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The Classroom Experience - Environmental Science

"The environmental science program at Lake Michigan College is a hard track program. That means more scientific based," states LMC Environmental Science advisor and biology instructor Robert Schodorf. "Today's environmental scientist is a hardworking professional that is dedicated to making the environment we live in safe and preserved for future generations."

The environmental science profession is a challenging field. LMC will prepare you with your first two years of environmental education that will help you succeed as you continue at a four-year school.

Expectations and Skills Taught
Environmental Biology 204 is the course Lake Michigan College offers specifically for students interesting in pursuing a degree in environmental science. In this course you will study the basic concepts and applications of ecology as they relates to humans. Before signing up for this course, Schodorf insists that you have a scientific background. This can mean taking science classes at LMC or taking chemistry/biology in high school.

In this class, you will develop a better understanding of the environment in which we live. Class topics will be reinforced through a mixture of lab time and lecture. Each week of class will require you to attend a three-hour lab session. In lab, you will perform water quality analysis of Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. PH, chemical analysis and allege tests will be performed. From these tests, problems and their source can be identified.

Critical thinking is demanded. "I'm always probing students to think deeper about an issue. Tell me why and how a problem occurred then come up with a workable solution," Schodorf says. "I'm training students to think, not just read a text book."

Standard lecture exams that cover text should be expected. Another large part of your final grade will be based on a scientific paper. This paper will be based on your labs. This 10+-page paper will include all of your data and analysis from the water quality labs. The purpose of this paper is to get your to think critically about the environmental problem, components of the problems, identifying reasons why the problem exists and possible solutions.

Beyond water testing, Schodorf says students enjoy learning about biodiversity, plant and animal species, and endangered species.

Courses in biology, chemistry, and math are also required in this transfer program.

Lab Field Trips
Because the student/instructor ratio is 20:1, three field trips are arranged. "Taking students out of the classroom gives them a sense of what to expect once they enter the working world," Schodorf states.

One of the field trips is to Grand Mere State Park. This lab consists of looking at sand dunes and marshes. The remaining two field trips are right in our own back yard. Lake Michigan College is one of a few community colleges in Michigan with a Natural Area on our campus. Students are able to take advantage of this by exploring the 50-acre area and collecting environmental data.

Technology in the Classroom
A variety of technologies are used in conjunction with traditional lecture and hands-on activities. PowerPoint presentations, videos, DVDs, the Internet and materials available on Blackboard - the College's instructional Intranet - play an important role in class.

Getting the Most from the Program
"Get as much practical experience as you can. It will help build your knowledge background," says Schodorf. "Even working around environmental scientists will get you use to the lingo and terminology you will soon encounter on a daily basis."

Beyond work experience, Schodorf also says it is important to set goals. Work closely with your academic advisor to make sure you are on the right track to transfer. Consistent meetings with your advisor will assure you of a smooth transfer to a four-year school.