The goal of this college level course of study, intended for highly motivated students, is to provide students with the scientific concepts, principles, and methodologies necessary to understand the interrelationships between both the biotic and the abiotic factors in the natural world. Students will not only identify and analyze natural environmental problems, but also problems caused by man. The potential risks associated with these problems will be evaluated and students will propose solutions to either solve or prevent them.

There are several major themes around which the course is organized: Science as a process; The role of energy in ecological systems; The Earth as an interconnected system; The impact of humans on the environment; The social and cultural context of environmental problems; The dependence of human survival on having sustainable systems. Class work is be supplemented by laboratory experiments and field trips. At the culmination of the course, students will take the Advanced Placement Examination in Environmental Science. This single period full year course may not be dropped mid-year.   

Interested students may have the opportunity to devise and carry out independent research projects in conjunction with the School of Environmental Sciences at Queens College that might lend themselves to submission to various competitions (Intel, St. John's Symposium, NYC Expo) and for scholarship opportunities.

Restrictions: This course is open only to juniors and seniors. Students who have completed Physics must have an overall average of 85 or greater. Students who will be taking this course concurrently with Physics must have an average of 87 or greater. All candidates must have the approval of the Department Supervisor.

Notes:

1. Students may be awarded college credit in addition to course credit upon successful completion of the Advanced Placement Exam.
2. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement examination in. There is a  $82 examination fee for this exam, however, reduced prices for students with financial need may be arranged.