All
concentrations in Environmental Engineering currently require BISC 302 General
Ecology (3 credits). While we do not believe this is the best biology course
for our students, because ABET required background in ecology this course was
included in our curriculum. Now, however, the revised ABET accreditation
criteria no longer state that background in ecology is required. Instead,
students are required to obtain "proficiency in ... a biological science,
e.g., microbiology, aquatic biology, toxicology, relevant to the program of
study." With this change we believe our students are best served if
they obtain proficiency in microbiology, training that begins with BISC 207
Introductory Biology I (4 credits).
With this change we believe our students are best served if they
obtain proficiency in microbiology, training that begins with BISC 207
Introductory Biology I (4 credits). The composition and physiology of microbial
communities have significant impact on the quality and health of environment as
microorganisms are found in wastewater treatment plants, drinking water
distribution system, bioremediation sites, landfills, and indoor air
environments. The biologically literate
environmental engineers will better understand and cope with not only
environmental issues such as pollution treatment, ecosystem destruction and
species extinction, but also genetic engineering in agriculture and medicine,
and bioethics.
BISC 207 covers the molecular basis of life; structure and function
of cells, including signal transduction pathways; energy transformations;
classical Mendelian genetics; and the flow of
information from
The
environmental faculty unanimously approved this change to our curriculum. By
replacing BISC 302 with BISC 207 one credit hour is added to all
concentrations. The total minimum credit hours will remain at 125 by reducing
the number of credit hours required for technical electives by one for each
concentration.