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 can be found at https://sis.jhu.edu/classes.
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.270.103 (01)
Introduction to Global Environmental Change
TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Gnanadesikan, Anand, Zaitchik, Benjamin
Olin 305
ARCH-RELATE
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 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Gnanadesikan, Anand, Zaitchik, Benjamin
Room: Olin 305
Status: Open
Seats Available: 58/110
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.303 (01)
Earth History
TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Gomes, Maya L
Olin 204
ARCH-RELATE
Earth History AS.270.303 (01)
This course will explore the evolution of life in the context of environmental, ecological, and geological changes to the Earth surface system. The goal of the class is to provide students with an understanding of how geological and paleontological records provide insight into the origin(s) of life, oxygenation of the atmosphere, the evolution of multicellularity, evolutionary radiations and extinctions, and modern global change.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: Gomes, Maya L
Room: Olin 204
Status: Open
Seats Available: 8/20
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.127 (01)
Our Moon From Imagination to Exploration
MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Perera, Viranga
Olin 145
Our Moon From Imagination to Exploration AS.270.127 (01)
People imagined going to the Moon long before Neil Armstrong took those famous steps. Works such as Jules Verne’s 1865 book De la terre à la lune (From the Earth to the Moon) and Georges Méliès’s 1902 movie Le Voyage dans la Lune (A Trip to the Moon) served to inspire later exploration of the Moon in the second half of the 20th century. In 1959, Luna 2 became the first spacecraft to visit the Moon and since then a number of robotic and human missions have successfully explored the Moon. Analyzing data from those missions has led to a detailed scientific understanding of the Moon, yet certain fundamental questions remain unresolved. This calls for future exploration of the Moon. To be active participants of future exploration of the Moon, students in this course will understand the culture, history, engineering, and science of the Moon.
Over the past decade, growing numbers of filmmakers in Italy have addressed ecological crises in their work. This class takes an eco-critical approach to contemporary Italian cinema, examining a body of compelling place-centered stories that deal with local and global issues.
Defining the scope of eco-cinema and the ways we can interrogate films as ecological texts, we shall screen earth-centered films that raise consciousness about the consequences of human manipulation of the natural world; the complicity of industry, government, and organized crime in creating environmental crises; and the effects of economic and social malaise. Screenings include iconic films such as Michelangelo Antonioni’s Red Desert (1963), more recent, critically acclaimed films such as Matteo Garrone’s Gomorrah (2008), Alice Rohrwacher’s Happy as Lazzaro (2018), and many others.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: Di Bianco, Laura
Room: Gilman 277
Status: Open
Seats Available: 6/12
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, INST-GLOBAL
AS.270.127 (02)
Our Moon From Imagination to Exploration
MW 4:30PM - 5:45PM
Perera, Viranga
Olin 145
Our Moon From Imagination to Exploration AS.270.127 (02)
People imagined going to the Moon long before Neil Armstrong took those famous steps. Works such as Jules Verne’s 1865 book De la terre à la lune (From the Earth to the Moon) and Georges Méliès’s 1902 movie Le Voyage dans la Lune (A Trip to the Moon) served to inspire later exploration of the Moon in the second half of the 20th century. In 1959, Luna 2 became the first spacecraft to visit the Moon and since then a number of robotic and human missions have successfully explored the Moon. Analyzing data from those missions has led to a detailed scientific understanding of the Moon, yet certain fundamental questions remain unresolved. This calls for future exploration of the Moon. To be active participants of future exploration of the Moon, students in this course will understand the culture, history, engineering, and science of the Moon.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MW 4:30PM - 5:45PM
Instructor: Perera, Viranga
Room: Olin 145
Status: Open
Seats Available: 4/18
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.205 (01)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial Analysis
M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Chen, Xin
Krieger 108
GECS-SCI, 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: M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Chen, Xin
Room: Krieger 108
Status: Open
Seats Available: 18/25
PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.220 (01)
The Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Geology
TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Smith, Emmy, Viete, Daniel R
Olin 247
GECS-SCI, ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
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.
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: Smith, Emmy, Viete, Daniel R
Room: Olin 247
Status: Open
Seats Available: 9/20
PosTag(s): GECS-SCI
AS.270.222 (01)
Mineralogy
TTh 9:00AM - 10:00AM, M 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Wicks, June K
Olin 206B
ARCH-RELATE
Mineralogy AS.270.222 (01)
An introduction to the properties, occurrence, and origin of the basic constituents of the Earth, including minerals and rocks. Introductory training in the recognition of minerals and rocks in the laboratory and the field.
Credits: 4.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:00AM, M 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Instructor: Wicks, June K
Room: Olin 206B
Status: Open
Seats Available: 6/10
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.305 (01)
Energy Resources in the Modern World
WF 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Burgess, Jerry
Olin 304
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE
Energy Resources in the Modern World AS.270.305 (01)
This in-depth survey will inform students on the non-renewable and renewable energy resources of the world and the future prospects. Topics include petroleum, natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, wind, biomass, and ocean energy. Global production, distribution, usage, and impacts of these resources will be discussed.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: WF 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Burgess, Jerry
Room: Olin 304
Status: Open
Seats Available: 9/20
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.334 (01)
Astrobiology: Chemical Evolution of Life on Earth and Beyond
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
He, Chao
Olin 304
Astrobiology: Chemical Evolution of Life on Earth and Beyond AS.270.334 (01)
Have you wondered how life began on Earth or if we are alone in the Universe? This course will explore the prebiotic chemistry and origin of life on Earth, then move on to Mars, icy bodies (Europa, Titan, Enceladus) and newly-found “habitable” exoplanets. Students in this course will learn state-of-the-art methods and techniques used to characterize habitable conditions and to detect life. This course will deepen understanding of the current developments and ongoing discoveries in field of astrobiology.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Instructor: He, Chao
Room: Olin 304
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.334 (02)
Astrobiology: Chemical Evolution of Life on Earth and Beyond
TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
He, Chao
Olin 145
Astrobiology: Chemical Evolution of Life on Earth and Beyond AS.270.334 (02)
Have you wondered how life began on Earth or if we are alone in the Universe? This course will explore the prebiotic chemistry and origin of life on Earth, then move on to Mars, icy bodies (Europa, Titan, Enceladus) and newly-found “habitable” exoplanets. Students in this course will learn state-of-the-art methods and techniques used to characterize habitable conditions and to detect life. This course will deepen understanding of the current developments and ongoing discoveries in field of astrobiology.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: He, Chao
Room: Olin 145
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.336 (01)
Freshwater Systems
MWF 10:00AM - 10:50AM
Kelly, Rebecca E
Olin 304
GECS-SCI, BEHB-BIOBEH
Freshwater Systems AS.270.336 (01)
A study of streams, lakes, and groundwater with a focus on aspects of water quality, hydrology, geomorphology, and aquatic ecology that are relevant to human impacts on freshwater systems. US environmental policies and water resource management agencies will also be examined in the context of issues such as dams, cattle grazing, climate change, and water allocation.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MWF 10:00AM - 10:50AM
Instructor: Kelly, Rebecca E
Room: Olin 304
Status: Open
Seats Available: 5/25
PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, BEHB-BIOBEH
AS.271.399 (01)
Research Design
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:
Instructor: Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 23/25
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.410 (01)
Planetary Surface Processes
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Lewis, Kevin
Olin 204
ARCH-RELATE
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 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Instructor: Lewis, Kevin
Room: Olin 204
Status: Open
Seats Available: 9/19
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.400 (01)
The Carbon Cycle: Past, Present and Future
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Gomes, Maya L, Smith, Emmy
Olin 347
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE
The Carbon Cycle: Past, Present and Future AS.270.400 (01)
This course will explore how the carbon cycle shapes environmental conditions and influences other biogeochemical cycles through an investigation of the modern carbon cycle, major carbon cycle perturabtions in the geological record, and projections of future global change. The majority of the class will be structured as a reading seminar, but students will also develop an understanding of how to use quantitative models to evaluate patterns of change associated with both modern and ancient carbon cycle perturbations with implications for predicting future environmental changes.
Recommended Prerequisites: AS.270.103 or AS.270.220 or AS.270.224
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Instructor: Gomes, Maya L, Smith, Emmy
Room: Olin 347
Status: Open
Seats Available: 7/16
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.408 (01)
Petrology Seminar
M 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Viete, Daniel R
Olin 346
Petrology Seminar AS.270.408 (01)
Seminar class on recent developments in igneous and metamorphic petrology. Involves weekly readings on modern methods/understanding in petrogenesis and processes leading to mineral (re)crystallization; rock deformation; fluid transport in rocks; pressure and temperature estimates of rock formation, and rates/durations of thermotectonic processes in the lithosphere. Topics covered will cater to interests and learning goals of those who register in the class.
Credits: 1.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: M 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Instructor: Viete, Daniel R
Room: Olin 346
Status: Open
Seats Available: 7/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.499 (01)
Senior Seminar
Th 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Olin 304
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: Th 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Room: Olin 304
Status: Open
Seats Available: 12/25
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.338 (01)
Field Methods in Ecology
F 1:30PM - 4:20PM
Avolio, Meghan Lynn, Szlavecz, Katalin
Olin 247
ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MINOR, BEHB-BIOBEH
Field Methods in Ecology AS.270.338 (01)
This course will introduce student to methods used in field-based ecological research addressing population, community and ecosystem-level questions. Outdoor fieldwork is an essential part of the course. Field activities will center around the riparian ecosystem adjacent to the Homewood campus and on the urban ecology of the greater Baltimore region. Students will build skills in data collection, analysis, synthesis, and presentation. Basic statistical instruction in R will be taught to aid data analysis.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: F 1:30PM - 4:20PM
Instructor: Avolio, Meghan Lynn, Szlavecz, Katalin
Room: Olin 247
Status: Open
Seats Available: 1/10
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MINOR, BEHB-BIOBEH
AS.271.496 (01)
Senior Capstone Experience
Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Bloomberg 274
Senior Capstone Experience 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 into a tangible environmental project.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Room: Bloomberg 274
Status: Open
Seats Available: 12/25
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.378 (01)
Present and Future Climate
MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Zaitchik, Benjamin
Olin 204
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
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: Zaitchik, Benjamin
Room: Olin 204
Status: Open
Seats Available: 12/14
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.304 (01)
Sustainable Food Systems
MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Kelly, Rebecca E
Olin 304
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Sustainable Food Systems AS.271.304 (01)
Where does your food come from? What impact does food production have on the environment and human societies? How can food systems become more sustainable as the human population increases? This seminar-style course examines the past, present, and future of agriculture, including topics such as the foodways of indigenous people, modern "factory farming" versus organic agriculture, genetically modified foods, and the interplay among science, economics, policy, and agriculture. Involves hands-on experiences.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: Kelly, Rebecca E
Room: Olin 304
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/25
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.337 (01)
Freshwater Systems Lab
T 1:30PM - 4:20PM
Kelly, Rebecca E
Olin 347
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Freshwater Systems Lab AS.270.337 (01)
A hands-on investigation of the water quality, hydrology, geomorphology, and aquatic ecology of streams and other freshwater bodies. Includes field trips to water-related facilities such as drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.
Credits: 1.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: T 1:30PM - 4:20PM
Instructor: Kelly, Rebecca E
Room: Olin 347
Status: Open
Seats Available: 5/10
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.425 (01)
Earth and Planetary Fluids
TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Stanley, Sabine
Olin 145
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
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: Stanley, Sabine
Room: Olin 145
Status: Open
Seats Available: 3/12
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.302 (01)
Exploring Nature
T 1:30PM - 4:30PM
Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Olin 304
GECS-SOCSCI, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Exploring Nature AS.271.302 (01)
This course integrates the analysis and production of environmental media with weekly outdoor excursions. Students will survey a range of authors, adventurers, journalists, scientists, photographers, acoustic ecologists and filmmakers that have explored the natural world and chronicled the history of human-environmental relations and environmental problems. Field trips to regional parks and green spaces will encourage students to discover their own sense of place, foster a deeper level of ecological awareness and construct personal environmental narratives through careful exploration, observation, documentation and reflection.
Credits: 4.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: T 1:30PM - 4:30PM
Instructor: Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Room: Olin 304
Status: Open
Seats Available: 2/12
PosTag(s): GECS-SOCSCI, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.360.339 (01)
Planets, Life and the Universe
MWF 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Diruggiero, Jocelyne, Norman, Colin
Mudd 100
BIOL-UL
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, Norman, Colin
Room: Mudd 100
Status: Open
Seats Available: 4/20
PosTag(s): BIOL-UL
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.270.323 (01)
Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles
MWF 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Gnanadesikan, Anand
Olin 204
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles AS.270.323 (01)
This course will examine the cycling of trace chemicals in the ocean, consider what we can learn from the distributions of these chemicals about the ocean circulation, and ocean ecosystems. Topics covered will include oceanic biological productivity, open water cycling of nutrients and oxygen, ocean acidification and sediment cycling.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MWF 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Instructor: Gnanadesikan, Anand
Room: Olin 204
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/15
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.202 (01)
Introduction to Ecology
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Szlavecz, Katalin
Olin 305
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: Olin 305
Status: Reserved Open
Seats Available: 7/45
PosTag(s): ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.224 (01)
Oceans & Atmospheres
MWF 1:30PM - 2:20PM
Waugh, Darryn
Olin 304
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: Olin 304
Status: Open
Seats Available: 9/32
PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.346 (01)
Structural Geology Seminar
M 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Viete, Daniel R
Olin 347
ARCH-RELATE
Structural Geology Seminar AS.270.346 (01)
Seminar class on fundamentals of structural geology, as applied in field-based studies. Involves weekly readings/practical exercises on: (1) field techniques for measuring structures; (2) interpretation of structural data on maps and cross-sections; (3) approaches for inferring large-scale structure from limited data; (4) techniques for visualizing structure; (5) deformation style and associated fabrics/textures/structure; (6) metamorphism and deformation, and (7) methods for visualizing and analyzing structure. Topics covered are geared towards developing skills required for a 10-day, field-based Independent Study in Structural Geology course in Scotland in the summer (May–June).
Credits: 1.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: M 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Instructor: Viete, Daniel R
Room: Olin 347
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/10
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.306 (01)
Urban Ecology
MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Avolio, Meghan Lynn
Krieger 302
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Urban Ecology AS.270.306 (01)
Urban ecology has been called the ecology in, of, and for cities. In this course, we will explore how ecological concepts are applied to urban ecosystems and the different approaches to urban ecological research. Topics will include: Biodiversity, water dynamics, energy and heat island effects, and nutrient cycling, urban metabolism, design of greenspace, and sustainability of cities. We will use Baltimore as a case study for studying cities.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Instructor: Avolio, Meghan Lynn
Room: Krieger 302
Status: Open
Seats Available: 12/20
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.070.379 (01)
Social Ecology Studio
Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Pandian, Anand
Mergenthaler 426
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Social Ecology Studio AS.070.379 (01)
This course will grapple with the social and cultural dimensions of contemporary ecological problems through a local, project-based approach. Coursework will be organized on a studio basis in partnership with a local environmental organization, Friends of Stony Run. Continuing a collaborative project initiated in the fall of 2019, we will work together to develop interpretive materials for the Stony Run stream and urban watershed adjoining our campus.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Pandian, Anand
Room: Mergenthaler 426
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/15
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.114 (01)
Guided Tour: The Planets
TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Lewis, Kevin, Sing, David Kent
Olin 305
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: Olin 305
Status: Open
Seats Available: 20/110
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.205 (01)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial Analysis
MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Kelly, Rebecca E
Krieger 108
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: Krieger 108
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/24
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.310 (01)
Evolution and Development of the Vertebrates
TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Bever, Gaberiel S.
Olin 204
BEHB-BIOBEH, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Evolution and Development of the Vertebrates AS.270.310 (01)
Modern vertebrates (animals with backbones) are the products of a more than 500-million-year evolutionary history. This course surveys that history and uses it to explore such core evolutionary concepts as adaptive radiation, convergence, extinction, homology, phylogenetic taxonomy, and tree thinking. Emphasis will be placed on the origins of the modern vertebrate fauna and how fossils are being integrated with developmental biology to better understand major transitions in the vertebrate body plan.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: Bever, Gaberiel S.
Room: Olin 204
Status: Open
Seats Available: 3/20
PosTag(s): BEHB-BIOBEH, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.347 (01)
Foundations of Ecology
MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Avolio, Meghan Lynn
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Foundations of Ecology AS.270.347 (01)
In this seminar students will read seminal pieces in ecology. Assigned readings will span early 1900s to present. Students will pair a foundational paper with a more current paper on a similar topic to explore the evolution of ecological concepts and approaches over time. This course 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: 11/12
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.396 (01)
Special Topics in Planetary Exploration
W 1:30PM - 4:30PM
Horst, Sarah, Izenberg, Noam, Lewis, Kevin
Olin 204
Special Topics in Planetary Exploration AS.270.396 (01)
Geology in the Outer Solar System: This course will focus on the solid bodies of the outer solar system, addressing their formation, surfaces, interiors, evolution, and how we study them via remote sensing and spacecraft investigation. We will use data from the various missions that have investigated the outer system and cover aspects of instrumentation and remote sensing of outer system bodies from the Voyager missions, Galileo, Cassini, and New Horizons. The course includes lecture, discussion, and hands-on lab work. Recommended pre-requisites: Dynamic Earth and/or Introductory planetary science and/or remote sensing, or instructor approval.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: W 1:30PM - 4:30PM
Instructor: Horst, Sarah, Izenberg, Noam, Lewis, Kevin
Room: Olin 204
Status: Open
Seats Available: 9/18
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.413 (01)
Readings in Mineral Physics
Wicks, June K
Readings in Mineral Physics AS.270.413 (01)
Mineral Physics is the study of mineralogical problems through the application of condensed matter physics and solid-state chemistry. In this course, students will participate in the journal discussion about the foundational and developing research capabilities in Mineral Physics, with an emphasis this semester on Spectroscopy. Topics will include electron spectroscopy and X-ray scattering (both elastic and inelastic) techniques.
Readings in Mineral Physics is a special topics course that rotates in subject and may be taken multiple times for credit. Prerequisites: Structure of Materials (EN.510.311/601), Mineralogy (AS.270.222) or permission of the instructor.
Credits: 1.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times:
Instructor: Wicks, June K
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 15/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.412 (01)
Spring seminar: Geological Field Studies in California
Smith, Emmy
Spring seminar: Geological Field Studies in California AS.270.412 (01)
Field experience is an integral part of a geology student’s education. During this course, students will learn to digitize, synthesize, and interpret the observations they made during the January field-based class to interpret the geologic history and structure of southern California. Study USA: Geological Field Studies in California is a co-requisite for this course.
For Spring 2020, the focus of the field work and course will be on applying concepts and techniques covered in Dynamic Earth (AS.270.220/1), Sedimentary Geology (AS.270.350), Earth History (AS.270.303), Planets, Life and the Universe (AS.020.334), and Isotope Geochemistry (AS.270.331). Sedimentary rocks are spectacularly exposed in this region and record over a billion years of key events in Earth history. Students will learn how these rocks have shaped our understanding of major evolutionary and environmental shifts in Earth’s past, while also learning how to map these units’ regional geographic distribution. Finally, students will also learn about the different tectonic events that have shaped the landscape that we see today in the western United States. The class is designed for upper level E&PS majors and E&PS graduate students.
Credits: 2.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times:
Instructor: Smith, Emmy
Room:
Status: Approval Required
Seats Available: 3/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.107 (01)
Introduction to Sustainability
TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Kelly, Rebecca E
Olin 305
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: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Kelly, Rebecca E
Room: Olin 305
Status: Open
Seats Available: 5/100
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.399 (01)
Research Design
T 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Kelly, Rebecca E
Olin 304
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: Kelly, Rebecca E
Room: Olin 304
Status: Open
Seats Available: 11/25
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.401 (01)
Environmental Ethics
T 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Olin 304
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: Olin 304
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/12
PosTag(s): GECS-SOCSCI, INST-PT, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.403 (01)
Environmental Policymaking and Policy Analysis
W 6:00PM - 8:45PM
Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Olin 304
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.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: W 6:00PM - 8:45PM
Instructor: Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Room: Olin 304
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/21
PosTag(s): INST-AP, INST-CP, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.423 (01)
Planetary Atmospheres
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Horst, Sarah
Olin 304
Planetary Atmospheres AS.270.423 (01)
Fundamental concepts and basic principles of chemistry and physics applied to the study of planetary atmospheres. Vertical structure of planetary atmospheres. Atmospheric radiation, thermodynamics, and transport. Principles of photochemistry. Planetary spectroscopy and remote sensing. Upper atmospheres and ionospheres. Evolution and stability of planetary atmospheres. Recommended Course Background: basic physics, chemistry and calculus
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Instructor: Horst, Sarah
Room: Olin 304
Status: Open
Seats Available: 13/20
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.320 (01)
Environmental Photojournalism
Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Olin 304
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Environmental Photojournalism AS.271.320 (01)
Environmental cognition, consciousness and communication are produced, reproduced, interpreted and remembered with the support of visual representations and, in particular, photography. Images increasingly structure our experience of nature, environmental problems, human-environmental relations, and ecological awareness. Students will review critical literature focusing on visual representation theory, the relationship between images and social change, the practice of journalism and the history and typology of environmental photography. An understanding of environmental issues is required. Students will engage with the local community, identify and investigate environmental issues facing Baltimore, participate in photographic critiques, and develop a documentary project. This studio/seminar course is designed with an emphasis on independent research and practice.
