ESPRI Courses

ANTH 103 Introduction to Archaeology (3-0-3)(F/S) (Area II)

An introduction to the historic background and basic techniques of anthropological archaeology. The methods and theory used to reconstruct prehistoric cultures, their environmental settings, activities, and histories.

ANTH 428 Urban Anthropology (3-0-3)(F/S) (Alternate Years)

This course examines the variety of cultural experiences within urban settings. The course will include cross-cultural comparisons of urban cultures, with a focus on such topics as population pressure and cultural changes; ethnic and occupational uses of urban space; and understanding the built environment and its reflection of cultural values.

BIOL 191 GENERAL BIOLOGY I (3-3-4)(F,S)(Area III).

Designed for biology and health science majors. The basic characteristics of living systems including the chemical and physical structure of cells, genetics, development, evolution, and ecology. Recommended: Solid preparation in high school biology and chemistry. PREREQ: MATH 108 or appropriate placement score.

BIOL 192 GENERAL BIOLOGY II (3-3-4)(F,S)(Area III).

Organismal biology in an evolutionary context, including biodiversity, structure and function, reproduction, physiology, and morphology of viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. PREREQ: BIOL 191

BIOL 200 MAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT (3-0-3)(F/S).

The impact of biological, economic, and social factors on man's environment are discussed. Participants become aware of important issues and factors involved in environmental decision-making.

BIOL 323 ECOLOGY (3-3-4) (F,S).

A survey of how physical and biological factors determine the distribution and abundance of plants and animals. Concepts at the physiological, population, community, and ecosystem levels will be discussed. Field and laboratory exercises will investigate questions concerning habitat, populations, and communities. Weekend field trips may be taken. PREREQ: BIOL 191-192 and MATH 254.

BIOL 415-415G APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY (3-3-4)(S)

Microbial populations and processes in soil and water. Water- and food-borne pathogens. Microbial and biochemical methods of environmental assessment. PREREQ: BIOL 205 or BIOL 303, and BIOL 301.

BIOL 422 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (3-0-3)(S)(Offered odd-numbered years).

An introduction to the field of conservation biology, the applied science concerned with understanding the effects of human activities on natural biological systems and with developing practical approaches to prevent the loss of biodiversity. Topics covered will include conservation genetics, demographic analysis, habitat degradation, over exploitation, and restoration ecology. Discussion of the social, political, and economic aspects of conservation biology. PREREQ: BIOL 323.

BIOL 426 INSECT ECOLOGY (3-0-3)(S)(Offered even-numbered years).

Life history evolution, insect-plant interactions, predation and parasitism, reproduction, insect societies, chemical ecology, biodiversity and pest management. PREREQ: BIOL 323 or PERM INST.

BIOL 427 STREAM ECOLOGY (3-3-4)(F)(Offered odd-numbered years).

The biology and ecology of flowing waters is emphasized; their biota, management, and ecology at both the community and ecosystem level will be discussed. PREREQ: BIOL 323 or PERM/INST.

BIOL 433 BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY (3-0-3)(F)(Offered odd-numbered years).

Focuses on the evolutionary significance of animal behavior in relation to the ecology of the organisms. Using theoretical background and recent empirical evidence, mating systems, foraging, parental care, selfishness and alturism, competition, territoriality, and other behavioral patterns will be assessed in relation to the survival and reproduction of animals. PREREQ: BIOL 323 or PERM/INST.

BOT 424 PLANT COMMUNITY ECOLOGY (3-3-4)(F)(Offered even-numbered years).

A study of the properties, structure, method of analysis, classification, and dynamic nature of plant communities. Topics for discussion will include the strengths and weaknesses of various sampling techniques, the role of disturbance events and succession on community structure, and the role of biological interactions as factors influencing the assembly of communities. Laboratory work will emphasize vegetation sampling methods and habitat type classification for plant communities in this region as well as methods of analyzing and reporting this data. PREREQ: BIOL 323 or PERM/INST.

CE 320 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN (3-0-3) (F/S)

Treatment of domestic and industrial water supplies. Disposal of domestic sewage and industrial wastes. Environmental considerations in water management, water use, wastewater generation, and water quality. Design of water and wastewater treatment systems. PREREQ: CHEM 112 and ENGR 330.

CE 321 PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING LAB (0-3-1) (F/S)

Environmental engineering problems with emphasis on analysis and presentation. Significance of results as compared with theory and practice. PREREQ or COREQ: CE 320.

CE 332 HYDROLOGY (3-0-3) (F/S)

Water cycle analysis, precipitation and surface runoff events, climatology, evaporation, transpiration, floods and routing, groundwater and snow melt.  PREREQ: MATH 175 and Junior Standing.

CE 336 HYDRAULICS (3-0-3) (F/S)

Applied principles of fluid mechanics, pipe flow, open channel flow, flow nets, and hydraulic machinery. Design. PREREQ: ENGR 330.

CE 412 (GEOL 412) HYDROGEOLOGY (3-0-3) (F)

The study of subsurface water and its relationship to surface water, the hydrologic cycle, and the physical properties of aquifer systems. Flow nets and flow through porous and fractured media. Methods of determination of aquifer characteristics and performance and groundwater modeling. PREREQ: MATH 170, junior standing.

CE 422 HAZARDOUS WASTE ENGINEERING (3-0-3) (F/S)

Physical, chemical, and biological treatment of hazardous wastes. Consideration of legal and political issues. PREREQ: CE 320.

CE 424 WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT DESIGN (3-0-3) (F/S)

Design of treatment systems for water supply and wastewater disposal. PREREQ: CE 320.

CE 426 ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS CHEMISTRY (3-0-3) (F/S)

Chemical principles of water and wastewater treatment processes and reactions in receiving waters. Topics include chemical thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, acid-base equilibria, mineral precipitation/dissolution, and electrochemistry. PREREQ: CHEM 112 or PERM/INST.

CE 433 CONTAMINANT TRANSPORT (3-0-3) (S)

The fate and transport of dissolved solutes and non-aqueous phase liquids in groundwater systems. Students will analyze field data and develop conceptual models for contaminated sites. The role of engineers and hydrologists in environmental litigation will be addressed through case studies. PREREQ: CE 412/512, GEOL 412, or PERM/INST.

CE 438 WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING (2-3-3) (F/S)

Flood frequency analysis, reservoir characteristics and design, open channel flow applications, water project design, model studies, pump and turbine hydraulics and other water resources engineering topics.  PREREQ: ENGR 330.

FOREST 101 GENERAL FORESTRY (2-0-2)(S).

A survey of forestry, timber management and economics, and the propagation of important trees of the United States.

ECON 202 PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICS (3-0-3)(Area II).

An introduction to microeconomic analysis covering supply and demand, basic market structures, the operation of the price system, and the distribution of income. Provides an introduction to some applied areas of economics such as international, regional, the public sector, and economic development.

ECON 333 NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMICS (3-0-3)(F).

The theoretical and policy issues associated with the use of natural resources are addressed, including property rights issues that arise when considering collective goods, externalities, and common property resources. Tools used in the design and evaluation of resource policy, such as benefit/cost analysis, are covered. PREREQ: ECON 202.

ENVHLTH 100 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH (1-0-1) (F).

Discussion of human ecology and interaction with the chemical, physical, biological and social environments. Overview of environmental health management and strategies to control air and water quality, solid and hazardous wastes, workplace and recreational safety.

ENVHLTH 310 WATER SUPPLY AND WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT(2-3-3)(F) (Offered even-numbered years).

Engineering, biological, and management principles of community water supply and water pollution control. PREREQ: BIOL 191-192 and CHEM 111-112.

ENVHLTH 320 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT (2-3-3) (F) (Offered odd-numbered years).

Sanitation and management practices for community problems dealing with waste disposal, vector control, food and milk protection, swimming pools, and recreation activities. PREREQ: BIOL 191-192 and CHEM 111-112.

ENVHLTH 380 AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT (2-0-2) (F) (Offered odd-numbered years).

Chemical, engineering, and management principles of community and industrial air quality control. PREREQ: CHEM 111-112.

ENVHLTH 415 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (2-3,3) (S) (Offered even- numbered years).

Recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental health hazards or stresses (chemical, physical, biological) that may cause sickness, impair health, or cause significant discomfort to employees or residents of the community. PREREQ: PHYS 111-112. COREQ: CHEM 317,319.

ENVHLTH 417 PRINCIPLES OF TOXICOLOGY (2-0-2)(S) (Offered odd-numbered years).

An examination of the absorption, distribution, and excretion of toxicants in ins and the health effects on target organs. Toxicologic evaluation, risk assessment, fate of hazardous substances in the environment and policies for the control of such substances will also be discussed. PREREQ: CHEM 111-112.

ENVHLTH 442 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT (2-0-2) (S).

Historical, regulatory and technical aspects of hazardous waste management, relating primarily to the requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Reclamation, Compensation, and Liability Act. PREREQ: Upper division standing and environmental health major, or PERM/INST.

ENVHLTH 450 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LAW(2-0-2) (S) (Offered even numbered years).

Various aspects of environmental and health protection law are discussed, including sources of regulatory authority, legal procedures, agency roles, and specific statutes. PREREQ: Upper division standing.

ENVHLTH 493 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INTERNSHIP (O-V-V) (F/S).

Three or more internship per week in a business or governmental agency. The student works Organization, keeps a record of the experience, and discusses these experiences at a seminar. PREREQ: Upper-division standing, recommendation of Faculty advisor, consent of instructor. (Pass/Fail)

ENVHLTH 497 NOISE AND OTHER PHYSICAL AGENTS

In-depth study of environmental and occupational exposure and control of sound, temperature stress, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Prerequisites: Math 147, PHYS 111-112 or Permission of instructor.

ENVHLTH 497 ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CONTROL METHODS

In depth study of the methods, design, and practices of controlling environmental and occupational exposures to hazardous air contaminants using the principles of dilution and local exhaust ventilation. Prerequisites: Math 147, PHYS 111-112 or Permission of instructor.

ENVSTD 121 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (3-0-3)(S).

Introduction to the interdisciplinary nature of environmental concepts and issues. Integrates scientific, sociopolitical, and humanistic approaches to the understanding of nature and of how humans interact with the rest of nature. Includes a service learning component.

ENVSTD 491, 492 SENIOR PROJECT I, II (1-6-3)(F/S).

Two semester capstone course that integrates science, policy, and the social sciences to address a real-life problem. Students will identify a problem, gather data, consult with experts, study policy, then recommend a solution. Includes progress reports, oral presentations, and a written final report. PREREQ: BIOL 323, ENVHLTH 450, GEOG 321, and POLS 340, or PERM/INST. For ENVSTD 492: ENVSTD 491.

ENVSTD 493 INTERNSHIP (2-3 credits).

Work with industries, organizations and agencies that have a stake in the environment.

GEOG 100 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY (3-0-3)(F/S)(Area II).

A survey of Earth environments, basic concepts and techniques used in geography, and the utilization of natural resources.

GEOG 321 CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES (3-0-3)(F/S).

Informative study of resources, their use and relative values. Discussions will include perception, attitudes, character of resources, demand factors, social implications, and population characteristics. Local and regional examples are emphasized. Local experts on conservation issues will serve as guest speakers. PREREQ: GEOG 100 or GEOG 102.

GEOG 331 CLIMATOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S).

Atmospheric processes, global heat and moisture balance, radiation budget, and world climate zones. Applied climatological concepts, evaporation, soil water conditions, regional and global climactic trends, climate change, and climate modification. PREREQ: GEOL 101 or GEOG 100.

GEOG 361 REMOTE SENSING (2-2-3)(F/S).

Acquisition, interpretation, and analysis of digital imagery. Remote sensing applications including forestry, geology, ecology, and urban planning. Labs focus on processing, interpretation, and analysis of digital imagery. Introductory course in geographic information systems strongly recommended. PREREQ: GEOG 100 or GEOL 280.

GEOG 460 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ANALYSIS (2-2-3)(F/S).

Operations and spatial analysis capabilities of a GIS. Problem identification, GIS project design, development, and implementation. PREREQ: GEOG 360, and MATH 254 or MATH 361.

GEOG 470(GEOL 470) EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE AND GLOBAL WARMING (3-0-3) (F/S).

Survey of interactions among physical biogeochemical processes involved in climate and climate feed back. Explore global warming scenarios for the next century and their reliability. This course may be taken for GEOG or GEOL credit, but not both. PREREQ: GEOL 201 or GEOG 331.

GEOL 101 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY (3-2-4)(F,S)(Area III).

A study of earth materials and systems, the use of earth resources, and the interactions of geologic processes and human activities. Includes geologic hazards, mineral resources, water supply, and waste disposal. Labs use maps and specimens to illustrate case studies.

GEOL 412 (CE 412) HYDROGEOLOGY (3-0-3)(F).

The study of subsurface water and its relationship to surface water, the hydrologic cycle, and the physical properties of aquifer systems. Flow nets and flow through porous and fractured media. Methods of determination of aquifer characteristics and performance and groundwater modeling. This course may be taken for either CE or GEOL credit, but not both. PREREQ: MATH 170, junior standing.

GEOL 413 HYDROGEOLOGY COMPUTATION LABORATORY (0-2-1)(F).

Practice with hydrogeology computer programs and field measurements. PREREQ/COREQ: GEOL 412. GEOL 416 (GEOPH 416)

GEOL 416 (GEOPH 416) WATERSHED HYDROLOGY (3-0-3)(S).

Interdisciplinary earth science concerned with movement and occurrence of water. Watershed-based hydrologic phenomena including precipitation, evapotranspiration, snow/snowmelt, streamflow, and runoff. Study of processes driving the hydrologic cycle. Application of analytical techniques to solve water resource problems. May be taken for GEOL or GEOPH credit, but not both. REREQ: GEOL 101, MATH 170. GEOL 419 (GEOPH

GEOL 429 FIELD HYDROGEOLOGY (0-3-2)(S).

Field observations and data collection at applied projects in the area. Water-well design and construction, geologic data collection from drill holes, borehole geophysics, well testing, operation of municipal water systems, water rights, and water quality considerations. PREREQ/COREQ: GEOL 412 or PERM/INST.

GEOL 416/516 Physical Hydrology

Hydrology is an interdisciplinary earth science that is concerned with the movement and occurrence of water on earth. Water is our most critical resource. Thus hydrology is important as both a science and engineering discipline. In this course we will investigate hydrologic phenomena with an emphasis on the transport processes that operate in watersheds including precipitation, evapotranspiration, streamflow, snow and snowmelt, and groundwater. We will study the physics behind each process, methods to measure or estimate water flux and storage mechanisms, and analytical techniques to solve water resource problems that are important to both the earth scientist and engineer.

GEOL 580: Select Topics in Watershed Hydrology

The objective of this class is to build upon the knowledge students gained in an introductory process hydrology class to solve applied and basic problems in watershed hydrology, and to review current literature on select hydrologic problems. Students should enter the class with a solid understanding of the physical processes controlling precipitation, evaporation, snow and snowmelt, infiltration, groundwater flow, streamflow, and runoff generation. The specific topics covered in this class will vary year to year depending upon the needs of the students and the interests of the instructor.

GEOL 370/511 Environmental Geology

A study of the ways that geologic materials and processes constrain human activities and interact with the natural environment. Topics covered include the availability and use of geological resources, waste disposal and pollution, mitigation of geological hazards, and implications for public policy. PREQ: an introductory course in geology or geography.

HIST 366 Natural Environment in U.S. History

Examines various historical issues concerning American history and the natural world. Issues include cultural values related to philosophical and religious perspectives on the meaning of nature, the landscape's function in economic development, and forces that produced government policy. Considers the American environment as a vital facet of national identity.

LEGAST 431 NATURAL RESOURCE LAW (3-0-3)(F/S).

Federal public lands and resources; historical development of federal policy; federal/state relations; relations among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government; individual treatment of water, mineral, range, timber, wildlife, recreation, and preservation of natural resources. The role and responsibilities of the legal assistant will be emphasized. PREREQ: LEGAST 305 or PERM/ PROG DIR.

PUBADM 540 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN NATURAL RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION (3-0-3)(F/S).

Examines current and topical issues and controversies in natural resource and environmental policy from the perspective of public policy and public administration.  

PUBADM 541 ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION (3-0-3)(F/S).

Examines aspects of environmental regulatory politics and policy. Topics examined include the politics of regulation, pollution and waste policy, and intergovernmental environmental management.

PUBADM 542 SCIENCE, DEMOCRACY AND THE ENVIRONMENT  (3-0-3)(F/S).

Examines the role of science and scientists in the formation of U.S. environmental policy making.  Special attention is given to the tension between elite and democratic forms of decision making. 

PUBADM 543 PUBLIC LAND AND RESOURCE POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION (3-0-3)(F/S).

Examines the major issues, actors, and policies affecting the public lands and resources of the United States.  Special attention is paid to the processes, institutions, and organizations that influence how public land policy and resource policy is made. PUBADM 581 NATURAL RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

POLS 101 AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT (3-0-3)(F/S)(Area II).

Institutions and processes of the American political system, emphasizing social, ideological, and constitutional background.

POLS 340 ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS (3-0-3)(F/S).

This course explores the political context of natural resource and environmental issues and examines how various aspects of the political process influence natural resource and environmental policy outcomes. PREREQ: POLS 101.

SOC 440 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY (3-0-3)(F/S).

Sociological approach to the study of environmentalism, social implications of environmental policy, environmental conflicts, and the distributive justice nature of environmental issues.

This page last reviewed April 2004

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