Undergraduate Courses

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.

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 environmental issues including global biodiversity decline, invasive species, and the effects of human activities on local and global biodiversity patterns. By the end of the course students will be able to generate research questions based upon field observations and appreciate the diverse life forms on Earth and in our own backyard.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
  • Instructor: Szlavecz, Katalin
  • Room: Olin 203  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 12/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

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
  • Room: Olin 305  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 73/110
  • PosTag(s): n/a

The Story of Earth
AS.270.111 (01)

The four and a half billion year story of Earth's global changes focusing on the co-evolution of Earth and Life.

  • Credits: 1.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: W 9:00AM - 9:50AM
  • Instructor: Sverjensky, Dimitri
  • Room: Olin 304  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 12/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

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: 6/25
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE

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: Smith, Emmy, Viete, Daniel R
  • Room: Olin 247  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 23/50
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MINOR, ENVS-MAJOR

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: Smith, Emmy, Viete, Daniel R
  • Room: Olin 203  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 4/15
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

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: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Instructor: Burgess, Jerry
  • Room: Olin 304  
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/20
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

Agroecology: A Global Perspective
AS.270.316 (01)

How can we balance the increasing global food demand with sustainable ecological practices? How are the agricultural, ecological, and socio-economic aspects of food production intertwined? This course addresses these questions and enables students to critically evaluate existing agroecosystems around the world, with special attention paid to the challenges of global environmental change. Students will be introduced to the principles of agroecology, and they will examine interactions between biodiversity, soil, and people through case studies, peerreviewed scientific papers, and a field trip to a local agroecosystem

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
  • Instructor: Pehim Limbu, Smriti
  • Room: Olin 304  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 3/18
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

Remote Sensing of the Environment
AS.270.318 (01)

This course is an introduction to the use of remote sensing technology to study Earth’s physical and biochemical processes. Topics covered include remote sensing of the atmosphere, land and oceans, as well as remote sensing as a tool for policy makers. Also offered as 270.618

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: MWF 10:00AM - 10:50AM
  • Instructor: Lewis, Kevin, Zaitchik, Benjamin
  • Room: Krieger 108  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 1/12
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

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: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
  • Instructor: Staff
  • Room: Olin 304  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 6/25
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MINOR, BEHB-BIOBEH

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: W 1:30PM - 4:15PM
  • Instructor: Staff
  • Room: Olin 347  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/10
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MINOR

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 - 4:00PM
  • Instructor: Avolio, Meghan Lynn, Szlavecz, Katalin
  • Room: Olin 247  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 3/9
  • PosTag(s): 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 10:30AM - 11:45AM
  • Instructor: Gomes, Maya L
  • Room: Olin 204  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 14/15
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

Atmospheric Science
AS.270.379 (01)

A survey of core topics in atmospheric science, including dynamics, thermodynamics, radiative transfer, and chemistry. The course addresses both basic principles and applications to weather and climate. Recommended pre-requisites: General Calculus and Physics I and/or Oceans and Atmospheres.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
  • Instructor: Waugh, Darryn
  • Room: Olin 304  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 5/10
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

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: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
  • Instructor: Burgess, Jerry
  • Room: Olin 304  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 9/25
  • PosTag(s): n/a

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
  • Room: Olin 304  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 10/25
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Course # (Section) Title Day/Times Instructor Room PosTag(s) Info
AS.001.167 (01)FYS: The Natural History of the Homewood CampusTh 1:30PM - 4:00PMSzlavecz, KatalinOlin 203
 
AS.270.103 (01)Introduction to Global Environmental ChangeTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMGnanadesikan, Anand, Zaitchik, BenjaminOlin 305
 
AS.270.111 (01)The Story of EarthW 9:00AM - 9:50AMSverjensky, DimitriOlin 304
 
AS.270.205 (01)Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial AnalysisM 1:30PM - 4:00PMChen, XinKrieger 108
 		ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.220 (01)The Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to GeologyTTh 1:30PM - 2:45PMSmith, Emmy, Viete, Daniel ROlin 247
 		ENVS-MINOR, ENVS-MAJOR
AS.270.221 (01)The Dynamic Earth LaboratoryW 1:30PM - 4:00PMSmith, Emmy, Viete, Daniel ROlin 203
 		ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.305 (01)Energy Resources in the Modern WorldTTh 3:00PM - 4:15PMBurgess, JerryOlin 304
 		ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.316 (01)Agroecology: A Global PerspectiveTTh 9:00AM - 10:15AMPehim Limbu, SmritiOlin 304
 		ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.318 (01)Remote Sensing of the EnvironmentMWF 10:00AM - 10:50AMLewis, Kevin, Zaitchik, BenjaminKrieger 108
 		ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.336 (01)Freshwater SystemsTTh 9:00AM - 10:15AMStaffOlin 304
 		ENVS-MINOR, BEHB-BIOBEH
AS.270.337 (01)Freshwater Systems LabW 1:30PM - 4:15PMStaffOlin 347
 		ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.338 (01)Field Methods in EcologyF 1:30PM - 4:00PMAvolio, Meghan Lynn, Szlavecz, KatalinOlin 247
 		ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.354 (01)Stable Isotope GeochemistryTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMGomes, Maya LOlin 204
 		ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.379 (01)Atmospheric ScienceMW 1:30PM - 2:45PMWaugh, DarrynOlin 304
 		ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.496 (01)Senior CapstoneTTh 1:30PM - 2:45PMBurgess, JerryOlin 304
 
AS.271.499 (01)Senior SeminarW 12:00PM - 12:50PMBurgess, JerryOlin 304