ESCI - Environmental Sciences

ESCI 100 Environmental Sciences First-Year Seminar

The course is designed for Freshman Environmental Sciences majors to assist them in their transition into a college environment, to introduce them more specifically to the Environmental Sciences program, to help them acquire the skills necessary to be successful in a science major, and as a first introduction into some of the most pressing contemporary environmental issues. Students will be introduced to the Environmental Sciences faculty, as well as other Environmental Sciences majors, with discussions focused upon campus resources, study skills and current environmental issues.

1

ESCI 105 Global Environmental Issues

The course's objective is to increase student awareness of the environmental issues that affect different parts of the world and the planet as a whole. The course will explore the historical roots of the problems and how different societies deal with environmental degradation. Topics will include overpopulation, food production, water scarcity, pollution and global climate change, among others. The format of the course invites participation, discussion and critical thinking.

3

ESCI 310 Methods in Environmental Analysis

Methods common to environmental sciences emphasizing laboratory and field measurement techniques. In the laboratory, wet chemical and electrochemical techniques; methods of trace pollutant analysis; bioassays; BOD measurements, etc., will be studied. Field studies will include classical techniques such as dissolved oxygen and Secchi disk measurements, as well as more recent assessment methods such as terrain conductivity and macroinvertebrate studies. Combination lecture/laboratory.

3

Prerequisites

GEO 165 and GEO 169 and BIOL 133 and BIOL 134 and STAT 250

Corequisites

CHEM 215 or CHEM 225

ESCI 410 Environmental Assessment

Introduction to concepts involved in risk assessment and how they are applied to formulating a human or ecological risk assessment. Modern methods and models describing environmental risk assessment strategies will be emphasized. Topics will include fate and transport processes of pollutants in the environment, data evaluation, air and water quality, human health risk assessment, ecological risk assessment, and hazardous waste remediation. Case studies will be drawn from the contemporary literature and students will formulate a risk assessment as part of a team.

3

Prerequisites

GEO 330 and GEO 243 and BIOL 244

ESCI 440 Environmental Sciences Seminar

This course is designed for senior-level Environmental Sciences majors. In this first semester seminar course every student will present several short seminars as preparation for a full-length seminar on a current topic of environmental sciences research to be given in the second semester senior seminar course. Emphasis is given on detailed knowledge of the subject matter, techniques for searching the professional literature, and procedures for the preparation and presentation of a professional presentation.

1

ESCI 441 Environmental Sciences Senior Seminar

Each student will present a seminar on a current topic of environmental sciences research during the spring semester of their senior year. Emphasis on detailed knowledge of the subject matter, techniques for searching the professional literature, and procedures for the preparation and presentation of a professional seminar.

1

ESCI 490 Environmental Sciences Practicum

Independent research, independent study, or internship under the direction of a participating faculty advisor.

1-3