Des Moines Area Community College.

Environmental Science Skills Guide

Recommended High School Level Background Courses

  • *Algebra I (program prerequisite)
  • * Algebra II (program prerequisite)
  • *Biology (program prerequisite)
  • *Chemistry (program prerequisite)
  • *Sociology
  • Speech
  • Keyboarding
  • *Composition
  • Computer Literacy

*Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Reading

To succeed in this program, students must have very strong reading skills. Their first-semester texts, which are written at a college level, contain numerous scientific terms. In fact, they will acquire more new vocabulary words in their introductory classes than are presented in first-year foreign language courses. In the program and on the job, students will also read handouts, professional journals, indices, lab manuals and safety procedures. Much information is presented in the form of charts, tables and graphs.

View more information on reading skills in the Environmental Science program.

Language

Oral and written communication skills are emphasized in the program and on the job. Students must complete Fundamentals of Oral Communication (SPC 101), Composition I (ENG 105), and Composition II (ENG 106).

In their other courses, assignments frequently involve working in groups. Students must be able to ask and answer questions, actively participate in discussions and make class presentations based on their laboratory experiences and library research. On the job, employers are looking for workers with excellent communication and people skills as they interact with team members and with the public.

For their classes, students must write research papers and record laboratory observations concisely and objectively. In the work place, they will be required to document laboratory procedures to meet the specifications of their companies and of regulatory agencies. Because these documents may be used for legal purposes, accuracy is essential. Workers may occasionally be asked to write sections of professional articles for journal publication.

View more information on language skills in the Environmental Science program.

Math

Strong math skills are needed for success in this program. Two years of high school algebra are required prior to program entry, and the required math course in the program is Statistics (MAT 157).

In the program and on the job, accuracy is crucial. Students will use basic arithmetic and algebra skills to calculate formulas for chemical reagents, graph results of procedures and use exponential expressions to understand concepts like the growth of bacterial cultures. Students will need to understand the principles of statistics as they use statistical software and/or programmable calculators to calculate standard deviation, linear regression and analysis of variance.

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Learning

Excellent study skills are essential for success in this program. Students must also have strong reasoning skills. In the program and on the job, they must be able to identify a problem, formulate a hypothesis and apply the scientific method to test the hypothesis. They must have strong observational skills and an eye for detail.

On the job, the self-disciplined worker with good thinking, problem solving and learning skills will have opportunities for advancement. At least 50% of the graduates of this program will pursue a bachelors degree to be competitive in the field.

View more information on learning skills in the Environmental Science program.

Computer

Students should know how to access information from such sources as the Internet and library data bases and how to use word processing software to write and revise papers. They will use spreadsheet programs like Excel extensively in coursework and on the job to collect, compile, manipulate, and present laboratory data graphically.

Because many courses in this program are offered on-line--with an on-line section the only offering in a given semester--students should be prepared to learn using an on-line instructional platform like Blackboard.

View more information on computer skills in the Environmental Science program.