Environmental Studies
Course Descriptions
Fall 2005
BIOL 130 - The Botanical World
(4 semester hours)
R. deLanglade
Course Goals: This section of The Botanical World will focus on the natural
world as related to higher plants. The prime goal is to give the students the
necessary framework to understand the botanical world around them.
The course will cover the basic aspects of the science of botany, general plant
structure, growth and development and reproduction as related to plants. Where
appropriate the importance to man/society of the various topics will be discussed.
Assessment: Knowledge of botanical life will be gained through four written
exams, a collection of lay press articles with summaries. Students will also
grow plants in the greenhouse or make a leaf collection.
BIOL 131 - Trees and Shrubs of the Urban and Natural Environments (Woody Plants)
(4 sh.)
R. deLanglade
Will meet R-8 and lab experience for general education requirements or may be
counted in Biology major/minor requirements as a botany course.
Course Goals: This course will focus on the urban and natural environments as
related to woody trees and shrubs and vines. The prime goal of the course is
to give the student the necessary framework to understand and be acquainted
with the woody plant world around them.
Course Subject: The course is to acquaint the student of the various native
and cultivated forms of woody trees, shrubs, and vines as found in natural and
urban environments. Topics to be covered include: basic classification, naming,
use of taxonomic keys, life histories, basic growth patterns, culture and care.
Field trips to various local sites will be taken.
Required Text: Graves, Arthur H., Illustrated Guide to Trees and Shrubs
Assessment: Assessment of student achievement of the stated learning goals will
be by:
1. At least 2 to 3 lecture tests.
2. 2-3 Field identification tests
3. A specimen collection (made with a partner).
4. Oral presentation to the class on a specific current article regarding this
group of plants.
5. A scrap book of current articles in the lay press concerning this group of
plants.
BIOL 143 - Cave Ecology
(4 semester hours)
H. Hobbs
This course is a basic introduction to cave ecology and will follow a lecture-seminar-discussion
format with no formal laboratory. Several field trips to caves will be scheduled
and mini-projects relating to cave ecology will be carried out on these trips.
Much of the term will be spent examining speleogenesis, the structure and function
of cave ecosystems, as well as the evolutionary biology of obligate cave inhabitants.
The grade is based on class participation, mini-projects, one lecture exam,
a short paper, several quizzes, and a final exam.
BIOL 341 - Limnology
(5 semester hours)
H. Hobbs
This writing intensive course offers a study of inland aquatic ecosystems with
emphasis on lakes and streams. Physical, chemical, and biological features are
studied and numerous field experiences supplement lectures. Literature reviews
and an exhaustive bibliographic research paper concerning an appropriate limnological
topic are part of the requirements of this lecture/laboratory course. Chemistry
121 and 162 required.
CHEM 121 - Models of Chemical Systems
(5 semester hours)
A. Anderson, D. Finster, Staff
This is the first semester of the two-semester sequence in General Chemistry
to be taken by all science majors. Chem 121 introduces the student to the study
of chemistry and the variety of models that are used to describe atoms, molecules
and their reactions. Topics include atomic structure, molecular structure, elementary
bonding models, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, acid-base chemistry, and safety
in chemistry. Classroom sessions will include lecture and discussion of homework
problems and labs. Weekly lab experiments will parallel the content of the lecture.
There will be hour exams, a final exam and lab reports.
Prerequisite: Minimum Math Placement score of 24.
CHEM 201 - Organic Chemistry
(5 semester hours)
P. Hanson, Staff
This is a one semester survey course of organic chemistry. The course will cover
aliphatic and aromatic organic compounds and will focus on most common functional
groups. The emphasis will be on bonding and structural theory, nomenclature,
stereochemistry, and reactions of organic molecules. The course has an interactive
lecture format where students will be free to ask questions. Many problems will
be assigned as homework. Reaction mechanisms will be emphasized as the basis
for understanding organic reactions. The course will meet MWF and have a weekly
4-hour laboratory. The laboratory will emphasize the techniques for preparation,
isolation, analysis, and spectral identifications of organic compounds.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 162. Required for all chemistry and biology majors.
CHEM 271 - Biochemistry I
(4 semester hours)
A. Anderson
A survey of biochemistry is provided in this lecture-based course. Topics to
be covered include the structure and function of biological macromolecules (proteins,
lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids), a brief introduction to enzyme kinetics
and mechanisms, biochemistry thermodynamics, and a survey of metabolic pathways.
There is no laboratory with this course.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 201 and Biology 170 or permission of instructor.
ECON 350 - Environmental and Natural Resources
(4 semester hours)
D. Wishart
This course will enable students to discuss alternative views on the relationship
between population growth and the prospects for improvement in living standards
over time. The relationship between population growth and living standards will
be examined in the context of different economic models in the light of empirical
evidence. Students will also learn about the role that markets play in allocating
scarce renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. Limitations of a market
approach to allocation of natural resources will be considered. Policy options
for coping with environmental degradation that emobyd market and nonmarket approaches
will be evaluated. Two exams and a final will be given. Students will writre
a 10 to 15 page resarch paper. The format is lecture/discussion. Writing Intensive.
Prerequisites: Econ 190 and Math 120 or their equivalents.
GEOG 220N - Physical Geography
(4 semester hours)
R. Lenz
Climate, vegetation, soils, and landform formation processes all influence human
activity in any region; they are the focus of this process-oriented study of
the physical environment. Heat and water budgets and their influence upon ecosystem
development as well as fluvial, glacial, and coastal land shaping processes
will be studied. Relationships between human activity and various physical environments
of the world provide a central theme. Evaluation will be based on four exams
and numerous in-class lab exercises. Prerequisite: Math Placement 22.
GEOG 222B - Weather and Climate
(5 semester hours)
R. Lenz
Climate patterns pose fundamental limits to ecosystem development, and therefore
control the ways people can interact with the environment. Global climate patterns
are the focus of this course, and there are two main goals. In the first part
of the course, we will seek an understanding of the processes responsible for
climate through study of atmospheric dynamics that create weather patterns across
the globe. Then we will consider climatic classifications, and relate them to
real-world responses of vegetation regimes to global climate patterns. Laboratory
work is scheduled for Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Ten lab exercises
and four exams will be the basis for evaluation. Prerequisite: Math Placement
22.
GEOG 230S - Urban Geography
(4 semester hours)
O. Medvedkov
World urbanization has increased dramatically in the course of the 20th century.
About 50% of the global population lives in cities now versus 5% in the 1800s.
Developed countries are 73% urbanized, with Europe and Russia facing shrinking
populations. Developing countries with a large portion of their population in
rural areas face an extremely fast rate of urbanization, and lead the world
in number of mega-cities, often surrounded by shanty towns. What is the origin
or urban growth and decline? What is the spatial organization of a settlement’s
network? What is the structure of the land use in North American cities, and
how different it is from European, Russian, Latin American, and Asian centers?
All these questions require that cities be constantly rediscovered. The emphasis
will be on American cities with their long standing inner-city/suburb dichotomy.
A lecture/discussion format is anticipated. Field assignments connect theories
to the real world. There will be two exams, one oral report, a final paper,
and several field and computer assignments. Prerequisite: Math Placement 22.
This course is on WebCT.
GEOL 111- Introduction to Geology: Earthquakes and Volcanoes
(4 semester hours)
Katherine Bladh
This section focuses on the geology of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. A
geologic understanding of these hazards, by means of class study of such topics
as the products of deadly eruptions and how earth materials respond to earthquake
shaking, allows educated citizens to make informed decisions in order to lessen
damage and loss of life caused by these hazards. $15.00 will be added to tuition
bill to pay for class books. This amount covers the textbook and lab manual
(no other book is required). The course has two one-hour lectures and one two-hour
lab per week. Attendance at both hours of lab is required. Math placement of
22 or above recommended.
GEOL 150 - Physical Geology
(5 semester hours)
M. Zaleha
Geology 150 is a comprehensive introduction to the science of geology. The course
is recommended for students who are interested in the possibility of a geology
major or minor, other science majors, or any student who desires a more comprehensive
treatment of geology. Concepts and topics include: (1) the structure and constitution
of the Earth, (2) internal and surficial processes, (3) recent research concerning
the nature and origin of the continents and ocean basins, and (4) methodology,
experimentation, and observations used by geologists in attempting to understand
the physical and biological evolution of Earth through time. Videos, 35 mm slides,
demonstrations and field trips augment the course. The lab includes an introduction
to the use of topographic maps, aerial photographs, and geologic maps. Lab manual
fee of $5 is billed directly. Math placement 22 or above recommended. Students
who have taken a course from the Geology 110 series (Geol 110-115) are not eligible.
GEOL 240 - Process Geomorphology
(5 semester hours)
J. Ritter
Landforms are a function of geology (lithology and structure), climate and tectonics,
as well as the resultant earth processes that operate on them. In process geomorphology
we will study earth surface processes and their impact on landforms. Weathering,
mass wasting, stream erosion and deposition, groundwater, and glacial processes
among others will be studied in the context of a course project. The course
project will focus on regional landscape evolution. Each student will be responsible
for developing a research project, paper, and presentation based on one of these
topical areas as it pertains to the course project. Laboratory sessions will
focus on topical areas of the course and involve tools that can be used to collect
and analyze data pertaining to the project. The tools will include GIS, map
and photo interpretation, and several topic-specific field techniques related
to streamflow, soils, and infiltration, among others. Prerequisite: a course
from the Geology 110 Series (Geol 110-115) or Geology 150 or permission of the
instructor.
MATH 127 - Introductory Statistics
(4 semester hours)
D. Andrews
A study of statistics as the science of using data to glean insight into real-world
problems. Includes graphical and numerical methods for describing and summarizing
data, sampling procedures and experimental design, inferences about the real-world
processes that underlie the data, and student projects for collecting and analyzing
data. Open to non-majors only.
Prerequisites: Math Placement Level 23 or higher (Note: A student may receive
credit for only one of the following statistics courses: MATH 127, MATH 227,
PSYC 107, or MGT 210). Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
MATH 205 - Applied Matrix Algebra
(4 semester hours)
A. Stickney
A course in matrix algebra and discrete mathematical modeling which considers
the formulation of mathematical models, together with analysis of the models
and interpretation of the results. Primary emphasis is on those modeling techniques
which utilize matrix methods. Such methods are now in wide use in areas such
as economic input-output models, population growth models, Markov chains, linear
programming, computer graphics, regression, numerical approximation, and linear
codes.
Students in this course are required to have a TI-83, TI-84, or TI-86 graphing
calculator for use in class, for homework, and for tests. A TI-89, TI-92, or
Voyage 200 are also acceptable. The final grade in the course is based on quizzes,
tests, and a comprehensive final exam.
This course is a prerequisite for MATH 360 (Linear Algebra), and should be taken
by all sophomore mathematics majors. Prerequisite: MATH 201. Mathematical-reasoning
intensive.
MATH 215 - Differential Equations
(4 semester hours)
J. Davenport
An introduction to elementary ordinary differential equations. Topics covered
will include first-order equations, linear equations, nonhomogeneous equations,
variation of parameters, linear systems, power series solutions, numerical methods
and applications.
The final grade in this course is based on quizzes, tests, a computer project,
and a comprehensive final exam. Prerequisite: MATH 202. Mathematical-reasoning
intensive.
MATH 227 - Data Analysis
(4 semester hours)
D. Andrews
This introductory statistics course is designed not just for students majoring
or minoring in math, but for any student who would benefit from a more substantial
introduction to the field. In fact, about half of the students who have taken
this class are not math majors. Students must learn general principles and techniques
for summarizing and organizing data effectively, for designing observational
studies and experiments, and for drawing specific inferences from such studies.
Data analysis software is used daily. In addition to regular homework and periodic
tests and quizzes, students are expected to collaborate on data analysis projects.
Prerequisite: Math Placement Level 25 (Note: A student may not receive credit
for more than one of the following: MATH 127, MATH 227, PSYC 107, or MGT 210).
Mathematical-reasoning intensive.
POLI 320 - Public Administration
(4 semester hours)
R. Baker
Using a systems framework, this course focuses on politics and policymaking
of the federal bureaucracy. Emphasis is on how bureaucrats and bureaucratic
gencies interact with each other, and with other political factors at the federal
level. The course combines lectures with seminar discussion format. Students
will be asked to write 4 critical book reviews, and an article summary. Two
essay exams will also be given. Writing intensive.
Prerequisites: POLI 101 and Junior Standing
