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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(ES)

2013 Introduction to Environmental Systems I [TCCN: BIOL 2306.]
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An introduction to the biotic principles of man-machine-community interrelationships within the natural and built environments. General attention is given to the biotic concepts of growth, processes, and changes occurring in ecosystems and social structures. Emphasis on understanding system dynamics and their relation to public policy formulation and natural resource use. May apply toward the Level I Core Curriculum requirement in science.

2021 Introduction to Environmental Systems I Laboratory
(0-3) 1 hour credit. Concurrent enrollment in ES 2013 is recommended.
Qualitative and quantitative methods in the study of biotic environmental systems.

2023 Introduction to Environmental Systems II
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An introduction to the abiotic principles of man-machine-community interrelationships within the natural and built environments. General attention is given to the abiotic environmental factors including natural hazards (earthquakes, fires, volcanoes, landslides, and floods), pollution processes, energy resources, and changes occurring in ecosystems. Emphasis on understanding system dynamics and their relation to natural resource use.

2031 Introduction to Environmental Systems II Laboratory
(0-3) 1 hour credit. Concurrent enrollment in ES 2023 is recommended.
Qualitative and quantitative methods in the study of abiotic environmental systems.

2113 Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
(2-2) 3 hours credit.
This course will serve as a basic introduction to the concepts and techniques of utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS) to study and model environmental issues. In lecture and laboratory, students will study methods of querying, analyzing, creating and displaying GIS data utilizing industry standard software. Students will also be introduced to using the Global Positioning System (GPS) as a means for creating GIS data. (Formerly ES 4043. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 2113 and ES 4043.)

2123 Extending Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
(2-2) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: ES 2113 or equivalent.
This course teaches advanced applications and concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics include, but are not limited to, spatial databases, spatial analysis, 3-D analysis and geostatistical analysis. Students will utilize standard GIS software to examine and analyze spatial data. (Formerly ES 4053. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 2123 and ES 4053.)

2133 Programming for Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
(2-2) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: ES 2113 and ES 2123.
This course teaches the fundamentals of customizing a Geographic Information System (GIS) using object-oriented programming. Students will design graphical user interfaces (GUIs), customized tools, and extend the functionality of the standard GIS to analyze and preset spatial data.

3013 Global Positioning System (GPS) Mapping for GIS
(2-2) 3 hours credit.
Student will learn to use the Global Positioning System (GPS) as a mapping tool for the collection of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. Topics include land navigation, rover operations, data dictionaries, differential correction methods, techniques for improving data accuracy and base station operation. Students in this course will spend significant time outdoors traveling over rough terrain. (Formerly ES 4063. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3013 and ES 4063.)

3023 Man and His Natural Resources
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An in-depth analysis of humankind’s dependency on the major natural resources of the earth such as water, air, soils, forests, grasslands, minerals, fuels, and wildlife, and the environmental problems that arise through societal mismanagement.

3024 Environmental Chemistry
(3-3) 4 hours credit. Prerequisites: CHE 1103 and ES 2023, or consent of instructor.
Lecture portion: Chemical principles applied to the understanding of processes in aquatic and environmental systems. Laboratory portion: Hands-on experience performing various chemical analyses of the most important water and soil properties.

3034 Environmental Ecology
(3-3) 4 hours credit. Prerequisites: ES 2013 and ES 2023, or consent of instructor.
Examination of the interactions of biotic and abiotic systems, including interactions of plants, animals, and the environment.

3054 Environmental Remediation
(3-3) 4 hours credit. Prerequisites: ES 2013 and ES 2023, or consent of instructor.
An introduction to the fundamentals of remediation in relation to the overall field of environmental quality and protection. Course emphasis is on the principles and mechanisms of bioremediation and phytoremediation.

3104 Environmental Microbiology
(3-3) 4 hours credit. Prerequisites: ES 2013 and ES 2023, or consent of instructor.
Examination of the interaction between microorganisms and their environment, including various natural habitats. Special consideration is given to application of genetically engineering microorganisms for solving environmental problems.

3203 Environmental Law
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Present-day environmental enabling acts and regulations will be covered, with emphasis on federal acts, such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and associated regulations.

4093 Principles of Remote Sensing
(2-2) 3 hours credit.
This course will provide a thorough introduction to remote sensing theory, technology, and application. The emphasis in this course is on understanding the underlying principles of acquiring, interpreting, and applying data from imaging systems covering the electromagnetic spectrum from the ultraviolet through the microwave.

4104 Global Change
(3-3) 4 hours credit.
Examination of the impact of humans and their activities on the environment: their effect on aquatic, marine, and terrestrial plant, animal, and human resources.

4193 Field-Based Inquiry
(2-2) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Level II core course science and mathematics requirements.
This course will enable future teachers to integrate fieldwork and inquiry into their curriculum. Observational and descriptive skills from a field-based research perspective will be emphasized. Mapping techniques will include pace-and-compass mapping, plane table mapping, and an introduction to Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping. An interdisciplinary approach that explores Earth system interactions will be highlighted. Students will develop and carry out a research project based upon fieldwork. Students in this course will spend significant time outdoors traveling over rough terrain. (Same as GEO 4193. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 4193 and GEO 4193.)

4203 Environmental Assessment
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Examination of environmental problems as well as their possible impact and potential solutions will be presented and explored from a variety of areas including soil, air, water, coastal and marine systems.

4204 Environmental Toxicology
(3-3) 4 hours credit. Prerequisites: ES 2013 and ES 2023, or consent of instructor.
Examination of advanced or specialized hazardous or toxic waste treatment methods. Emphasis will be on physical, chemical, and biological processes in treatment and processing of hazardous wastes materials.

4911-3 Independent Study
1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Permission in writing (form available) of the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree.

4951-3 Special Studies in Environmental Science
(1-0, 2-0, 3-0) 1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree.

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