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.270.303 (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.
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.020.334 (01)
Planets, Life and the Universe
MWF 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Diruggiero, Jocelyne, Levin, Naomi E, Norman, Colin
Mudd 100
BIOL-UL, BEHB-SOCSCI
Planets, Life and the Universe AS.020.334 (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)
Co-listed with AS.020.616
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MWF 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Instructor: Diruggiero, Jocelyne, Levin, Naomi E, Norman, Colin
Room: Mudd 100
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 3/30
PosTag(s): BIOL-UL, BEHB-SOCSCI
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: 57/110
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.222 (01)
Mineralogy
TTh 9:00AM - 10:00AM, M 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Wicks, June K
Olin 206B
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): n/a
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.270.220 (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.270.205 (01)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial Analysis
M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Chen, Xin
Krieger 108
GECS-SCI, ARCH-RELATE
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
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.270.127 (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.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Perera, Viranga
Room: Olin 145
Status: Open
Seats Available: 13/18
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.305 (01)
Energy Resources in the Modern World
WF 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Burgess, Jerry
Olin 304
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: WF 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Instructor: Burgess, Jerry
Room: Olin 304
Status: Open
Seats Available: 9/20
PosTag(s): ENVS-MAJOR, ENVS-MINOR
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.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.270.408 (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.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.270.378 (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.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.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.270.400 (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.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.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.360.339 (01)
Planets, Life and the Universe
MWF 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Diruggiero, Jocelyne, Norman, Colin
Mudd 100
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): n/a
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.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.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.
