Program History   ~   Program Goals   ~   Program Strengths

AU Sciences awarded a 2009 Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Research Grant!

--> AU News Release (18 Feb 09)   --> Announcement in Science

Program History

The Environmental Science Program at Ashland University was started in 1991. Its establishment was due to a recognition of the demand, continuing into the 21st century, for students who are trained to understand environmental issues and whose work can contribute to solutions for environmental problems.  At the time, the supporting elements for the Environmental Science Major were in place; Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and other departments offered courses in the foundational areas appropriate to the major, and the interest and expertise in environmental science existed within the science faculty.  A decision was made to offer the Environmental Science degree as a double major in order to maximize preparation for graduate studies or the workplace; each student completes a specialized program of science and non-science courses, but also completes a major in biology, chemistry, or geology.  An Environmental Science Minor was also developed for students majoring in business, education, the humanities or other areas.  The minor provides an understanding of environmental issues that non-science majors may also deal with during the course of their careers.

The Environmental Lecture Series was initiated at same time as the Environmental Science Program in 1991.  Now averaging four speakers per year, the purpose of the ELS is to provide students, the AU campus, and local communities with opportunities to hear and interact with experts in environmental science and issues.  The lecture series has brought in a number of noted scientists, as well as individuals from governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, business and industry. Each academic year has a theme, allowing the introduction of multiple approaches and perspectives during the course of each series.

Program Goals

•  To provide a major that prepares students to become scientists who specialize in the study of environmental issues.

•  To provide a minor that teaches non-science majors some of the fundamental and practical aspects of environmental science so that they will be able to examine and evaluate environmental issues.

•  To advance knowledge in the area of environmental sciences through research and scholarship.

•  To promote conservation, long-term research, and educational opportunities through the preservation and management of natural habitats in the Environmental Preserves.

•  To provide community support, service, and education in the area of environmental sciences.

Program Strengths

Strengths of the Environmental Science Program at Ashland University include:

• The Environmental Science degree is offered as a double major in order to maximize preparation for graduate studies or the workplace.
• Each student completes a specialized program of science and non-science courses, but also completes a major in Biology, Chemistry, or Geology. 

• Our students have opportunities to work with state-of-the-art instrumentation relevant to labs doing environmental research, monitoring, and assessment.
• In-house equipment includes instruments for chemical analysis (ion chromatographs, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer) and biological sample analysis (fluorescent microscopy, a portable photosynthesis system).
• We also use a range of sampling devices and portable instruments for measurement of environmental conditions (SeaBird system, YSI meters, GPS units, motion-sensitive cameras, and many others).

• Our program supports opportunities for field experiences for both introductory and advanced students at five environmental preserves within a short driving distance of campus.
• These preserves include a variety of local habitats, including a 300-acre mixed wetland site, mature and mid-succession forests, prairie, stream, and old-field ecosystems. 
• Previous students have used these sites for both coursework and directed research.

• The Environmental Science Program Opportunities introduces students to leading environmental scientists.
• The Environmental Lecture Series brings in four speakers from around the country each year to address topics of critical concern.
• Students are invited to talk with each speaker over dinner before each public lecture.

Overall strengths of AU Science:

• Students have the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentation at national conferences or to publication.
• Each of our faculty is a highly qualified and recognized scholar in his or her research discipline. 
• Research projects with a broad range of questions and technical training.
• Freshman can do research, but most students start their sophomore or junior years.

• Research experience enhances the acquisition of skills essential to a successful career in science and training crucial to preparing scientists who can help fill the worldwide need for skilled science professionals. 
• Research on a specific project provides a student with in-depth, hands-on experience with the scientific method, modern instrumentation, and data analysis. 
• Projects also offer an opportunity to polish written and oral communication abilities and develop teamwork skills. 
• Our graduates report that their research experiences have served them extremely well in graduate work and in successful competition for positions in the workforce.

• The Department uses new facilities and research-level equipment in both research and teaching laboratories so that students gain valuable hands-on experience that can be used in future careers in science.
• Completed in 2006, our science building underwent a $12 million renovation that created three laboratories dedicated to faculty/student research as well as a vivarium for raising research animals, and microscopy and tissue culture rooms. 
• This was followed in December 2007 by the 3,000 sq.ft.-addition of a greenhouse and an additional research lab.

• All classes (even introductory classes), including lab sections, are taught by our eight full-time faculty members, all of whom have Ph.D.’s. 
  • All courses for biology majors are capped at fewer than 24 students.  Many of our junior- and senior-level courses are capped at 12 students. 
  • Lecture and laboratory classrooms in the science building contain projection systems; these encourage use of a variety of media resources in the classroom by both faculty and students. 
  • Wireless internet access is available throughout the building, and laptops are used in teaching laboratories for data collection, analysis, and access to online resources.

• Our graduates are very successful in gaining admission to professional schools or being successfully employed in science careers directly after receiving their Bachelors degree.
• Our pre-professional graduates are highly successful in admission to professional schools across the state and out-of-state, for example medical school, dental school, physical/occupational therapy, etc.
• Our graduates are also highly successful in admission to top-tier graduate schools across the country.