BSc in Environmental Science and Management - Soils and Biogeochemistry in Davis United States | University of California Davis

Environmental scientists enhance our knowledge of human impacts on the planet and bridge that knowledge with policy and management strategies. Students pursuing environmental science and management undergo a culminating capstone course that synthesizes the scientific, policy, managerial, and biological components of the program. Practical learning opportunities are available through fieldwork and mandatory internships. The curriculum's foundational courses cover biology, chemistry, physics, economics, and calculus. Advanced coursework focuses on physical, biological, and social sciences, along with applied studies in environmental assessment, GIS, reporting, and data analysis. During their third year, students select one of six specialized concentrations. All seniors complete an integrative capstone project blending scientific, policy, and management perspectives. Fieldwork and internships provide hands-on training, while exceptional students may undertake an honors thesis. This interdisciplinary program is jointly administered by the Environmental Science and Policy department and the Land, Air and Water Resources department.

The soils and biogeochemistry concentration explores natural environmental processes and the cycling of materials and energy across different scales. This specialization imparts scientific principles for managing soil, water, and vegetation resources, from microscopic to planetary levels. Coursework encompasses land utilization, geospatial technologies, ecosystem stewardship, nutrient cycling, pollution mitigation, and climate change studies. Graduates are prepared for advisory, planning, valuation, research, and educational roles, as well as advanced studies in soil science, environmental toxicology, water resources, ecology, and botany.