Foundations in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies Course

Introduction class for majors, minors and an elective for non-environment students. This a great opportunity to gain environmental literacy and to participate in local field trips in which you will learn about the inner workings of the region.

The Foundations course includes Environmental Science (ENVA A194), which is offered every fall semester, and Environmental Studies (ENVA A105), which is offered every spring semester. Students in the Foundations course will participate in a variety of field trips, which include but are not limited to Audubon Park. Students will use their keen observation skills to identify bird species and develop a search image for small "critters." Students collect data at Bayou St. John and Couturie Forest in City Park to study the aquatic environment. They used an YSI instrument to measure the water chemistry, a D-frame net to collect macroinvertebrates and learned to press plants. Their semester-long research project will help them make connections between the living organisms (plants and invertebrates) and water quality in the New Orleans region. In the second semester students will continue to learn about New Orleans water and city planning practices & policies along with touring the local water treatment processing plant. 

Foundations students also have the opportunity to work together in teams to create and present a research poster to the Loyola community. The topics range from water chemistry in local aquatic systems and greenhouse plant growth. The poster session is held at the end of every fall semester.   

View some of our Foundations student field trips and posters below.