Environmental Science

ENVS 1100. Transitioning to University Studies and Environmental Science. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

Practical study designed to prepare the student for university life, aid in the development of skills for academic success, promote personal growth and responsibility, and encourage active involvement in the learning process from an individual college perspective.

ENVS 1101. Environmental Science Introductory Seminar. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of environmental science. The class will introduce students to the major science subfields of ecology, geology, and chemistry as well as the social policy subfield consisting of laws and regulations, ethics, and geography.

ENVS 1301. Society, Natural Resources, and the Environment. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides a broad overview of the role of the environment and natural resources in human society, with particular emphasis on Texas and the United States. A history of the environmental movement is presented. Students study the importance of natural resources in providing basic human necessities, and how these resources are managed. Various careers in environmental science, natural resource management, and wildlife conservation are also discussed.

ENVS 1302. Science, Technology, and the Environment. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of environmental science and explores the interrelationships between science, technology, environment, and society. This class examines the scientific and social origins of environmental problems and evaluates the complex role of technology in creating and resolving these concerns.

ENVS 2451. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This is a cross-listed course with GEOG 2451 Intro to GIS. Basic concepts of design, planning and implementation of geographic information systems. Students will learn how to create, manipulate, project, and interpret geographic information. Students are encouraged to take GEOG 1451: Pre-GIS before this course. Lab fee: $2.

ENVS 3302. Soils, Land Use, and The Environment. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Interactions among soil physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting soil, water, and environmental quality. Addressed in relation to land use management practices such as erosion control, soil conservation, soil reclamation, riparian buffers, bioswales, and artificial wetlands. Land use planning tools, including WebSoil Survey and GIS will be used. Prerequisites: WSES/ENVS 3401; or WSES/SOIL 3301 and WSES/SOIL 3101.

ENVS 3305. GIS for Natural Resource Scientists. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

An intermediate course on the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in natural resource management. Builds on concepts learned in introductory GIS course. Laboratory exercises will apply knowledge learned in lectures to solve real world problems in natural resource management using GIS software. Prerequisite: WSES 2451.

ENVS 3307. Systems Thinking. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

This course focuses on the examination and analysis of complex systems, particularly in the environmental, natural resources, and sustainability fields. Major topics will include system structure, system behavior, feedback loops, stock and flow models, non-linear and emergent properties, self-organization, and the application of systems thinking to problem-solving. A significant component of the course will be development and analysis of computer models of complex systems. Prerequisite: C or better in MATH 1314 or equivalent, or approval of the instructor.

ENVS 3315. Sustainability. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Explore the varied perspectives of sustainability and analyze factors that contribute to or decrease system sustainability. Investigation of the social, economic, and environmental barriers to achieving sustainable systems and options for overcoming these barriers. Credit will be awarded only for POLS 3315, ENVS 3315, or WSES 3315. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 or GOVT 2306 or POLS 2304 or approval of the instructor.

ENVS 3323. Ethical Issues in Agriculture and the Natural Resources. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students will examine the several major ethical issues facing agriculture and natural resources sciences in our current society. Readings, discussions and lectures will focus on the scientific, capitalistic, and philosophical motivation in common ethical issues. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to construct and dissect ethical arguments and hopefully become more aware of the ethical dilemmas we all face each day. Can receive credit for WSES 3323, ENVS 3323 or ANSC 3323.

ENVS 3375. Population, Pollution, and Resource Depletion. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Principles and philosophies associated with the development, management, and use of natural resources are studied in the relationship to the ecological and social implications inherent in management alternatives involving the natural environmental and the use of renewable natural resources. Can receive credit for either ENVS 3375 or WSES 3375. Prerequisite: Junior classification.

ENVS 4084. Environmental Science Internship. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Formally arranged and approved on-the-job training with a cooperating sponsor in government or private sector of the environmental field. A minimum of 40 hours of training is required for each hour of academic credit. A maximum of six hours of credit may be earned. Oral and written reports of the experience are required. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior classification and approval of the instructor.

ENVS 4086. Environmental Problems. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Independent study or research of current topics in student's major. Content and credit dependant on depth of study. May be repeated for credit subject to approval of program lead or department head as appropriate.

ENVS 4088. Undergraduate Research. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Fundamental research methods will be addressed through a faculty-directed project. Participation in an abbreviated lecture series may be required. Project components may include a literature review, data collection and analysis, testing, planning, project design, and/or computer modeling. the student may be required to prepare a final report and produce a presentation. Prerequisite: approval of the instructor.

ENVS 4090. Special Topics. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Selected topics in environmental science. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

ENVS 4185. Seminar. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

A review of current problems and developments in environmental arena. Discussions of current literature and research. May be repeated once for credit.

ENVS 4187. Environmental Science Capstone. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

Integrate and use fundamental concepts learned in previous environmental science courses to research and analyze real-world environmental issues. Oral and written reports on experiential learning, supplemented by appropriate internet and multimedia materials.

ENVS 4340. Environmental Science Field Study. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A field course involving visits to environmental science businesses, agencies, and organizations including TCEQ, watershed management organizations, river authorities, energy companies, and environmental advocacy organizations to learn about their work and engage in hands-on assessment activities. Requires an extended field trip at student’s expense. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in either WSES 2405 or BIOL 4401.

ENVS 4350. Energy and the Environment. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Overview of the relationship between domestic energy supply and its environmental impacts. This class investigates international environmental affairs' impact on the United States' domestic energy sources. Prerequisite: Communication Core Component Area complete.

ENVS 4380. Environmental Science Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Integrate and use fundamental concepts learned in previous environmental science courses to research and analyze real-world environmental issues. Oral and written reports on experiential learning, supplemented by appropriate internet and multimedia materials. Prerequisite: Senior Classification.

ENVS 4390. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

.

ENVS 5086. Environmental Problems. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-3 Hours).

Independent research under the supervision of an instructor. A formal report will be submitted to the instructor. A student may not count more than 6 hours of Environmental Science problems toward a degree. Lab fee $2.

ENVS 5088. Thesis. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Scheduled when the student is ready to begin the thesis. No credit until the thesis is completed.

ENVS 5185. Graduate Seminar. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

A graduate seminar with content varying according to the needs and experiences of students and the instructor of record. May be repeated for up to four hours credit as content varies.

ENVS 5300. The Regulatory Environment. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of local, state, national, and international regulatory agencies to include their organization and authority. Case studies of environmental problems and legislated regulations are covered.

ENVS 5301. International Environmental Issues. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A seminar on environmental politics and policy on the international level. The focus of this course is upon international environmental policy with particular attention paid to the agreements and treaties made by nations to shape and implement environmental policy, plus a comparative study of how other nations and states address the environment.

ENVS 5310. Environmental Geology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Explores the physical controls geology imparts to the global ecosystem through systems analysis of geologic processes. Focus on the interaction between major geologic and environmental systems, including the rock cycle, weathering and erosion, soil, structures, mass wasting, plate structure and kinematics, mapping, engineering geology, hydrogeology, energy resources, hazards, waste management, and the effects of changing climate. Prerequisites: At least 4 contact hours of Geology, and 4 contact hours of Chemistry.

ENVS 5311. Environmental Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Study of the impact of chemistry on the environment to include topics on air, water, and soil pollution, with special emphasis on water. Beneficial chemical modification of the environment will be covered.

ENVS 5312. Environmental Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focuses on the role of the American judiciary with respect to environmental policy and law, with particular emphasis on judicial review of environmental legislation and regulations, state-versus-federal environmental matters, and judicial review and interpretation of environmental treaties to which the United States is a party.

ENVS 5313. Sustainability Policy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This class focuses on the world movement towards sustainability, urban sustainability, corporate leadership in sustainability, and the use of sustainability benchmarks. This class will also focus on rationales on creating sustainability reports, public policy analysis using sustainability reports, and creation of sustainability reports.

ENVS 5314. Environmental and Restoration Biology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Study of human interactions with plants and animals within ecosystems with an emphasis on conservation and restoration ecology. Outdoor laboratories and restoration of plant communities are required.

ENVS 5320. Issues in Water Resources. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will provide a broad introduction to the critical issues relating to the world's freshwater resources. Students will examine the occurrence, use, management, and conservation of water and water resources in the U.S. and the world. Students will develop an understanding of the history and current issues in water resources and the environmental problems and political response to these issues.

ENVS 5325. Environmental Hydrology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An examination of the processes that govern the earth's hydrologic cycle such as precipitation, evaporation and transpiration, runoff, infiltration and ground water and an exploration of anthropogenic effects on the hydrologic cycle. Topics include land-atmosphere interactions, movement of water in subsurface environments, contaminant transport in groundwater systems, streamflow generation, surface-water flow dynamics, urban runoff and flood control.

ENVS 5329. Applications of Geographic Information Systems in Environmental Science. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Environmental and natural resource applications of Geographic Information Systems. Introduction to spatial analysis and 3-D analysis. The availability and uses of digital resources. Prerequisite: EASC 2320. Lab fee $2.

ENVS 5331. Advanced Meteorology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The study of the Earth’s atmosphere and processes within it. Topics include weather, climate, heating, adiabatic processes, precipitation types and formation, wind currents, geostrophic effects, prediction, and warnings. Historical events will be discussed in context of modern understanding.

ENVS 5335. Watershed Modeling. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 2 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

The course will explore commonly used watershed models that can be used in linking sources of pollutants to receiving waterbodies. The course will explore large watershed, streamflow, water quality, urban watershed, and agricultural watershed models. Information will include model calibration and evaluation techniques.

ENVS 5341. Environmental Site Assessment. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Introduction to Phase I and Phase II investigations, principles of siting and installation of monitoring wells, a review of sampling methods and sample design, and the use of water quality data to characterize subsurface contamination. Prerequisite Course(s): Hydrogeology or consent of Department Head.

ENVS 5345. Advanced Oceanography. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An integrated study of our oceans from the physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects. Theory reinforced by practical field experience. Include analysis of seawater components, the effects of pollutants, and the impacts of chemical processes on marine organisms, as well as studying the physical conditions and physical processes within the ocean such as waves, currents, eddies, gyres and tides; the transport of sand on and off beaches; coastal erosion; and the interactions of the atmosphere and the ocean.

ENVS 5362. Environmental Policy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The study of the politics of the natural environment with emphasis on the role of government in environmental protection.

ENVS 5370. Research & Analytical Methods. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Research and analytical methods for Environmental Scientists. Explores the various approaches, methodologies, and philosophies behind research techniques.

ENVS 5380. Research and Writing in Agriculture and Environmental Science. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Preparation of writing samples, technical reviews, and/or professional manuscripts related to various topics in agriculture or environmental science. Prerequisite: Approved research methodology course. Cross-listed with AGRI 5380.

ENVS 5390. Topics in Environmental Science. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Scientific aspects of varied environmental topics, which may include waste disposal, wetlands, air pollution, energy, bioremediation, or watershed analysis. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisites: 12 hours of science (including six hours of chemistry) or approval of department head.

ENVS 5460. Applied Remote Sensing. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

An introduction to the features and interpretation of remotely sensed images from airborne and satellite platforms. Formats of imagery will include radar, thermal, and multispectral. Focus on interpretation of images for various usages, including agriculture, forestry, geology, urban landscapes, and geography. Factors affecting acquisition of a variety of features will be discussed. Introduction to the theory of color sensing and interpretation is included. Lab fee: $2.