Environmental Sciences (ENV-SCI)

Courses

ENV-SCI 110L Understanding the Earth Laboratory Credit: 1

Laboratory and field demonstration and exercises in environmental science. Weekly exercises or field trips.


ENV-SCI 110L - MOTR PHYS 110LES: Essent. Physical Sciences w/Lab
CORE 42 MOTRANSFER GUARANTEED

ENV-SCI 110R Understanding the Earth: Introduction to Environmental Science Credits: 3

This introductory course surveys the processes that shape our planet. Topics include: plate tectonics and mountain-building, rivers and oceans, atmospheric circulation, weather and climate, and the amazingly complex relationships between life on Earth and the physical environment.


ENV-SCI 110R - MOTR PHYS 110ES: Essentials in Physical Sciences
CORE 42 MOTRANSFER GUARANTEED

ENV-SCI 210 Issues in Environmental Science Credits: 3

Explores important environmental issues such as air and water pollution, water supply, climate change, agriculture and food supply, environmental health, ecosystem disruption, environmental management, environmental ethics, and energy resources. Topics may vary depending on current events.

ENV-SCI 230 Introduction to Controlled Environment Agriculture Credits: 3

This course introduces and examines current commercial methods of controlled environmental agricultural production. Basic plant physiology, nutrient management, and pest identification and control methods will be investigated. Weekly laboratory sessions provide students valuable hands-on learning opportunities, supporting and enhancing the scientific concepts presented during lectures.

Prerequisites: IDEA Coordinator Consent Required.

ENV-SCI 321 Climate Change Impact Assessment and Policy Response Credits: 3

This course introduces how scientists assess observed climate change and predict future climate change. Lectures, discussions, problem sets, and term papers help students explore interactions among climate change, human activities and policy responses. It helps students achieve an appreciation for the role of accurate scientific information as foundation for shaping political agreements and policies on climate change.

Prerequisites: ENV-SCI 110R or GEOL 220

ENV-SCI 332CZ Environmental Sustainability Credits: 3

This course will introduce the concept of sustainability and review how sustainability might work at the individual, neighborhood, state, nation and global scales. Students will participate in some form of community engagement on sustainability as well as reflect upon how their own practices impact the environment.

ENV-SCI 350 Indoor Vertical Farming Credits: 3

Indoor Vertical Farming (VF) System course is focused on all aspects of crop production under a housing or factory system, including the structure and lighting design and maintenance. The application of an indoor farming system is beneficial where land is limited, such as in urban areas, and the long-term goal is eliminating the effects of climate change.

Prerequisites: ENV-SCI 230 and IDEA Coordinator Consent Required.

ENV-SCI 360 CEA Engineering and Technology Systems Credits: 3

This course offers a foundational overview of engineering and technological systems used in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Emphasis is placed on the principles and applications of indoor and greenhouse crop production. Students will examine core components of environmental control, including fertigation, lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and dehumidification. The course highlights the integration of these systems to create optimized growing conditions for sustainable and efficient plant production.

Prerequisites: ENV-SCI 230 and IDEA Coordinator Consent Required.

ENV-SCI 365 Mushroom Production in Controlled Environment Agriculture Credit: 1

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of mushroom cultivation within controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. Students will explore the biological and environmental factors that influence mushroom growth, including substrate preparation, spawn inoculation, climate regulation, and harvesting techniques. The course emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical experience in growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. Sustainability and commercial scalability are central themes, preparing students for both small-scale and industrial production settings.

Prerequisites: ENV-SCI 230 and IDEA Coordinator Consent Required.

ENV-SCI 440 Hydroponic Food Production Credits: 3

This hands-on course will explore hydroponic crop production in the United States, incorporating growth of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens into a variety of production systems, including aquaponics, used in controlled environment agriculture. Topics of sustainability of the systems and safe food handling practices will also be addressed.

Prerequisites: ENV-SCI 230 and IDEA Coordinator Consent Required.

ENV-SCI 449 Global Water and Sustainability Credits: 3

This course examines the physical characteristics of water and its role in Earth systems. The challenges facing societies in an era of rapidly-changing climate are explored.

ENV-SCI 496 Environmental Internship Credits: 1-4

Students obtain practical experience working for local engineering and environmental firms, or governmental agencies. Specific duties and application requirements will vary depending on the funding organization's needs. Junior or senior standing required for undergraduates.