This one-semester course introduces students to environmental concepts and issues. The course covers environmental issues and controversies from ecological, biological, social, economic, ethical and governmental policy positions. In addition, the course emphasis is placed on the tools and techniques needed to understand and analyze environmental topics such as energy, solid waste, food production, resource depletion, air and water issues and global climate change. PR: High School Algebra or MAT 128

ENV203 General Ecology (3-3-4)

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

ENV205 The Environment and Social Issues (3-0-3)

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

ENV260 Subtropical Coastal and Marine Ecology (4-0-4)

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