Courses: Environmental Studies

ENV 115 - Chemistry, LIfe and Environment
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None

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.

 

ENV 304 - Global Environmental Change
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: SBC 111, SBC 113, and ENV 115 or CHE 131

This course will examine the social and global implications of human activities that affect the environment. 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.

ENV 340 - Contemporary Topics in Environmental Science
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: ENV 115 or CHE 131, U3/U4 standing

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.  Semester supplements to Undergraduate Course Bulletin contain specific description when course is offered.