ENS - Environmental Studies

An interdisciplinary study concerned with the historical, ecological, social, political and economic ramifications of the global environmental crisis. Addresses issues such as demographics, energy, pollution, natural resources and environmental policy. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

An interdisciplinary study concerned with the historical, ecological, social, political and economic ramifications of the global environmental crisis. Addresses issues such as demographics, energy, pollution, natural resources and environmental policy. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. ENS 113 is a study abroad course requiring international travel.

An interdisciplinary study concerned with the historical, ecological, social, political and economic ramifications of the global environmental crisis. Addresses issues such as demographics, energy, pollution, natural resources and environmental policy. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. ENS 113A is a study abroad course requiring international travel.

This course examines how humans utilize resources in a variety of subject areas and how resources are or could be consumed in a sustainable manner. Topics covered include: energy production, agriculture, harvesting, transportation, biodiversity, and ecological services. These subjects will be discussed from social, cultural, political, ecological, and economic perspectives with an emphasis on comparative sustainability between different locations on the planet. This course requires two weeks of international travel after the semester.

Explores topics such as the value of biodiversity, threats to biodiversity, strategies employed to protect endangered species and habitats, and sustainable development. How the process of science is applied to the conservation of endangered species and habitats is the central theme of the course. Case studies focus on regions of the planet that have been designated as biodiversity hotspots. Satisfies a portion of the natural science component of the baccalaureate experience requirements but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

An experiential learning course focused on sustainability issues and solutions in urban areas around the world. Main topics include water, waste, energy, transportation and food. Includes cross-cultural comparison of lifestyles and resource usage, and site visits to relevant local facilities are included. Satisfies general distribution requirements. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

A broad survey of the geological processes at work on and within the earth. Topics include the origin and composition of rocks, as well as the origin, location and characteristics of volcanoes, earthquakes and mountain belts, within the framework of plate tectonics. Also covers the modification of the earth's surface by wind, rivers, glaciers, groundwater, waves and currents, and the evolution of continents and ocean basins. Lecture only.

Introduction to Environmental Studies I is the first part of a two-course introductory sequence that explores the field of environmental studies from the disciplinary perspectives of the natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities. This course will investigate the intersectionality of the human population and its ethical, economic, and political systems. It will then survey major issues in environmental studies including biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, food production, water resources, mineral resources, waste, energy systems, water pollution and air pollution from these diverse perspectives. Introduction to Environmental Studies I will also explore the use of the scientific method, data analysis and interpretation techniques, and the scientific literacy of our society.

Introduction to Environmental Studies II is the second part of a two-course introductory sequence that explores the field of environmental studies, including the natural sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities. This course will investigate global environmental change by examining the intersectionality of planetary and anthropogenic systems from the perspectives of these disciplines. The basic function of planetary systems will be examined along with causes and effects of anthropogenic impacts and potential solutions to the problems caused by those impacts. Introduction to Environmental Studies II will also explore the use of the scientific method, data analysis and interpretation techniques, and the scientific literacy of our society. This course satisfies the Natural Science distribution requirement of the Spartan Studies curriculum.

Teaches students the applications of geographic information systems technology to a variety of biological issues including delimiting species and habitat distribution, identifying landscape-level relationships between abiotic and biotic factors and their spatial effects on populations; identifying potential effects of human activity on natural areas and populations; and developing management and regulatory policies including defining potential protected areas.

Covers many of the most threatening environmental problems facing society. When possible, these issues are discussed at local, national and global levels to demonstrate how policy and cultural differences impact the various threats to the environment and to the human population. Environmental threats are discussed both in the context of their impact on natural ecosystems and their potential threat to human health and economic growth.

Covers many of the most threatening environmental problems facing society. When possible, these issues are discussed at local, national and global levels to demonstrate how policy and cultural differences impact the various threats to the environment and to the human population. Environmental threats are discussed both in the context of their impact on natural ecosystems and their potential threat to human health and economic growth.

This course will provide an advanced understanding of environmental microbiology. The course focuses on understanding the role environmental microbiology has on our daily lives, microbial community structure and communication, growth, reproduction, metabolism, gene expression, and diversity of microorganisms, mechanical and chemical environmental mechanisms to control microbial growth, industrial applications of microbiology.

This course will provide an advanced understanding of environmental microbiology. The course focuses on understanding the role environmental microbiology has on our daily lives, microbial community structure and communication, growth, reproduction, metabolism, gene expression, and diversity of microorganisms, mechanical and chemical environmental mechanisms to control microbial growth, industrial applications of microbiology

A study of the biological and human factors relating to the current global extinction crisis and how conservation practices are used to evaluate and preserve threatened species and habitats. Emphases are placed on how issues in ecology, population, biology and taxonomy affect the status of species, and how these issues relate to policy and management decisions. Materials covered are connected to current literature in in weekly discussion periods.

A study of the biological and human factors relating to the current global extinction crisis and how conservation practices are used to evaluate and preserve threatened species and habitats. Emphases are placed on how issues in ecology, population, biology and taxonomy affect the status of species, and how these issues relate to policy and management decisions. Materials covered are connected to current literature in in weekly discussion periods.

This lecture course covers the struggle between rapid human population growth, the availability of clean water, and the health of aquatic and wetland systems and the wildlife within. Covers a broad range of topics from three major themes: 1) water resource use and water pollution impacts and policy; 2) wetlands biology, impacts, legislation, jurisdictional determination and policy; and 3) the biology, impacts, assessment and conservation of aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife. International case studies will augment a focus on water issues in the U.S.

Environmental Studies Seminar is a discussion-based course that synthesizes knowledge about the environment and sustainability across the natural sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, and business disciplines. Students will explore contemporary issues and conduct team-based projects that identify an environmental or sustainability issue in the local community, develop environmental, social, and economic impact assessments, explore solutions, and present their findings. Environmental Studies Seminar may be used to satisfy the capstone requirement of the Minor in Environmental Studies and Minor in Sustainability.

Environmental Studies Capstone is a Culminating Experience course that is required for students pursuing a Major in Environmental Studies and optional for students pursuing a minor in Environmental Studies or Sustainability. Students will work in interdisciplinary teams to develop a solutions proposal for a real-world environmental issue faced by a community partner (e.g., local governments, NGO’s, businesses). This solutions proposal will use the skills, theories, and methodologies of the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to examine the issue and make strategic recommendations. Students will develop Stakeholder engagement plans and communications strategies for both technical and non-technical audiences, and compete in class for the ability to present their proposal to the community partner.