| ENVS 110 |
| The Earth’s Climate |
| The course will introduce students to techniques that quantify past and present climates and present a history of the earth’s climate throughout geologic time. We will discuss past and future climate change, its potential causes and effects on society. This course is not creditable to the environmental science major or minor. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 123 |
| Environmental Challenges Posed by Urban Life Along the Yangtze |
| Cities have been established along rivers throughout human history because of the benefits of the water resources and the functions of rivers in removal of waste and movement of goods. Consequently, rivers have undergone periods of
extreme pollution then rapid changes as society has recognized the need to clean up these valuable waterways. This course will examine the basics of the ecology and environment of rivers and the types and consequences of human interactions
with rivers. Pre-trip background material will engage students in building the scientific framework necessary to understand these issues. Students will read current material that explores interrelationships between rivers and the human enterprise then, in China, our field experiences along the Yangtze River will allow examination of interactions between humans and the river in locations from the smallest rural village to the rapidly growing megacities. Dr. Morrison’s extensive field research experience will facilitate the field aspects of our river studies by offering both natural- and social science-based insights into our understanding of how rapidly growing urban areas may affect the rivers and their surrounding environments. This course does not count toward the ENVS major or the
natural science distribution. |
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0.50 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 125 |
| Wildlife Issues in a Changing World |
| This course deals with current issues in wildlife and conservation around the world, among the most complex concerns affecting global life. To understand and resolve these issues requires a broad understanding of wildlife biology, and ways that human efforts and laws create complications in managing wildlife. The class is designed for undergraduates who most likely will not major in the natural sciences, but who will be voters who ultimately decide many wildlife-related issues. Students will gain exposure to use of the scientific method, examine the principal causes of extinction, and discuss the role of wildlife rehabilitation, all by means of case studies. However, more than science is required for resolution of wildlife issues, since political, legal, and state goals often conflict with science-based knowledge. Thus, students will see wildlife issues as multi-faceted problems that require critical thinking to resolve. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 149 |
| Introduction to Environmental Science |
| An introduction to interrelationships among the natural environment, humans, and the human environment, including the biological, social, economic, technological, and political aspects of current environmental challenges. This course focuses on building the scientific framework necessary to understand environmental issues. It explores the structure, function, and dynamics of ecosystems, interactions between living and physical systems, and how human enterprise affects natural systems. It also examines current issues regarding human impacts on environmental quality, including global warming, air and water pollution, agriculture, overpopulation, energy, and urbanization. The laboratory section, which complements lecture material, incorporates laboratory and field exercises that include a focus on Hartford and a nearby rural area. |
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1.25 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 275 |
| Methods in Environmental Science |
A field-oriented, problem-based course covering data collection and analysis methods commonly used to conduct environmental assessments and to solve environmental problems. This course includes methods for risk assessment, land management and land use history determination, habitat analysis, bio-monitoring, soil composition analysis, soil and water chemistry analysis, and GIS mapping. A strong emphasis is placed upon research design, data manipulation, and statistical analysis. As a culminating exercise, students in the course prepare a final report that integrates all the topics and techniques learned throughout the course and that addresses the focal problem.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Environmental Science 149L. |
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1.25 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 286 |
| Theory and Application of Geographic Information Systems |
| A lecture/lab course that focuses on the theory and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using the ESRI ArcGIS software package. ArcGIS is a powerful mapping tool that facilitates the compilation, analysis and presentation of spatial data for a wide variety of disciplines including the natural and social sciences and any other field that uses spatial data. This course will provide students with the fundamental skills needed to design and manage digital databases and map sets so that they may integrate GIS into future courses, research, or careers. Topics include basic and advanced navigation and functionality within the ArcGIS workspace; database management and querying; and methods of data acquisition for GIS project building. Class projects on lab computers will be an integral component of the course and will be tailored to the specific interests and goals of individual students. This course does not meet the natural science distribution requirement. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 350 |
| Field Study in Environmental Science |
| This 10-12 day field trip to a particular region of the U.S. introduces Trinity students to field methods in the environmental sciences. Students will study the geology, ecology, and history of human impact on the region visited, which varies from year to year. Students will also gain experience in basic field sampling techniques, observational skills, field note-taking, and methods for data analysis and interpretation. Pre-trip readings and an oral presentation given during the trip are required. Camping throughout. Permission of Instructor required. Not creditable to the environmental science major or minor; does not count toward science distribution. |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
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| ENVS 399 |
| Independent Study |
| Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and director are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
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| ENVS 401 |
| Advanced Seminar in Environmental Science |
This capstone seminar will engage students in the interdisciplinary study of a local environmental issue. The course will include interaction with community groups and government agencies, library research, and the collection and analysis of data to explore the connections between science, public policy, and social issues. This course does not meet the natural science distribution requirement.
Course is open to senior environmental science majors and others by permission of instructor. |
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1.00 units, Seminar
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| ENVS 405 |
| Senior Project |
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No Course Description Available.
|
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1.00 units, Independent Study
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| ENVS 419 |
| Research in Environmental Science Library |
| Students will conduct library research projects under the direction of an individual staff member. Students electing this type of independent study should plan on a full semester culminating with the completion of a final formal paper. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
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| ENVS 425 |
| Research in Environmental Science Laboratory |
| Students will conduct original laboratory research projects under the direction of an individual staff member. Students electing to pursue independent study of this type should plan on initiating the work no later than the fall of the senior year, and should also plan on no less than two semesters of study with a final formal report to be submitted to the staff. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
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| ENVS 466 |
| Teaching Assistantship |
| Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
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| ENVS 497 |
| Honors Research |
| An extended paper on the subject of the student's two-semester research project with a professor in environmental science, to be read by three or more members of the program. This course is open only to those environmental science majors who wish to qualify for honors (See paragraph on honors in environmental science in the description of the major). Simultaneous enrollment in Environmental Science 419 or 425 during the spring semester of senior year, submission of the special registration form available in the Registrar's Office, and approval of the instructor and director are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
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