Department of Geosciences
Elizabeth City State University
PROPOSED
B.S. Program in
Marine Environmental Science

INTRODUCTION     DEPARTMENT INFO     MARINE ENV. SCI.     MORE INFO
 
 






INTRODUCTION

   The Department of Geosciences have submitted a proposal to offer an Bachelor of Science degree program in Marine Environmental Science.  Northeastern North Carolina is in the coastal plain and as such, the concerns about the environment of the local population - ground water, surface water, wetlands, river and estuarine pollutions due to such sources as agriculture, hog and poultry farms, urbanization and industrial growth - have made it imperative for the residents of the area to learn more about these problems.  A number of students have shown interest in such a degree and several years ago, a minor in environmental science was offered.  A major program will be the next step in this direction.  Tourism is one of the major industry, the major attraction being its along the Atlantic ocean, its numerous sounds and wetlands for recreational purposes.
 


  The Department has developed and is using a half-mile long boardwalk with an obsrvation tower (photo on left) in an undisturbed portion of the Dismal Swamp.  Undergraduate research in water quality from shallow wells dug along the boardwalk have been going on since 1996.  Other undergraduate research program under Title III include lead analysis of tap water, screening for E. coli in surface waters in the region, and fluoride analysis of drinking water.

DEPARTMENT OF GEOSCIENCES

        The Department of Geosciences provides courses in Geology, Geography, and Environmental
        Science. The major in Geology, leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree, is designed to
        prepare students either for employment in related fields, or for graduate school.

        Minor programs are offered in Geology, Environmental Science, and GIS/Remote Sensing. A
        number of courses offered in the Department are designed to strengthen majors in related
        disciplines including Social Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, Technology Education, Criminal
        justice

    The Department offers the following:

  By the Fall of 2000, if the General Administration approves the degree proposal, a second major will be offered as a:

          Major in Marine Environmental Science




B.S. DEGREE IN MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

    The proposed program involves a multidisciplinary approach with concentrations in the following
    areas:

As envisioned, the program will concentrate in wetlands, coastal areas and estuarine environments, as opposed to the deep marine environment.  This approach had been decided because of two main considerations:

    1.   the department do not have the resources for personnel and equipment to do "blue water"
          research

    2.   the Albemarle region, which the university services, include marine and estuarine coastal
          environments, wetlands and riverine systems.   Safeguarding these resources are of prime
           importance to the economic and environmental future of the region.
 
 



For more information, contact the

Department of Geosciences
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Tel:      (252) 335-3375
FAX:    (252) 335-3465
EMail:    sinharp@alpha.ecsu.edu
            juanfs@alpha.ecsu.edu