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ENVR 101: Introduction to Environmental Science (Dr. Braswell), (Dr. Pillar)
A study of some of the environmental issues confronting our modern society. Selected scientific principles aer considered for a basic understanding of environmental problems, and some attention is given to the role of science and technology in the development and possible solutions of the problems. Specific topics include: natural ecosystems, human population, food production, energy, transportation, water pollution, air pollution and global warming. Three hours lecture, two and half hours of laboratory a week. 4 Hrs. This course is designed to meet the laboratory requirement for non-science majors. No prerequisites.
ENVR 102: Introduction to Geology
This course covers Earth properties and the dynamics of geologic systems to provide a basic understanding of the resources, environments, and evolution of our planet. The course considers Earth materials, interior structure of the planet, Earth surface processes, landform development, environmental geology, and physical evolution of the Earth. Specific topics include minerals and rocks, plate tectonics, ocean basins, continents, river and groundwater systems, glaciers, volcanism, and earthquakes. Laboratory or field work. 4 Hrs. This course is designed to meet the laboratory requirement for non-science majors. No prerequisites.
BIOL 208: Principles of Biology I
An introduction to the principles underlying the activities of living organisms; origin of life; molecular biology; cell structure and function; and heredity. Laboratory emphasizes the scientific method. Three hours laboratory a week. 4 Hrs. This course is designed to meet the laboratory requirement for non-science majors. No prerequisites.
CHEM 111: Chemistry Principles I
The study of atomic and molecular structures, electronegativity, the relationships of Periodic Table, covalent, ionic and metallic bonding, molecular orbitals, enthalpy and entorpy. 4 Hrs.
CHEM 112: Chemistry Principles II
The study of chemical equilibria, reaction rates, free energy, electro-chemistry, acids, bases and pH and an introcution to carbon chemistry. 4 Hrs. Prerequisite: CHEM 111 or its equivalent.
ENVR 201: Physical Geography
The simplest ingredients of water, soil, rocks, and gravity combine to produce wonderfully complex landscapes on earth. To learn how the earth "works," this course examines how earth's physical processes (e.g. hydrology, geology, geomorphology, climatology) create and modify those landscapes. The design and execution of field research techniques in physical geography (field notes, sketching, soil and water sampling, and mapping) will be emphasized through team and individual research projects. Briefly considered is how landscapes affect other natural phenomena such as vegetation and wildlife. Prerequisite: ENVR 101 or BIOL 103 or CHEM 111 or permission of instructor. 4 Hrs.
ENVR 202: Conservation Biology
The course focuses on the protection and management of biodiversity. Topics include species conservation, causes and consequences of declines in global biodiversity, habitat fragmentation, management approaches, biological reserve design, restoration of ecosystems, sustainable use of biological resources, and the role of conservation biologists in policy making. Prequisites: ENVR 101, BIOL 103, or permission of instructor. 3 Hrs.
ENVR 204: Tropical Island Systems
Tropical islands, often surrounded by thousands of square miles of ocean, have developed from a careful balance of geologic, climatic, and biological processes. Human activities, too, have evolved as part of these tightly connected ecological systems. However, isolation leaves these systems and the people that depend on them vulnerable. This course is intended to provide an overview of the social and ecological processes operating on tropical islands. Specifically, we will examine how islands are formed, how mangrove forests and coral reef ecosystems function, how sustainable development of islands might work, and how island cultural norms affect natural resource management. Special consideration will be given to the islands of Micronesia. 3 Hrs. No prerequistie.
JBIP 210 John Belk International Program Study Tour: The Island of Yap in Micronesia
Dr. Reed Perkins has been running an Environmental Science oriented John Belk International Program study tour to the island of Yap in Micronesia. Students work with faculty and local counterparts on environmental projects chosen by the locals that directly benefit Yap State, part of the Federated States of Micronesia. Projects have included mapping invasive species using GPS/GIS, tracking beach erosion and seagrass studies. For more information on this trip, contact Reed or check out the Yap Study Tour page.
ENVR 220/ENST 220: Data Analysis for Natural Sciences
An introduction to the statisical concepts necessary for analyzing data generated trhough research in the natural sciences. Thi couse will introduce the student to data description, the basics of probabilty, and hypothesis tests using examples from environmental science, biology, biochemistry and medicine. Access to Microsoft Excel is required
BIOL 201: Invertebrate Zoology
Study of the invertebrate phyla; comparative anatomy and physiology; natural history; systematics; and evolution. Laboratory includes physiological experiments and emphasizes structure and taxonomy. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory a week. Prerequisite: BIOL 103. 4 Hrs.
BIOL 202: Vertebrate Zoology
A survey of vertebrate phyla with comparative study of structures and their development and evolution. Laboratory includes dissection of vertebrats and microscopic study of embryological structures. Prerequisite: BIOL 103. 4 Hrs.
BIOL 204: Botany
Morphological survey of algae, fungi and plants, emphasizing evolutionary adaptation and indentification of local flora. Two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory a week. Prerequisite: BIOL 103 or permission of instructor. 4 Hrs.
BIOL 230: Field Studies in Biology
Includes studies in selected habtiats or of particular groups of animals or plants, or travel-study to unusual habitats or ecosystems. Topics are announced in advance. May be repeated with different topics. Prerequisite: BIOL 103 or permission of instructor. 4 Hrs.
ENVR 300: Research Methods
This course is designed to prepare students to conduct independent research projects in their senior year. The course will be organized around a group research project. The course will develop skills in research planning; experimental design; use of field, laboratory, and computer techniques; statistical analysis; preparation, criticism, and oral presentation of study plans; communication of research findings. Prerequisite ENVR 101, ENVR 102, BIOL 103, CHEM 111, or PHYS 101. 3 Hrs.
ENVR 301: Geographic Information Systems
Maps are simple: they show where objects are in the world relative to other things. But maps are limited. Once they are printed, it is impossible to update the informatoin they contain without scribbling lots of notes in the margins. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful computer tool used not only for making maps, but also for managing and analyzing information shown on the map. Understanding the location and status of any landscape feature (and how that status may have changed over time) greatly improves our knowledge of how the landscape works. This course aims to provide students a basic, functional knowledge of ArcGIS software. 3 Hrs.
ENVR 302: Soil and Water Science
In this course you will learn about the components and processes of a dynamic, complex, multidimensional environmental system simply called soil. Soil is a global natural resource vital for water, nutrient, and energy cycling; food production, and sustaining a quality and aesthetic environment. Soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and functions will be covered in relation to water, nutrient and energy cycles; plant growth; land use and environmental quality; and impacts on society and culture. This introductory course will instill awareness of soil as a basic natural resource, the use and exploitation of which has considerable influence on human society and life in general. This course does include lab and/or field work. Prerequisite: BIOL 1111 or high school chemistry or permission of instructor. 4 Hrs.
BIOL 304: Ecology
Relationship of organisms to their environment; populations and communities; aquatic and terrestrial habitats; statistical methods. Laboratory includes both experimental and field studies. Three hours lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 103 or permission of instructor. 4 Hrs.
BIOL 309: Marine Biology
Introduction to oceanography and marine biology emphasizing the ecology, distribution and classification of marine organisms. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week, including one weekend field trip. Prerequisites: BIOL 103 and 201. 4 Hrs.
CHEM 305: Quantitative Analysis
Introcution to the theory and practice of quantitative analytical chemistry. Topics include volumetric analysis, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and chromatography. Prerequisite: CHEM 112. 3 Hrs.
CHEM 307: Instrument Analysis
A second course in analytical chemistry, treating the theory and operation of electronic instrumentation. Prerequisite: CHEM 305 or permission of instructor. 3 Hrs.
POLS 340: Environmental Politics
This course examines key issues in the area of environmental protection, focusing on how political actors make decisions about environmental policy. A look at the historical evolution of environmental issues, the extent of an environmental "crisis" and related moral and ethical questions. Topics include population growth, land and water protection, air quality (including ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect), the protection of animal life, and the disposal of regular, toxic and nuclear waste. 3 Hrs.
BIOL 402: Genetics
Principles of heredity and variation in plants and animals. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week. Prerequisities: BIOL 103, MATH 121, or permission of instructor. 4 Hrs.
ENVR 250: Topics in Environmental Science
This course provides an opportunity for students and faculty to pursue a subject that is not offered on a regular basis in the curriculum. May be repeated for credit under different subtitles. Lecture and laboratory hours may vary. 1, 2, 3 or 4 Hrs.
ENVR 450: Independent Studies in Environmental Science
This course allows students to pursue independent research proejcts in areas of the student's interest. Written reports and/or oral examinations will be required. This course may be taken more than once for credit, but total credits may not exceed six hours. Prequisite: permission from the instructor. 1, 2, 3 or 4 Hrs.
ENVR 460: Environmental Science Seminar
Invited guests, faculty and students present oral reports on topics of their specific interest and experience in environmental science, environmental studies, and related fields. One hour per week lecture or dicussion. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: BIOL 103, CHEM 101, ENVR 101, or permission of instructor. 1 Hr.
ENVR 490: Senior Project
This course consists of an independent research project. The topic and its scope are determined by the student in consultation with a faculty member. Careful research technique, critical evaluation of data, depth of specialized knowledge, independence and originality are cultivated as the project develops. And oral defense before Division of Science and Mathematics faculty and written thesis are required. Senior Project may be taken twice for projects that span two semesters. Prerequisites: ENVR 101 and ENVR 300. 1-3 Hrs.
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