Environmental Science, BS
Program Description
Introduction
The mission of the Bachelor of Science program in Environmental Science is to educate students to succeed in their chosen careers, to transfer environmental knowledge to the community and to peers, and to provide an environmentally literate workforce and citizenry. The program is intended to provide the environmental science major with a broad foundation in the sciences and mathematics, as well as specialized knowledge in Marine and Coastal Resources, Earth System Science, Environmental Health and Monitoring, Policy and Regulations, and Science Education concentration areas. The environmental science curriculum prepares students for career positions in environmental science or science education, or for further professional development.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Demonstrate a command of environmental science concepts and principles at the undergraduate level.
- Analyze and interpret a variety of environmental science data, and
- Communicate environmental science information effectively at the undergraduate level, in oral and written form, with appropriate use of technology.
Fast Track from Bachelor's to Master's Degree
The university allows the opportunity for high-achieving students to count a select number of graduate credits toward their undergraduate degree and thereby obtain a graduate degree at an accelerated pace. For more information, see Fast Track Environmental Science, BS and Environmental Science, MS.
General Requirements
Students who wish to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science may do so by following one of five curriculum plans referred to as concentrations. The concentration options include Earth Systems Science, Marine and Coastal Resources, Environmental Health and Monitoring, Policy and Regulations, and Science Education. A prospective 4-8 level science teacher could obtain a BS in Environmental Science while following the science education concentration. Information on the BS in Environmental Science - Science Education Concentration is found in the College of Science, Science, Mathematics and Technology Education section of the catalog. Details of the requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate are provided in the College of Education and Human Development section of this catalog.
The minimum requirement for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Earth Systems Science, Marine and Coastal Resources, Environmental Health and Monitoring, or Policy and Regulations is a total of 120 hours.
| Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| First-Year Seminars (when applicable)1 | 0-2 |
| Core Curriculum Program | 42 |
| Foundation Courses | 16 |
| Environmental Science Major Requirements | 24 |
| Concentration Area | 27-31 |
| Electives as needed | 11-13 |
| Total Credit Hours | 120-128 |
- 1
Full-time, first time in college students are required to take the first-year seminars.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time, First-year Students | ||
| First year seminars | 0-2 | |
| University Seminar I * | ||
| University Seminar II * | ||
| Core Curriculum Program | ||
| University Core Curriculum | 42 | |
| Recommended courses are: 1 | ||
| Environmental Science I: Intro to Environmental Science | ||
| Biology I | ||
| Physical Geology | ||
| Statistics for Life *,^ | ||
or MATH 2413 | Calculus I | |
| Foundation Courses | ||
| No foundation courses may be taken on a pass/no pass (P/NP) basis. | ||
| CHEM 1411 | General Chemistry I * | 4 |
| CHEM 1412 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| GISC 1470 | Geospatial Systems I | 4 |
| Select one of the following depending on concentration: | 4 | |
| General Physics I | ||
| University Physics I | ||
| Environmental Science Major Requirements | ||
| ESCI 3202 | Professional Skills | 2 |
| ESCI 3351 | Oceanography | 3 |
| ESCI 3403 | Introduction to Meteorology | 4 |
| ESCI 4335 | Climate and Climate Variability | 3 |
| ESCI 4498 | Internship in Environmental Science 2 | 2 |
| ESCI 4202 | Issues in Environmental Science | 2 |
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| Environmental Biology | ||
| Environmental Geology | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Concentration Area | ||
| Select one of the following Concentrations: | 27-31 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 11-13 hours of electives as needed | 11-13 | |
| Total Hours | 120-128 | |
- 1
See Core Curriculum Program. It is recommended that the Science component area courses be ESCI 1401 Environmental Science I: Intro to Environmental Science (4 sch) and BIOL 1406 Biology I (4 sch) and the component area course be GEOL 1403 Physical Geology (4 sch). It is recommended that the mathematics course be MATH 1442 Statistics for Life (4 sch) or MATH 2413 Calculus I (4 sch), depending on concentration area. Please consult your faculty mentor or academic advisor for specific details.
If these courses are not taken in the University Core, they will still need to be completed.
- 2
The program requires a minimum of 2 hours of ESCI 4498 Internship in Environmental Science (1-4 sch) to satisfy the Major Requirements; however additional hours of credit may be applied towards the Designated Electives in a Concentration Area, with approval of the student’s faculty mentor.
- *
Online offering
- ^
Blended offering
Concentration Area
Students must take a total of 27-31 semester hours in prescribed courses and electives to complete a concentration in Earth Systems Science, Marine and Coastal Resources, Environmental Health and Monitoring, or Policy and Regulations. Designated electives must be approved in writing by the student’s faculty mentor. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their faculty mentor regularly.
Earth System Science Concentration
This concentration is appropriate for students preparing for careers in earth system science, meteorology, or other fields. Students preparing for graduate school are strongly encouraged to take additional hours in consultation with their faculty mentor. Additional courses in Mathematics are strongly recommended.
In addition to the courses listed below, it is recommended that students choosing this concentration take Calculus I (MATH 2413) as part of the University Core requirements and University Physics I (PHYS 2425) as part of the Foundations requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Earth System Science Concentration Requirements | ||
| MATH 2414 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 3311 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 3342 | Applied Probability and Statistics *,^ | 3 |
| CHEM 3411 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| or CHEM 4423 | Physical Chemistry I | |
| Designated Electives | ||
| Select 13 hours with written approval of the faculty mentor (at least 7 hours must be upper-level) of the following: | 13 | |
| Principles of Ecology | ||
| Physical Oceanography | ||
| Discrete Mathematics I | ||
| Differential Equations | ||
| Calculus III | ||
| Geomorphology | ||
| Marine Geoscience | ||
| Sedimentation and Stratigraphy | ||
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Visualization for GIS | ||
1-5 hours of approved electives | ||
| Total Hours | 27 | |
- *
Online offering
- ^
Blended offering
Marine and Coastal Resources Concentration
This concentration is appropriate for students planning careers in marine and coastal resources research or management. Students preparing for graduate school are strongly encouraged to take additional hours in consultation with their faculty mentor.
In addition to the courses listed below, it is recommended that students choosing this concentration take either MATH 1442 Statistics for Life (4 sch) or MATH 2413 Calculus I (4 sch) as part of the University Core requirements and take either PHYS 1401 General Physics I (4 sch) or PHYS 2425 University Physics I (4 sch) as part of the Foundations requirements. MATH 2413 Calculus I (4 sch) is strongly recommended for students anticipating graduate school or research careers; also, it is a prerequisite to some of the optional courses listed below under the concentration. If MATH 1442 Statistics for Life (4 sch) is not taken, then MATH 3342 Applied Probability and Statistics (3 sch) is required from the designated elective hours.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Marine and Coastal Resources Concentration Requirements | ||
| BIOL 1407 | Biology II | 4 |
| ESCI 4301 | Environmental Regulations | 3 |
| Designated Electives | ||
| Select 24 hours with written approval of the faculty mentor (at least 18 hours must be upper-level) from the following: | 24 | |
| Microbiology | ||
| Principles of Ecology | ||
| Marine Ecology | ||
| Estuarine Organisms | ||
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Oil Spill Prevention and Response Theory | ||
| Oil Spill Prevention and Response Lab | ||
| Chemical Oceanography | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Physical Oceanography | ||
| Internship in Environmental Science | ||
| Geomorphology | ||
| Sedimentation and Stratigraphy | ||
| Introduction to Petroleum Geology | ||
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Geospatial Systems II | ||
| Visualization for GIS | ||
| Applied Probability and Statistics *,^ | ||
| General Physics II | ||
1-5 hours of approved electives | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
- *
Online offering
- ^
Blended offering
Environmental Health and Monitoring Concentration
This concentration is appropriate for students planning careers in environmental health, environmental assessment and remediation, and environmental management. Students preparing for graduate school are strongly encouraged to take additional hours in consultation with their faculty mentor.
In addition to the courses listed below, it is recommended that students choosing this concentration take either MATH 1442 Statistics for Life (4 sch) or MATH 2413 Calculus I (4 sch) as part of the University Core requirements and take either PHYS 1401 General Physics I (4 sch) or PHYS 2425 University Physics I (4 sch) as part of the Foundations requirements. MATH 2413 Calculus I (4 sch) is strongly recommended for students anticipating graduate school or research careers; also, it is a prerequisite to some of the optional courses listed below under the concentration. If MATH 1442 Statistics for Life (4 sch) is not taken, then MATH 3342 Applied Probability and Statistics (3 sch) is required from the designated-elective hours.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Health and Monitoring Concentration Requirements | ||
| BIOL 1407 | Biology II | 4 |
| BIOL 2421 | Microbiology | 4 |
| ESCI 4301 | Environmental Regulations | 3 |
| ESCI 4320 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| CHEM 3411 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| Designated Electives | ||
| Select 13 hours with written approval of the faculty mentor (at least 11 hours must be upper-level) from the following: | 13 | |
| Physiology | ||
| Microbial Diversity and Ecology | ||
or ESCI 4408 | Environmental Microbiology | |
| Immunology | ||
or BIMS 4406 | Immunology | |
| Parasitology | ||
| Marine Ecology | ||
| Introduction to Toxicology | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Quantitative Analysis | ||
| Instrumental Analysis | ||
| Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Theory | ||
| Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Lab | ||
| Oil Spill Prevention and Response Theory | ||
| Oil Spill Prevention and Response Lab | ||
| Applied Probability and Statistics *,^ | ||
1-5 hours of approved electives | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
- *
Online offering
- ^
Blended offering
Policy and Regulations Concentration
This concentration is appropriate for students anticipating careers in environmental or natural resource regulation or environmental law. Students preparing for graduate school are strongly encouraged to take additional hours in consultation with their faculty mentor.
In addition to the courses listed below, it is recommended that students choosing this concentration take either MATH 1442 Statistics for Life (4 sch) or MATH 2413 Calculus I (4 sch) as part of the University Core requirements and take either PHYS 1401 General Physics I (4 sch) or PHYS 2425 University Physics I (4 sch) as part of the Foundations requirements. MATH 2413 Calculus I (4 sch) is strongly recommended for students anticipating graduate school or research careers; also, it is a prerequisite to some of the optional courses listed below under the concentration. If MATH 1442 Statistics for Life (4 sch) is not taken, then MATH 3342 Applied Probability and Statistics (3 sch) is required from the designated-elective hours.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Policy and Regulations Concentration Requirements | ||
| ESCI 4301 | Environmental Regulations | 3 |
| ESCI 4320 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| Designated Electives | ||
| Select 21 hours with written approval of the faculty mentor (at least 15 hours must be upper-level) from the following: | 21 | |
| Biology II | ||
| Principles of Ecology | ||
| Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Theory | ||
| Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Lab | ||
| Oil Spill Prevention and Response Theory | ||
| Oil Spill Prevention and Response Lab | ||
| The Legislative Process | ||
| Introduction to Public Policy | ||
| Applied Probability and Statistics *,^ | ||
6-9 hours of approved electives | ||
| Total Hours | 27 | |
- *
Online offering
- ^
Blended offering
Science Education Concentration
Information on the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science with a science education concentration is found in the College of Science, Science, Mathematics and Technology Education section of the catalog.
Course Sequencing
Earth System Science Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ESCI 1401 | Environmental Science I: Intro to Environmental Science | 4 |
| GEOL 1403 | Physical Geology | 4 |
| ENGL 1301 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 |
| UNIV 1101 | University Seminar I | 1 |
| HIST 1301 | U.S. History to 1865 | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 1406 | Biology I | 4 |
| MATH 2413 | Calculus I | 4 |
| ENGL 1302 or COMM 1311 | Writing and Rhetoric II or Foundation of Communication | 3 |
| UNIV 1102 | University Seminar II | 1 |
| HIST 1302 | U.S. History Since 1865 | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 2414 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CHEM 1411 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| POLS 2305 | U.S. Government and Politics | 3 |
| Creative Arts Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| GISC 1470 | Geospatial Systems I | 4 |
| CHEM 1412 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| POLS 2306 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 2425 | University Physics I | 4 |
| ESCI 3202 | Professional Skills | 2 |
| CHEM 3411 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| MATH 3342 | Applied Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 2426 | University Physics II | 4 |
| ESCI 3351 | Oceanography | 3 |
| GEOL 3443 | Environmental Geology | 4 |
| Designated Elective | 2 | |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 3311 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| ESCI 3443 | Environmental Biology | 4 |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 3 | |
| ESCI 3403 | Introduction to Meteorology | 4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| ESCI 4498 | Internship in Environmental Science | 2 |
| ESCI 4335 | Climate and Climate Variability | 3 |
| ESCI 4202 | Issues in Environmental Science | 2 |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 2 | |
| Elective (to meet 120 hrs) | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Marine and Coastal Resources Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ESCI 1401 | Environmental Science I: Intro to Environmental Science | 4 |
| CHEM 1411 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| MATH 1442 | Statistics for Life | 4 |
| UNIV 1101 | University Seminar I | 1 |
| ENGL 1301 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 1302 or COMM 1311 | Writing and Rhetoric II or Foundation of Communication | 3 |
| CHEM 1412 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| GEOL 1403 | Physical Geology | 4 |
| UNIV 1102 | University Seminar II | 1 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 1401 | General Physics I (PHYS 2425 may be substituted.) | 4 |
| BIOL 1406 | Biology I | 4 |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture Core Requirement | 3 | |
| HIST 1301 | U.S. History to 1865 | 3 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 1407 | Biology II | 4 |
| GISC 1470 | Geospatial Systems I | 4 |
| HIST 1302 | U.S. History Since 1865 | 3 |
| Elective (to meet 120 hrs) | 4 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ESCI 3202 | Professional Skills | 2 |
| ESCI 3443 | Environmental Biology | 4 |
| ESCI 3403 | Introduction to Meteorology | 4 |
| Designated Elective | 3 | |
| POLS 2305 | U.S. Government and Politics | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| GEOL 3443 | Environmental Geology | 4 |
| POLS 2306 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| Designated Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 4 | |
| ESCI 3351 | Oceanography | 3 |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 4 | |
| Creative Arts Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| ESCI 4335 | Climate and Climate Variability | 3 |
| ESCI 4202 | Issues in Environmental Science | 2 |
| ESCI 4301 | Environmental Regulations | 3 |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 4 | |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 2 | |
| ESCI 4498 | Internship in Environmental Science | 2 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Environmental Health and Monitoring Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ESCI 1401 | Environmental Science I: Intro to Environmental Science | 4 |
| GEOL 1403 | Physical Geology | 4 |
| ENGL 1301 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 |
| UNIV 1101 | University Seminar I | 1 |
| MATH 1442 | Statistics for Life | 4 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 1406 | Biology I | 4 |
| CHEM 1411 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| ENGL 1302 or COMM 1311 | Writing and Rhetoric II or Foundation of Communication | 3 |
| UNIV 1102 | University Seminar II | 1 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 1407 | Biology II | 4 |
| CHEM 1412 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| POLS 2305 | U.S. Government and Politics | 3 |
| Creative Arts Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| GISC 1470 | Geospatial Systems I | 4 |
| BIOL 2421 | Microbiology | 4 |
| POLS 2306 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ESCI 3202 | Professional Skills | 2 |
| ESCI 3443 | Environmental Biology | 4 |
| CHEM 3411 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 3 | |
| HIST 1301 | U.S. History to 1865 | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| GEOL 3443 | Environmental Geology | 4 |
| ESCI 3351 | Oceanography | 3 |
| PHYS 1401 | General Physics I (PHYS 2425 may be substituted.) | 4 |
| HIST 1302 | U.S. History Since 1865 | 3 |
| Designated Elective | 2 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ESCI 4301 | Environmental Regulations | 3 |
| ESCI 4320 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| ESCI 3403 | Introduction to Meteorology | 4 |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 2 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ESCI 4202 | Issues in Environmental Science | 2 |
| ESCI 4335 | Climate and Climate Variability | 3 |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 3 | |
| Elective (to meet 120 hrs) | 4 | |
| ESCI 4498 | Internship in Environmental Science | 2 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Policy and Regulations Concentration
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ESCI 1401 | Environmental Science I: Intro to Environmental Science | 4 |
| GEOL 1403 | Physical Geology | 4 |
| ENGL 1301 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 |
| UNIV 1101 | University Seminar I | 1 |
| HIST 1301 | U.S. History to 1865 | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 1406 | Biology I | 4 |
| MATH 1442 | Statistics for Life | 4 |
| ENGL 1302 or COMM 1311 | Writing and Rhetoric II or Foundation of Communication | 3 |
| UNIV 1102 | University Seminar II | 1 |
| HIST 1302 | U.S. History Since 1865 | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 1407 | Biology II | 4 |
| CHEM 1411 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| POLS 2305 | U.S. Government and Politics | 3 |
| Creative Arts Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| GISC 1470 | Geospatial Systems I | 4 |
| CHEM 1412 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| POLS 2306 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Designated Elective | 2 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ESCI 3202 | Professional Skills | 2 |
| ESCI 3443 | Environmental Biology | 4 |
| ESCI 3403 | Introduction to Meteorology | 4 |
| Upper Level Elective | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| GEOL 3443 | Environmental Geology | 4 |
| ESCI 3351 | Oceanography | 3 |
| PHYS 1401 | General Physics I | 4 |
| Designated Elective | 3 | |
| Designated Elective | 1 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ESCI 4301 | Environmental Regulations | 3 |
| ESCI 4320 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| Elective (to meet 120 hrs) | 3 | |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ESCI 4498 | Internship in Environmental Science | 2 |
| ESCI 4335 | Climate and Climate Variability | 3 |
| ESCI 4202 | Issues in Environmental Science | 2 |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Level Designated Elective | 3 | |
| Elective (to meet 120 hrs) | 1 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Courses
Principles of the scientific method and critical thinking provide a foundation for subsequent consideration of environmental issues through a multidisciplinary approach. Laboratory exercises and local field experiences reinforce concepts introduced in the lectures. Fall, Spring.
Subject materials variable. May be repeated for credit when topics are significantly different. Faculty approval required. Offered on sufficient demand.
Presentation and discussion of selected topics relating to the professional skills of practicing environmental scientists including literature searches, reviews, paper presentation, professional and career opportunities, professional ethics. Fall, Spring.
Methods and principles of oceanography. A survey of oceanography with emphasis placed on the physical processes affecting water and water masses of the world oceans. Fall (on sufficient demand), Spring.
This course is an introduction to meteorology and the dynamics of planetary atmospheres. Emphasis on atmospheric accretion, composition, evolution, structure, and dynamics. Lab exercises cover basic measurement techniques, weather maps, and forecasting. Fall, Spring (on sufficient demand).
Historical, contemporary, and projected concerns of human activities on biological aspects of ecosystem functioning.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1407.
Practical techniques for control, containment, countermeasures, removal, and disposal of oil spills in an environmentally safe manner. Field exercises will include use of boats, booms and skimmers. Fall, Spring, Summer (on sufficient demand).
Prerequisite: ESCI 4230*.
* May be taken concurrently.
Practical techniques for handling, reducing, and disposing of hazardous wastes in an environmentally safe manner. Lab exercises in use of personal protective gear and safe handling of hazardous substances. Fall, Spring, Summer (on sufficient demand).
Prerequisite: ESCI 4270*.
* May be taken concurrently.
Theory, science, and art of underwater diving technology and its application to scientific objectives. Course helps fulfill some training requirements of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Guidelines for scientific diving.
Exploration of major issues in environmental science posing past, present and future challenges. Selected readings, student presentations and papers.
Prerequisite: ESCI 1401.
Historical perspective of laws and regulations governing oil spill prevention and response. Current methods for control, containment, countermeasures, removal, and disposal of oil spills in an environmentally safe manner. Fall, Spring, Summer (on sufficient demand).
Study of the laws and regulations of hazardous waste management from an historical perspective followed by current techniques for handling, reducing, and disposing of hazardous wastes in an environmentally safe manner. Fall, Spring, Summer (on sufficient demand).
A survey of state and federal environmental laws and regulations, and their impact on the environment. Case studies of environmental issues and legislated regulations.
Overview of the toxicology and epidemiology of pollutants in the air, water and soil. Associations of environmental exposure with adverse health effects such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and reproductive outcomes; also chemical markers and symptoms of disease. Pollutants studied include lead, asbestos, radiation, radon, noise, metals, halogenated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, silica, indoor air quality, formaldehyde, and outdoor air pollutants. Offered on sufficient demand.
Introduction to methods for restoring contaminated soil and groundwater by examining the factors and processes influencing the efficacy of remediation systems. An emphasis will be placed on the scientific principles upon which soil and groundwater remediation is based. Cross listed with GEOL 4321.
Introduction to health protection practices in the industrial environment. Health basis for OSHA laws, regulations. Sampling and testing procedures.
Review of human physiology, general concepts of toxicology: dose-response relationship, interactions between the host and the agents, risk assessment, to provide an introductory understanding of toxicology related to the chemicals in the workplace.
Introduction to wetland ecosystems (natural, constructed and restored) with an emphasis on the role of wetlands in water quality. Topics include wetland systems, their history and role in society, relationships between biology, geology, ecology, hydrology and chemistry in wetland environments. Offered on sufficient demand.
Course intended to guide environmental science majors in developing a conceptual understanding of Earth's global climate and its variability. Review of past climates, present mean state of the climate system, climate variability from seasonal to multidecadal time scales, and climate change. Special attention given to climates of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and surrounding land regions. Plausible climate-change scenarios, as well as mitigation and adaptation strategies are also discussed. Cross listed with ATSC 4335. Spring.
Introduction to mesoscale weather systems including thunderstorms, squall lines and hurricanes, as well as the mechanisms of tornado and lighting. Methods of observing, analyzing, and predicting these severe weather systems with the interpretation of satellite and radar images will also be introduced in this class.
Prerequisite: ESCI 3403.
Introduction to the chemistry and physics of air pollution and regulations. Topics include photochemistry, acid rain, air pollution meteorology and dispersion, global change, and the Clean Air Act.
Physical description of the sea, physical properties of seawater and sea ice, methods and measurements, wind-driven ocean circulation, thermohaline ocean circulation, boundary processes, waves, tides and mixing. Seasonal and interannual variability such as El Niño/Southern Oscillation phenomena. Implications for marine biology, marine geology, human impacts, other topics. Fall.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2426.
This course provides students with fundamental knowledge of regulatory requirements on occupational safety and practical techniques on accident prevention in the work environment. Offered on sufficient demand.
Relationships between microorganisms and their biotic and abiotic environment. Current topics such as air quality (i.e., molds), water quality and bioremediation will be discussed. Laboratory will include techniques for sampling from soil, air and water. Offered on sufficient demand.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2421.
Interdisciplinary application of environmental regulations, risk assessment to specific examples. Knowledge of United States environmental regulations assumed; ESCI 4301 Environmental Regulations recommended.
Subject materials variable. May be repeated for credit when topics are significantly different. Faculty approval required. Offered on sufficient demand.
Requires a formal proposal of study to be completed in advance of registration and to be approved by the supervising faculty, the Chairperson, and the Dean of the College. Fall, Spring, Summer.
Two to four semester hours of credit may be earned by working in an internship position in a governmental agency or industry.