Villanova University
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

This multidisciplinary program focuses on the interface between environmental science and social sciences, including public policy, political science, law, economics, sociology, geography, and planning. Toward this end, our graduates will have a fundamental understanding of the scientific processes (i.e. biological, chemical, geomorphic, and geologic) that underlie the composition of the natural landscape, coupled with a foundation in the social sciences that underlie the diversity and composition of human landscape. The program is founded on the principle that the social sciences - both as a body of knowledge and as the basis for structuring human societal norms - must be applied to assess the direct and indirect influences of human activities on the integrity of Earth's Systems.

This science program provides the technical background for understanding biological, chemical, and physical aspects of the environment. It focuses on the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to understand natural and physical environments. Toward this end, the program's graduates will gain an understanding of, and appreciation for the processes and the interactions that occur both within and between the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. The program is founded on the principle that science - both as a body of knowledge and as a process that is grounded in the intellectual inquiry - must be applied to assess and address the direct and indirect influences of human activities on the integrity of the Earth's systems.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Villanova University are prepared to: 1) Use their broad-based civil engineering backgrounds to perform as entry-level engineers in general civil engineering or in environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, or water resources engineering. 2) Enter graduate schools in the disciplines listed above or closely related disciplines, as well as other areas such as business and law. 3) Continue the process of life-long learning as required for long-term personal and professional growth. 4) Recognize their professional and ethical responsibilities to society as members of the engineering professional community. 5) Use communication, technical, and teamwork skills to help themselves and their employers succeed. 6) Relate their personal and professional lives to the Judaeo-Christian, humanistic tradition.

An interdisciplinary minor that examines ways to limit actions that adversely affect the environment. Topics include improved utilization of natural resources; options for social, economic, and cultural development; role of science; role of engineering; role of business; role of government; and role of people. Program Learning Objectives: -Describe the technical and social aspects of a commitment to sustainability. -Describe the ethical and philosophical underpinnings of a commitment to sustainability. -Evaluate environmental processes and their nexus with human activity to examine sustainable (or un-sustainable) practices. -Examine and describe the human dimension of global environmental change. -Describe the links between the global economic environment, resource availability and distribution, and their effects on sustainable practices. -Define the linkages between non-sustainable practices, resource shortages, and regional conflict.