Environmental Science Course Descriptions

ENVS - 110. Understanding Our Environment w/Lab (4)

This course serves as an introduction to and covers broad aspects of environmental science and environmental studies. For all cases, the resulting environmental impacts are studied in detail. Specifically, this course examines the risks associated with growth in a developing world; environmental impact of population growth on natural resources; mineral and resource extraction; water resource uses; and renewable and non-renewable sources for power generation. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach to environmental science using laboratory exercises, environmental surveys, and class discussions to reinforce scientific principles. Cross Listed With: ENVA - 110

ENVS - 111. Living in Our Environment w/Lab (4)

This course is specifically designed for students who are participating in the Environmental Residential Learning Community at USF. The course serves as an introduction to environmental science and environmental studies with a focus on sustainability. Topics include the use of basic scientific concepts and tools for environmental problems; human population growth; cycles of carbon, water, and other matter; weather and climate; and the use of natural resources, in particular water and energy. The course will evaluate natural environmental processes, as well as human impacts to these processes. Students will consider sustainability issues in general, campus sustainability, and individuals' contributions toward environmental sustainability. The laboratory component of the course will include field trips, discussions, and in-lab activities.

ENVS - 210. Ecology and Human Impacts w/Lab (4)

Prerequisite: ENVS - 110. This course introduces students to biological and ecological aspects of environmental science. The course will include lectures, laboratory, and field exercises that emphasize basic ecology principles. The goal of the course is to give the student an overview of basic ecology, ecological management issues, and ecosystem policy with special emphasis on local issues in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cross Listed With: ENVA - 210

ENVS - 212. Air and Water w/Lab (4)

Prerequisite: ENVS - 110. This course covers broad physical and chemical aspects of the atmosphere and water resources. Specifically, this course considers atmospheric composition, weather processes, and air pollution; water resources, regulations, and defining water quality based on intended use. For all cases, the resulting environmental impacts are studied in detail. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach to environmental science using field trips and sampling exercises, laboratory exercises, environmental surveys, and class discussion to reinforce scientific principles. Cross Listed With: ENVA - 212

ENVS - 230. Environmental Impacts and Economic Decision-Making (4)

Prerequisites: ECONUG - 111 or ENVS - 110 or ENVA - 110. Is there a conflict between the profit motive and the health of the environment? Focusing on real-world problems through case studies, students explore the link between environmental issues and economic decisions.

ENVS - 250. Environmental Data Analysis (4)

Provides students with foundations in quantitative analysis methods used to analyze environmental data. These methods are applied to real-world cases, and students will conduct a full analysis and prepare a professional report as part of a group process. Cross Listed With: ENVA - 250

ENVS - 311. Environmental Chemistry (4)

Prerequisites: CHEM - 113 with a grade of C- (1.7) or higher, and one of the following: ENVS - 212, CHEM - 230 or CHEM - 236. This course provides in-depth coverage of major topics in the chemistry of the environment, including tropospheric air pollution, stratospheric ozone depletion, aquatic chemistry, water pollution and water treatment, soil chemistry, and toxic compounds. Offered intermittently Cross Listed With: ENVA - 212CHEM - 311

ENVS - 312. Water Resource Analysis w/Lab (4)

Prerequisite: ENVS - 212. This course explores two primary aspects of water resource availability: surface water hydrology and water quality. Process analyses of environmental problems are used throughout this course to aid in the development of scientific knowledge and environmental impacts on water.

ENVS - 320. Restoration Ecology w/Lab (4)

Prerequisite: ENVS - 210. An overview of concepts and practices in restoration ecology. Emphasis will be on the application of ecological principles to restoration design, implementation, and monitoring. Two lectures and one laboratory session each week.

ENVS - 321. Wetland Ecology w/Lab (4)

Prerequisite: ENVS - 210 or permission of instructor.. This upper-division lecture and laboratory course reviews basic concepts of ecology as they apply to wetland ecosystems. Major course topics include: wetland hydrology and soils, wetland biota and their adaptations, wetland types, and policies for wetland management.

ENVS - 331. Environmental Health -- A Toxicological Perspective (4)

Prerequisites: CHEM - 111, CHEM - 113 Recommended: CHEM - 236. Environmental health is concerned with effects the environment can have on the general health and well being of humans. Environmental toxicology investigates the impacts pollutants have on the structure and function of ecosystems. Major topics will include toxicological aspects of water and air pollution, biological contaminants, heavy metals, and pesticides and other toxins as they relate to environmental health.

ENVS - 350. Energy and Environment (4)

Prerequisites: ENVS - 212 and ENVS - 250. In this course, students will examine energy production and consumption as an underlying cause of multiple environmental problems. Beginning with an overview of energy-environment connections, the course will cover major fuel types and energy sources--from coal and natural gas to solar, and advanced energy carriers and storage systems (e.g., hydrogen and fuel cells).

ENVS - 360. Climate Change: Science and Policy (4)

Prerequisites: ENVS - 210, ENVS - 212 and ENVS - 250. In this course, students will develop a deeper understanding of the greenhouse effect and human influences on the Earth's climate. Building on this scientific base, the course will emphasize climate change mitigation--options for changing human activities and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases to avert negative climate change impacts.

ENVS - 370. Environmental Remote Sensing and GIS w/Lab (4)

Prerequisites: ENVS - 110, ENVS - 210 or ENVS - 110 and PHYS - 100. This course serves as an introduction to environmental remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It is designed to provide students with basic concepts, principles and applications of remote sensing and GIS and their use in natural resource management. This course has a corequisite laboratory.

ENVS - 390. Undergraduate Special Topics (4)

Courses offered occasionally on a special topic in Environmental Science.

ENVS - 410. Methods of Environmental Monitoring w/Lab (4)

Prerequisites: ENVS - 210, ENVS - 212, ENVS - 250, . Capstone field and laboratory methodologies class that draws upon materials presented in the foundation courses.

ENVS - 498. Advanced Undergraduate Research (4)

Original research supervised by a member of the staff, with credit to be fixed in each case. Designed to give students an acquaintance with, and an appreciation of, the principles and methods of original scientific investigation. A research report must be filed. Cross Listed With: ENVA - 498