Environmental Studies (EVR)

This course is a survey of basic chemical, biological, and physical principles of environmental science and their applications to environmental issues. This course is appropriate for students in a wide range of disciplines or programs.

Provides a broad overview of environmental health within a human and ecological health context. Students become familiar with a broad range of environmental health issues.

This interdisciplinary course surveys the history and current conditions of environmental policy development and decision-making in the U.S., introducing: the process of environmental policy making; the context in which environmental policy is made; and the conceptual structure, practical implementation, and underlying rationale of environmental policies and regulations.

This is an orientation course for students enrolled in or interested in enrolling in the Environmental Studies Major or interested in careers in environmental fields. The course has several objectives. The first is to orient students to the Environmental Studies Program requirements. Students will also be provided with career and graduate school information. Additionally, students will discuss local and regional environmental and sustainability issues and begin student career counseling.

Examination of a number of different environmental philosophies as they have been presented through a variety of forms of human expression. Topic center on environmental thought in North American, but philosophies from other cultures, particularly indigenous peoples, will also be studied.

This course explores a variety of methods for communicating science using virtual communication methods. We will learn theory and techniques for a crucial and fast-evolving demand, on-line communication among technical specialists, and assess the effectiveness of those techniques.

The natural environments of a selected region of the globe and critical environmental issues are examined within their ecological, cultural, economic, and historical contexts. Multiple sources of information including scientific data and artistic impression are utilized.

Understanding of ecological and environmental aspects of microorganisms including recently amended global estimation of microbial contribution in our planet and technology developments.

Studies human community patterns from a systems perspective to include energy use, food production, population growth, and interactions with other species. Applying ecological principles, students examine the interactions of the human population, the use of renewable and non-renewable resources and pollution problems and solutions.

Systems simulation and modeling techniques are used in this course to investigate environmental problems and issues and to develop practical solutions. Students will work in teams to develop models for selected issues. The use of models for predicting future impacts and developing policy will be discussed.

To provide a basic understanding of geographic information system concepts as applied to environmental science using ArcGIS.

Water resources regulations, management decisions, and public policies in the U.S., emphasizing current problems of water supply and water quality in southwest Florida. Application of quantitative techniques and policy analysis to critique of specific water resources decisions.

Principles and practices of environmental restoration. Examines ecological theory in relation to restoration using case studies from terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in South Florida and other areas of the world.

Holistic approach to planning and management, incorporating ecological, social, and economic concepts into an examination of selected case studies.

Conservation strategies enabling communities to build sustainable futures, including the maintenance of healthy and diverse natural environments, renewable natural resources, and sustainable economies. Case studies will be used to identify practical problem-solving approaches by means of integrated lectures and class projects.

This course examines the drivers of wildlife extinction and proposed solutions and controversies using a combination of applied readings and case studies.

This course provides experience in the logistics of field trip planning, outdoor group management, outdoor safety, and other issues related to outdoor and non-formal environmental education. National curricula in environmental education will be explored and evaluated.

This interdisciplinary course explores the development of and shifts in environmental policy. It combines widely accepted theories of policy change with domestic and international case studies.

An introduction to environmental policy emphasizing climate change, biodiversity, and economic growth. Also includes discussion of regulatory policies, taxes, market solutions, and other policy solutions applied to energy policy, transportation policy, endangered species, and materials used.

Individual study by students under the direction of a faculty member.

Research projects are developed by one or more students under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The research project is designed to hone skills in applying research principles, obtain practice in data collection and analysis, and to develop knowledge and skills in potential professional areas.

A continuation of the senior project, students will be expected to prepare and present a summary of their research. The presentation may be oral, written, multimedia, or in another form but accompanied by a report. Work will be completed with a faculty mentor.

An in-depth examination of the theory, methods, and contemporary practices in interpretation of the natural and cultural environment from literature review, field analysis and research investigations. Design and assessment of exhibits, trails, signage, creative drama, comprehensive programs and their staffing, management and funding.

Special sessions exploring the current issues in Environmental Studies. Topics may vary; they are selected on the basis of what is new or currently relevant in the field.

Survey of historical and current philosophies and their applications in practice. Explores interpretations of what the content and processes of environmental knowledge and understanding ought to be.

Topics of current or special interest to students or faculty. Topics or focus vary depending on student/faculty interest.

An internship provides the student with an opportunity to work on a project in the field or laboratory setting, with an environmental agency or education program. This work is usually completed off-campus and the student will have a qualified supervisor at the site as well as a faculty mentor who will jointly evaluate the student's progress.

Studies of the principles of pharmacology and toxicology, toxicity testing, various types of toxicants (natural and anthropogenic), their transport and fate, risk assessment, and examination of case studies.

An in-depth examination of the theory, methods, and contemporary practices in interpretation or the environment from literature review, field analysis and research investigations. Design and assessment of exhibits, trails, signage, creative drama, comprehensive programs and their staffing, management and funding. (Permission of instructor required)

The history, content, strategies, methods, assessment, funding, in the context of environmental education, its evolution to education for a sustainable future will be examined in the framework of local to global programs and trends.

An introduction to practice and principles of scientific methods. Includes basic observational, sampling and analytical techniques in environmental science. Topics include hypotheses testing, data collection, quality control/quality assurance, statistical analyses of data, and preparation of scientific reports.

Data Analysis in Environmental Science will equip students with necessary skills for effective experimental design, and techniques for analyzing and interpreting environmental science data. This course provides hands-on learning with student generated data.

A critical analysis of U.S. policies for water quality protection and scientific methods used to develop policy and make management decisions. Students learn the regulatory framework, master selected quantitative analytical methods, and apply methods to real-world data from recent watershed management plans.

The course combines economics, policy, and science to study how natural resources and ecosystems are managed and considers environmental resource management issues as relating to wilderness, recreational, agricultural and urban areas.

Concepts and applications of sustainability will be discussed in the context of conserving healthy and diverse natural ecosystems and renewable natural resources, and the design of sustainable economies on local, regional, national, and international levels.

Focuses on techniques and evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of organizations involved in environmental services. Students are exposed to evaluation frameworks employed by such organizations as NSF, EPA, NOAA, WHO, the Kellogg Foundation.

Individual study by graduate students under direction of a faculty mentor. The topic will be determined between the student and faculty member. Instructor permission required.

Courses will be developed based on topics of special interest to students or faculty. Topics or focus will vary.