Environmental Sciences Courses
This course is an introduction to environmental science and environmental studies for non-science majors. It examines the environmental impact of population growth on natural resources; mineral and resource extraction; water resource use and water pollution; air pollution and climate change; and conventional and sustainable energy supplies. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach to environmental science using class discussions, laboratory exercises, and environmental surveys to reinforce scientific principles. Offered every semester.
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.
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. Prerequisite: ENVS 100 or 110 with C- or better.
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. Prerequisite: ENVS 100 or 110 with C- or better and MATH 108 or the equivalent.
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. Prerequisites: ECON 111 or ENVS 110 or ENVA 110.
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. Prerequisites: ENVS 100 or 110 with C- or better and MATH 108 or the equivalent.
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 organic compounds. Offered intermittently. Cross-listed with: CHEM 311. 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 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. Prerequisite: ENVS 212
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. Prerequisite: ENVS 210.
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. Prerequisite: ENVS 210 or permission of instructor.
This
course explores how poisons in the environment impact both people and
ecosystems. Topics include environmental estrogens and the feminization of
amphibians, heavy metal toxicity, pesticide use, and the spread of
diseases. Prerequisite: CHEM 113.
This
elective introduces the biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape
marine environments. It explores
how these processes are impacted by anthropogenic activities, such as
overfishing, eutrophication, ocean acidification, climate change, and
pollution. Prerequisite: ENVS 212
with C or higher.
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). Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: ENVS 210 ENVS 212 and ENVS 250.
Examines
the effectiveness and shortcomings of mechanisms in US and California
environmental policies from physical, ecological, institutional,
and other perspectives. Engages students in policy analysis and exploration of emerging
approaches based on a systems view, life-cycle analysis, and
collaboration. Cross-listed with ENVA 366 and POLS 366. Prerequisite: ENVS 110.
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. Prerequisites: ENVS 100 or 110 with C- or better, ENVS 210 with C- or better.
Courses offered occasionally on a special topic in Environmental Science.
Capstone field and laboratory methodologies class that draws upon materials presented in the foundation courses. Prerequisites: ENVS 210, ENVS 212 and ENVS 250.
Topics in Environmental Science. Open to Juniors and Seniors only.
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
