Natural Sciences
Environmental Science and Environmental Studies
Environmental Science and Environmental Studies
Integrated and interdisciplinary, these programs are offered for students who want an in-depth study of the various ethical, legal, political, economic and scientific factors that are involved in human interaction with the environment.
Our environmental programs are largely hands-on, with expert faculty leading students around the natural ecosystems found in Seguin and the Texas Hill Country. From rugged canyons, to wetlands and loblolly pine forests to the Gulf of Mexico, ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼ has prime access to a variety of environmental havens for study and research.
There are many opportunities to actively participate in original research projects alongside faculty members in various departments. Additionally each senior participates in a semester-long seminar series, where they will create and present their own original research project.
Students can also take leadership roles in local conservation and sustainability by joining EnACT, ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼’s environmental action club, and serving on the university’s sustainability committee.
Special Opportunities in Environmental Studies
-
Biodiversity in Central Texas
This course for beginning students enables them to learn to identify and understand the incredible variety of life in our area through field trips and lab study.
-
Summer Research Program at the Weston Ranch
Students can be hired for the summer as paid biodiversity researchers through our grant-funded program at this large ranch only 15 minutes from Seguin. Students document the flora and fauna of the ranch and can develop independent projects to present at scientific meetings. Students can continue their research during the academic year as paid research assistants.
-
Molecular Methods in Environmental Biology
This workshop in May gives environmental biology majors a chance to learn the laboratory methods that enable scientists to identify species based on DNA and study populations at the genetic level. External funding enables environmental biology majors to enroll at no cost.
-
Greenhouse
A greenhouse is available for students to learn methods for propagation of plants. Students can be hired as workers to assist the greenhouse director.