is an interdisciplinary introduction to the study of the environment that aims to develop environmental literacy. This course brings together perspectives from the natural sciences and the social sciences to examine such issues as global warming, air pollution, sustainability, new energy technologies, and environmental law.
An introduction to maps, global positioning systems, remote sensing, and geographic information systems. Applications to a broad range of environmental issues will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Geography 1000 or Earth Sciences 1002 Lab: 3 hours of laboratory per week
The theoretical rationale and practical skills needed to demonstrate basic proficiency in several of the following activities: minimal impact camping, wilderness cooking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, navigating with map and compass, outdoor safety, search and rescue, and group management. The major focus of this course will be the practical application of learned skills.
Corequisite: Basic first aid and CPR course Note: 1) 3 hours of practicum per week. 2) Attendance is required
The theoretical rationale and practical skills needed to demonstrate basic proficiency in several of the following activities: cross-country skiing, telemark skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping, and winter survival techniques. The major focus of this course will be the practical application of learned skills.
Note: 1) 3 hours of practicum per week. 2) Attendance is required
An analysis of current issues concerning the effects of the economic activities of production and consumption on the natural environment. The concepts of scarcity, abundance, demand, supply, opportunity cost, trade-offs, externalities, marginal benefits and marginal costs will be utilized in examining environmental problems. The social and economic implications of various approaches will also be analyzed.
Prerequisite: Economics 2010
Applied GIS knowledge and skills in environmental and resource management. The topics cover GIS data sources, data conversions, database design, spatial analysis and decision support systems. Examples of GIS applications in the private and public sectors will be provided.
Prerequisite: Environmental Studies 2000 Lab: Three hours per week
The course aims to explore the dynamic interaction between the economic system and the ecological system that sustains it by using trans-disciplinary theoretical approaches and methodologies. The main focus of this course will be on Ecological Economics concepts such as low and high entropy, biotic and abiotic goods and services, stock-flow resources, carrying capacity, throughput, co-evolution, sustainable scale, use value, and their applications in a problem- solving context.
Prerequisite: Economics 2010 and Economics 2020 Corequisite: Economics 3085, the former EVST 3010, and EVST 4020
This course will consist of one or more extensive expeditions into wilderness areas. A variety of applied topics related to environmental issues, outdoor leadership, and outdoor survival will be covered using an experiential approach.
Prerequisite: Environmental Studies 2210 and 2220 Note: 1) Two week expedition (Summer term). 2) Attendance is required
This course will include an analysis of the different methods of assessing the impacts that investment projects or decision-making processes have on the environment. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) vary with individual projects and are a vital tool to use in integrated planning of development proposals, policies and programs. Emphasis will be given to assessing the socio-economic impact of development projects.
A senior seminar in which selected environmental issues will be examined from several disciplinary perspectives.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Environmental Studies Program Chair
Special Topics Courses cover a range of Environmental Studies issues that are not addressed in the program’s usual course offerings These courses are normally taken by students beyond the second year
Under the supervision of a faculty member, each student will carry out an approved project in environmental studies and prepare a major paper based on independent research.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Environmental Studies Program Chair