ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (ES) COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
NOTE: All Environmental Science (ES) courses used as prerequisites for other Environmental Science courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
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. Prerequisite: ES 2013.
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.
3023 Society and Its 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. Cannot be applied to a major in environmental science.
3033 Environmental Ecology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1404, ES 2013 and ES 2023, or equivalents.
Examination of the interactions of biotic and abiotic systems, including interactions of plants, animals, and the environment. (Formerly ES 3034. Same as BIO 3283. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following:
ES 3033, ES 3034, or BIO 3283.)
3042 Environmental Ecology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1404, ES 2013, ES 2021, ES 2023, and ES 2031, or equivalents. Concurrent enrollment in ES 3033 is recommended.
A field-oriented course emphasizing modern ecological techniques, including examinations of plant and animal populations and measurement of selected chemical and physical parameters. (Same as BIO 3292. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3042 and BIO 3292.)
3053 Environmental Remediation
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: CHE 2604, ES 2013, and ES 2023, or equivalents.
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. (Formerly ES 3054. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3053 and ES 3054.)
3061 Environmental Remediation Laboratory
(0-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisites: CHE 2604, CHE 2612, ES 2013, and ES 2023, or equivalents. Concurrent enrollment in ES 3053 is recommended.
Laboratory 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.
3103 Environmental Microbiology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1404, CHE 2604, ES 2013, and ES 2023, or equivalents.
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. (Formerly ES 3104. Same as BIO 3713. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following:
ES 3103, ES 3104, or BIO 3713.)
3112 Environmental Microbiology Laboratory
(0-6) 2 hours credit. Prerequisites: CHE 2604, CHE 2612, ES 2013, and ES 2023, or equivalents. Concurrent enrollment in ES 3103 is recommended.
Laboratory fundamentals 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. (Same as BIO 3722. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3112 and BIO 3722.)
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.
4003 Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: CHE 2604, ES 2013, and ES 2023, or equivalents.
Chemical principles applied to the understanding of processes in aquatic and environmental systems. Emphasis will be on physical, chemical, and biological processes in treatment and processing of hazardous wastes materials. (Same as BIO 4023. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 4003 and BIO 4023.)
4011 Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology Laboratory
(0-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisites: CHE 2604, ES 2013, and ES 2023, or equivalents. Concurrent enrollment in
ES 4003 is recommended.
Laboratory principles applied to the understanding of processes in aquatic and environmental systems. Emphasis will be on physical, chemical, and biological processes in treatment and processing of hazardous wastes materials.
4103 Global Change
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: BIO 1404, CHE 2604, ES 2013, and ES 2023, or equivalents.
Examination of the impact of humans and their activities on the environment: their effect on aquatic, marine, and terrestrial plant, animal, and human resources. (Formerly ES 4104. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 4103 and
ES 4104.)
4193 Field-Based Inquiry
(2-2) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Completion of mathematics and Level II science core curriculum 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. Prerequisites: ES 2013 and ES 2023, or equivalents.
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.
4911-3 Independent Study
1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: 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.