Ecological Engineering Minor

Department Contact:

Chair, Dr. Rachel Wagner, rwagner@francis.edu

Program Description:

The ecological engineering minor provides broad exposure to a growing sub-discipline of engineering that concerns using ecological processes to accomplish engineering goals. Students in the Ecological Engineering minor are set to be leaders in this fast-growing field. Examples of ecological engineering in practice include treatment wetlands, low impact development practices, and green infrastructure.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, students will have:

• an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics;
• an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
• an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts;
• an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives;
• an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions;
• an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Total Credits Required:

16 credits minimum