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.211.231 (01)
Planet Amazonia: Culture, History, and the Environment
W 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Miguel Bedran, Marina (Marina)
Shriver Hall 001
INST-GLOBAL, INST-CP
Planet Amazonia: Culture, History, and the Environment AS.211.231 (01)
Without Amazonia, global warming could reach levels that threaten life on the planet. Yet, in an era of deforestation and climate change, Amazonia itself might be on the verge of disappearance, with disastrous consequences for the world. This course proposes interdisciplinary perspectives on Amazonia through a range of works drawn from history, anthropology, archeology, environmental studies, literature, and the arts. We’ll look at texts by European travelers and missionaries who contributed to the paradoxical image of Amazonia as a “virgin paradise” or a “green hell”; scientific studies and artists’ depictions of the region’s flora and fauna; the often-overlooked history of human occupation of the region; and projects to colonize, develop, or conserve the world’s largest tropical forest. What importance does Amazonia hold for Latin American and global geopolitics? How do art and literature, including indigenous writings, create, reinforce, or deconstruct clichés about the region? What alternative futures for our planet can Amazonia help us to imagine?
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: W 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Miguel Bedran, Marina (Marina)
Room: Shriver Hall 001
Status: Open
Seats Available: 6/15
PosTag(s): INST-GLOBAL, INST-CP
AS.211.424 (01)
Climate Change Narratives: Human and Non-Human Transformative Storytelling
W 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Di Bianco, Laura (Laura)
Gilman 55
MLL-ENGL, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR, INST-GLOBAL
Climate Change Narratives: Human and Non-Human Transformative Storytelling AS.211.424 (01)
In The Great Derangement Indian novelist Amitav Ghosh writes that “the climate crisis is also a crisis of culture, and thus of imagination.” Worldwide, climate and environmental change is stirring the imaginary of novelists, filmmakers, and artists who are finding ways to frame, emplot, or even perform, an unmanageable phenomenon like climate change. How is climate change shaping new modes of storytelling and aesthetics? How do film, literature, and environmentally conscious art transform our perception of the world we inhabit and its unpredictable changes? Can climate change narratives help us to imagine futures of possibilities, maybe dystopian, uncertain, or even happy, but futures nonetheless? This multimedia course explores, through a transnational perspective, a variety of contemporary novels, films, and other media that attempt answer these questions.
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: Avolio, Meghan Lynn
Room: Olin 304
Status: Open
Seats Available: 7/45
PosTag(s): ENVS-MINOR, ARCH-RELATE, BEHB-BIOBEH
AS.270.205 (01)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial Analysis
MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
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 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Kelly, Rebecca E
Room: Krieger 108
Status: Open
Seats Available: 2/24
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.107 (01)
Introduction to Sustainability
MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Kelly, Rebecca E
Shaffer 303
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 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: Kelly, Rebecca E
Room: Shaffer 303
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/60
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.401 (01)
Environmental Ethics
T 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Olin 304
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): INST-PT, ENVS-MINOR
AS.271.403 (01)
Environmental Policymaking and Policy Analysis
M 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: M 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.360.339 (01)
Planets, Life and the Universe
MWF 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Diruggiero, Jocelyne
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
Room:
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 1/45
PosTag(s): BIOL-UL
AS.270.323 (01)
Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles
MWF 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Gnanadesikan, Anand, Haine, Thomas
Olin 304
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, Haine, Thomas
Room: Olin 304
Status: Open
Seats Available: 9/20
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
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: Open
Seats Available: 15/110
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.129 (01)
The Grandeur of You & The Universe
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Angappan, Regupathi
Olin 247
The Grandeur of You & The Universe AS.270.129 (01)
A common question that the scientific community is confronted with is “Why do I care?” or “How does this relate to and affect me?”. We will address these questions by inquiring and exploring where each one of us fit in the grand scheme of the cosmos and its exploration, centered around themes and concepts fundamental in Earth, planetary, and space sciences (EPSS). Using various creative mediums, you will learn to understand and narrate how you, all parts of your identity relate to the story of the universe. This class will allow you to master the fundamentals in EPSS, appreciate and relate to scientific discoveries, understand how to be responsible future scientists and citizens cognizant of broad scientific impacts, and develop and enhance various skills to be able to understand and communicate science.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Instructor: Angappan, Regupathi
Room: Olin 247
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/18
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.222 (01)
Mineralogy
WF 9:00AM - 9:50AM, W 3:00PM - 6:00PM
Wicks, June K
Olin 204 Olin 346
Mineralogy AS.270.222 (01)
Introduction to the classification, crystallography, and physical properties of minerals. Weekly lab topics include field identification, crystal morphology and symmetry, optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. One field trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of History and Research Archives is planned.
Credits: 4.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: WF 9:00AM - 9:50AM, W 3:00PM - 6:00PM
Instructor: Wicks, June K
Room: Olin 204 Olin 346
Status: Open
Seats Available: 13/20
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.224 (01)
Oceans & Atmospheres
MWF 1:30PM - 2:20PM
Gnanadesikan, Anand, Haine, Thomas
Olin 304
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: Gnanadesikan, Anand, Haine, Thomas
Room: Olin 304
Status: Open
Seats Available: 8/32
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.346 (01)
Structural Geology Seminar
M 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Viete, Daniel R
Olin 347
Structural Geology Seminar AS.270.346 (01)
Seminar class on fundamentals of structural geology. Involves weekly readings/practical exercises on: (1) rock mechanics and deformation processes; (2) commonly-encountered deformation products/structures; (3) deformation style and associated fabrics/textures/structure; (4) metamorphism and deformation; (5) techniques for describing and measuring structures; (6) interpretation of structural data on maps and cross-sections; (7) approaches for inferring large-scale structure from limited data, and (8) methods for visualizing and analyzing structure. Recommended course background: AS.270.220, or instructor permission.
Credits: 1.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: M 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Viete, Daniel R
Room: Olin 347
Status: Open
Seats Available: 14/16
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.310 (01)
Evolution and Development of the Vertebrates
TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Bever, Gabriel S. (Gabriel)
Olin 247
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, Gabriel S. (Gabriel)
Room: Olin 247
Status: Open
Seats Available: 2/20
PosTag(s): BEHB-BIOBEH, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.317 (01)
Conservation Biology
MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Burgess, Jerry
Olin 204
BEHB-BIOBEH, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Conservation Biology AS.270.317 (01)
In this course, students examine the meaning and implications of biodiversity with a focus on disciplines associated with conservation biology, wildlife conservation and wildlife management, including taxonomy, genetics, small population biology, chemical and restoration ecology, and marine biology. This includes exploring how conservation biology differs from other natural sciences in theory and in application. Students learn the major threats to biodiversity and what natural and social science methods and alternatives are used to mitigate, stop, or reverse these threats. The course also includes the economic and cultural tradeoffs associated with each conservation measure at the global, national, regional, and local levels. One required field trip.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Instructor: Burgess, Jerry
Room: Olin 204
Status: Waitlist Only
Seats Available: 0/16
PosTag(s): BEHB-BIOBEH, ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
AS.270.350 (01)
Sedimentary Geology
TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM, W 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Smith, Emily (Emmy)
Olin 204 Olin 204
Sedimentary Geology AS.270.350 (01)
Sedimentary rocks are the historical records of the Earth, documenting climate change, mass extinctions, and the evolution of life. This course will provide an introduction to sedimentary processes and sedimentary rocks. Focus is placed on linking physical observations to the ancient environments in which sedimentary rocks once formed. Fundamental tools for interpreting the sedimentary rock record, such as depositional models, geochronology, and chemostratigraphy will be reviewed. Two 1-day weekend field trips will occur over the course of the semester. There will also be weekly 1-hour labs. Lab and field trip times will be determined in the first week of class. Graduate and advanced undergraduate level. Recommended Course Background: AS.270.220 or instructor permission.
Credits: 4.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM, W 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: Smith, Emily (Emmy)
Room: Olin 204 Olin 204
Status: Open
Seats Available: 6/12
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.430 (01)
Solar System Magnetic Fields:Generation,Signatures, and Consequences
W 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Anderson, Brian J (Brian)
Solar System Magnetic Fields:Generation,Signatures, and Consequences AS.270.430 (01)
Magnetic fields are generated in stars and other astrophysical objects and permeate the universe in an astonishing range of intensities and physical systems. This course focuses on magnetic fields in our solar system from the Sun and interplanetary space to planets and smaller bodies with extrapolation to exoplanetary systems. We survey how magnetic fields are generated, modified, and measured and examine their role in accelerating and trapping penetrating radiation as well as the consequences they have for airless surfaces and planetary atmospheres and habitability. Lectures and class discussion of seminal papers provide a topical overview and student research presentations allow greater exploration of topics of interest to each individual.
Recommended Course Background: Basic knowledge of electricity and magnetism, elements of vector calculus; knowledge of planetary science is helpful but not required.
Credits: 1.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: W 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: Anderson, Brian J (Brian)
Room:
Status: Reserved Open
Seats Available: 13/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.345 (01)
Metamorphic Petrology
TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Viete, Daniel R
Metamorphic Petrology AS.270.345 (01)
Introduction to metamorphic geology and the concepts on which it is built. Ideas and techniques that underpin metamorphic petrology are introduced. Focus is on utility of metamorphic geology in understanding petrogenesis crustal processes and plate tectonics. Local field trip(s) to explore the metamorphic geology of the Baltimore region. Recommended course background: AS.270.220 and AS.270.221, or instructor permission
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Viete, Daniel R
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 8/12
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.409 (01)
Stellar and Planetary Waves
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Barik, Ankit
Olin 346
Stellar and Planetary Waves AS.270.409 (01)
The course will provide an overview of the major types of oscillatory motions and waves observed in the interiors of stars and planets as well as in oceans on the Earth and planetary atmospheres. This will involve not just purely fluid mechanical waves but also waves caused due to magnetic fields and their interaction with conducting fluids in the interior of planets and stars. Examples are acoustic waves, Rossby waves, Alfven waves, Magneto-Coriolis waves etc. Though the course will provide a brief overview/recap of basic fluid mechanics concepts, it is not designed to be a substitute for a fundamental fluid mechanics course. Fundamentals of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) will be introduced. Recommended preparation includes knowledge of fundamentals of fluid mechanics (courses: AS.270.425. Earth and Planetary Fluids. or EN.530.327. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics or equivalent) and familiarity with basics of electromagnetism (at the level of AS.171.101. General Physics: Physical Science Major I). If unsure, contact the instructor.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Instructor: Barik, Ankit
Room: Olin 346
Status: Open
Seats Available: 15/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.409 (02)
Stellar and Planetary Waves
TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Barik, Ankit
Olin 145
Stellar and Planetary Waves AS.270.409 (02)
The course will provide an overview of the major types of oscillatory motions and waves observed in the interiors of stars and planets as well as in oceans on the Earth and planetary atmospheres. This will involve not just purely fluid mechanical waves but also waves caused due to magnetic fields and their interaction with conducting fluids in the interior of planets and stars. Examples are acoustic waves, Rossby waves, Alfven waves, Magneto-Coriolis waves etc. Though the course will provide a brief overview/recap of basic fluid mechanics concepts, it is not designed to be a substitute for a fundamental fluid mechanics course. Fundamentals of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) will be introduced. Recommended preparation includes knowledge of fundamentals of fluid mechanics (courses: AS.270.425. Earth and Planetary Fluids. or EN.530.327. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics or equivalent) and familiarity with basics of electromagnetism (at the level of AS.171.101. General Physics: Physical Science Major I). If unsure, contact the instructor.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: Barik, Ankit
Room: Olin 145
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.311 (01)
Climate and Health
M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Waugh, Darryn, Zaitchik, Benjamin
Olin 145
ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
Climate and Health AS.271.311 (01)
This course will examine the impact of climate variability and change on human health and disease, including the adverse health effects related to extreme heat, air quality, nutrition, waterborne infections, insect-borne diseases, and exposure to storms and floods. Adaptation and mitigation strategies, including the health “co-benefits”, will also be examined
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Waugh, Darryn, Zaitchik, Benjamin
Room: Olin 145
Status: Open
Seats Available: 2/15
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
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: Approval Required
Seats Available: 3/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.410 (01)
Planetary Surface Processes
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Lewis, Kevin
Olin 204
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: 13/20
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.001.129 (01)
FYS: Environmental Poisons
W 9:00AM - 9:50AM
Sverjensky, Dimitri
Olin 304
FYS: Environmental Poisons AS.001.129 (01)
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.
