ENVS — Environmental Science: Catalog Entries

9 catalog course(s) on file. Undergraduate courses are numbered 100–499; graduate courses 500–699. See the department page for faculty and program information.

ENVS 101 — Introduction to Environmental Science(4 cr.)

Surveys the physical, biological, and social systems that shape environmental problems, with weekly laboratory sections. Topics include ecosystems, resource use, and human impact on natural systems.

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ENVS 210 — Ecology(3 cr.)

Examines interactions among organisms and their environment at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. Includes analysis of energy flow, nutrient cycling, and species interactions.

Prerequisite(s): ENVS 101

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ENVS 220 — Environmental Policy and Law(3 cr.)

Introduces the legal and regulatory framework governing environmental protection in the United States. Case studies examine the tension between economic development and conservation goals.

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ENVS 250 — Soils and Water Resources(3 cr.)

Covers the formation and management of soil and freshwater resources. Emphasis on watershed processes and the effects of land use on water quality.

Prerequisite(s): ENVS 101

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ENVS 310 — Environmental Chemistry(4 cr.)

Applies chemical principles to the analysis of pollutants in air, water, and soil. Laboratory work includes sampling protocols and instrumental analysis techniques.

Prerequisite(s): ENVS 101

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ENVS 330 — Conservation Biology(3 cr.)

Explores the science and practice of protecting biological diversity in the face of habitat loss and climate change. Students evaluate conservation strategies through regional case studies.

Prerequisite(s): ENVS 210

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ENVS 350 — Climate Science(3 cr.)

Introduces the physical basis of climate systems and the evidence for anthropogenic climate change. Discussion includes modeling approaches and mitigation strategies.

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ENVS 410 — Environmental Impact Assessment(3 cr.)

Trains students in the methods used to evaluate the environmental consequences of proposed development projects. Culminates in a group-authored impact assessment report.

Prerequisite(s): ENVS 220

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ENVS 495 — Senior Seminar in Environmental Science(3 cr.)

Capstone seminar requiring students to design and present an original research project addressing a current environmental issue. Emphasis on synthesizing scientific and policy perspectives.

Prerequisite(s): ENVS 310

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