Environmental & Resource Science

Course Descriptions

Environmental Science

ENV 101
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (3+0) 3 credits
Introduction to the relationship of humans and the environment. Selected aspects of current thinking and research concerning the impact of industrialization and urbanization on environmental quality, including the population explosion; the potential decline of the affluent society by the depletion of natural resources; the pollution of air, land surface and water; the public agencies and policies designated to solve environmental problems (Formerly ENV 100).

ENV 201
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY and RISK ASSESSMENT (3+0) 3 credits
Study of the basic principles of toxicology, including routes of exposure, dose response, and target organ effects using environmental toxicants as primary examples. Toxicology concepts applied to risk assessment and the development of acceptable exposure limits for toxic substances regulated by EPA and OSHA. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 220.

ENV 260
ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMENT and ANALYSIS (3+3) 4 credits
Overview of data collection, analysis, and experimental design methods used in environmental science and management. Classroom, field, and laboratory techniques associated with the evaluation and interpretation of environmental data. Measurement of physical, biological, chemical, and sociological parameters important in environmental studies. Prerequisite(s): MATH 124

ENV 345
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS: HISTORY, LAW, and METHODS (3+0) 3 credits
Introduction to environmental regulatory approaches used in the United States and the world, and the legal authority behind those regulations. Explores the range of regulatory interventions that have been sued, and historical, political, sociological, legal, and technological limitations and advantages of different environmental regulatory schemes. Prerequisite(s): ENV 101.

ENV 410
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND DECISION MAKING (3+0) 3 credits
Fundamental principles of policy and politics that shape environmental protection strategies in the nation and abroad. Prerequisite(s): ENV 101.

ENV 480
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (3+3) 4 credits
Introduction to the use of GIS for environmental problem analysis and management. Covers fundamental concepts as well as technical skills including: the nature of geographic data, data collection and conversion, geo-coding, database development and management, spatial analysis, use of spatial information in management. Prerequisite(s): ENV 260 or equivalent.

ENV 493
INDEPENDENT STUDY 1-3 credits
Independent study in selected topics. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

Geology

GEOL 100
INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGY (3+0) 3 credits
Basic geology for non-majors, including rock and mineral identification and application of geological processes to explain the nation’s topography.

GEOL 101
GEOLOGY: EXPLORING PLANET EARTH (3+3) 4 credits
Study of processes that form and modify landscapes, climates, and exosystems. Interrelationships among the atmosphere, water, earth, and life with emphasis on relationships between humans and environmental processes.

GEOL 102
EARTH AND LIFE THROUGH TIME (3+3) 4 credits
Systematic review of the history of the earth and the methods by which the details of earth history are unraveled. Field trips required. Prerequisite(s): MATH 120 or higher.

GEOL 120
NATURAL DISASTERS (3+0) 3 credits
Causes of natural disasters and their impact on people and property. Focuses on geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and floods.

GEOL 495
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND RESEARCH 1-3 credits
Independent study in selected topics. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

Natural Resources and Environmental Science

NRES 210
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (3+0) 3 credits
Application of physical sciences to address local, regional and global environmental issues associated with anthropogenic interactions with the biosphere, geosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121 and MATH 128.

NRES 304
PRINCIPLES OF HYDROLOGY (3+0) 3 credits
Principles and methods of managing range and forest land in terms of water quantity, quality and timing. One or two field trips required. Prerequisite(s): MATH 128 or equivalent.

NRES 322
SOILS (3+0) 3 credits
Physical, chemical and biological properties of soils, soil genesis and classification, and plant-soil-water relations. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121, 122.

NRES 416
INTERNSHIP 1-3 credits
Coordinated work study programs in industry or government under the direction of a faculty adviser. Written progress reports are prepared periodically and at the conclusion of the internship.

NRES 432
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY (3+0) 3 credits
Chemistry and toxicology of toxicants in the environment, particularly pesticides. Other topics include metals, food additives and hazardous wastes. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121, CHEM 122, CHEM 220.

NRES 435
CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES (3+0) 3 credits
Basic information regarding current and future problems and methods of conserving this country's renewable and nonrenewable resources. Prerequisite(s): One of the following: GEOL 101 or BIOL 189.

NRES 467
REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ISSUES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (3+0) 3 credits
Scientific principles underlying large-scale environmental problems linking the atmosphere, biosphere and geosphere. Empirical and modeling techniques for studying global issues. Analysis of specific issues. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 341, CHEM 122, ENV 101.

NRES 480
INDEPENDENT STUDY 1-3 credits
Independent study in selected topics. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

NRES 485
SPECIAL TOPICS 1-3 credits
Presentation and review of recent research, innovations and developments related to natural resources management, hydrology, conservation biology, and environmental chemistry. Maximum of 9 credits