Professors G.Steehler (Coordinator), Warshawsky (Public Affairs); Associate Professors Cawley,(Biology), Sarabia (Sociology); Assistant Professors Collins (Biology), O'Neill, Mihalache-O'Keef (Public Affairs); Teaching Associate M. Larson-Harris (Religion-Philosophy).
Environmental Studies examines interrelationships between human activities and the environment, an inherently complex challenge. The B.S. in Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major drawn from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Students specialize by following one of the tracks: Environment and Society or Environmental Science. All students majoring in Environmental Studies are encouraged to consult with their advisors regularly, and to consider internships, research projects, and affiliated coursework that will allow them to select and achieve their postgraduate goals.
Major in Environmental Studies
Students seeking a B.S. in Environmental Studies are required to complete 13 units: eight core units plus five additional units in one of the tracks.
The core:
Environmental Science Track:
Four additional units from a single discipline and one unit from a second discipline, with courses chosen from
Environment and Society Track:
Minor in Environmental Studies
The minor in Environmental Studies requires six units: four units of ENVI at the 200-level or higher plus any two additional units that are allowed for the Environmental Studies core or tracks.
130 Introduction to Environmental Studies
An introduction to the applied field of environmental studies, this course encourages students to develop the interdisciplinary analytical and research skills needed to frame questions, evaluate environmental issues, and work toward solutions that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially equitable. Course activities will draw from a number of disciplines including the natural and social sciences with emphasis on sustainability and resource management. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
230 Earth Systems Science
An examination of the interrelationships between matter and energy in the solid, fluid, and living Earth as well as the human interactions with these natural systems. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
240 Environment, Ethics, and Culture
An examination of conceptions of Nature, the environment, and sustainability drawn from the Humanities. Insights from these traditions will be used to explore contemporary environmental debates. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
250 Environment and Society
An examination of the major concepts, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks employed in the social sciences to study human ecological relations. The implications of social organization, whether political or economic, for ecosystems will provide an opportunity to examine the impact of individual and collective decisions. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
260 Special Topics
Examination of special topics concerning the environment. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
265 Special Topics
Investigation of a special topic not regularly offered, with the topic determined by the faculty member. (1)
Lecture: 3hrs wk; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Permission
270 Geographic Information Systems
An exploration of techniques for modeling environmental interactions using a specialized database management system known as Geographic Information System. GIS is a comprehensive set of tools for analyzing patterns, relationships, and trends across the landscape with applications in natural resource management, conservation biology, regional planning, and risk assessment. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
305 Environmental Impact Assessment
This course will examine the development of environmental impact assessment policy in the United States and how such policy is applied to current environmental issues and problems. Examples will be taken from a variety of areas including toxicology, bioremediation, wetland protection and work/home environmental safety. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: ENVI 200 or 230.
307 Appalachian Rocks and Waters
A systematic survey of Appalachian terrains, geology and paleoecology. This course examines foundational concepts of geology within a chronological scope associated with the Appalachian Mountain Belt. Topics include introduction to rock and mineral types, major index fossils, paleoecology, and basic landform geomorphology and rock process. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: ENVI 230.
360 Special Topics
Examination of a special topic concerning the environment. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Permission
370 Landscape Analysis in GIS
An introduction to the spatial analysis of landscapes using remote sensing. This course will address consequences of spatial heterogeneity and include applications in environmental planning, risk assessment, and adaptive management. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: ENVI 270
400 Environment Clinic
In this capstone course, majors in Environmental Policy and Environmental Science will work together to explore a single topic in-depth. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Major in Environmental Policy or Environmental Science and senior standing.
ENVI 430 Environmental Practicum
A team-based project where students work as environmental consultants to solve a real world problem. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: ENVI 230, 240, 250, and 270.
405, 406, 407 Independent Study and Research
A research or independent study project on an environmental topic that results in the production of a paper and oral presentation.(1/2, 1, 1/2)
Prerequisites: Written proposal and permission.
416 Internship
Practical experience in a setting where environmental topics are applied. (1)
Prerequisites: Written proposal and permission.
495, 496, 497 Honors Project
A program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance. (1 /2, 1, 1 /2)
Prerequisites: To qualify for consideration to receive honors in the major, a student in his/her senior year or in the Summer prior to the senior year, must work under the guidance of his/her committee. A written proposal and application must be approved by the committee and program coordinator. . A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required.