Environmental Technology (A.A.S.) (Contains Specializations)

Geoscience Specialization

Biotechnology Specialization

The Environmental Technology A.A.S. degree is designed to provide students with the skills needed to work in the environmental field or transfer successfully to a 4-year school to continue study in the environmental field. Courses in the program provide skills in statistics, graphical and mathematical analysis, chemical and biotechnical analysis, computer based GIS mapping, and technical writing necessary for the analysis and preparation of scientific reports. In learning these skills, students will be using the latest soil, water, and laboratory testing/monitoring technology and instrumental software to practice proper sampling procedures and documentation methods. In addition, the program offers a range of internship opportunities as part of the coursework so students can continue their hands-on learning. To support these internship opportunities the program offers a 40-hour HazWoper (OSHA) certification.

The program has a core set of foundational courses. Additionally, students have the choice between two specializations: Geoscience or Biotechnology.

• The Geoscience specialization has advanced courses in hydrology, and either the geosciences and/or geographic information systems (GIS).
• The Biotechnology specialization has courses in applied biotechnology, other renewable energy sources, and the biological sciences.

Both specializations have electives that allow for some freedom of course selection.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Proficiency in fie data collection techniques: Learn proper field techniques for collecting and analyzing environmental data. This includes the collection, logging and monitoring of field samples (various media); the drilling and logging of soil-boring(s); the collection stream flow data; and may include other hydrological data. Proficiency of these techniques supports primarily the employment goal for this program; however, many 4-year environmental programs require some proficiency of field techniques.
2. Development of effective group working techniques: Acquire skills for working with other investigators through experiential learning activities. Proficiency in working with other individuals supports the employment goal of this program.
3. Demonstrate basic GIS skills: Ability to acquire raster images for maps, create and edit geographic data on a map, and collect & process GPS data, and add labels to a map. Proficiency in GIS mapping supports both of the goals of this program (this is further explained under relevant associations).
4. Obtain receipt of federal OSHA HazWoper certification, involving training under OSHA workplace hazard communication standard for workers at hazardous waste sites (Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response - HazWoper). Certification supports the employment goal of this program, however, it also supports students obtaining useful internships while as a student here at Onondaga).
5. Students graduating from the program should be able to analyze scientific data and demonstrate this by preparing a laboratory report. This outcome also demonstrates skills in mathematics, graphical analysis, contaminant transport analysis, critical thinking, and technical writing. Proficiency with these skills supports primarily the ability of students to transfer to 4-year environmental, geoscience and/or biotechnology programs.
6. Complete 40-hour internship with governmental agency, environmental firm, or college research group. Proficiency in this outcome supports both the employment goal for this program and the transfer to a 4-year program goal for the program. For students interested in employment, this allows contact with one or more possible employers in the outside community. For students interested in transferring to a 4 -year institution, this allows students to pursue college-level research that can help support their transfer applications.