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 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.

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: Open
  • Seats Available: 3/24
  • PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MINOR

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: 36/110
  • PosTag(s): n/a

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: Olin 204
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 13/20
  • PosTag(s): 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: 7/32
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, 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: 7/20
  • PosTag(s): BEHB-BIOBEH, 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: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/20
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

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: Open
  • Seats Available: 2/10
  • PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE

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: Olin 347
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 10/12
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

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: 10/45
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE

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 145
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 8/18
  • PosTag(s): n/a

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

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

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

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: Open
  • Seats Available: 1/19
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, 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

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: 9/20
  • PosTag(s): n/a

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.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
  • Instructor: Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
  • Room: Olin 304
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/12
  • PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR

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: 3/100
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Course # (Section) Title Day/Times Instructor Room PosTag(s) Info
AS.270.205 (01)Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial AnalysisMW 3:00PM - 4:15PMKelly, Rebecca EKrieger 108ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.114 (01)Guided Tour: The PlanetsTTh 3:00PM - 4:15PMLewis, Kevin, Sing, David KentOlin 305
AS.270.306 (01)Urban EcologyMW 12:00PM - 1:15PMAvolio, Meghan LynnOlin 204ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.224 (01)Oceans & AtmospheresMWF 1:30PM - 2:20PMWaugh, DarrynOlin 304GECS-SCI, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.310 (01)Evolution and Development of the VertebratesTTh 3:00PM - 4:15PMBever, Gaberiel S.Olin 204BEHB-BIOBEH, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.323 (01)Ocean Biogeochemical CyclesMWF 3:00PM - 3:50PMGnanadesikan, AnandOlin 204ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.346 (01)Structural Geology SeminarM 4:00PM - 5:00PMViete, Daniel ROlin 347ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.347 (01)Foundations of EcologyMW 1:30PM - 2:45PMAvolio, Meghan LynnOlin 347ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.202 (01)Introduction to EcologyTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMSzlavecz, KatalinOlin 305ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.396 (01)Special Topics in Planetary ExplorationW 1:30PM - 4:30PMHorst, Sarah, Izenberg, Noam, Lewis, KevinOlin 145
AS.270.413 (01)Readings in Mineral PhysicsWicks, June K 
AS.271.401 (01)Environmental EthicsT 1:30PM - 4:00PMMonopolis, Alexios NicolaosOlin 304GECS-SOCSCI, INST-PT, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.399 (01)Research DesignT 12:00PM - 1:15PMKelly, Rebecca EOlin 304
AS.070.379 (01)Social Ecology StudioTh 1:30PM - 4:00PMPandian, AnandMergenthaler 426ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.403 (01)Environmental Policymaking and Policy AnalysisW 6:00PM - 8:45PMMonopolis, Alexios NicolaosOlin 304INST-AP, INST-CP, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.423 (01)Planetary AtmospheresTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMHorst, SarahOlin 304
AS.271.320 (01)Environmental PhotojournalismTh 1:30PM - 4:00PMMonopolis, Alexios NicolaosOlin 304ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.107 (01)Introduction to SustainabilityTTh 1:30PM - 2:45PMKelly, Rebecca EOlin 305

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