Student writing on a clipboard in a field
Environmental Science, BS

Facilities

The Department of Environmental Science is located in Harney Science Center and the Lo Schiavo Center for Science and Innovation. It maintains an extensive array of field equipment, laboratory analytical instrumentation, and computer facilities to support teaching and research activities.

Field and Laboratory Instrumentation

  • Capillary gas chromatographs with FID
  • Gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer and ECD
  • Thermal desorber for analysis of air samples
  • Discrete analyzer
  • Particulate monitors for air analysis
  • Microwave digester
  • UV-Visible spectrometers
  • FT-Infrared spectrometer
  • Canopy analyzer
  • NC soil analyzer (organic elemental analyzer)
  • Flame atomic absorption spectrometer
  • HPLCs
  • Fluorescence spectrometer

Meters, Data Sondes, and Equipment for Field Measurement of Water Quality Parameters

  • Dissolved oxygen
  • Alkalinity and hardness
  • pH
  • Conductivity and salinity
  • Nitrate and ammonia
  • Redox potential
  • Stream flow and many other parameters

Geospatial Analysis Laboratory (GsAL)

The GsAL provides training and resources across an array of integrated geospatial technologies. These technologies include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Ecosystem Modeling.

The laboratory maintains 25 dedicated computers with leading industry software, including ESRI (ArcGIS), PCI, DEFINIENS, and Trimble. The GsAL is used in teaching a variety of courses in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Student researchers also have access to the laboratory for class projects. This unique resource offers students valuable experience with state-of-the-art software and techniques in a supportive supervised setting. The GsAL also provides faculty with innovative geospatial approaches to environmental research projects and grant opportunities.

Please contact the GsAL directly for more information at gsal@usfca.edu..