Environmental Science (ENVS)

Fundamental principles of environmental systems including biological, chemical, social, political, cultural, and economic factors that affect the environment: scientific and social implications of climate change, including anthropogenic pollutants and human population on the environment.

Impact of land use on natural resource conservation; land ownership and management issues; and development of environmental impact statements.

Impact of natural occurring and anthropogenic environmental pollutants on human health.

The principles and processes that determine the patterns of terrestrial ecosystems, ecosystem relationship with abiotic factors, and the return of biomass to the abiotic cycles. Emphasis on temperate ecosystems of North America, with review of global ecosystems. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Inland wetlands, estuaries, nearshore, coral reefs and open ocean habitats; explores vegetation, hydrology, water chemistry, management strategies, flow alterations, nutrient enrichment, and chemical contamination of aquatic habitats. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Student experiential learning through research under direction of a faculty advisor. May be repeated for a total of six semester hours; only three may count toward a minor. Prerequisites: Junior standing and approval of instructor. Permission from advisor and department chair.