EnSci 290. Apprenticeship. Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS. Prereq: Approval of the Environmental Science Coordinator. Practical experience in an approved setting such as a research laboratory, government office, or private office. Satisfactory-fail only.
EnSci 295. Sophomore Seminar. (1-0) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Sophomore classification in EnSci. Burras. Discussion of current issues in Environmental Science. Satisfactory-fail only.
EnSci 301. Forest Ecology and Soils. (Cross-listed with NREM). (3-3) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Biol 211, 201L; For 201 or a second course in biology. Effects of environmental factors on ecosystem structure and function. Special emphasis is given to soil forming factors and the role of soil in nutrient and water cycling and ecosystem dynamics. Additional emphasis is given on human influences on natural ecosystems. Nonmajor graduate credit.
EnSci 360. Environmental Soil Science. (Cross-listed with Agron). (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Agron 260 or Geol 100 or 201. Burras and Killorn. Application of soil science to contemporary environmental problems; comparison of the impacts that different management strategies have on short- and long-term environmental quality and land development. Emphasis on participatory learning activities.
EnSci 381. Environmental Systems. (Dual-listed with 581). (Cross-listed with Biol, Env S, Micro). (2-4) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Soc 130, 134 or 3 credits of Env S. Dynamics of natural environmental systems. Systems approach to the analysis of material and energy flows and to understanding major physical, chemical, and biological processes in environmental systems. Laboratory emphasizes mass balance analysis and environmental simulation modeling. Nonmajor graduate credit.
EnSci 390. Internship in Environmental Science. Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS. Prereq: Approval of the Environmental Science coordinator. Supervised off-campus work experience in the field of environmental science. Satisfactory-fail only.
EnSci 404. Global Change. (Dual-listed with 504). (Cross-listed with Agron, Mteor, Env S). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering; junior standing. Recent changes in global biogeochemical cycles and climate; models of future changes in the climate system; impacts of global change on agriculture, water resources and human health; ethical issues of global environmental change. Nonmajor graduate credit.
EnSci 406. World Climates. (Cross-listed with Agron, Mteor). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Agron/Mteor 206. Arritt. Distribution and causes of different climates around the world. Effects of climate and climate variations on human activities including society, economy and agriculture. Current issues such as climate change and international efforts to assess and mitigate the consequences of a changing climate. Semester project and in-class presentation required. Nonmajor graduate credit.
EnSci 407. Watershed Management. (Dual-listed with 507). (Cross-listed with Env S, NREM). (3-3) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: A course in general biology. Managing human impacts on the hydrologic cycle. Field and watershed level best management practices for modifying the impacts on water quality, quantity and timing are discussed. Field project includes developing a management plan using landscape buffers.
EnSci 408. GIS and Natural Resources Management. (Dual-listed with 508). (Cross-listed with A E). (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Working knowledge of computers and Windows environment. Introduction to fundamental concepts and applications of GIS in natural resources management with specific focus on watersheds. Topics include: basic GIS technology, data structures, database management, spatial analysis, and modeling; visualization and display of natural resource data. Case studies in watershed and natural resource management using ArcView GIS.
EnSci 409. Field Methods in Hydrogeology. (Dual-listed with 509). (Cross-listed with Geol). (0-4) Cr. 2. Alt. SS., offered 2008. Prereq: 402 or 411 or C E 473. Introduction to field methods used in groundwater investigations. In-field implementation of pumping tests, slug tests, monitoring well installation and drilling techniques, geochemical and water quality sampling, seepage meters, minipiezometers, stream gaging, electronic instrumentation for data collection, geophysics. Field trips to investigate water resource, water quality, and remediation projects.
EnSci 411. Hydrogeology. (Dual-listed with 511). (Cross-listed with Geol). (3-2) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Geol 100 or 201; Math 165 or 181; Phys 111 or 221. Physical principles of groundwater flow, nature and origin of aquifers and confining units, well hydraulics, groundwater modeling, and contaminant transport. Lab emphasizes applied field and laboratory methods for hydrogeological investigations. Nonmajor graduate credit.
EnSci 415. Paleoclimatology. (Dual-listed with 515). (Cross-listed with Geol). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2009. Prereq: Four courses in the biological or physical sciences at the 200 level or higher. Introduction to mechanisms that drive climate, including the interplay between oceanic and atmospheric circulation and fluctuation in Earth's orbital parameters. Examination and analysis of past climate records ranging from historical documentation to ecological and geochemical proxies (e.g. tree ring analysis; O and C isotopes of skeletal carbonates and soils). Dating methods used to constrain and correlate climatic periods, utility of computer models to reconstruct past climates and predict future climate change. Emphasis placed on paleoclimatology and paleoecology of the late Quaternary (last ~1 million years). Nonmajor graduate credit.
EnSci 419. Environmental Geochemistry. (Dual-listed with 519). (Cross-listed with Geol). (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 402 or 411 or equivalent. Geochemistry of natural waters and water-rock interactions. Acid-base equilibria, carbonate chemistry and buffer systems, mineral dissolution and precipitation, sorption, ion exchange, and redox reactions. Introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics. Laboratory emphasizes chemical analysis of waters and computer modeling. Nonmajor graduate credit.
EnSci 434. Contaminant Hydrogeology. (Dual-listed with 534). (Cross-listed with Geol). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Geol 411 or equivalent. Theory and practical considerations of fate and transport of solutes through porous geologic materials. Organic and inorganic contaminants in industrial and agricultural settings. Subsurface microbiology and biodegradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Investigation of coupled processes (diffusion, advection, dispersion, sorption, and biodegradation) using computer models. Soil and groundwater monitoring and remediation strategies. Nonmajor graduate credit.
EnSci 446. Integrating GPS and GIS for Natural Resource Management. (Dual-listed with 546). (Cross-listed with NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 12 credits in student's major at 300 level or above, NREM 345 or equivalent experience with ArcGIS. Emphasis on the use of GPS as a data collection tool for GIS. Basic theory of GPS. Use of Global Positioning System technology for spatial data collection and navigation. Post-processing and real-time correction of GPS data. GPS data transfer to GIS for mapping applications. Use of GIS to construct waypoints for use in GPS navigation.
EnSci 459. Environmental Soil Chemistry. (Dual-listed with 559). (Cross-listed with Agron). (3-3) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Agron 354 or EnSci 360; Chem 164, 165, or 178; Math 140. Chem 211 recommended. Thompson. An introduction to the chemical properties of soils, chemical reactions and transformations occurring in the soils and their impact on the environment. Topics include composition of soils, acid-base equilibria, mineral dissolution and precipitation, speciation, ion exchange, redox reactions, absorption phenomena, soil pollution and chemical-equilbria computer programs. Nonmajor graduate credit.
EnSci 479. Surficial Processes. (Dual-listed with 579). (Cross-listed with Geol). (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Geol 100 or 201 or equivalent experience. Study of surficial processes in modern and ancient geological environments. Topics include weathering, sediment transport, and landform genesis with emphasis on fluvial, glacial, hillslope, eolian, and coastal processes. Applications to engineering and environmental problems. Laboratory emphasizes aerial photo and topographic map interpretation. Nonmajor graduate credit.
EnSci 483. Environmental Biogeochemistry. (Dual-listed with 583). (Cross-listed with Biol, Geol). (3-2) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: EnSci 381 and 402 or 402I. Biological, chemical, and physical phenomena controlling material, energy, and elemental fluxes in the environment. Interactions of life with and effects on environmental systems. Nonmajor graduate credit.
EnSci 495. Current Topics and Case Studies in Environmental Science. (1-3) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: Senior classification in Environmental Science. Schultz. Current topics and case studies related to the analysis and management of environmental systems. Will include field trips and cooperative group projects to assess environmental problems in heavily impacted landscapes and develop alternative management plans.
Graduate and qualified undergraduate courses -
EnSci 504. Global Change. (Dual-listed with 404). (Cross-listed with Agron, Mteor). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering; junior, senior, or graduate standing. Recent changes in global biogeochemical cycles and climate; models of future changes in the climate system; impacts of global change on agriculture, water resources and human health; ethical issues of global environmental change.
EnSci 505I. Watershed Modeling and GIS. (Cross-listed with A E, Ia LL). Cr. 4. Alt. SS., offered 2008. GIS techniques for watershed hydrology and water quality modeling and water resource management, including various approaches to watershed analysis, modeling and management; analytical tools for modeling watershed hydrology and water quality; and case studies in modeling and managing rural and urban watersheds.
EnSci 507. Watershed Management. (Dual-listed with 407). (Cross-listed with NREM). (3-3) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: A course in general biology. Managing human impacts on the hydrologic cycle. Field and watershed level best management practices for modifying the impacts on water quality, quantity and timing are discussed. Field project includes developing a management plan using landscape buffers.
EnSci 511. Hydrogeology. (Dual-listed with 411). (Cross-listed with Geol). (3-2) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Geol 100 or 201; Math 165 or 181; Phys 111 or 221. Physical principles of groundwater flow, nature and origin of aquifers and confining units, well hydraulics, groundwater modeling, and contaminant transport. Lab emphasizes applied field and laboratory methods for hydrogeological investigations.
EnSci 515. Paleoclimatology. (Dual-listed with 415). (Cross-listed with Geol). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2009. Prereq: Four courses in biological or physical science. Introduction to mechanisms that drive climate, including the interplay between oceanic and atmospheric circulation and fluctuation in Earth's orbital parameters. Examination and analysis of past climate records ranging from historical documentation to ecological and geochemical proxies (e.g. tree ring analysis; O and C isotopes of skeletal carbonates and soils). Dating methods used to constrain and correlate climatic periods; utility of computer models to reconstruct past climates and predict future climate change. Emphasis placed on paleoclimatology and paleoecology of the late Quaternary (last ~ 1 million years).
EnSci 520. Environmental Engineering Chemistry. (Cross-listed with C E). (2-3) Cr. 3. Prereq: Chem 177 and 178, Math 166. Principles of chemical and physical phenomena applicable to the treatment of water and wastewater and natural waters; including chemical equilbria, reaction kinetics, acid-base equilibria, chemical precipitation, redox reactions and mass transfer principles. Individual and group projects required. Additional term paper and oral presentation. Laboratory practicals.
EnSci 521. Environmental Biotechnology. (Cross-listed with C E). (2-2) Cr. 3. Prereq: C E 326. Fundamentals of biochemical and microbial processes applied to environmental engineering processes, role of microorganisms in wastewater treatment and bioremedication, bioenergetics and kinetics, metabolism of xenobiotic compounds, waterborne pathogens and parasites, and disinfection. Additional term paper and oral presentation.
EnSci 522. Water Pollution Control Processes. (Cross-listed with C E). (2-2) Cr. 3. Prereq: 521. Fundamentals of biochemical processes, aerobic growth in a single CSTR, multiple events in complex systems, and techniques for evaluating kinetic parameters; unit processes of activated sludge system, attached growth systems, stabilization and aerated lagoon systems, biosolids digestion and disposal, nutrient removal, and anaerobic treatment systems.
EnSci 523. Physical-Chemical Treatment Process. (Cross-listed with C E). (2-2) Cr. 3. Prereq: C E 520. Principles and design of physical-chemical processes; including coagulation, flocculation, chemical precipitation, sedimentation, filtration, lime softening and stabilization, adsorption, membrane processes, ion exchange and disinfection; laboratory exercises and demonstrations. Individual and group projects required.
EnSci 524. Air Pollution. (Cross-listed with C E, A E). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Two of Phys 221, Chem 178 and either Math 166 or 3 credits in statistics. Air quality legislation. Sources and effects of pollutants. Physics and chemistry of air pollution. Modeling point sources. Global warming, ozone depletion, meteorological and geographic aspects. Indoor air quality. Volatile organic compounds. Odor and air analysis. Optional sessions: a) air pollution control, b) transportation pollution, c) aerial emissions from agriculture.
EnSci 525. Industrial Wastewater and Resource Recovery. (Cross-listed with C E). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Two chemistry courses, Math 166. Water management improvement in industry, pollution reduction at source. Material and energy balances. Industrial wastewater treatment and process selection. Recovery of metals by oxidation/reduction, precipitation, filtration, adsorption and ion exchange. Recovery or conversion of organic materials in wastewater into useful byproducts by bioprocessing. Recovery of resources from biomass and sludges. Extensive case studies.
EnSci 526. Stable Isotopes in the Environment. (Dual-listed with 426). (Cross-listed with Geol). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2007. Prereq: Four courses in biological or physical science. Introduction to the theory, methods and applications of stable isotopes. Primary focus on the origin, natural abundance, and fractionation of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen isotopes. Applications of isotopic occurrence for elucidation of physical, chemical, biological, and environmental processes. Effects of plant physiology, photosynthesis, trophic structure, diffusion, evaporation, chemical precipitation, soil and atmospheric processes, and environmental factors on isotope abundance
EnSci 527. Solid Waste Management. (Cross-listed with C E). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: C E 326. Planning and design of solid waste management systems; includes characterization and collection of domestic, commercial, and industrial solid wastes, waste minimization and recycling, energy and materials recovery, composting, incineration, and landfill design.
EnSci 529. Hazardous Waste Management. (Cross-listed with C E). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: C E 326. Regulatory requirements for the classification, transport, storage and treatment of hazardous wastes. Analysis and design of alternatives for treatment and disposal technologies, including physical, chemical, and biological treatment, solidification, incineration, and secure landfill design. Regulatory requirements and procedures for hazardous waste contaminated site investigations and risk analysis. Analysis and design of remedial action alternatives for site restoration.
EnSci 531. Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Systems. (Cross-listed with A E). (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: E M 378 or Ch E 356. Hydrology and hydraulics in agricultural and urbanizing watersheds. Design and evaluation of systems for the conservation and quality preservation of soil and water resources. Use and analysis of hydrologic data in engineering design; relationship of topography, soils, crops, climate, and cultural practices in conservation and quality preservation of soil and water for agriculture. Small watershed hydrology, water movement and utilization in the soil-plant-atmosphere system, agricultural water management, best management practices, and agricultural water quality. Graduate students will prepare several research literature reviews on topics covered in the class in addition to the other assignments.
EnSci 534. Contaminant Hydrogeology. (Dual-listed with 434). (Cross-listed with Geol). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Geol 511 or equivalent. Theory and practical considerations of fate and transport of solutes through porous geologic materials. Organic and inorganic contaminants in industrial and agricultural settings. Subsurface microbiology and biodegradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Investigation of coupled processes (diffusion, advection, dispersion, sorption, and biodegradation) using computer models. Soil and groundwater monitoring and remediation strategies.
EnSci 535. Restoration Ecology. (Cross-listed with EEOB, NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Biol 366 or 474 or graduate standing. Theory and practice of restoring animal and plant diversity, structure and function of disturbed ecosystems. Restored freshwater wetlands, forests, prairies and reintroduced species populations will be used as case studies.
EnSci 535I. Restoration Ecology. (Cross-listed with A Ecl, EEOB, Ia LL). Cr. 4. Alt. SS., offered 2008. Prereq: A course in ecology. Ecological principles for the restoration of native ecosystems; establishment (site preparation, selection of seed mixes, planting techniques) and management (fire, mowing, weed control) of native vegetation; evaluation of restorations. Emphasis on the restoration of prairie and wetland vegetation.
EnSci 559. Environmental Soil Chemistry. (Dual-listed with 459). (Cross-listed with Agron). (3-3) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Agron 354 or EnSci 360; Chem 164, 165, or 178; Math 140. Chem 211 recommended. Thompson. An introduction to the chemical properties of soils, chemical reactions and transformations occurring in the soils and their impact on the environment. Topics include composition of soils, acid-base equilibria, mineral dissolution and precipitation, speciation, ion exchange, redox reactions, adsorption phenomena, soil pollution and chemical-equilbria computer programs.
EnSci 571. Surface Water Hydrology. (Cross-listed with C E). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: C E 372. Analysis of hydrologic data including precipitation, infiltration, evapotranspiration, direct runoff and streamflow; theory and use of frequency analysis; theory of streamflow and reservoir routing; use of deterministic and statistical hydrologic models. Fundamentals of surface water quality modeling, point and non-point sourses of contamination. Design project.
EnSci 574. Environmental Impact Assessment. (Cross-listed with C E). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Four courses in natural, biological, or engineering sciences and senior or above classification. Review of federal and state requirements for environmental impact assessment, requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and Council on Environmental Quality, methods of evaluating the environmental impacts on the physical, biological, socioeconomic, cultural/historical, human health and psychological environments, public participation in EIS, review and evaluate project environmental impact statements. An environmental impact assessment of a proposed project will be completed in small teams.
EnSci 579. Surficial Processes. (Dual-listed with 479). (Cross-listed with Geol). (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Geol 100 or 201 or equivalent experience. Study of surficial processes in modern and ancient geological environments. Topics include weathering, sediment transport, and landform genesis with emphasis on fluvial, glacial hillslope, eolian, and coastal processes. Applications to engineering and environmental problems. Laboratory emphasizes aerial photo and topographic map interpretation.
EnSci 583. Environmental Biogeochemistry. (Dual-listed with 483). (Cross-listed with EEOB, Geol). (3-2) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: EnSci 381 and 402 or 402I. Biological, chemical, and physical phenomena controlling material, energy, and elemental fluxes in the environment. Interactions of life with and effects on environmental systems.
