following degree
programs:
Environmental Science, B.A., B.S., or minor
Concentrations offered in:
Earth Systems Science, Biological Science, or General Environmental Science
Environmental Policy and Planning, B.A.
Marine Biology, B.A., B.S., or minor
Outdoor Studies, B.A., or minor
Optional concentrations offered in:
Outdoor Education, Wilderness Therapy, Commercial Recreation/Tourism, or Land Management
Degree programs in the Environmental Science Department at
Alaska Pacific University focus on the natural world and related human
interactions. Studies include the natural sciences, conservation,
resource management and environmental policy.
Graduates of the Environmental Science programs:
- Complete significant environmental projects including class exercises, internships, and field experiences.
- Possess technical expertise and knowledge to address contemporary environmental and natural resource issues.
- May commence careers or graduate studies in an array of environmental fields.
Environmental Science
The Environmental Science major allows students to focus on the
natural sciences as they apply to the environment by providing a solid
foundation in laboratory and field techniques. The B.A. is tailored for
students who wish to enter the professional environmental field. The
B.S. degree in Environmental Science requires additional coursework in
the natural sciences and quantitative methodologies. This degree is
especially useful for students intending to pursue a graduate degree in
environmental science or related fields. Environmental science majors
must complete the environmental science core and specify an area of
concentration in Earth Systems Science, Biological Science, or General
Environmental Science.
Bachelor Of Arts Or Science Degree Major
| General University Requirements |
Credit Hours |
| Self and Society in Context: a Quest for Wisdom |
4 |
| Written Communication |
4 |
| Speech Communication |
4 |
| Quantitative Skills (1 required math course may apply) |
<4> |
| Humanities |
8 |
| Languages |
4 |
| Laboratory Science (1 required math course may apply) |
<4> |
| Social/Behavioral Science |
4 |
| Ethical and Religious Values |
4 |
| Total |
32-40 |
Note: Complete details available under Degree Requirements.
| Major Requirements |
B.A. |
B.S. |
| SC |
101 |
Principles of Biology |
* |
4 |
| SC |
107 |
Physical Geology |
* |
4 |
| SC |
115 |
Principles of Chemistry I |
4 |
4 |
| SC |
116 |
Principles of Chemistry II |
4 |
4 |
| SC |
203 |
Introduction to Environmental Science( Sophomore Seminar) |
4 |
4 |
| SC |
211 |
General University Physics I or |
|
|
| SC |
356 |
Environmental Physics* |
|
4 |
| MT |
231 |
Applied Statistics for Env. Science |
4 |
4 |
| MT |
250 |
Calculus and Analytic Geometry I |
4 |
4 |
| MT |
251 |
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II |
* |
4 |
| SC |
301 |
Ecology |
* |
4 |
| SC |
341 |
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) |
4 |
4 |
| MT |
331 |
Advanced Statistics |
* |
4 |
| SC |
410 |
Environmental Ethics |
4 |
4 |
| SC |
498 |
Research Methods |
4 |
4 |
| SC |
499 |
Senior Project |
8 |
8 |
| Subtotal |
40 |
64 |
| Concentration Area (minimum 12 credits upper division) |
24 |
16 |
| Total |
64 |
80 |
* Not required for the B.A. degree.
Concentration Areas for the B.S. and B.A. Degrees
For the B.S. degree students select 16 Credit Hours with at least 12
upper division credits in one of three areas: Earth Systems Science,
Biological Science, or General Environmental Science. For the B.A.
degree students select 24 Credit Hours in one of these three areas as
outlined below:
| Earth Systems Science |
Credit Hours |
| SC |
302 |
Environmental Assessment |
4 |
| Select two courses: |
8 |
| SC |
107 |
Physical Geology |
|
| SC |
108 |
Historical Geology |
|
| SC |
211 |
General University Physics I |
|
| Select three courses: |
12 |
| SC |
350 |
Oceanography |
|
| SC |
351 |
Meteorology: Weather and Climate |
|
| SC |
355 |
Environmental Chemistry |
|
| SC |
413 |
Environmental Geology |
|
| SC |
435 |
Land Use Planning |
|
| SC |
445 |
Soils and Geomorphology |
|
| SC |
452 |
Water Resources Management |
|
| MT |
251 |
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II |
|
| And/or 300 - 400 level Special Topics or Directed Study courses as approved by advisor |
|
| Total |
24 |
Biological Science |
Credit Hours |
| SC |
301 |
Ecology |
4 |
| Select two courses: |
8 |
| SC |
101 |
Principles of Biology |
|
| SC |
102 |
Introduction to Botany and Zoology |
|
| SC |
202 |
Winter Ecology and Cold Weather Physiology |
|
| SC |
205 |
Principles of Botany |
|
| SC |
210 |
Principles of Zoology |
|
| Select three courses: |
12 |
| SC |
305 |
Principles of Forest Management |
|
| SC |
331 |
Winter Ecology with Statistics |
|
| SC |
355 |
Environmental Chemistry |
|
| SC |
415 |
Conservation Biology |
|
| SC |
435 |
Land Use Planning |
|
| SC |
440 |
Tropical Ecology |
|
| MT |
331 |
Advanced Statistics |
|
| And/or 300 - 400 level Special Topics or Directed Study courses as approved by advisor |
|
| Total |
24 |
General Environmental Science |
Credit Hours |
| SC |
301 |
Ecology |
4 |
| |
|
or |
|
| SC |
302 |
Environmental Assessment |
|
| Two Laboratory or Field Science courses |
8 |
| Three ES or MT upper division courses |
12 |
| Total |
24 |
Environmental Policy and Planning
The Environmental Policy and Planning major integrates natural
science with social and governmental processes. This combination
prepares students to respond effectively to environmental problems
and opportunities. The major provides a broad understanding of policy
and planning, including the concepts of ecosystem management and
sustainable development that actively link natural and social systems.
Students view environmental problems from a range of disciplinary
perspectives, exploring the role of science in policy making, analyzing
social and cultural constraints, and examining methods for conflict
resolution. The interdisciplinary curriculum prepares students for
leadership positions by emphasizing management skills such as
geographic information systems (GIS), environmental and social impact
assessment, and economic analysis. Graduates are well prepared for
graduate or professional school, and environmental planning and policy
positions in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
Bachelor Of Arts Degree Major
| General University Requirements |
Credit Hours |
| Self and Society in Context: a Quest for Wisdom |
4 |
| Written Communication (LL 201) |
4 |
| Speech Communication (CO 100) |
4 |
| Quantitative Skills (MT 121 or MT 231) |
<4> |
| Humanities |
8 |
| Languages |
4 |
| Laboratory Science |
4 |
| Social/Behavioral Science |
4 |
| Ethical and Religious Values |
4 |
| Total |
36-40 |
Note: Complete details available under Degree Requirements.
| Major Requirements |
Credit Hours |
| BA |
216 |
Survey of Economics |
4 |
| MT |
121 |
Precalculus |
4 |
| MT |
231 |
Applied Statistics for Env. Science |
4 |
| SC |
203 |
Introduction to Environmental Science (Sophomore Seminar) |
4 |
| SC |
301 |
Ecology |
4 |
| SC |
302 |
Environmental Assessment |
4 |
| SC |
310 |
Ecological Economics |
4 |
| SC |
341 |
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) |
4 |
| SC |
410 |
Environmental Ethics |
4 |
| SC |
498 |
Research Methods |
4 |
| SC |
499 |
Senior Project |
8 |
| Total |
48 |
| Select three courses |
12 |
| SC |
415 |
Conservation Biology (4) |
| SC |
342 |
Applied Geographic Information Systems (4) |
| SC |
420 |
Natural Resource Planning and Politics (4) |
| SC |
425 |
Natural Resource Policy and Law (4) |
| SC |
430 |
Environmental Advocacy and Leadership (4) |
| SC |
435 |
Land Use Planning (4) |
| SC |
437 |
Collaboration in Environmental Management (4) |
| Select one course: |
4 |
| MAR |
202 |
Human Impacts in Marine Systems (4) |
| MAR |
420 |
Coastal Ecosystems (4) |
| SC |
230 |
Sustainable Communities (4) |
| SC |
305 |
Forest Management (4) |
| SC |
452 |
Water Resource Management (4) |
| OS |
301 |
Recreation and Public Lands (4) |
| Total |
64 |
Environmental Science Minor
The Environmental Science minor offers students in other majors,
such as Outdoor Studies, Education, or Liberal Studies, an opportunity
to strengthen their analytic and scientific background.
| Required Courses |
Credit Hours |
| SC |
203 |
Introduction to Environmental Science |
4 |
| Select one course: |
4 |
| SC |
301 |
Ecology (4) |
| SC |
302 |
Environmental Assessment (4) |
| SC |
410 |
Environmental Ethics (4) |
| Select one course: |
4 |
| SC |
115 |
Principles of Chemistry I (4) |
| MT |
250 |
Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4) |
| MT |
231 |
Applied Statistics for Env. Science (4) |
| Two Elective Lab or Field Courses |
8 |
| Elective Environmental Science Course |
4 |
| Total |
24 |
Marine Biology
The B.A. degree in Marine Biology provides students with expertise
in the biological sciences applied to marine environments. The B.S.
degree in Marine Biology requires additional coursework in marine
biology and the natural sciences while maintaining the traditional B.A.
degree program focus on active learning and project-based learning
experiences. This degree is especially useful for students who wish to
pursue a graduate degree in marine biology or who intend to work
professionally in the field of marine biology. Marine Biology majors
must complete 64 Credit Hours in the Marine Biology Core (B.S.) and 16
Credit Hours of Marine Biology electives.
Bachelor Of Arts Or Science Degree Major
| General University Requirements |
Credit Hours |
| Self and Society in Context: a Quest for Wisdom |
4 |
| Written Communication (LL 201) |
4 |
| Speech Communication (CO 100) |
4 |
| Quantitative Skills (MT 231 or MT 250) |
<4> |
| Humanities |
8 |
| Languages |
4 |
| Laboratory Science(met by 1 of required lab courses) |
<4> |
| Social/Behavioral Science |
4 |
| Ethical and Religious Values |
4 |
| Total |
32-40 |
Note: Complete details available under Degree Requirements.
| Major Requirements |
B.A. |
B.S. |
| SC |
101 |
Principles of Biology |
4 |
4 |
| SC |
211 |
General University Physics I or |
* |
4 |
| SC |
356 |
Environmental Physics |
|
|
| SC |
115 |
Principles of Chemistry I |
4 |
4 |
| SC |
116 |
Principles of Chemistry II |
* |
4 |
| SC |
203 |
Introduction to Environmental Science (Sophomore Seminar) |
4 |
4 |
| MAR |
201 |
Marine Biology |
4 |
4 |
| MAR |
202 |
Human Impacts in Marine Systems |
4 |
4 |
| MT |
231 |
Applied Statistics for Env. Science |
4 |
4 |
| MT |
250 |
Calculus and Analytic Geometry I |
4 |
4 |
| MT |
251 |
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II |
* |
4 |
| SC |
301 |
Ecology |
* |
4 |
| MAR |
380/480 |
Directed Study (Marine Biology topic) |
4 |
4 |
| SC |
410 |
Environmental Ethics |
* |
4 |
| SC |
498 |
Research Methods |
4 |
4 |
| SC |
499 |
Senior Project (in area of Major) |
8 |
8 |
| Subtotal |
44 |
64 |
| Marine Biology Electives (Lower Division) |
8 |
8 |
| Marine Biology Electives (Upper Division) |
4 |
8 |
| TOTAL |
56 |
80 |
* Not required for B.A. degree in Marine Biology.
| Marine Biology Electives |
| Select two (B.A. or B.S.) courses: |
| SC |
102 |
Introduction to Botany and Zoology |
| |
|
-or- |
| SC |
210 |
Principles of Zoology |
| |
|
-or- |
| MAR |
215 |
Invertebrate Zoology and Care in Captivity |
| MAR |
205 |
Seabirds and Marine Mammals |
| MAR |
210 |
Aquarium Biology |
| MAR |
220 |
Diversity of the Fishes |
| Select one (B.A.) or two (B.S.) course[s]: |
| PH |
304 |
Advanced Studies in Philosophy of Science |
| MAR |
310 |
Scientific Diving |
| MAR |
320 |
Ichthyology |
| MAR |
325 |
Ecological Physiology of Marine Organisms |
| MAR |
315 |
Invertebrate Zoology and Lab Techniques |
| SC |
350 |
Oceanography |
| MAR |
410 |
Coral Reef Ecology |
| MAR |
420 |
Coastal Ecosystems |
| MAR |
490 |
Seminar |
| And/or 300-400 level Special Topics or Directed Study courses as approved by advisor. |
Marine Biology Minor
The Marine Biology minor offers students in other majors, such as
Education or Liberal Studies, an opportunity to strengthen their analytic
and scientific background; and offers students in Environmental Science
an opportunity to learn applications of their field to marine systems and
resources.
| Required Courses |
Credit Hours |
| SC |
101 |
Principles of Biology |
4 |
| MAR |
201 |
Marine Biology |
4 |
| MAR |
202 |
Human Impacts in Marine Systems or |
4 |
| |
|
4 credits at the 100/200 level as described in the Marine Biology Major Requirements Electives list |
|
| 12 credits at the 300/400 level as described in the Marine Biology Major Requirements Electives list |
12 |
| Total |
24 |
Outdoor Studies
Outdoor Studies at Alaska Pacific University prepares students for
careers in recreation, park management, and outdoor education. Our
goal is to graduate students who are ready to serve a wide range of
user groups while maintaining thoughtful stewardship of the public land
resource.
A graduate with a degree in Outdoor Studies will be a able to:
- Design, implement, and evaluate indoor and outdoor recreational programs,
- Demonstrate the art of expedition leadership and related outdoor skills,
- Understand the significance of public lands to a culturally diverse outdoor community,
- Interpret natural history for educational curricula, and
- Articulate ethical principles and standards relevant to outdoor recreation professionals.
Outdoor Studies majors may choose to pursue a concentration in
Outdoor Education, Wilderness Therapy, Commercial Recreation/
Tourism, or Land Management. While a concentration is not required,
working with professors and students in other departments is an
excellent way to fully experience the unique academic environment at
Alaska Pacific University.
Alaska Pacific University’s block and session format is an ideal
structure for the Outdoor Studies Program. It allows students to
expedition into some of the world’s most remote wild places. Block
courses require that students pay lab fees to offset one half of the
costs associated with the higher instructor student ratios necessary for
safe wilderness travel. The university pays the other half. Students pay
100% of their own travel expenses, including food.
Alaska Pacific University has arranged an articulation agreement
with the National Outdoor Leadership School for applicable course
work.
BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE MAJOR
| General University Requirements |
Credit Hours |
| Self and Society in Context: a Quest for Wisdom |
4 |
| Written Communication (LL 201) |
4 |
| Speech Communication (CO 100) |
4 |
| Quantitative Skills(MT 231) |
<4> |
| Humanities |
8 |
| Languages |
4 |
| Laboratory Science |
4 |
| Social/Behavioral Science |
4 |
| Ethical and Religious Values |
4 |
| Total |
36-40 |
Note: Complete details available under Degree Requirements.
| Major Requirements |
Credit Hours |
| OS |
200 |
Introduction to Outdoor Studies (Sophomore Seminar) |
4 |
| OS |
201 |
Recreational Program Design and Leadership |
4 |
| OS |
205 |
Wilderness First Responder |
4 |
| OS |
385 |
Junior Practicum |
3-12 |
| SC |
410 |
Environmental Ethics |
4 |
| Natural History requirement |
8 |
| Upper Division requirement |
8 |
| Expedition requirement |
4 |
| Applied Statistics for Environmental Science (MT 231)* |
4 |
| OS Skill requirement |
6 |
| Research Methods requirement |
4 |
| OS |
499 |
Senior Project |
12 |
| Total |
65 |
| * Also satisfies GURs. |
|
Natural History Requirement |
|
| Select two courses: |
8 |
| (May not use laboratory science course used to satisfy GURs.) |
| MAR |
205 |
Seabirds and Marine Mammals |
| SC |
105 |
Natural History of Alaska |
| SC |
107 |
Physical Geology |
| SC |
102 |
Introduction to Botany and Zoology |
| SC |
202 |
Winter Ecology and Cold Weather Physiology |
| SC |
320 |
Animal Behavior |
| SC |
350 |
Oceanography |
| SC |
351 |
Meteorology |
| MAR |
410 |
Coral Reef Ecology |
| OS |
212 |
Snow and Avalanche Science for Professionals |
Research Methods Requirement |
|
| Select one course: |
4 |
| OS |
498 |
Recreation Research Methods |
| SC |
498 |
Research Methods |
| PY |
300 |
Methods of Investigation: Research in Psychology |
Upper Division (300/400 level) Requirement |
|
| Select two courses: |
8 |
| OS |
301 |
Recreation and the Public Land Resource |
| PY |
350 |
Psychotherapeutic Uses of the Wilderness |
| OS |
410 |
The Business of Recreation |
| OS |
415 |
Outdoor Education |
| OS |
420 |
Alaska Natural History Interpretation |
Expedition Requirement |
|
| Select one course: |
4 |
| OS |
302 |
Expedition Leadership |
| OS |
303 |
Expedition Mountaineering |
| OS |
316 |
Expedition Glacier Travel |
| OS |
315 |
Expedition Sea Kayaking |
| (All expedition and activity courses have additional costs and fees.) |
Outdoor Skill Requirement |
|
| Complete 6 credits from the following courses: |
6 |
| OS |
101 |
Beginning Rock Climbing (2) |
| OS |
102 |
Introduction to Wilderness Skills (4) |
| OS |
103 |
Dog Mushing (2) |
| OS |
110 |
Introduction to Winter Wilderness Skills (4) |
| OS |
115 |
Sea Kayaking (1) |
| OS |
116 |
Beginning Ice Climbing (2) |
| OS |
207 |
Search Methods on Land (2) |
| OS |
208 |
Rescue Methods on Land (2) |
| PE |
103 and/or 203 |
Cross Country Skiing (1) |
| MAR |
310 |
Scientific Diving (4) |
Concentration Areas for the Outdoor Studies Major
Students may use classes to meet both the concentration and OS
core requirements where applicable.
| Outdoor Education |
|
| OS |
415 |
Outdoor Education |
4 |
| OS |
420 |
AK Natural History Interpretation |
4 |
| OS |
498 |
Recreation Research |
4 |
| SC |
105 |
Natural History of AK |
4 |
| PY |
205 |
Educational Psychology |
4 |
| ED |
212 |
Exploring Learning Community |
4 |
| ED |
241 |
Creative Expressions |
4 |
| ED |
448 |
Introduction to Exceptionalities |
3 |
| ED |
453 |
Multicultural Education |
3 |
| ED/OS |
385 |
Practicum with Outdoor Education concentration |
3-12 |
Wilderness Therapy |
|
| PY |
150 |
Introduction to Psychology |
4 |
| PY |
215 |
Lifespan Human Development |
4 |
| PY |
250 |
Nature and Psychological Well-Being |
4 |
| PY |
300 |
Methods of Investigation: Research Psychology |
4 |
| PY |
305 |
Individuality and Group Process |
4 |
| PY |
330 |
The Psychology of Substance Abuse |
4 |
| PY |
350 |
Psychotherapeutic Uses of the Wilderness |
4 |
| ED |
448 |
Introduction to Exceptionalities |
4 |
| PY/OS |
385 |
Practicum with Wilderness Therapy concentration |
3-12 |
Commercial Recreation/Tourism |
|
| OS |
301 |
Recreation and the Public Land Resource |
4 |
| OS |
410 |
The Business of Recreation |
4 |
| OS |
498 |
Recreation Research Methods |
4 |
| BA |
103 |
Foundations of Business |
4 |
| BA |
204 |
Survey of Accounting |
4 |
| BA |
216 |
Survey of Economics |
4 |
| BA |
302 |
Business Finance |
4 |
| BA |
304 |
Marketing |
4 |
| BA/OS |
385 |
Practicum with Recreation and Tourism concentration |
3-12 |
Land Management |
|
| OS |
301 |
Recreation and the Public Land Resource |
4 |
| OS |
420 |
Alaska Natural History Interpretation |
4 |
| OS |
498 |
Recreation Research Methods |
4 |
| SC |
302 |
Environmental Assessment |
4 |
| SC |
341 |
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) |
4 |
| SC |
420 |
Natural Resource Planning and Politics |
4 |
| SC |
425 |
Natural Resource Policy and Law |
4 |
| SC |
435 |
Land Use Planning |
4 |
| SC |
498 |
Research Methods |
4 |
| OS/SC |
385 |
Practicum with Land Management concentration |
3-12 |
Outdoor Studies Minor
The Outdoor Studies minor provides students the ability to
customize their major by gaining knowledge and experience of the
outdoor recreation profession. Some directed study course work may
be applied to the minor.
| Required Courses |
Credit Hours |
| OS |
200 |
Introduction to Outdoor Studies |
4 |
| OS |
205 |
Wilderness First Responder |
4 |
| SC |
xxx |
Environmental Science elective |
4 |
| OS |
xxx |
Outdoor Studies elective |
4 |
| OS |
xxx |
Outdoor Studies Skill requirement |
6 |
| Total |
22 |
Eco-League Exchange Program Opportunities
APU is a member of an inter-college exchange group called the
Eco League. The Eco League is composed of six colleges and
universities, all small, all with strong programs in Environmental
Science, Environmental Studies, marine Biology, Outdoor
Studies, and similar programs. Through this program, APU
students in their sophomore or junior years may elect to spend
up to two semesters studying at one of the five Eco-League
member institutions as part of their academic program. For
more information on how to participate, please contact
Timothy Rawson
(907) 564-8301
