Environmental Sciences

ENV 100 Introduction to Environmental Sciences 4 Credits

Examines how ecosystems function, with emphasis on the interactions between biological organisms and their physical environment, and the chemical processes that govern these interactions. The impact of human populations on natural ecosystems is investigated in detail using case studies from history and current events. The laboratory provides for hands-on experiences and/or short field trips to local sites for a better understanding of many of the concepts discussed. Weekday and weekend field trips may be required. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. CLAS general education areas addressed: DP, SP, GP.

Corequisite(s): ENV 100L.

ENV 100L Introduction to Environmental Sciences Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): ENV 100.

ENV 200 Statistical and Computer Applications in the Natural Sciences 4 Credits

This course introduces important statistical concepts, their application, and the usage of computer technology relevant to biological, environmental, geological, and marine problems. Students will learn various graphical and statistical techniques and how to execute them on personal computers. The curriculum emphasizes the integrated nature of these techniques and their importance to meaningful data evaluation and representation. Laboratory exercises are designed to emphasize useful solutions to problems found in many scientific disciplines using computer-based methodologies. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.

Corequisite(s): ENV 200L.

ENV 200L Statistical and Computer Applications in the Natural Sciences Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): ENV 200.

ENV 205 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 3 Credits

This course introduces the computer-based concepts and skills of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It covers the basic GIS concepts, such as map characteristics and projections, spatial data models and analysis, and relational databases. It explores data sources, data quality, and metadata, as well as implementation and management of specific GIS projects. Hands-on experience with ArcGIS software is provided through a series of student exercises completed throughout the semester. Students will also be taught how to process both vector and raster data using ArcGIS software. The course is relevant for students from numerous disciplines in the natural sciences, social sciences, and business, which require the analysis and graphical representation of spatial data. Three hours of lecture per week.

ENV 220 Weather and Climate Change 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the concepts of weather and climate change. These concepts frame a continuum from short-term or daily changes in the atmosphere (meteorology) to those changes averaged over much longer periods of time (climatology). Students will learn the fundamentals of weather forecasting, the causes of natural variation in the Earth’s climate, and the impact of human actions on the Earth’s climate. Connections will be drawn to other current issues in the Earth system, including land use change, biodiversity, and pollution. Three hours of lecture per week.

Prerequisite(s): GEO 100 or GEO 113 or permission of instructor.

ENV 320 Global Biogeochemistry 4 Credits

This course introduces students to global biogeochemical processes in the earth system and their influences on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. With a focus on systems thinking and interdisciplinary science, students will learn about the interactions of the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere through elemental cycling and energy transfers. The course extends from the origin of our planet to the modern earth system and considers the anthropogenic impacts of climate change and pollution on humans and other species. Students will analyze scientific data with examples in regulatory and research settings. Students will also gain first-hand experience with field methods including sampling ocean and freshwater using various techniques and equipment and interpreting chemical data. Field trips may be required for this course. Course

Prerequisites: GEO 100 or GEO 113; GEO 102; CHE 120 & 121.

ENV 320L Global Biogeochemistry Lab 0 Credits

This course introduces students to global biogeochemical processes in the earth system and their influences on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. With a focus on systems thinking and interdisciplinary science, students will learn about the interactions of the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere through elemental cycling and energy transfers. The course extends from the origin of our planet to the modern earth system and considers the anthropogenic impacts of climate change and pollution on humans and other species. Students will analyze scientific data with examples in regulatory and research settings. Students will also gain first-hand experience with field methods including sampling ocean and freshwater using various techniques and equipment and interpreting chemical data. Field trips may be required for this course. Course

Prerequisites: GEO 100 or GEO 113; GEO 102; CHE 120 & 121.

ENV 340 Environmental Field Methods and Data Analysis 3 Credits

This course will provide students with practical experience in field methods and data analyses within the environmental sciences. The course will include advanced activities incorporating field-based exercises, GIS analyses, statistical analyses, and database management. Students will also complete an independent project focused on a relevant topic. Local field trips during lab and on weekends may be required.

Prerequisite(s): MTH 105, GEO 100, GEO 102, and ENV 100; or Permission of Instructor.

ENV 350 Principles of Environmental Toxicology 3 Credits

A comprehensive description of the important principles of toxicology, including the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of toxic substances. Target organs systems will be discussed as well as mechanisms of carcinogenesis and teratogenesis. Specific groups of toxins to be discussed include: pesticides, metals, radiation, solvents and vapors, and plant and animal toxins. Three hours of lecture per week.

Prerequisite(s): BCH 225 or CHE 211, BIO 115.

GEO 100 Earth Systems Science 3 Credits

Investigates the major global processes that occur on Earth. These processes can be grouped into four major systems: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and cosmosphere. Each system interacts with and affects the other systems creating, in a sense, a single Earth process. With this approach, the student will view the Earth as a whole, and understand that the many seemingly separate components that make up this planet are, in fact, a set of interacting processes, that operate in cycles through time, within a single global system. Three hours of lecture per week. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.

GEO 102 Earth Materials and Processes Lab 1 Credits

This lab course introduces students to the origin, identification, and significance of geologic materials, processes, and landforms. Hands-on experiences with mineral and rock specimens, topographic and geologic maps, and GPS and other data collection techniques are emphasized, along with field trip and in-lab observations, measurements, and interpretations. One three-hour lab per week.

Prerequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in, or prior completion of, GEO 100 or GEO 113 is required.

GEO 113 Environmental Geology 3 Credits

Examines the fundamental premise that “society exists by geologic consent subject to change without notice” by studying a number of important global geologic processes and cycles, and the hazards and/or resources they present to individuals, societies, and the natural environment. Topics discussed include earthquakes, volcanism, stream flooding, coastal erosion, global climate change, and global water, soil, mineral, and energy resources. Cost/benefit considerations, hazard mitigation concepts, economic and political ramifications, and interactions among the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere also are presented. The course is designed to give non-science majors a deeper appreciation and understanding of the basic scientific concepts involved, as well as individual and societal connections to the global geologic environment, leading to better, more informed business, political, policy, and personal decisions. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.

GEO 304 Elements of Mineralogy 4 Credits

This course examines the physical properties, chemistry, atomic structure, crystallography, uses, and environmental impacts of important minerals found in the Earth’s lithosphere and biosphere. In addition, lab assignments and exercises emphasize crystal symmetry and chemistry; polarizing microscope, ICP, SEM, and x-ray analytical techniques; the graphical display and interpretation of compositional data; optical properties of isotropic and uniaxial minerals; and the identification of mineral hand specimens. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. At least one weekend field trip required. Prerequisite(s): GEO 100 or GEO 113, and GEO 102, and CHE 120, CHE 121 taken prior or concurrently; or permission of instructor.

Corequisite(s): GEO 304L.

GEO 304L Mineralogy Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): GEO 304.

GEO 306 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 4 Credits

The principles of weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition of sediment are the focus of this course. Sediment characteristics are examined to identify the processes involved in transporting grains and the specific environment in which the grains were deposited. Students will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret sedimentary data and how to interpret surface and subsurface stratigraphic data using various techniques, such as lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, and geophysical, correlations. Field trips will expose students to different sedimentary environments and provide opportunities for students to learn how to conduct fieldwork. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Weekend field trips may be required. Prerequisite(s): GEO 100.

Corequisite(s): GEO 306L.

GEO 306L Sedimentology and Stratigraphy Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): GEO 306.

GEO 350 Soil and Surficial Processes 4 Credits

This course examines the physical, chemical, hydrological, and biological aspects of soil and their relation to geomorphologic development. Specific topics include descriptions of soil texture and structures, soil classification, soil colloids, soil redox and pH, and their effect on vadose zone water chemistry. Soil genesis and erosion controls, microbiology/ecology, nutrient cycles, and modern soil pollution from sludge and pesticide applications, as well as domestic and industrial chemical spills, also are discussed. The lab portion of the course introduces the basic techniques of soil analysis, both physical and chemical, and field survey methods. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): GEO 100 or GEO 113, and GEO 102.

Corequisite(s): GEO 350L.

GEO 350L Soil and Surficial Processes Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): GEO 350.

GEO 407 Hydrology and Water Resources 4 Credits

This course introduces the principles that govern both surface water and groundwater flows that have applications to societal water needs. Surface water topics cover the basics of the hydrologic cycle, the processes of precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, and infiltration, and various factors affecting water supply and water quality issues in a modern watershed. Groundwater topics examine the principles that govern flow through a porous medium and the basics of well hydraulics under different pumping conditions that community development requires. Laboratory exercises will give students hands-on experience with the delineation of watersheds, analysis of precipitation data, and flow contaminant transport modeling. The field portion of the laboratory includes runoff and stream discharge measurements, as well as hydraulic conductivity estimations from both slug and pumping tests. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): GEO 100 or GEO 113, GEO 102, and MTH 105 or higher.

Corequisite(s): GEO 407L.

GEO 407L Hydrology and Water Resources Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): GEO 407.

MAR 300 Introduction to Field Marine Science 4 Credits

In this two-week field course, students will explore various topics in marine science through practical, hands-on, inquiry-based exercises and activities. The course will focus on the biological, geological, chemical, and physical processes that influence diverse marine flora and fauna found in selected marine environments, emphasizing shallow subtidal and intertidal environments such as coral reefs, sandy beaches, turtle grass beds, rocky intertidal pools, coastal wetlands, mangrove swamps, etc. Topics will be examined using field team exercises, a group mapping project, and individual research projects. Activities will help students develop their skills in research, use of field and laboratory equipment, computer analysis of data, and scientific writing, along with gaining content knowledge about the components and processes of environments studied. The course is taught at an appropriate marine field station at a U.S. or international location. Field portion of course is completed during the summer. Additional travel costs vary, depending on location.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 115 or 116 or any 200 or higher level lab science class; and MAR 120; and permission of instructor.

MAR 360 Plankton Ecology 4 Credits

Examines the diversity, physiology, and ecology of marine phytoplankton and zooplankton. Students will survey the dominant plankton groups, their distribution, nutritional requirements, growth kinetics, and behavior. Planktonic predator/prey interactions and food web dynamics will be discussed. Students will also examine the interdisciplinary nature and role of plankton in biogeochemical cycles. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Weekend field trips may be required. Prerequisite(s): MAR 120 and MAR 121; or BIO 116.

Corequisite(s): MAR 360L.

MAR 360L Plankton Ecology Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): MAR 360.

MAR 410 Physical Oceanography 3 Credits

Introduction to the physical aspects and processes of the oceans and their influence on marine ecosystems and Earth processes. Topics include distribution of salinity and water temperature and their effect on water movement, the oceanic heat budget, atmospheric and oceanic interactions, ocean currents including surface and deep water circulation, waves, tides, and medium- to small-scale circulation features. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on how these physical processes affect the biology and chemistry of the ocean. Three hours of lecture per week. Weekend field trips may be required.

Prerequisite(s): MAR 120.

BIO 115 Principles of Biology I 4 Credits

An introductory biology course focusing on major themes of biology: what is life?; Cells as fundamental structure and functional unit of life; information transmission, storage and retrieval; Diversity and unity of life explained by evolution. Three hours of lecture and one three- hour lab per week.

Corequisite(s): BIO 115L.

BIO 115L Principles of Biology I Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): BIO 115.

BIO 116 Principles of Biology II 4 Credits

An introductory biology course focusing on major themes of biology: Energy and matter to carry out life's essential functions; Interdependent relationships characterize biological systems (homeostasis, growth & development); Behavior of living things; Ecology and the environment. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.

Corequisite(s): BIO 116L.

BIO 116L Principles of Biology II Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): BIO 116.

BIO 272 Intro to Marine Biology 4 Credits

Introduces students to the study of marine environments, emphasizing the diversity, ecology, and physiology of marine animals, algae, and plants. Aspects of the human impact on marine environments are also discussed. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115 or BIO 116 or BNS 118 and grade of "C" or better.

Corequisite(s): BIO 272L.

BIO 272L Marine Biology Laboratory 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): BIO 272.

BIO 335 Plant Biology 4 Credits

Biology of seed plants, including growth, development, and reproduction of flowering plants. Emphasis is placed on acclimation and adaptations demonstrating environmental influences on plant structure and function. Current literature involving molecular mechanisms of control will be discussed. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. One Saturday field trip. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115 with a minimum grade of C and BIO 116 with a minimum grade of C.

Corequisite(s): BIO 335L.

BIO 335L Modern Plant Biology Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115 with a minimum grade of C and BIO 116 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): BIO 335.

BIO 350 General Ecology 4 Credits

An investigation of the processes that regulate the distribution of plants and animals throughout the biosphere. Relationships among species and their interactions with the environment are stressed. Quantitative analyses of experimental results and current research in basic and applied ecology are discussed. Laboratory activities explore conceptual models using both field activities and computer simulations. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. One Saturday field trip (laboratory time will be adjusted accordingly). Prerequisite(s): BIO 115 with a minimum grade of C and BIO 116 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): BIO 350L.

BIO 350L General Ecology Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115 with a minimum grade of C and BIO 116 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisite(s): BIO 350.

CHE 120 Principles of Chemistry 3 Credits

For students who have successfully completed one year of high school chemistry. This systematic study of the fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry covers atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometric relationships, including solution and oxidation-reduction reactions, and molecular structure. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite(s): High school chemistry or CHE 100 is recommended before taking this course.

Corequisite(s): CHE 121.

CHE 121 Principles of Chemistry Lab 1 Credits

For students concurrently taking CHE 120. Experiments involve gravimetric, volumetric, and spectrophotometric quantitative analysis. One three-hour lab per week. Fall.

CHE 122 Intro to Chemical Systems 3 Credits

A continuation of CHE 120. For students majoring in the sciences but may be taken by others. Chemical systems in which the study of kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and radiochemistry are emphasized. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite(s): CHE 120, MTH 105 or higher.

Corequisite(s): CHE 123.

CHE 123 Quantitative Methods Lab 1 Credits

Usually taken concurrently with CHE 122. Primarily for students majoring in the sciences. A number of quantitative classical and instrumental methods of analysis are used to determine thermodynamic properties and reaction mechanisms. One three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): CHE 121.

Corequisite(s): CHE 122.

BCH 225 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry 4 Credits

An introductory course describing the basic principles of organic chemistry and biochemistry as they relate to human metabolism and disease. The nature of the chemical structure and reactivity of organic functional groups such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and amines will be presented with biological processes in mind. The biochemistry of the macromolecules DNA, RNA, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids will be discussed leading to a discussion of some of the more important metabolic pathways. This course is intended for science majors who do not take the full two semester sequence of organic chemistry and two semesters of biochemistry and desire a background in biochemistry. Non-science major students who have had one semester of general chemistry and one semester of biology may also enroll in the course. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): (CHE 110 UG D and CHE 110L) or (CHE 122 UG D and CHE 123) and BIO 115 with a minimum grade of D

Corequisite(s): BCH 225L.

BCH 225L Introduction to Organic & Biochemistry Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course. Prerequisite(s): ( CHE 110 UG D and CHE 110L ) or ( CHE 122 UG D and CHE 123) and BIO 115.

Corequisite(s): BCH 225.

PHY 100 Principles of Physics I 3 Credits

Introductory noncalculus physics with applications for pre-professional, biology, and geological, environmental and marine sciences majors. Classical mechanics, energy, mechanical waves, fluid statics and dynamics, thermodynamics. Elements of modern physics are interwoven with those of classical physics from the beginning. Not open to chemistry, physics, or mathematics majors. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105, MTH 210, MTH 211 or MTH 212.

Corequisite(s): PHY 100L.

PHY 100L Principles of Physics I Lab 1 Credits

For students concurrently taking PHY 100. One three-hour lab per week.

Corequisite(s): PHY 100.

AMS 304 Technology and Science in America 3 Credits

An overview of the development and impact of technology and science on American institutions. Topics include innovation, economic growth, science and its relation to technology, social theory, and the politics of science.

BHP 259 Honors Seminar: The Environment: a Conflict of Interest 3 Credits

Examines critical environmental issues such as global warming; food, water and energy resources; population trends; and global industrialization. Topics for context will include the origin of the elements, the origin of solar systems, and the origin of life as well as the basic principles of the current biotechnical revolution. Scientific understanding will be combined with knowledge about strategies for raising community awareness in order to (re)formulate public policy. In teams, students will be asked to define the problems; research available and prospective solutions; identify the technical, social, political, and economic constraints; and finally propose a workable strategy for making progress toward solutions.

ENG 218 Literature and the Environment 3 Credits

Students examine literature on important environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, dams, oil pipelines, and nuclear energy. The class focuses on how literature, which may include fiction, poetry, drama, and essays, helps readers understand and grapple with these complex global challenges.

HIS 224 American Environmental History 3 Credits

Surveys the history of the North American environment from pre-Columbian times through the 20th century. Topics include Native American uses of the environment; the reshaping of ecosystems under European colonization; U.S. frontier expansion; the ecological impact of industrialization and urbanization; and the rise of the environmental movement.

IND 316 Nature's Business 3 Credits

This interdisciplinary, team-taught, experiential learning course brings together various science, liberal arts, and business perspectives in examining the relationships among biological, social, environmental, economic, geological, and political issues. Topics to be discussed and researched by students can include, but are not limited to, ecotourism, sustainable development, biodiversity, local and regional environmental and historical geology, cultural norms, and the legal and political systems of the country being visited. The study tour component of the course provides students with a first-hand opportunity to observe and record field data from settings outside of the United States and in their discipline of interest. Typically, there are approximately 12 hours of pre-trip lectures, seminars, and/or faculty/student presentations during the fall semester, an international study tour, 9-14 days in length, during January (exact dates and length depend on the international location), and approximately three hours of post-trip meetings, seminars, and student presentations during the spring semester. Students enroll in the course during the spring semester. Note: This course is cross-listed as CBA 316; Students may not get credit for both CBA 316 and IND 316. For Business students who take the course as CBA 316, the course will count as a business course. If taken as IND 316, the Business student will receive credit as a liberal arts and science course.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor.

PHL 215 Environmental Ethics 3 Credits

A comprehensive introduction to environmental ethics that examines the major theoretical approaches, including anthropocentric (human-centered), zoocentric or sentientist (animal-centered), and biocentric or ecocentric (nature-centered) value systems, as well as the most important critiques of these ethical approaches. We will examine and analyze several classical ethical theories that are particularly relevant to a study of contemporary environmental controversies. We will also address specific issues such as biodiversity and wilderness preservation; human use of animals as food, entertainment, and research subjects; environmental racism and toxic dumping; sustainable development, population and consumption. Students will analyze and discuss the ethical dimensions of several contemporary environmental controversies. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.

POL 328 Environmental Politics 3 Credits

Environmental Politics examines how policymakers deal with the political challenges of unsustainable resource consumption, which is a primary determinant of environmental problems such as climate change, adverse health effects, and biodiversity loss. The course introduces students to environmental politics and policies at the local, state, national, and international levels. The course is designed to provide students with a framework for understanding how varied interests compete within political institutions in order to transform contending ideas into public policy. With that in mind, students will not only become more informed consumers of political information, but will also become more effective at analyzing and advocating for policies as it relates to the environment.

POL 329 Comparative Environmental Policy 3 Credits

Comparative Environmental Policy analyzes cross-national approaches in developing, implementing, and evaluating policy responses to environmental problems. The course analyzes the political factors, actors, and tools that help and explain why some societies have been more likely to develop effective responses to environmental threats.

SOC 225 Population Study 3 Credits

Demography; its definition, historical emergence, and growth; population as a social problem in developing and developed nations; population theories, sources and methods of demographic data, population composition, and distribution; demographic processes including fertility, mortality, and migration.