ENV 117 Introduction to Environmental Science (formerly BIO 117)
4 credits
This course is an introduction to the study of issues in environmental science and is intended for students in the environmental science major, the environmental studies minor, and non-majors. Topics include: Ecology, Biodiversity, Environmental Policy and Law, Environmental Ethics, Sustainability, Overpopulation and Consumption, Agriculture and Food, Soil Science, Geology, Global Climate Change, Environmental Health, air and water pollution, and Energy Resources. A major goal of the course is to develop an understanding of how daily actions and attitudes regarding the environment may affect the future of our society. Environmental science majors should take this course in their 1st or 2nd semester of study. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory each week.
ENV 205 Introduction to GIS
3 credits
This course introduces the concepts and components of a geographic information system (GIS). It also teaches the essential skills of operating a functional GIS through the use of ArcGIS software package and Google Earth. (Spring of even numbered years)
ENV 209 General Botany (cross-listed with BIO 209)
4 credits
This course is an introduction to plant biology and the importance of plants to human society. Topics include plant structure, physiology, reproduction, diversity, plant identification, and ethnobotany, economic botany, and ecology. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period each week. Prerequisites BIO 121-122. (Fall of odd numbered years)
ENV 217 Environmental Ethics and Sustainability (Cross-listed as BIO 217)
2 credit
This seminar course focuses on past and present human philosophies on nature, Creation Care, and the environment. It applies these philosophies to address current environmental issues in our society. The course will apply environmental ethics to the design of local environmental projects to address campus and community sustainability. Two hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: ENV 117. (Spring of odd numbered years)
ENV 308 Field Botany Without Borders (cross-listed as BIO 308)
4 credits
This course provides students with an understanding of why plants are important to the sustainability of our human society and how plants cross the borders of time, geography, and biological disciplines. We will discuss plant form, function and evolution, learn to identify local flora and invasive species, explore ethnobotany, apply methods of ecological restoration and evaluate impacts of climate change. Field trips and special projects will focus how we utilize plants in our modern world including our use in food, fibers, medicinals and energy, and current efforts to sustain native ecosystems. (Fall of even numbered years)
ENV 408 Environmental Health and Toxicology (cross-listed with BIO 408)
3 credits
An introduction to the science of environmental health and toxicology. Topics include environmental epidemiology, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, fate and transport of contaminants, heavy metals and pesticides, bioaccumulation, mechanics of biotransformation, endocrine disruption, carcinogenesis and radiation toxicology. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior level status; BIO 202; CHE 121, 122 and 207. (Spring of odd numbered years)
ENV 409 Global Environmental Issues (cross-listed with BIO 409)
3 credits
A survey of global environmental issues including population and carrying capacity, land degradation and global food production, soil and water conservation, deforestation, biodiversity, energy use and climate change, waste disposal and biotechnology. Examines sustainable technologies to address these concerns and the role of international treaties. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior level status. (Spring of even numbered years)
ENV 498 Capstone Environmental Research
1-2 credits
This course is designed for senior biology majors to conduct an experimental research project, guided by a faculty member that results in a paper written in a scientific journal format. Progress reports, results, and the final paper will be monitored and assessed by the mentor. Weekly meetings for mentoring are required. Prerequisite: junior or senior status.
ENV 499 Capstone Research Seminar (cross-listed with BIO 499)
3 credits
An in-depth course designed to emphasize research methods by critically analyzing scientific literature and oral presentation skills. Results from the capstone research project may be presented in this course. A total of three credits is required; one credit will be taken in the spring of the junior year, one credit in the fall semester of the senior year, and one credit in the spring semester of the senior year. Weekly meetings are required. Prerequisites: BIO 121, 122, and junior status.