This course introduces the students to the basic concepts in ecology and to the application of those concepts to current environmental issues. Topics include: the relationships between organisms and the environment; factors that influence distribution and abundance of organisms; population structure and regulation; energy flow, nutrient cycling, and community development, structure, and response to disturbance. A weekly 2 hour laboratory will provide field and laboratory experiences for the students. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 2 hours.
This course provides an instruction to geology and hydrology with an emphasis on understanding natural geological processes and the effects of human activities. Major topics include: plate tectonics; formation and classification of rocks and minerals; the processes affecting the hydrologic cycle; soil formation and classification; subsurface geology and groundwater movement; stream formation and flow; floods; and human impacts to stream hydrology and morphology. Lecture: 3 hours.
This is a laboratory course which provides the fundamental in evaluating and designing sampling approaches for different situations and different media. The course will provide students with field experience in sampling soil, surface water, groundwater, and benthic invertebrates. Laboratory: 4 hours. Prerequisite: EST 150 or consent of instructor.
This course examines freshwater ecosystems and typical aquatic pollutants. Discussion topics focus on the sources, transport, fate, and effects of common pollutants such as domestic wastewater, metals, acidity, and pesticides. Methods to minimize or eliminate the sources and effects of pollutants are also explored. Lecture: 3 hours. Prerequisites or concurrent: EST 150, EST 160, CHE 105, and CHM 105 or consent of instructor.
An overview of the morphology, life history and ecology of freshwater invertebrates and their habitats as well as their importance and role in stream protection and restoration. Students will learn how to collect preserve and identify freshwater invertebrates. Students will learn how to calculate and analyze biometrics used to infer stream quality. Prerequisite: EST 150. Component: Lecture
This course provides focused study of the chemistry of water. The course will provide students with laboratory experience in analyzing surface, ground, and drinking waters for a variety of chemical constituents. Laboratory: 4 hours. Prerequisite: CHE 105, CHM 105, and prerequisite or concurrent EST 220.
This course provides an introduction to the study of ambient and indoor air pollution with an emphasis on sources, dispersion, and health and welfare effects of the major pollutants. Both regulatory and engineering controls of stationary and mobile sources are explored. A laboratory provides experience with sampling and analysis of air pollutants. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 2 hours. Prerequisite: EST 150 and CIS 130 or equivalent or consent of instructor.
This course examines methods of managing solid and hazardous waste, with an emphasis on pollution prevention. Topics covered include relevant legislation, recycling, inceneration, landfill operations, management of radioactive waste, remediation of waste sites and site worker health and safety. Lecture: 3 hours. Prerequisite: EST 150 and EST 160 or consent of instructor.
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of analyzing environmental media. The course will provide students with laboratory experience in analyzing soil, surface water, groundwater, air and microbial samples. Laboratory: 4 hours. Prerequisite: CHE 105, CHM 105, and prerequisite or concurrent EST 170.
This course is structured to provide the students with a basic understanding of major current federal and state environmental legislation and regulation with an emphasis on those portions that affect the regulated community. The course will also include an examination of the role of common law and the branches of government in environmental protection. Lecture: 3 hours. Prerequisite or concurrent: EST 220, EST 240, and EST 250 or consent of instructor.
This course provides an examination or current approaches used to address a variety of environmental problems. Students will hear and critique presentations from professionals in the environmental field. Students will also research and give a presentation on a specific method to minimize or eliminate a current environmental problem. Lecture: 1 hour. Prerequisites or concurrent: COM 181 or COM 252, EST 170, EST 220, EST 260, and EST 250 or consent of instructor.
A special project or experience in Environmental Science will be selected to enhance core material in the Environmental Science Technology Program. It provides the student an opportunity for independent study or specialized instruction as approved by an instructor. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours.
Courses count as a General Education Science Requirement