ENVS Core Course for Spring 2009
ENVS-102 Seminar in Environmental Issues (1) W 11:20-12:35
ENVS-240 Oceanography (G5:2) MTH 3:35-4:50 PM
ENVS-250 Living in the Environment (G5:2) TF 2:10-3:35 PM
ENVS-396-01 Tropical Ecosystems (3) W 5:30-8:00 PM (see below)
ENVS-396-02 The Chesapeake Bay (3) W 8:30-11:10 AM (see below)
ENVS-492 Senior Capstone in Environmental Studies (3) TF 11:20-12:35
ENVS-596 Practice of Environmentalism (see below)
ENVS-580 Environmental Science II M 5:30-8:00 PM
ENVS-696-01 Tropical Ecosystems (3) W 5:30-8:00 PM
ENVS-696-02 The Chesapeake Bay (3) W 8:30-11:10 AM
Featured Courses
ENVS-596 The Practice of Environmentalism: Science, Policy and Communication
(cross listed with SIS-596 and SOC-596) M 5:30-8 PM
This team-taught course will bring together students and faculty in environmental science, international politics and media production to forge an interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental action. Students will spend the spring semester learning field research methods, policy analysis and documentary communication techniques. Each student will then, as part of an interdisciplinary team, produce a major media project focusing on a particular environmental challenge. Participants in the class will also participate in a two-week, one or three credit field component in the Galapagos Islands or Alaska to explore firsthand the challenges of promoting ecological sustainability in these unique regions. The Galapagos trip will start in mid-May; the Alaska trip in early August (additional fees will apply). Course will be listed on the spring schedule as SIS 596-008 / COMM 596-008 / ENVS 596-001. Students must apply to join the class. To receive an application, please contact Rebecca Bellinger. For a flyer, click here.
ENVS-396-01 Tropical Ecosystems (3) W 5:30-8:00 PM
Tropical ecosystems are renowned for their biological richness, their importance to the global climate system, and for the many human-generated threats that are causing their degradation. This course covers key concepts in community ecology, evolution, and speciation, conservation biology, conservation, and climate change science. It examines the nature of tropical environments and their future in a human-dominated world. The course also looks at the forces that have shaped the development of tropical ecosystems, seeking to understand the complex interactions between biotic and abiotic factors that sustain them, and attempting to clarify the proximate and ultimate causes of deforestation and habitat degradation in the tropical world. The class discusses appropriate long-term conservation strategies for saving significant tracts of rainforest and other natural tropical environments. Meets with ENVS-696 001. Prerequisite: ENVS-250 or BIO-210 or permission of the instructor.
ENVS-396-02 The Chesapeake Bay (3) W 8:30-11:10 AM
An in-depth look at environmental problems, solutions, and ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay. The goal of this course are to understand the natural history of the bay, including aspects of ecosystem function and service. The course will also examine the range of policy and management approaches for improving the health of the bay. Prerequisites: BIO-100 or ENVS-250.
Course Descriptions
ENVS-102
Course Level: Undergraduate
Seminar in Environmental Issues (1)
This seminar for beginning environmental studies majors introduces students to the domain of environmental science as a discipline. The scientific, economic, and social issues underlying major environmental problems are presented through faculty and guest speakers, readings, and discussions. Usually offered every term.
ENVS-104
Course Level: Undergraduate
Issues in Marine Science I (1)
This course for students entering the marine science program is an introduction to major issues in marine science. The course helps students develop critical understanding of the scientific process through readings on current issues in marine science, discussions, and interaction with guest speakers. Usually offered every fall.
ENVS-105
Course Level: Undergraduate
Issues in Marine Science II (2)
A continuation of ENVS-104. This course introduces students to the range of activities in carrying out scientific research through readings, lectures, guest speakers, and field trips. Includes developing research interests, writing research grant proposals, the peer review and publication process, and the impact of research findings on society at large. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: ENVS-104.
ENVS-240
Course Level: Undergraduate
Oceanography 5:2 (3)
The study of the sea from a global perspective. Emphasis on chemical and physical oceanography as it affects life in the seas and the world economies. Includes origin of the oceans, basic navigation, marine geography, plate tectonics, heat budgets, climatology, meteorology, winds, currents, waves, tides, productivity, and fisheries. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite for General Education credit: BIO-100 or BIO-110 or CHEM-100 or CHEM-110 or PHYS-100 or PHYS-105 or PHYS-110 or PSYC-115.
ENVS-240G
Course Level: Undergraduate
Course Level: Undergraduate
Living in the Environment 5:2 (3)
An introduction to environmental science. This course focuses on key principles that govern how nature works, the interactions between human society and ecosystems, and current and potential solutions to environmental problems. Includes energy flow through ecosystems, properties of natural communities and human societies, resource conservation and management, and environmental ethics. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite for General Education credit: BIO-100 or BIO-110 or PSYC-115.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Course Level: Undergraduate
Arid Land Environments (3)
An overview of natural desert habitats, with special attention to aquatic habitats. Human modification and use of arid lands is also examined. Usually offered every spring, includes 10-day trip to Israel during the intersession break.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Environmental Issues in Hungary and Eastern Europe (6)
An in-depth look at environmental problems, solutions, and natural areas of Hungary and Eastern Europe. Includes environmental impacts of EU membership, trans-national disputes about the Danube, and protection of natural areas. Usually offered alternate summers. Prerequisite: ENVS-102 or BIO-250.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Environmental Issues in the Chesapeake Bay (6)
An in-depth look at environmental problems, solutions, and eco-systems of the Chesapeake Bay. Includes bay water chemistry, cleanup efforts, and the environmental state and cultural history of the bay. Usually offered alternate summers. Prerequisite: ENVS-102.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Potomac River Ecosystems (3)
Study of the biological and physical components of the Potomac River from its headwaters in West Virginia to the mouth of the river at Point Lookout. Emphasis is on the variety of wetlands and riparian habitats in the Potomac basin. Usually offered every summer. Prerequisite: BIO-210.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Environment and the Atmosphere (3)
Description and analysis of the physical phenomena of the earth's atmosphere. Mechanics, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics of the atmosphere, quantitative analysis of climatic fluctuations and their impact on ecological and economic systems. Climatic changes and climatic control: ozone depletion and greenhouse gases. Usually offered every third semester. Prerequisite: MATH-211 or MATH-221.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Water Resources (3)
A study of the availability, quality, dynamics, and cycles of water. Emphasizes the hydraulic cycle, movement of water in aquifers, floods and droughts, drainage basin analysis, and factors affecting water quality. Meets with ENVS-675. Usually offered every third semester. Prerequisite: MATH-211 or MATH-221.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Independent Reading Course in Environmental Studies (1-6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and department chair.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Cooperative Education Field Experience (3-9)
Prerequisite: permission of department chair and Cooperative Education office.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Selected Topics: Non-recurring (1-6)
Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Applied Oceanography with Laboratory (4)
Principles of physical, chemical, and biological oceanography are covered in this course. In addition, readings and discussions are used to critically examine recent findings in this field. Includes the history of ocean sciences, earth structure, plate tectonics, atmospheric circulation and weather, waves and currents, nutrient cycling, marine biological processes, and the impact of human activity on marine processes. Usually offered alternate falls. Prerequisite: BIO-210 or BIO-240.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Advanced Marine Ecology with Laboratory (4)
In-depth examination of both physical and biotic processes that affect marine communities. Includes nutrient cycling and primary productivity, the role of perturbations on marine diversity, and population iology and conservation. Laboratories consist of computer modeling exercises to gain mechanistic understanding of marine ecological processes. Usually offered alternate springs. Prerequisite: BIO-210 or BIO-240; statistics and calculus are recommended.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Independent Study Project in Environmental Studies (1-6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and department chair.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Course Level: Undergraduate
Senior Capstone in Environmental Studies (3)
An in-depth examination of two major sites of environmental concern and controversy from a variety of scientific and social perspectives. One site, such as the Yellowstone Ecosystem, will be of national importance; and one, such as the Anacostia River, will be of local importance. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: senior environmental studies majors.
Course Level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Energy (3)
General overview of sources of energy and the energy problem with a strong focus on the relevant physical concepts. Includes the definition of work, energy, and power, electricity and magnetism, chemical energy, nuclear energy, thermodynamics, and alternative energy sources. Usually offered alternate springs. Prerequisite: ENVS-580, ENVS-581, STAT-514, and STAT-515.
Course Level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Climatology (3)
Provides a detailed overview of the elements of climatology and the effects of pollution on the environment. Includes the radiation balance of the sun heated planet and how this energy shapes our climate, the physics of the atmosphere, atmospheric circulation, continental and marine climates, and the influences of topography, vegetation, forest and agriculture, air pollution, vehicular travel, urban construction and fossil fuel sources on the climate. Usually offered alternate falls. Prerequisite: ENVS-580, ENVS-581, STAT-514, and STAT-515.
Course Level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Biogeochemistry (3)
Description and analysis of the physical phenomena occurring on the earth. Earth as a dynamic planet; two major energy systems: hydrologic and tectonic systems. The relationship between geological changes and human activities: human activities change geological materials and processes on the earth, and natural processes and events affect society. Prerequisite: ENVS-580 and ENVS-581.
Course Level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Topics in Conservation Biology (3)
Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic. Rotating topics on current research in conservation biology, including habitat protection, ecosystem management, and captive breeding. Usually offered alternate springs. Prerequisite: BIO-423 or graduate standing, and permission of instructor.
Course Level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Environmental Risk Assessment (3)
The nature and methods of environmental risk assessment through critical analysis of case histories. The scientific concepts and analytic methods of each case study is explored through solution to sets of specific problems. Case studies include statistical modeling of environmental risk factors, the principle of uncertainty, toxicology, epidemiology, the meaning exposure, types of technical risks, basics of decision analysis, and effective communication of risk assessment results. Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite: advanced undergraduate major or graduate student in environmental studies.
Course Level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Environmental Science I: A Quantitative Approach (3)
This course starts with the history and overarching concepts of environmental science, and continues with a survey of aspects including population and demographics; agriculture and toxic substances; energy sources, energy utilization, and efficiency; water resources and pollution; local and regional air pollution; and ozone depletion and global warming/climate change. Examples are chosen with a current global perspective. Usually offered every fall.
Course Level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Environmental Science II: A Quantitative Approach (3)
This course covers geological cycles of nutrients and how biological function is influenced by geological and chemical processes. Resource management, mineral resources, land use, and conservation biology are also covered. What and how information is used in making resource conservation decisions is explored, and current events in environmental science and policy are presented, as well as current efforts in resource/biodiversity conservation, to link the science discussed in class with environmental policy decisions and debates. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: ENVS-580.
Course Level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Environmental Law (3)
An overview of environmental law and environmental regulation for environment scientists and environmental policy analysts. Usually offered alternate springs. Prerequisite: ENVS-580 and ENVS-581 or permission of instructor.
Course Level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Independent Reading Course in Environmental Studies (1-6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and department chair.
Course Level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Selected Topics: Non-recurring (1-6)
Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic.
Course Level: Graduate
Hydrology (3)
A study of the availability, quality, dynamics, and cycles of water. Emphasizes the hydraulic cycle, movement of water in aquifers, floods and droughts, drainage basin analysis, and factors affecting water quality. Meets with ENVS-375. Usually offered alternate falls.
Course Level: Graduate
Environmental Research Seminar and Practicum (1-3)
An in-depth exploration of real world environmental problems from a variety of science and policy perspectives. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: ENVS-580 and ENVS-581.
Course Level: Graduate
Environmental Science Research (3)
Independent research projects in environmental science. Usually offered every term.
Course Level: Graduate
Internship (1-3)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and department chair.
Course Level: Graduate
Cooperative Education Field Experience (3-6)
Prerequisite: permission of department chair and Cooperative Education office.
Course Level: Graduate
Selected Topics: Non-recurring (1-6)
Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic.
