Column one has the course number and section. Other columns show the course title, days offered, instructor's name, room number, if the course is cross-referenced with another program, and a option to view additional course information in a pop-up window.

FYS: The Natural History of the Homewood Campus
AS.001.167 (01)

Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus and its surroundings is a wonderful green space in the middle of Baltimore City. This First-Year Seminar will introduce students to both the visible and cryptic organisms living above- and belowground. A combination of observational and sampling techniques will be used to demonstrate how ecologists collect data about plants, insects, and other organisms. In the classroom, these field observations, combined with reading material will be used to discuss global environmental issues including climate change on biodiversity, invasive species, and human impacts on the landscape. By the end of the course students will be able to generate research questions based upon field observations and appreciate the diverse life forms both in Earth and in our backyard. Students should be prepared to spend many hours outside.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Instructor: Szlavecz, Katalin
  • Room: Gilman 413
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

From Hollow Earth to Plate Tectonics
AS.270.211 (01)

How do mountains form? What do fossils record? Today, answers to these questions might talk of plate tectonics or evolutionary history. However, centuries ago they were met with hypotheses of a shriveling, fluid filled grape-like Earth and the loss of species due to overfishing. Although these rejected hypotheses sound bizarre to the modern ear, they form the backbone of our understanding of the Earth and evidence the importance of the scientific method. The aim of this course is to investigate geologic concepts through the lens of their development through history. Subjects to be covered include the advent of modern geology, the evolution of the ways geologists tell time, and the development of theories related to mountain building and plate movement. Students will also explore modern questions in Earth Science and investigate how hypotheses are tested today. In this seminar-style course, classes will revolve around discussions of secondary and primary sources. By exploring the history of geology, students will gain a deeper understanding of Earth system processes and the application of the scientific method.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
  • Instructor: Lonsdale, Mary C
  • Room: Olin 204
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 14/18
  • PosTag(s): n/a

The Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Geology
AS.270.220 (01)

Basic concepts in geology, including plate tectonics; Earth’s internal structure; geologic time; minerals; formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; development of faults, folds and earthquakes; geomagnetism. Corequisite (for EPS Majors): AS.270.221; optional for others. The course is introductory and open to undergraduates at all levels; freshmen are encouraged to enroll.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
  • Instructor: Lewis, Kevin; Viete, Daniel R
  • Room: Olin 305
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 11/50
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MINOR, ENVS-MAJOR, ARCH-RELATE

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial Analysis
AS.270.205 (01)

The course provides a broad introduction to the principles and practice of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related tools of Geospatial Analysis. Topics will include history of GIS, GIS data structures, data acquisition and merging, database management, spatial analysis, and GIS applications. In addition, students will get hands-on experience working with GIS software.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
  • Instructor: Chen, Xin
  • Room: Krieger 108
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 4/24
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MAJOR

Geoscience Modeling
AS.270.307 (01)

An introduction to modern ways to interpret observations in the context of a conceptual model. Topics include model building, hypothesis testing, and inverse methods. Practical examples from geophysics, engineering, and medical physics will be featured.

  • Credits: 4.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
  • Instructor: Haine, Thomas
  • Room: Olin 145
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 10/15
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

The Dynamic Earth Laboratory
AS.270.221 (01)

This course is a hands-on learning experience for introductory geological concepts and techniques using geological tools, such as mineral/rock samples, microscopes, and maps. Field trips are its essential part. The course is open to undergraduates at all levels; freshmen who wish to get their hands (and boots) dirty are encouraged to enroll.

  • Credits: 2.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: W 1:30PM - 4:00PM
  • Instructor: Lewis, Kevin; Viete, Daniel R
  • Room: Olin 203
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/15
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

Introduction to Global Environmental Change
AS.270.103 (01)

An introduction to the science behind global environmental issues. Earth systems, biogeochemical cycles, and the interrelationships between the living and nonliving world are explored, along with applications to climate change, biodiversity loss, and other issues of global significance.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
  • Instructor: Gnanadesikan, Anand; Zaitchik, Benjamin Frederick
  • Room: Olin 305
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 45/110
  • PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

Soil Ecology
AS.270.332 (01)

The course introduces basic aspects of cycles and flows in the soil ecosystem, and provides students with an overview of the higher groups of soil organisms. Laboratory and field surveying methods are also covered.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: F 1:30PM - 4:00PM
  • Instructor: Szlavecz, Katalin
  • Room: Olin 247
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/10
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

Rocks as Clocks
AS.270.319 (01)

Introduction to radioisotope geo/thermochronology and mantle stable and radioisotope geochemistry. Course covers: (1) methods for dating of rocks and geologic processes using long-half-life radioisotope systems, including the various isotope systems available and their applicability; (2) radioisotope techniques for investigation of the geochemical evolution of the crust and mantle; (3) isotope fractionation and utility of traditional and novel stable isotope geochemistry for interrogating high-temperature processes, and (4) thermochronology and methods for interrogating upper-crustal processes. Recommended course background: AS.270.220 and AS.270.221, or instructor permission.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
  • Instructor: Viete, Daniel R
  • Room: Olin 204
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 11/16
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Clapping Rivers, Talking Snakes: Nature in the Hebrew Bible and Ancient Middle East
AS.130.250 (01)

How did ancient people relate to their environment—the animals, plants, landscapes, and weather with which they interacted? How have modern binary conceptions of ‘nature’ and ‘culture’ or ‘human’ and ‘animal’ influenced our interpretation of ancient texts (along with ancient societies)? What is “the zoological gaze?” This course will focus on these questions and more as it investigates conceptions of nature in the texts of the Hebrew Bible, as well as texts and material culture from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), and the Levant (modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Jordan). We will interrogate various interpretive lenses, including Posthumanism, Animal Studies, and Metaphor Theory, as we explore themes such as creation, nature and divinity, and animals in rituals, legal texts, and prophecies, among others. No previous familiarity with Hebrew language or the Hebrew Bible is needed.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Instructor: Cooper, Stephanie Lynn
  • Room: Gilman 381
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/15
  • PosTag(s): NEAS-HISCUL, ENVS-MAJOR, ARCH-RELATE

A Modern History of Climate Science
AS.270.356 (01)

This course charts the evolution of the field of climate science over the last 250 years. We will explore the history of scientific development that led to advances in climate research in the 19th and 20th century. We will also explore the political and social context in which climate science evolved in the West and the backlash of climate change denial that developed due to the influence of the fossil fuel industry. While this course is focused on history, students will be exposed to introductory scientific and technical concepts needed to understand basic climate science. Our understanding of the earth's climate has come a long way in the last two centuries. We understand the implications of climate change on humanity and have already begun to feel the effects of the changing climate on our society. Yet, it has taken us too long to prioritize climate action and policy. Why does knowledge not always translate into governance and policy? While we understand how the climate impacts our society, do we understand how our society impacts climate research? We will look for answers to these and more questions in this course from a historical framework.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Instructor: Siddiqui, Ali Hasan
  • Room: Olin 145
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/15
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, MSCH-HUM, INST-GLOBAL

Water, Energy, and Food Nexus
AS.271.402 (01)

The water, energy and food (WEF) nexus is a topic of growing interest in the research and policy communities. This course will survey WEF concepts and principles, introduce tools of analysis, and engage students in case studies of critical WEF issues in the United States and internationally.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: Th 3:00PM - 5:30PM
  • Instructor: Burgess, Jerry
  • Room: Olin 247
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 1/14
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, ENGY-SCIPOL, INST-IR

Planetary Surface Processes
AS.270.410 (01)

This course explores processes that influence the evolution of planetary surfaces, including impact cratering, tectonics, volcanism, weathering, and sediment transport. These processes manifest themselves as structural deformation of planetary crusts due to loading by volcanoes, formation of craters by asteroid impacts, modification of surfaces by flowing landslides, rivers and glaciers, and the accumulation and transport of sand in dune fields on various planets. Emphasis is on the relationship to similar Earth processes, and the integrated geologic histories of the terrestrial planets, satellites, and asteroids. The focus will be on developing a physical understanding of these processes to interpret the surface characteristics and evolution of planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets from both qualitative assessments and quantitative measurements obtained from spacecraft data. A key component of the class will be the interpretation of these observations from recent and current planetary missions to the Moon, Mars, and other terrestrial bodies. Recommended Course Background: A sound knowledge of Calculus and Introductory Physics, and some prior knowledge of Earth and/or Planetary Science.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Instructor: Lewis, Kevin
  • Room: Olin 204
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 8/15
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Senior Capstone
AS.271.496 (01)

This seminar will provide the academic space, time, and mentoring for students to integrate, synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills obtained through the ENVS curriculum. The course focuses on the development of critical thinking and oral communication skills through intellectual engagement with complex and challenging environmental problems.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: T 1:30PM - 4:00PM
  • Instructor: Kopelent-Rehak, Jana Hana
  • Room: Olin 304
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/19
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR

Environmental Films and Literature
AS.271.315 (01)

This “book club” style seminar focuses on the exploration, discussion and critical analysis of a range of contemporary environmental films and literature.

  • Credits: 1.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: M 4:30PM - 5:45PM
  • Instructor: Kopelent-Rehak, Jana Hana
  • Room: Olin 304
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/12
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

Environmental Anthropology: Ecological Knowledge, Cultural Practices and Cosmological Systems
AS.271.307 (01)

Ecological and environmental anthropology course focuses on the anthropological assessment of environmental issues, the management of natural resources and the study of biological, cultural, and behavioral factors as they impinge upon our understanding of the environment and our ability to respond to environmentally based opportunities, problems, and crises. Course activities and assignments will investigate how human knowledge is integrated into ecological systems.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Instructor: Kopelent-Rehak, Jana Hana
  • Room: Olin 346
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 19/24
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE

Earth and Planetary Fluids
AS.270.425 (01)

An introductory course on the properties, flow, and transport characteristics of fluids throughout the Earth and planets. Topics covered include: constitutive relationships, fluid rheology, hydrostatics, dimensional analysis, low Reynolds number flow, porous media, waves, stratified and rotating fluids, plus heat, mass, and tracer transport. Illustrative examples and problems are drawn from the atmosphere, ocean, crust, mantle, and core of the Earth and other Planets. Open to graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Recommended Course Background: Basic Physics, Calculus, and familiarity with ordinary differential equations.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
  • Instructor: Barik, Ankit; Gnanadesikan, Anand
  • Room: Olin 145
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 4/15
  • PosTag(s): n/a

How to Live Forever: The Making of the Geologic Record of Life
AS.270.363 (01)

Everything we know about the origins and evolution of life comes from the geologic record: bones and shells, stromatolites, ancient DNA, and subtle variations in the chemical and isotopic composition of rocks. But what processes — biological and abiological — determine which living things really do “live forever” as fossil biosignatures, and which are lost to the sands of time? In this course, students will learn how researchers read and interpret the geologic record of life and quantify its limitations, to better understand how life came to be and how it has changed through time. They will learn how organisms’ lifestyles and metabolisms affect the chemical and physical properties of their environment and how the process of fossilization is facilitated by physiology, ecological relationships, and diagenesis. Students will engage with a wide range of content, from interdisciplinary academic research articles to speculative science fiction, and work with geologic samples and chemical and isotopic datasets.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
  • Instructor: Sanders, Cecilia Brooke
  • Room: Olin 247
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 8/15
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

Senior Seminar
AS.271.499 (01)

This seminar explores topics related to career development and current events to support senior environmental majors as they transition to post-graduate life and work.

  • Credits: 1.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: W 12:00PM - 12:50PM
  • Instructor: Burgess, Jerry; Schantz, Ashley
  • Room: Olin 304
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/19
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR

Present and Future Climate
AS.270.378 (01)

Intended for majors who are interested in the science that underlies the current debate on global warming, the focus is on recent observations one can glean from model simulations. Meets with AS.270.641. Recommended Course Background: AS.110.108-AS.110.109 and AS.171.101-AS.171.102

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
  • Instructor: Osman, Mahmoud; Zaitchik, Benjamin Frederick
  • Room: Olin 304
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 4/12
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

Planets, Life and the Universe
AS.360.339 (01)

This multidisciplinary course explores the origins of life, planet formation, Earth's evolution, extrasolar planets, habitable zones, life in extreme environments, the search for life in the Universe, space missions, and planetary protection. Recommended Course Background: Three upper level (300+) courses in sciences (Biophysics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Math, or Computer Science).

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: MWF 11:00AM - 11:50AM
  • Instructor: DiRuggiero, Jocelyne
  • Room: Hodson 316
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/30
  • PosTag(s): BIOL-UL, CHBE-ACBE

Course # (Section) Title Day/Times Instructor Room PosTag(s) Info
AS.001.167 (01)FYS: The Natural History of the Homewood CampusMW 3:00PM - 4:15PMSzlavecz, KatalinGilman 413
AS.270.211 (01)From Hollow Earth to Plate TectonicsMW 12:00PM - 1:15PMLonsdale, Mary COlin 204
AS.270.220 (01)The Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to GeologyTTh 1:30PM - 2:45PMLewis, Kevin; Viete, Daniel ROlin 305ENVS-MINOR, ENVS-MAJOR, ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.205 (01)Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial AnalysisM 1:30PM - 4:00PMChen, XinKrieger 108ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MAJOR
AS.270.307 (01)Geoscience ModelingTTh 9:00AM - 10:15AMHaine, ThomasOlin 145ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.221 (01)The Dynamic Earth LaboratoryW 1:30PM - 4:00PMLewis, Kevin; Viete, Daniel ROlin 203ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.103 (01)Introduction to Global Environmental ChangeTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMGnanadesikan, Anand; Zaitchik, Benjamin FrederickOlin 305ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.332 (01)Soil EcologyF 1:30PM - 4:00PMSzlavecz, KatalinOlin 247ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.319 (01)Rocks as ClocksTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMViete, Daniel ROlin 204
AS.130.250 (01)Clapping Rivers, Talking Snakes: Nature in the Hebrew Bible and Ancient Middle EastTTh 3:00PM - 4:15PMCooper, Stephanie LynnGilman 381NEAS-HISCUL, ENVS-MAJOR, ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.356 (01)A Modern History of Climate ScienceTTh 3:00PM - 4:15PMSiddiqui, Ali HasanOlin 145ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, MSCH-HUM, INST-GLOBAL
AS.271.402 (01)Water, Energy, and Food NexusTh 3:00PM - 5:30PMBurgess, JerryOlin 247ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, ENGY-SCIPOL, INST-IR
AS.270.410 (01)Planetary Surface ProcessesTTh 3:00PM - 4:15PMLewis, KevinOlin 204
AS.271.496 (01)Senior CapstoneT 1:30PM - 4:00PMKopelent-Rehak, Jana HanaOlin 304ENVS-MAJOR
AS.271.315 (01)Environmental Films and LiteratureM 4:30PM - 5:45PMKopelent-Rehak, Jana HanaOlin 304ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.307 (01)Environmental Anthropology: Ecological Knowledge, Cultural Practices and Cosmological SystemsMW 3:00PM - 4:15PMKopelent-Rehak, Jana HanaOlin 346ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.425 (01)Earth and Planetary FluidsTTh 1:30PM - 2:45PMBarik, Ankit; Gnanadesikan, AnandOlin 145
AS.270.363 (01)How to Live Forever: The Making of the Geologic Record of LifeMW 1:30PM - 2:45PMSanders, Cecilia BrookeOlin 247ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.499 (01)Senior SeminarW 12:00PM - 12:50PMBurgess, Jerry; Schantz, AshleyOlin 304ENVS-MAJOR
AS.270.378 (01)Present and Future ClimateMW 1:30PM - 2:45PMOsman, Mahmoud; Zaitchik, Benjamin FrederickOlin 304ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.360.339 (01)Planets, Life and the UniverseMWF 11:00AM - 11:50AMDiRuggiero, JocelyneHodson 316BIOL-UL, CHBE-ACBE