Environmental Studies Courses
NOTE: Complete undergraduate and graduate catalogs can be found here.
ENVR 101 (3)
Introduction to Environmental Issues
An introduction to the multi-disciplinary field of environmental studies involving the integration of environmental science, policy and planning. This course introduces various environmental problems, their causes and potential solutions. The course examines the issue of overpopulation and current global environmental crises such as ozone depletion, loss of biodiversity, tropical deforestation and contamination of water and air. V4 ENVR 131 (3)
Physical Geography: Landscapes
A study of the geologic processes that shape the Earth's surface and their relationship to human activities, including natural hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and landslides. Mountains, rivers, glaciers, deserts, coastlines, and soil-forming processes are investigated within the context of plate tectonics so that the pattern of landforms and soil types around the world can be better understood. V8a ENVR 133 (1)
Physical Geography Laboratory
Hands-on investigation of Earth surface processes, landforms and soils. Activities include interpretation of topographic maps and aerial photographs, basic rock and mineral identification, soil sampling and description, experiments with water flow and field exercises in geologic observation and interpretation. V8b ENVR 202 (1)
Environmental Sciences Laboratory
An introduction to the field and laboratory aspects of environmental science including field trips to industrial, agricultural, and wastewater facilities. Students will achieve competency in the practice of wet chemistry, bioassays, habitat and stream assessment, wetlands delineation, and personal protective equipment use. V8b ENVR 208 (3)
Surface Waters
A study of freshwater and brackish water systems including streams, lakes and estuaries. Physical, chemical and biologic components of aquatic environments are examined with an emphasis on water quality, aquatic biology, watershed analysis and water resource management. Hydrologic data analysis is stressed and performed using computers. V8a ENVR 210 (3)
North American Wildlife Conservation
An historical and contemporary examination of human interaction with wildlife. Basic ecological principles are applied to the conservation and management of wildlife with particular exmphasis on the role of humans in the environment. Students explore the development of human- wildlife relationships from prehistoric times through the agricultural revolution and European expansion to modern issues of wildlife conservation. Offered alternate years. V1 ENVR 215 (3)
Environmental Policy Analysis
An introduction to the principles of environmental policy planning and analysis. The development of environmental policy is explored and students are introduced to the legal and regulatory institutions affecting environmental policy. Emphasis is placed on the processes by which interest groups compete for favorable policy and on the analysis of the social and economic results of specific environmental policies. Offered alternate years. V7 ENVR 220 (3)
Applied Environmental Analysis
An examination of the processes used to understand, analyze, and solve environmental problems. Students are introduced to experimental design and the use of statistics to analyze data. Problems involving stock, dimensional, and mass balance analysis are studied. The fundamentals of environmental toxicology and ecological risk assessment are applied to environmental issues. This course cannot be taken on a P/CR/NC grading option. ENVR 223 (3)
The Global Environment
An examination of the social, economic, and ecological impacts of global environmental and natural resource problems, and the role of international institutions in their formation and mitigation. The course will explore the unique characteristics of global issues and examine our role and responsibilities in dealing with them. Topics may include global warming, limits to growth, population, economic development, and sustainability. Offered alternate years. V5, V ENVR 244 (3)
Environmental Chemistry
Application of the fundamental principles of chemistry to understand the source, transport, and fate of inorganic and organic compounds in natural and polluted environments. Students will receive an introduction to the hydraulics, engineering, and chemistry of drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, storm water management, and hazardous waste treatment. Methods of chemical analysis will also be stressed. ENVR 261 (1)
Directed Study
Special topics pursued by individual students under supervision of environmental studies faculty. ENVR 309 (3)
Energy & Atmospheric Pollution
Dwindling, nonrenewable fossil fuel resources and air pollution issues, including climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, and smog, are some of the most significant environmental problems of the 21st century. This course takes an in-depth look at both energy and atmospheric pollution, focusing on the science behind the issues and exploring their social, political, and economic aspects. Offered alternate years. ENVR 316 (3)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
A practical, hands-on introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) as applied to current issues in a wide range of disciplines. The course introduces maps and mapmaking, GIS fundamentals, the global positioning system (GPS), and remote sensing. Lab involves learning to use ArcGIS software at the ArcView level for mapmaking and management/analysis of spatial data, along with basic web page construction. ENVR 319 (3)
People and Amer Landscape
As lifestyles, technologies, and values have changed over time, the relationship between humans and the American landscape has also evolved. Through examination of the issues of food and agriculture, urbanization, and wilderness protection, this course analyzes how and why people's connection with the land has changed over time. The emergence of the American environmental movement is also explored. Offered alternate years. ENVR 322 (3)
Ecological Modeling
An application of modeling techniques to ecological systems and conservation problems. Students learn to examine ecological problems, determine the critical elements for analysis, develop quantitative models to perform the analysis, and generalize the results to address the original problem. The course begins with simple models, then progresses in complexity as students develop their modeling skills. Emphasis is placed on developing practical approaches to solving real-world problems. Offered alternate years. ENVR 329 (3)
Global Biodiversity Conservation
An examination of the social, economic, and ecological aspects of global biodiversity conservation. Students explore the roles of international institutions in biodiversity loss, the role of economic value in conservation, and the causes of conflicts between humans and wilderness in developing countries. Major international conventions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and CITES, are analyzed for effectiveness in promoting biodiversity conservation. Offered alternate years. V4, V ENVR 342 (3)
Ecological Economics
An application of economic theory to problems of environmental degradation, natural resource use, and ecological disruption. Economic concepts, such as market failure, property rights, and public goods, are combined with natural and physical science principles to explore the integration of economic and ecological systems. Emphasis is placed on the use of analytical economic tools such as benefit-cost analysis, economic policy instruments, and non-market valuation. V7 ENVR 344 (3)
Environmental Chemistry
Chemistry of inorganic and organic contaminants of the environment. The environmental fate and transport of these substances as well as methods of remediation will be discussed. Concepts include air-water and solid-aqueous partitioning, photolysis and chemical/biological transformation reactions. Methods of chemical analysis will also be stressed. Offered alternate years. ENVR 361 (1)
Special Study
Special topics pursued by individual students under supervision of environmental studies faculty. ENVR 377 (1)
Internship
ENVR 393 (3)
Topics in Environmental Studies
A focused investigation of a particular area of environmental studies. Topics will vary. IIIO ENVR 416 (3)
Geographic Info Systems II
Hands-on exploration of topics in geographic information systems (GIS) including 3D visualization, spatial data models, raster analysis, and basic cartographic modeling. Involves application of ArcGIS software and extensions to a variety of real-world geographic problems. Offered alternate years. ENVR 433 (3)
Advanced Lab in Environmental Science
Senior environmental science students will work in teams to address local and regional environmental science problems, applying techniques and theories learned in previous science and environmental studies classes. Attendance on a one-day field trip duiring Reading Days is required. One two-hour lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. IIIW ENVR 446 (3)
Environmental Assessment and Evaluation
A course designed to help students synthesize knowledge gained in previous courses with students' analytical abilities and facilities for oral and written persuasive argument. Students are provided with intractable environmental problems, about which they learn to perform independent research, develop clear positions, persuade others of their positions, and defend those positions against competing views. IIIO, III ENVR 450 (3)
Senior Research in Environmental Studies
An independent field or computer research project selected and carried out in consultation with a faculty sponsor. A written report and an oral presentation are required. In addition to research time, a weekly one-hour meeting with the advisor and periodic meetings with other research students will be required. ENVR 451 (3)
Senior Research in Environmental Science
An independent laboratory, field or computer research project selected and carried out in consultation with a faculty sponsor. A written report and an oral presentation are required. In addition to research time, a weekly one hour meeting with the advisor and periodic meetings with other research students will be required. ENVR 452 (3)
Senior Seminar
This seminar will examine fundamental topics in environmental studies, such as the interface between global issues and societal development, the evolution of environmental policy and environmental dispute resolution, and philosophical issues such as ecofeminism and deep ecology. Specific topics and requirements of the course will be decided in consultaion with the majors each year. IIIO, III ENVR 461 (1)
Independent Study
Special topics invetigated by individual students under the supervision of the departmental advisor and the director of environmental studies. ENVR 470 (3)
Junior Honors Research
ENVR 472 (3)
Senior Honors Thesis
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