Environmental Science

EV120: Topics in Environmental Science

Selected topics of current societal interest that relate to our environment offered when interest and opportunity arise. Counts as one unit of natural science credit, a few of which may meet the lab or field requirement. Only one such unit may be counted toward the natural science requirements.

EV121: Introduction to Environmental Science

This course provides an overview of this interdisciplinary field at a level appropriate even for non-science majors, applying concepts, methods, and models from many disciplines to the major problems facing a sustainable management of the environment. The complex interactions of the "biosphere," the human systems that make up the "sociosphere," and the physical Earth systems that support them are considered. (Does not meet the field/lab credit.) (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

EV127: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Explores the basics of computer-based information analysis and manipulation. Teaches students fundamentals of basic GIS tasks: mapmaking, spatial analysis, and database creation. Students learn to use software that links these three functions together. Computer-based exercises are used both in class to teach fundamentals, and in labs that assist students to learn and use basic GIS tools. (January half-block.) .5 unit  —  Gottfried.

EV128: Introduction to Global Climate Change

Introduction to the contemporary Earth climate system and evidence for near-future changes, focusing on the role of the atmosphere, oceans and land surface. Course includes the use of mathematical models to describe complex systems and the role of policy, economics and ethics in mitigating human impact. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit  —  Drossman, Kummel, Leonard, Taber, Veirs.

EV135: Meteorology

Basic physics principles introduced and used to study dynamic processes in the atmosphere: atmospheric energy flow, solar radiation, green house effect, large-scale circulation of the atmosphere, small scale processes including clouds and storms, weather forecasting, humanity's impact on weather and climate. Laboratory and field experiments and trips will be utilized. (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

EV141: Sustainable Development

Investigates the concept of sustainable development by first introducing the necessary economic terms and concepts. It next explores traditional economic models of production and distribution. Finally it introduces the concept of sustainable development (meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs). It includes fieldwork to explore the behavior of traditional economic models and examples of sustainable development. Counts as one unit of social Science credit, but not as a natural science credit. Prerequisite: No Economics credit after Economics 150, 151, 152 or 160 and May not be counted toward Econ or Poli Econ majors. (Also listed as Economics 141 and Southwest Studies 141.) 1 unit  —  Hecox.

EV155: Introductory Earth Systems Science

An overview of the Earth's surface systems including lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Course will also examine fluxes among these systems such as soil-forming processes, hydrologic processes, and biogeochemical cycles. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

EV161: Environmental Sociology

(Meets the Critical Perspectives: Diverse Cultures and Critiques requirement.) (Also listed as Sociology 130.) 1 unit  —  Roberts.

EV207: Independent Research in Environmental Science

Independent research based on laboratory or field investigation in a cross-disciplinary field. (Research focused on problems that may be addressed by a departmental discipline should be taken in those departments.) Prerequisite: At least one course in Environmental Science, consent of both the instructor and the Environmental Science director and Registration at least four weeks prior to the block in which the research is to be initiated. Cannot be counted as the advanced elective for the Environmental Science major. May be taken for a block, January half block, or as an extended- format course. Does not meet the Studies in Natural Science or any Computer Science requirement. 1 unit.

EV208: Ecology

The analysis of distributions, abundances, and interrelationships of organisms. Populations, communities, and ecosystems are investigated, and implications for humans considered. Laboratory and field experience. (Meets the laboratory field requirement for natural sciences.) Prerequisite: Either 1.) 1 unit from Biology 105, 107, 108, 109, Geology 130 or 140 and Chemistry 107; or 2.) Environmental Science 212 and 155 with strong Studies in Humanities Biology; a college-level Biology course strongly recommended. (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

EV209: Ecology and the Environment

The analysis of distributions, abundances, and interrelationships of organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems with an emphasis on environmental applications. (No credit if taken after BY 208). Prerequisite: Environmental Science 211. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit  —  Heschel, Kummel.

EV210: Environmental Chemistry

An introduction to chemical pollutants in the "compartments" of air, water, and soil, and calculation and measurement of their levels using the principles of general chemistry. Chemical perspectives on problems such as toxicology, global warming, the ozone hole, food shortages, and waste disposal are also discussed. Includes a significant laboratory component involving the statistical and instrumental analysis of samples collected in the field. Prerequisite: Chemistry 108 or 250 and Biology 208 or Geology 130 or 140. (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

EV211: Human Impacts on Biogeochemical Cycles

An introduction to the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment and the cycles of matter and energy that transport the Earth's chemical components in time and space. Course includes a significant emphasis on mathematical modeling of radiative transfer, the global hydrologic, carbon and nitrogen cycles, and the implications of human effects on these processes to (No credit for this course for students who have completed Chemistry 108). Prerequisite: Environmental Science 128 and Mathematics 126. 1 unit  —  Drossman, Janke.

EV212: Energy: Environmental Thermodynamics and Energetic

Study of the generation and use of energy in an industrial society, environmental problems created by our energy use, and the physical and chemical principles underlying these issues. Scientific principles include: energy and the laws of thermodynamics, and the chemical equilibrium and kinetics needed to understand chemical systems as means of energy storage. Prerequisite: Environmental Science 211 or the following: Chemistry 107, Environmental Science 128, Mathematics 126 (or Mathematics 125). (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit  —  Meyer.

EV221: Environmental Inquiry

This class is designed to serve as the first integrative "capstone" course for prospective Environmental Science majors. By focusing on diverse, multidisciplinary forms of inquiry - from scientific inquiry to governmental policy studies to business sector position papers and contributions from the humanities - this course will provide a structured analysis for exploring selected environmental issues and how they are viewed through diverse types of inquiry. The intended outcome is a comprehensive framework students will take with them into future courses that facilitates a broad approach to "inquiring" about any environmental issue or problem and detecting narrowness and bias in the arguments made by others concerning environmental challenges, issues, and problems. Prerequisite: Environmental Science 128 and Environmental Science 228 (or Mathematics 117 or Biology 220). Also open to declared Environmental Science Chemistry and Environmental Science Physics majors who have com- pleted Sustainable Development or Microeconomics (EV 141 or Economics 151) and Environmental Policy (EV 271 or Political Science 321). 1 unit  —  Kummel.

EV222: Quantitative Methods in Environmental Science

Dynamic system modeling applied to environmental examples. Some data analysis and estimation techniques to determine functional relationships and parameters for building models. Anaylsis of equilibrium and other key system behavior in the context of population models, the carbon cycle, and other ecological phenomena. (Does not meet the laboratory/field requirement for the natural sciences.) Prerequisite: Mathematics 125, 125 or 127 (EV 221 recommended). (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

EV228: Analysis of Environmental Data

This course will focus on the fundamentals of exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, and experimental design in the ecological, environmental, and earth sciences. Topics will include theory and practice of project design, data distribution and description, the central limit theorem, characterization of uncertainty, correlation, univariate hypothesis testing, and multivariate analyses (ANOVA, linear regression). Students will complete a final project using environmental data collected in the field and analyzed using statistical computer software. or MA 125 or MA 127 or high school equivalent. Hall, McDougall. Prerequisite: Mathematics 126 or 125 or 127 or Studies in Humanities equivalent (Calculus I). (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

EV255: Nature & Society

The course examines the interaction between Europeans and the natural world from the Renaissance to the present. It looks at how nature shaped the ways Europeans lived and worked and how, in turn, they thought about and behaved toward nature. In particular, it explores the impact of the Scientific Revolution, industrialization, and mass culture on the changing interplay between nature, society, and culture. (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

EV260: Topics in Environmental Social Sciences

Selected topics of current societal interest that relate to our environment offered when interest and opportunity arise. Counts as one unit of social science credit. Only one such unit may be counted toward the social science requirements.

EV271: Environmental Policy

This course will consider environmental policy and law, the role of policy and law in protecting the environment, policymaking, policy strategies, and the relationship of environmental policy, law and science. Counts as one unit of social science credit. Prerequisite: 100 or 200 level Environmental Science class or consent of instructor (EC 150, 151/152 or Environmental Science 141 recommended). 1 unit  —  Kannan.