Hope College
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

Biology Major Geology Major Environmental Science Minor Environmental Studies Minor

BIOLOGY http://www.hope.edu/catalog/current/biology/index.html#biology-major The field of Biology represents a number of different approaches to the study of life, from the molecular to organismal to ecological levels. GEOLOGY http://www.hope.edu/catalog/current/geology/index.html#bachelor-of-arts-degree-in-geology The geological sciences play a key role in addressing environmental problems, recognizing and mitigating natural hazards, and procuring natural resources. Furthermore, geoscientists make important contributions to human knowledge in fields as diverse as environmental geology, sustainability, oceanography, planetology, geochemistry, geophysics, plate tectonics and paleontology. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES http://www.hope.edu/catalog/current/environmental-sciences/index.html The environmental science minor has the following goals for its students: Goal #1: A solid preparation in one of the academic majors at Hope College. Goal #2: An understanding of the perspective this discipline brings to environmental science. To meet this goal, students are required to take two courses that have been flagged as relevant to environmental science. Goal #3: A broad interdisciplinary understanding of environmental science. Students are required to take two interdisciplinary courses in environmental science. Goal #4: Knowledge of how environmental issues affect and are affected by politics and economics. Students meet this goal by taking an interdisciplinary course taught by faculty in the Natural Science Division, Political Science Department and/or Department of Economics. Goal #5: An ability to work in a team with scientists and non-science professionals from other disciplines. To obtain experience with technical aspects of environmental science, students take a capstone course where they work with students and faculty from a number of disciplines to study a local environmental problem. Goal #6: An ability to use principles of sustainability when considering environmental problems and solutions. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES http://www.hope.edu/catalog/current/environmental-studies/ The goals of the environmental studies program are to: 1. Increase understanding of how the world as a bio-physical system works, foster awareness of the earth's vital signs and sharpen the ability of students to understand the nature and results of science 2. Encourage a critical understanding of the various historical, political, economic, ethical, and religious forces that have shaped and continue to shape our world 3. Nurture an ecological frame of mind which is willing and able to see things whole and thus resist the narrow specialization that can blind us to the connections between disciplines and bodies of knowledge 4. Cultivate people who have sufficient knowledge, care and practical competence to live in an ecologically responsible way 5. Provide opportunities for students to explore the connections between environmental issues and different religious and philosophical traditions, and to encourage students who are Christian to reflect on their faith and its vision of shalom.

Total graduates for 15-16 AY: 827 Total grads for 15-16 AY in Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies: 72