Environmental Sciences Courses
ENV 100 (3-0-3)
Introduction to Environmental Science
This course introduces students to the environmental issues and challenges facing current humanity. Topics cover environmental issues from various perspectives: ecological, biological, social, economic, ethical, and governmental policy. In addition, the course emphasizes the tools of scientific inquiry as they pertain to the understanding and analysis of topics such as energy production and consumption, hazardous and solid waste, species and land usage, resource depletion and food production, water issues, air issues, and the consequences of Global Climate Change.
ENV 105 (0-2-1)
Environmental Science Laboratory
This course enables students to apply the theories introduced in ENV 100: Introduction to Environmental Science. Students apply these theories through a combination of laboratory and applied learning activities. It introduces students to topics such as energy and land usage, solid waste, water and air issues, and climate change, as they are applicable to the Capital Region and Mohawk River watershed. Note: This laboratory portion, taken concurrently with ENV 100, is for students whose program requires a 4-credit science lab course or for transfer purposes, but do not intend to major in a physical science or mathematics.
ENV 203 (3-3-4)
General Ecology
Through lecture and laboratory experiences this course focuses on the study of major
ecological principles including: population and community biology, competition and
predation, physiological ecology and adaptations, ecosystems, nutrient cycles, energy
flow, and ecological succession. The ecological basis of contemporary environmental
problems is examined and related to human activities. Quantitative perspectives and
analysis will be used throughout.
PR: BIO 142 and CHM 122, or equivalent Spring only
ENV 205 (3-0-3)
The Environment and Social Issues
This course is designed to provide a multidisciplinary introduction to the understanding
of social issues that impact humans and their relationship to the environment as well
as their participation in decision making roles that lead to environmental problem
solving. The course will concentrate on: varying factors that influence individual
and cultural differences in identification and perception of environmental issues,
the social processes involved in addressing the identified environmental problems,
and introductory techniques for the integration of different human values and cultural
processes into environmental planning and management strategies.
PR: BIO 142 and CHM 122, or equivalent
ENV 260 (4-0-4)
Subtropical Coastal and Marine Ecology
This course focuses on the current environmental and ecological issues of a subtropical
ecosystem (Indian River Lagoon). The lectures and field experiences will emphasize
the application of basic ecological principles to life in the coastal ecosystem, then
focus on characteristics of marine and coastal habitats and the groups of organisms
that occur there. The course will include physical, chemical and biological aspects
of these salt/fresh-water environments, and will explore several different marine
ecosystems: reefs, seagrass beds, salt water marshes, mangrove, and cypress swamps.
Students will analyze the role of human impact on these environments, spending a maximum
amount of time in the field. Through direct observations, species collection, water
analysis, and lecture the students will develop an understanding of how such issues
as food production, energy consumption, population growth, greenhouse effect, all
impact upon these environments, their usage and quality. The laboratory portion of
the course will involve two weeks of intensive field work at Harbor Branch Oceanographic
Institute in Florida. There is a separate field trip cost, which will include air
fare, transportation, room and board, and site costs. Because the field experience
occurs after the May Commencement, graduating students may not use this course to
meet graduation requirements. Graduating students may take this course if a) they
are willing to miss Commencement and b) they meet all graduation requirements without
this course. Graduates may also choose to postpone graduation until the following
semester.
PR: One year of college biology or chemistry or consent of Department