Environmental pollution is a local, regional, and global problem that continues to grow as increasing human population growth and resource consumption exert more pressure on the environment. The Pollution and Environmental Contaminants specialization emphasizes the transport and fate of pollutants, as well as their effects on organisms. The coursework focuses on characterization of environmental organic and inorganic pollutants including Hg, pesticides, toxic trace metals, and emerging contaminants such as antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals. In addition, coursework addresses how pollutants move between air, water, soils, and biota. Finally, students will take coursework addressing the human and animal health impacts of environmental contaminants. The specialization provides students with a solid background in chemistry and physics that will prepare students for a wide range of employment opportunities. Upon graduating, students are well positioned to pursue graduate studies or to enter employment with state and federal agencies (Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U. S. Natural Resources Conservation Service), private consulting firms, and non-profit organizations.<br>Students will be able to:<br>demonstrate critical thinking skills by assessing a problem, gathering and analyzing relevant information associated with that problem, and proposing possible solutions. demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. demonstrate technical competency within their respective discipline.