Environmental Science, Minor

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.

Prerequisite: CHEM 1412, ESCI 1401 or GEOL 1403.

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.

Prerequisite: POLS 2305 and 2306.

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.

Prerequisite: BIOL 1407, CHEM 1411 or ESCI 1401.

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.

Prerequisite: (ESCI 3351 or 3403) and (PHYS 1401 or 2425).

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.