Environmental Science (EVS)

Ecotoxicology, natural and anthropogenic contaminants, toxicological assessments, bio-indicators, biological effects of contaminants and mechanisms of response inorganisms, properties, transport, fate and effects of various contaminant groups in terrestrial and aquatic environments, risk assessment and remediation efforts.

This course will explore both historic and predicted climate change and the resulting impacts on the ecology of plants and animals. We will begin by developing an understanding of the factors that influence the Earth's climate both globally and regionally and investigate what we currently understand about the impacts of human-induced climate change since the onset of the Industrial Revolution. The course will be broken into several sections. The first will be an introduction to the Earth's climate system and climate change. The second investigates the impacts currently being observed in nature. The third section explores historical patterns of climate change impacts on biological systems. We will then use our knowledge to look at how theory and modeling can be used to predict future responses to climate change.

Multidisciplinary approach for assessing risks to non-human biota posed by both chemical and non-chemical stressors in different habitats. Covers the process of collecting, organizing, and analyzing information to provide information to risk managers about potential adverse effects of different management decisions.

Current issues, concepts, research, and practices related to the areas of ecosystems conservation, green building/design, and sustainability will be investigated and discussed. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor

An overview of major environmental and natural resources issues, emphasing the development of public policies to address them and current controversies. Particular attention will be given to identifying and evaluating the influence of diverse political and economic interests on environmental policy development.

Professional internship required of students enrolled in the non-thesis option of the MA Environmental Studies program. May serve as elective in MS Environmental Science program.

Second of a 2-semester sequence of professional internship required of students enrolled in the non-thesis option of the MA Environmental Studies program.

Original research in Environmental, biological, and Marine Sciences. Project to be chosen by the student in consultation with Thesis Major Advisor, advising committee and the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.