This option is available within the Bioresource Research major at the following location:

• Corvallis

Environmental chemistry focuses on the basic principles that control the fate of chemicals in the environment. A bewildering variety of chemicals, an inevitable result of modern industrial civilization, are released daily; some of them persist in soil, water, or air. The extent to which these chemicals are a health hazard depends in part on where, how much, and in what form they accumulate. OSU scientists use state-of-the-art methods to detect trace amounts of chemicals in the environment, at levels as low as one part per trillion, and track their movement and transformations. Students will acquire laboratory skills that will be in high demand as the worldwide public concern with environmental quality increases.

Option Code: 117

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Retain and articulate the fundamental concepts of biosciences and bioresource sciences, and of the physical and mathematical sciences that support these fields.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method by designing an experiment, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Convey the meaning of research results in written and oral format, to both professionals and the general public.
• Master and discuss the important contemporary issues in the specific discipline of the BRR option and research project.
• Demonstrate professionalism, including critical thinking, a strong work ethic, and the ability to contribute to a team.

Option Code: 117