To see a complete list of courses offered and their descriptions, visit the online course catalog.
The courses listed below are provided by Student Information Services (SIS). This listing provides a snapshot of immediately available courses within this department and may not be complete. Course registration information is available on the SIS website.
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.
Course # (Section)
Title
Day/Times
Instructor
Room
PosTag(s)
Info
AS.217.425 (01)
Latin American Ecocriticism
TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Miguel Bedran, Marina
GRLL-ENGL, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, INST-GLOBAL
Latin American Ecocriticism AS.217.425 (01)
Increased awareness of climate change has led to a shift in the way we address and intervene in environmental issues in the new millennium. Yet the interest in making sense of the environment has a long history in literature and the arts. How have Latin American writers and artists understood and depicted their environments and environmental questions? How do the form and content of texts and cultural artifacts influence our understanding of the non-human world? Can works of fiction shape ecological transformations? In this course we will discuss texts from the early colonial period to the present, including the literary works of Graciliano Ramos, Horacio Quiroga, and Clarice Lispector; political ecology; film; Ana Mendieta’s earth-body art; contemporary experiments in bio-art; postcolonial theory; and the intersection of environmental justice with such topics as nationalism and human rights. Going beyond ecocriticism’s original focus on the Anglo-American world, we will engage recent scholarship on Latin America that sheds light on the region’s cultural and geopolitical importance to the global climate, with particular attention to Brazil. This course aims to introduce students to current debates in Latin American Ecocriticism and the Anthropocene and thus contribute to an incipient but expanding field.
An exploration of the occurrence and potential effects of poisons in the environment, from naturally occurring ones such as arsenic to those that may be introduced by mankind such as nuclear waste.
Credits: 1.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: Th 9:00AM - 10:15AM
Instructor: Sverjensky, Dimitri
Room:
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/12
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.114 (01)
Guided Tour: The Planets
TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Lewis, Kevin, Sing, David Kent
Guided Tour: The Planets AS.270.114 (01)
An introduction to planetary science and planetary exploration primarily for non-science majors. A survey of concepts from astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics applied to the study of the solar system.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: Lewis, Kevin, Sing, David Kent
Room:
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/110
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.202 (01)
Introduction to Ecology
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Szlavecz, Katalin
ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE
Introduction to Ecology AS.270.202 (01)
Ecology is the study of organisms and their environment. This course focuses on the patterns of distribution and abundance of organisms. Topics include population dynamics and regulation, competition, predation, host-parasite interactions, patterns of species diversity, community succession, the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems. We will also discuss the role of natural and human disturbances in shaping communities.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Instructor: Szlavecz, Katalin
Room:
Status: Reserved Open
Seats Available: 23/45
PosTag(s): ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.205 (01)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial Analysis
MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Kelly, Rebecca E
ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MINOR
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: MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: Kelly, Rebecca E
Room:
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/24
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.221 (01)
The Dynamic Earth Laboratory
Th 9:00AM - 11:30AM
Lewis, Kevin, Smith, Emily
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: Th 9:00AM - 11:30AM
Instructor: Lewis, Kevin, Smith, Emily
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 11/20
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.224 (01)
Oceans & Atmospheres
MWF 1:30PM - 2:20PM
Waugh, Darryn
GECS-SCI, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Oceans & Atmospheres AS.270.224 (01)
A broad survey of the Earth’s oceans and atmospheres, and their role in the environment and climate. Topics covered include waves, tides, ocean and atmosphere circulation, weather systems, tornadoes and hurricanes, El Niño, and climate change. For science and engineering majors
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MWF 1:30PM - 2:20PM
Instructor: Waugh, Darryn
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 11/32
PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.307 (01)
Geoscience Modeling
TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Haine, Thomas
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 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Haine, Thomas
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.312 (01)
Mammalian Evolution
TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
Cooke, Siobhan
BEHB-BIOBEH
Mammalian Evolution AS.270.312 (01)
An introduction to the evolutionary history and diversity of mammals, with emphasis on the first half of the Cenozoic - the beginning of the Age of Mammals. The course will focus primarily on the adaptive radiation of mammals (including our own order primates) that followed the extinction of the dinosaurs, exploring the origins and relationships of the major groups of mammals as well as the anatomical and ecological reasons for their success. Lectures will be supplemented with relevant fossils and recent specimens.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
Instructor: Cooke, Siobhan
Room:
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/40
PosTag(s): BEHB-BIOBEH
AS.270.325 (01)
Introductory Oceanography
MWF 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Gnanadesikan, Anand
Introductory Oceanography AS.270.325 (01)
This class is an introduction to a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological phenomena in the world’s oceans. Underlying basic principles are exposed wherever possible. Topics covered include: seawater, waves, tides, ocean circulation, chemical oceanography, biogeochemical ocean processes, and remote sensing of the oceans. Recommended Course Background: freshman Physics, Chemistry, Calculus through ordinary differential equations.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MWF 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Instructor: Gnanadesikan, Anand
Room:
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/20
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.351 (01)
Sediments to Sequences
Th 1:30PM - 2:20PM
Smith, Emily
Sediments to Sequences AS.270.351 (01)
Sediments and sedimentary rocks are archives of information about environmental, tectonic, and biological conditions that prevailed at the time they were laid down. Stratigraphy is the study of geological rock layers that involves documenting sedimentary successions, interpreting them, correlating sedimentary units across basins, and where possible, dating them, either directly or indirectly. This lecutre-style course will explore advanced techniques for interrogating the stratigraphic record. Topics include cyclicity in the sedimentary record, sequence stratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, sedimentary control on the fossil record, and the record of deep sea sediment cores.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: Th 1:30PM - 2:20PM
Instructor: Smith, Emily
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 6/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.354 (01)
Stable Isotope Geochemistry
TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Gomes, Maya L
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Stable Isotope Geochemistry AS.270.354 (01)
Stable isotope measurements are used to probe fundamental questions in the Earth and environmental sciences because they can be used to extract information about chemical, physical, and biological processes associated with the formation of geomaterials. Stable isotope patterns have been used for applications ranging from tracking the rise of oxygen on the early Earth to studying human diet. The majority of the course will focus on light isotope systems (O, C, S, etc.) and low-temperature applications, including: (1) tracing sources and sinks of fluids, sediments, biological materials, and contaminants, (2) studying rates and mechanisms of biochemical reactions, and (3) paleoenvironmental reconstructions. We will also review novel stable isotope applications including heavy isotope systems and mass independent fractionations. At the end of the course, students will be able to make interpretations about how stable isotope patterns inform our knowledge of how geomaterials are formed and provide information about the Earth system.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Gomes, Maya L
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 16/16
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.362 (01)
Lunar Exploration and Analog Geology
F 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Runyon, Kirby Daniel
Ames 234
Lunar Exploration and Analog Geology AS.270.362 (01)
This course involves readings, discussion, and lectures about astronaut-enabled geological exploration of the Moon and analogous terrains on Earth. Topics include: volcanism, impact geology (cratering, ejecta, ballistic sedimentation), faulting, field methods (video and voice descriptions, sampling protocol), and field equipment (spacesuits, rovers, landers, cores, etc.), Apollo history and Artemis plans/current events. Assessment will involve participation, ~5 assignments related to the course objectives, and a presentation or short paper (student’s discretion) synthesizing a small range of covered topics of interest to the student at the conclusion.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: F 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Runyon, Kirby Daniel
Room: Ames 234
Status: Open
Seats Available: 8/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.404 (01)
Planetary Interiors
Stanley, Sabine
Planetary Interiors AS.270.404 (01)
This course investigates the physical processes occurring in planetary interiors. Topics include formation and differentiation of planetary bodies, planetary structure, thermal evolution, convection, and dynamo generation of magnetic fields. Standard remote sensing methods used to investigate planetary interiors and results from recent planetary satellite missions will also be discussed.
Recommended: Knowledge of vector calculus, PDEs and introductory physics.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times:
Instructor: Stanley, Sabine
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 16/20
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.107 (01)
Introduction to Sustainability
MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Kelly, Rebecca E
Introduction to Sustainability AS.271.107 (01)
Humans are having such a massive impact on Earth systems that some call this the Anthropocene epoch. Should we consider this state of affairs progress or catastrophe? How to we find a sustainable path to the future? This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the principles and practice of sustainability, exploring such issues as population, pollution, energy and natural resources, biodiversity, food, justice, and climate change through the lens of systems thinking. Course open to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Seniors by instructor permission only.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Instructor: Kelly, Rebecca E
Room:
Status: Reserved Open
Seats Available: 1/60
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.345 (01)
Society and Nature Conflicts: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Studying Environmental Problems Over Time
MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Avolio, Meghan Lynn
Society and Nature Conflicts: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Studying Environmental Problems Over Time AS.271.345 (01)
In this seminar students will read seminal pieces in the field of socio-environmental research. Socio-environmental research recognizes that society and nature inherently interact in such a way that they affect and change one-another - it is not only that society affects the nature or that nature only affects society. Solving environmental problems necessitates understanding this duality and thus an interdisciplinary background. Assigned readings will span early from thinkers on environmental problems (Before 1900) to current approaches to studying and solving environmental problems.It is aimed at upper level undergraduates and graduate students.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Avolio, Meghan Lynn
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 14/18
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.360 (01)
Climate Change: Science & Policy
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Zaitchik, Benjamin
INST-IR
Climate Change: Science & Policy AS.271.360 (01)
Prereq: 270.103 or permission of instructor.
This course will investigate the policy and scientific debate over global warming. It will review the current state of scientific knowledge about climate change, examine the potential impacts and implications of climate change, explore our options for responding to climate change, and discuss the present political debate over global warming.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Instructor: Zaitchik, Benjamin
Room:
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/50
PosTag(s): INST-IR
AS.271.399 (01)
Research Design
T 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Research Design AS.271.399 (01)
This course supports students in the design of their senior capstone project, including crafting a suitable research question, identifying appropriate methodologies, and writing a formal project proposal.
Credits: 1.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: T 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Instructor: Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 15/25
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.401 (01)
Environmental Ethics
T 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
GECS-SOCSCI, INST-PT, ENVS-MINOR
Environmental Ethics AS.271.401 (01)
Environmental Ethics is a philosophical discipline that examines the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment. For individuals and societies, it can help structure our experience of nature, environmental problems, human-environmental relations, and ecological awareness. Beginning with a comprehensive analysis of their own values, students will explore complex ethical questions, philosophical paradigms and real-life case studies through readings, films and seminar discussions. Traditional ethical theories, including consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics will be examined and applied. Environmental moral worldviews, ranging from anthropocentric to ecocentric perspectives, will be critically evaluated. Organized debates will help students strengthen their ability to deconstruct and assess ethical arguments and to communicate viewpoints rooted in ethical principles. Students will apply ethical reasoning skills to an examination of contemporary environmental issues including, among others, biodiversity conservation, environmental justice, climate change, and overpopulation. Students will also develop, defend and apply their own personal environmental ethical framework. A basic understanding of modern environmental history and contemporary environmental issues is required. Prior experience with philosophy and ethics is not required.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: T 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Room:
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/12
PosTag(s): GECS-SOCSCI, INST-PT, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.403 (01)
Environmental Policymaking and Policy Analysis
M 6:00PM - 8:45PM
Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
INST-AP, INST-CP, ENVS-MINOR
Environmental Policymaking and Policy Analysis AS.271.403 (01)
This course provides students with a broad introduction to US environmental policymaking and policy analysis. Included are a historical perspective as well as an analysis of future policymaking strategies. Students examine the political and legal framework, become familiar with precedent-setting statutes such as NEPA, RCRA, and the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, and study models for environmental policy analysis. Cost benefit studies, the limits of science in policymaking, and the impact of environmental policies on society are important aspects of this course. A comparison of national and international policymaking is designed to provide students with the proper perspective. This course is taught in conjunction with an identical graduate course. All students will be expected to perform at a graduate level.
