2014-15-Undergraduate-Catalog

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ES)Course Descriptions • 401ES 101 Introduction to Environmental StudiesIntended for anyone interested in the environment, this course addresses the inter-related scientific, technological,economic, social, political and ethical dimensions of environmental issues. Three credits.ES 105 Field Natural HistoryAn introduction to natural science designed for students not majoring in either environmental studies or biology.Among the topics covered are weather, plate tectonics, geology of the central Appalachians, evolution, pond andstream ecosystems, field and forest succession, plant and animal biology, and the use of identification keys,topographic maps and instruments to measure environmental phenomena. Three lecture hours plus two-hour labper week. ELAB 105 Field Natural History lab must be taken concurrently. Four credits.ES 242 Freshwater Ecology and PollutionExamines the types, biological communities, ecological processes and environmental health of freshwaterecosystems. Emphasis is placed on nutrient cycling, trophic relationships and organisms’ adaptations to life in ponds,lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands. In addition, freshwater pollution sources, effects, measurement techniques andcontrol methods are addressed. Prerequisite: ES 101 or BIO 121 or BIO 122. Three lecture hours and three labhours per week. ELAB 242 must be taken concurrently. Four credits.ES 290 Environmental Issues SeminarAn introduction to current issues and methods in the environmental professions and to selected scientists, thinkersand activists whose efforts have shaped the environmental studies field. The course includes field sessions,laboratory experiences and an examination of career opportunities. Intended for freshmen, sophomores andtransfer students in environmental studies and natural sciences programs but open to all students. Two lecturehours per week. Prerequisite: ES 101 or ES 105 or BIO 121 or BIO 122. Two credits.ES 295 Wildlife Ecology and Habitat ManagementThis course will examine the ecology and management of game and nongame vertebrate species. Specificattention is given to ecological principles, population dynamics, conservation concerns and the management ofpopulation and habitats. Outside field days may be required. Prerequisite: ES 101 or BIO 121 or BIO 122. Threecredits.ES 300 Geographic Information SystemsAn introduction to the theories and applications of geographic information systems (GIS). Emphasis is placed ongeographic information acquisition, manipulation and mapping. An integrated system of lectures and hands-onexercises will be used to gain practical experiences in GIS analysis and visualization. A basic knowledge and use ofcomputers is assumed. Three credits.ES 319 Environmental Policy and ProgramsAn examination of environmental policies, policy formulation, and policy implementation at the community, state,national, and international levels. Programs, both public and private, to protect environmental quality andimplement environmental laws and policies will also be addressed. Trips to the offices of government agencies andnon-governmental organizations supplement lectures. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisite: ES 101. Threecredits.ES 340 Environmental EducationDiscusses the history, settings, methods, and prospects for environmental education. Students examineenvironmental education instructional materials, try out various teaching methods and discuss how the objectivesof environmental education can be translated into programs and activities. Teaching sessions in various formal andinformal education settings arranged. Prerequisites: BIO 121 and BIO 122 or ES 101, and at least two naturalscience courses at the 200-level or above. Three-hour lecture plus three-hour laboratory per week. ELAB 340Environmental Education lab must be taken concurrently. Four credits.ES 390 Environmental Research SeminarAn examination of selected research techniques for assessing environmental quality. The course includes fieldsessions, laboratory experiences and discussions with environmental professionals. Intended for juniors and seniorsin environmental studies and natural sciences programs. Two lecture hours per week. Prerequisite: ES 101 or ES105 or ES 290 or BIO 321. Two credits.