Environmental Analysis

Environmental analysis is a rapidly growing field in the natural sciences. Federal regulations governing discharge of municipal and industrial wastes have created the need for large numbers of persons trained to collect and analyze environmental samples. Existing environmental analysis laboratories have significantly expanded their operations, and dozens of new labs have been created in response to the demand. Each year, requests to Ouachita Baptist University for graduates trained in the techniques of environmental analysis far exceed the number of Ouachita graduates entering the job market.

The Curriculum

The Environmental Analysis Program is available with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry or with a major in chemistry and a minor in biology. Each course in the standard curriculum has selected laboratory exercises that emphasize environmental analysis. In addition, courses have been added to the curriculum with special emphasis on environmental analysis. A sophomore level Environmental Analysis Seminar introduces students to the rationale behind environmental policies. Guest speakers from state and regional agencies and laboratories participate. Students can also gain valuable experience by working with professors conducting environmental analysis projects by taking Laboratory Practicum. Upper level courses focusing on techniques of environmental analysis are Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Atomic Absorption/Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopy, and Biological Monitoring. Upper level students are able to pursue research projects on topics in environmental analysis. A senior level Environmental Analysis Seminar allows students to present their own research and to hear research seminars from professional environmental researchers.

The Course Program

Recommended sequence with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry

The pattern is similar for a major in Chemistry and a minor in Biology

First Year

BIOL 1014, 1024 (Zoology, Botany)
CHEM 1004, 1014 (General Chemistry I, II)
MATH 1034 (Pre-calculus)
MATH 2014 (Calculus I)
CORE 1013 (Composition I)
CORE 1012 (Introduction to Liberal Arts)
CORE 1022 (Concepts of Wellness)
CORE 1113 (Survey of the Bible)

First Year's Total = 34 hrs

Second Year

BIOL 3054 (Genetics)
BIOL 3034 (Ecology)
CHEM 2004 (Quantitative Analysis)
PHYS 1004, 1014 (Introductory Physics I, II)
NSCI 2801 (Environmental Analysis)
CORE 1023 (Contemporary World)
CORE 1123 (Interpreting the Bible)
CORE 2113 (American Civilization)

Second Year's Total = 30 hrs

Third Year

BIOL 3044 (Cell Biology)
BIOL 3014 (Microbiology)
BIOL 4014 (Histology)
BIOL 4801 (Lab Practicum)
CHEM 3004, 3104 (Organic Chemistry I, II)
CORE 2213 (Western Civilization)
CORE 2123 or 2223 (American or Western Letters)
CORE 2423 (Investigative Methods)

Third Year's Total = 30 hrs

Fourth Year

BIOL 4802 (Biol. Monitor)
BIOL 4001 (Experimental Research)
NSCI 4801 (Environmental Analysis)
CORE 3113 (Fine Arts: Art)
CORE 3123 (Fine Arts: Music)
CORE 4001 (Senior Seminar)
Foreign Language 6 hrs
Electives 12 hrs

Fourth Year's Total = 29 hrs