ENV 115: Chemistry, Life, and Environment

This survey course introduces chemical principles by emphasizing the role chemistry plays in everyday life, the natural environment, the built environment, energy production, and in processes leading to environmental degradation. In addition, the role of chemistry in the development of alternative energy sources, remediation technologies, and eco-friendly products is discussed. This course for non-science majors introduces chemical principles using mostly qualitative approaches rather than quantitative approaches. Interactive tools and interactive visualization tools are extensively used to illustrate concepts, reactions, and processes. May not be taken by students with credit for CHE 129, CHE 131, or CHE 152. This course is offered as both CHE 115 and ENV 115.

DEC:     E
SBC:     SNW

3 credits

ENV 301: Sustainability of the Long Island Pine Barrens

The ecologically diverse Long Island Pine Barrens region provides a habitat for a large number of rare and endangered species, but faces challenges associated with protection of a natural ecosystem that lies in close proximity to an economically vibrant urban area that exerts intense development pressure. In this course we will consider the interaction of the ecological, developmental and economic factors that impact the Pine Barrens and the effectiveness of decision support systems in promoting sustainability of the Pine Barrens.

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 status and one of the following: BIO 201, CHE 131, ECO 108, ESG 100, ESG 198, GEO 101, GEO 102, MAR 104, SUS 113 (formerly SBC 113)

DEC:     H
SBC:     SPK, STAS

3 credits

ENV 304: Global Environmental Change

An analysis of the physical, chemical, and biological processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere that are susceptible to change either from natural or anthropogenic causes. In addition to focusing on the processes, this course will examine the spatial/temporal scales of environmental changes, their consequences to systems including our economic, political, and social systems, and will consider our responsibility and capability in managing systems in a sustainable way. This course is offered as both ENV 304 and GEO 307.

Prerequisite: one of the following courses: SUS 111 (formerly SBC 111), SUS 113 (formerly SBC 113), ENS 101, GEO 101, GEO 102, GEO 122, ENV 115, CHE 131

DEC:     H
SBC:     STAS

3 credits

ENV 310: Sustainability and Renewable Energy - Costa Rica

Hands on experience in Costa Rica to learn and see the countries efforts for environmental sustainability and renewable energy. Students will spend 12 days in Costa Rica to participate in site visits to five renewable energy facilities and four environmental sustainability efforts. This in-depth experience is supported with topic-specific lectures, online readings and assignments, and work on an interdisciplinary capstone project. Students will also collaborate with local engineers on a community service project to provide the local communities with accessible water or other sustainability initiatives.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

DEC:     H
SBC:     STAS

4 credits

ENV 315: Principles and Applications of Groundwater Hydrology

Principles of groundwater hydrology. Aquifer geology, with an emphasis on coastal ground water systems and Long Island in particular. Introduction to quantitative numerical methods to simulate regional groundwater flow and contaminant transport in aquifers. Development and management of freshwater aquifers as drinking water resources.

Prerequisites: MAT 126 or MAT 131 or AMS 151; ENS 119 or GEO 102 or SUS 313 (formerly SBC 113)

3 credits

ENV 316: Coastal Zone Management

Coastal zones are dynamic environments shaped by natural forces as well as human intervention. Developing management strategies is critical and requires an understanding of the coastal zones environments, the threats to these environments, as well as the applicable laws and policies. This course examines past and present coastal zone management strategies at the national, regional, and local level. Coastal zone management on Long Island will be extensively reviewed and discussed.

Prerequisite: ENS 101 or SUS 111 (formerly SBC 111) or SUS 113 (formerly SBC 113) or GEO 102 or POL 102 or MAR 104; U3 or U4 status

3 credits

ENV 320: Chemistry for Environmental Scientists

Course designed to provide a firm understanding of the chemical principals and reactions of importance in environmental degradation of natural environments or built environments, remediation and abatement processes, energy production. In addition, the course reviews the chemical processes that control the transport, fate, and bioavailability of common organic pollutants, metals, and metalloids. The course expands on concepts from general chemistry, and introduces concepts from physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, photochemistry, and geochemistry. Not for credit in addition to CHE 310.

Prerequisite: CHE 132 or CHE 152

DEC:     H
SBC:     STAS

3 credits

ENV 321: Chemistry for Environmental Scientists-Lab

Laboratory course is designed to illustrate principles, processes, and reactions presented in ENV 320. In addition, the laboratory will focus on the quantitative analysis and identification of common chemical pollutants, including common volatile and semi-volatile organics, metals and metalloids. Some of the laboratory meetings will be in the form of short field trips to practice sampling techniques as well as in situ and on site analysis techniques.

Prerequisite: CHE 133 or CHE 154

Pre- or corequisite: ENV 320 or CHE 310

1 credit

ENV 339: Economics of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

This course will view human interactions with coastal and marine ecosystems through the lens of economics. Consideration of the socioeconomic implications of policy decisions involving environmental and natural resources has become increasingly important for ecosystem management. Topics will include the basics of welfare analysis, the concept of ecosystem services, the challenges associated with public goods, methods for economic valuation of non-market goods and services, strategies for sustainable use of coastal and marine resources, and case studies of the application of fundamental principles of environmental economics to national and international policy. This course is offered as both ENS 339 and ENV 339.

Prerequisite: U3/U4 status; ENS 101 or SUS 111 (formerly SBC 111) or MAR 104

DEC:     H
SBC:     STAS

3 credits

ENV 340: Contemporary Topics in Environmental Science

Course explores one or more contemporary environmental science topics in depth. Topic(s) vary by semester. Examples of topics include: formation and fate of Asian Brown Cloud; Arsenic in Drinking water; Acid Rain; Environmental issues related to mining; Environmental impact of burning and mining coal; Pesticides and Herbicides in the Environment. Course may be repeated once.

Prerequisite: U3/U4; ENV 115 or CHE 131

SBC:     ESI, STEM+

3 credits

ENV 444: Experiential Learning

This course is designed for students who engage in a substantial, structured experiential learning activity in conjunction with another class. Experiential learning occurs when knowledge acquired through formal learning and past experience are applied to a "real-world" setting or problem to create new knowledge through a process of reflection, critical analysis, feedback and synthesis. Beyond-the-classroom experiences that support experiential learning may include: service learning, mentored research, field work, or an internship.

Prerequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent; permission of the instructor and approval of the EXP+ contract (http://sb.cc.stonybrook.edu/bulletin/current/policiesandregulations/degree_requirements/EXPplus.php)

SBC:     EXP+

0 credit, S/U grading

ENV 487: Research in Environmental Sciences

Qualified advanced undergraduates may carry out individual research projects under the direct supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SBC:     EXP+

0-6 credits

ENV 488: Internship in Coastal Environmental Studies

Participation in local, state, and national public and private agencies and organizations. May be repeated to a limit of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: U3/U4 status and permission of the SoMAS Undergraduate Program Director

SBC:     EXP+

0-12 credits, S/U grading

GSS 105: Introduction to Maps and Mapping

An introduction to the study and design of map formats, symbology, coordinate systems, and how maps record the historical patterns of human behavior. The course will also examine maps as a tool to analyze human activity and societal development, and include important aspects of map data collection, processing, the Global Positioning System (GPS), quantitative mapping, and GIS-based mapmaking techniques.

DEC:     F
SBC:     SBS

3 credits

GSS 309: GIS and Cartography

Cartography is the knowledge associated with the art, science, and technology of maps. Digital computer cartography still follows the same fundamental principles and still requires a broad understanding of graphicacy as a language (as well as numeracy and literacy). This course will provide an introduction to cartographic principles, concepts, software and hardware necessary to produce good maps, especially in the context (and limitations) of geographic information systems (GIS).

Prerequisite: GEO 102 or GSS 105 or MAR 104 or SBC 113 or instructor consent

3 credits

GSS 313: GIS Design and Application I

Provides the basic concepts underlying modern geographic information science and technology. Emphasis is placed on the principles of GIS for characterizing environmental systems and computer-based techniques for processing and analyzing spatial data. The course is three credit hours of lecture. This lecture course must be taken in the same semester as the associated laboratory, GSS 314. Not for credit in addition to GSS 317.

Prerequisite: MAT 125 or MAT 131 or AMS 151 or instructor consent

Corequisite: GSS 314

3 credits

GSS 314: GIS Laboratory

Practice using the GIS techniques and tools learned in the lecture (GSS 313), work on exercises, and process and analyze the spatial data for the course project. This laboratory course must be taken in the same semester as GSS 313.

Corequisite: GSS 313

1 credit

GSS 317: Geospatial Narratives: Deep Mapping for Humanities and Social Sciences

Building on formal methods in qualitative reasoning, spatial and temporal representation and geospatial science, this course will explore state-of-the-art methods for humanities and social sciences students to visualize and drill down data. Hands-on exercises of deep mapping will cover how to collect, analyze and visualize quantitative and qualitative data, spatial data, images, video, audio, and other representations of places and artifacts in humanities and social sciences. This course will also discuss models of reasoning about events, actions and changes that are spatially contextualized. Not for credit in addition to GSS 313.

Prerequisite: WRT 102

Advisory Prerequisite: some working knowledge of spreadsheets

3 credits

GSS 323: GIS Database and Design

Concepts of geodatabase design and management in geographic information systems (GIS), SQL statements, geographic data types and functions, data entry, techniques of geographic information structure applications. This is a Windows based computer class with the majority of students work involving GIS computer software.

Prerequisite: GSS 313 or GSS 317 or equivalent

3 credits

GSS 325: GIS Design & Applications II

The course builds upon the topics covered in GIS Design and Application I. It emphasizes the applications of GIS in solving real-world problems. Students are expected to gain an understanding of GIS theory, methodology and most importantly application. Students are also expected to demonstrate abilities of spatial thinking, spatial analysis, and be able to solve practical spatial problems utilizing a GIS. Because GIS is both a tool for analysis and the visual communication of these data, students will be required to develop a GIS presentation, much as would be expected in a professional setting. This independent project will constitute a substantial portion of the final grade. This is a Windows based computer class with the majority of students work involving GIS computer software.

Prerequisite: GSS 313 or GSS 317 or equivalent

3 credits

GSS 326: GIS Project Management

The course addresses issues unique to a GIS operation such as implementation issues, decision making procedures, strategies for success, legal issues, involvement of management, marking within an organization, strategic planning, and industry outlook.

Prerequisite: GSS 313 or GSS 317 or equivalent

3 credits

GSS 350: Applied Spatial Data Analysis

An introduction to geospatial statistical analysis that aims to provide students with the background necessary to investigate geographically represented data. The specific focus is on spatial data analysis, such as the analysis of autocorrelation, principles of geostatistics and analysis methods that are relevant in the fields of public health, environmental/earth science and social science. An important aspect of the course is to gain hands-on experience in applying these techniques with GIS and spatial analytical software, and essential methodological and practical issues that are involved in sophisticated spatial analyses.

Prerequisite: AMS 102 or equivalent and GSS 313 or GSS 317 or equivalent

SBC:     STEM+

3 credits

GSS 354: Geospatial Science for the Coastal Zone

The use of spatial data is becoming increasingly critical in the decision management process and planning of the coastal zone. This course will use GIS and Remote sensing tools to collect and analyze data for integrating into the management, planning, and monitoring of the coastal geomorphology and ecosystems.

Prerequisite: GSS 313 or GSS 317 or equivalent

3 credits

GSS 355: Remote Sensing GIS Data

Provides a basic overview of the technology by which aircraft and satellite images of the Earth are produced as well as hands on experience manipulating and interpreting. Students gain practical experience in environmental analysis using satellite imagery and commonly used sensors and analytical methods for the Earth sciences.

Prerequisite: GSS 105 or MAR 104 or GEO 102

SBC:     STEM+

3 credits

GSS 360: LiDAR Remote Sensing

Introduces principles of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) remote sensing, LiDAR sensors and platforms, LiDAR data, processing, analysis, and applications. Students will master basic skills of LiDAR needed to leverage the commercial LiDAR sources and information products in a broad range of applications, including topographic mapping, vegetation characterization, and 3-D modeling of urban infrastructure. Students will learn several software packages for LiDAR data displaying, processing, and analyzing. Students will link social and geospatial sciences through mapping projects and analysis.

Prerequisite: GSS 313, GSS 314, and GSS 355

3 credits

GSS 390: Topics in Geospatial Science

Course will present special interest topics or recent software enhancements in the rapidly developing field of Geospatial Science. The course will include a mixture of core geospatial techniques and recently released methodology. Course content will include a diversity of Geospatial topics and include discipline specific topics relevant to majors in physical sciences, social sciences, business and engineering. Repeatable as the topic changes to a maximum of 6 credits.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status or permission of the instructor

3 credits

GSS 475: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum

Work with a faculty member as assistant in a regularly scheduled course. The student must attend all classes and carry out all assignments; in addition the student will be assigned a specific role to assist in teaching the course. The student will meet with the instructor on a regular basis to discuss intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and undergraduate director

SBC:     EXP+

0-3 credits, S/U grading

GSS 487: Geospatial Science Research

Qualified advanced undergraduates may carry out individual research projects under the direct supervision of a faculty member.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SBC:     EXP+

0-6 credits

GSS 488: Geospatial Science Internship

The GSS Internship is designed to provide students experience in the real workplace. Interns are expected to function as a GIS/Remote Sensing professional and work within the existing host facility structure or on a free standing project. Interns will complete assigned tasks by hosting facility such as GIS data entry, data retrieval, remote sensing analysis, GPS field work, documentation, or general GIS facility duties. These activities will be monitored by both a representative of the host facility and the instructor. May be repeated to a limit of 12 credits.

Prerequisite: U3/U4 status and permission of the Undergraduate Program Director

SBC:     EXP+

0-12 credits, S/U grading