Environmental Science Courses

ENV200 Introduction to Environmental Science

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This is an introduction to the environmental problems and challenges facing humankind. Global problems will be directly related to issues facing the regional and local environment. The course covers environmental problems and their causes, ecosystems and how they work, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, species extinction, air pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, solid waste disposal, renewable energy technologies, and applications to alleviate environmental problems. Case studies will be presented and potential solutions will be attempted. The course includes field trips.

ENV402 Environmental Policy and Management

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course explores human made problems in the environment parallel with concepts in environmental ethics, management and policies so as solutions are provided concerning preservation of the environment. Topics covered include toxic and solid wastes; pollution of air, water, food and soil; and international and national environmental ethics, management and policies.

Prerequisite: Senior standing

ENV422 Environmental Impact Assessment

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is the study and evaluation of the impacts of large scale projects on the quality of the physical, biological, and socio-economic environment taking into account environmental laws and regulations, and EIA guidelines. The course also addresses the identification of impact, quantification methods, mitigation measures, and monitoring plans as well as a case study involving the preparation of an EIA REPORT.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or senior standing

ENV423 Environmental Microbiology

[2–3, 3 cr.]

This ecologically based course discusses the relationship of microorganisms with one another and with their environment. It stresses the three major domains of life – Eucaryota, Archaea and Bacteria and studies their diversity, interactions and physiology in their natural environments. Biodegradation of organic matter, bio-geo-cycling of minerals and waste bio-treatment are emphasized. The course also deals with metagenomic, metaproteomic techniques and applications as well as the use of microarrays in Microbial Ecology.

ENV426 Environmental Remediation

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course deals with processes employing microorganisms, fungi, plants or their enzymes to return contaminated environments, such as polluted waters and soils, to their natural condition. The control, optimization and monitoring of bioremediation is discussed as well as the environmental factors and microbial populations involved. In-situ, ex-situ applications and genetic engineering approaches are emphasized.

Prerequisite: Senior standing

ENV427 Environmental Physics

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The course comprises aspects of atmospheric physics, soil physics and many aspects of applied physics.   It introduces the essentials in environmental physics, and describes the basics in environmental spectroscopy e.g. black body radiation and the solar UV and Life.  It also addresses the global climate, energy balance, energy available for human use, transport of pollutants, and noise pollution.  The course also discusses risk estimations, energy saving and nature and future thinking in the context of the global society.