Environmental Sciences Courses

ENV 100 (3-0-3)

Introduction to Environmental Science

This course introduces students to the environmental issues and challenges facing current humanity. Topics cover environmental issues from various perspectives: ecological, biological, social, economic, ethical, and governmental policy. In addition, the course emphasizes the tools of scientific inquiry as they pertain to the understanding and analysis of topics such as energy production and consumption, hazardous and solid waste, species and land usage, resource depletion and food production, water issues, air issues, and the consequences of Global Climate Change.   

ENV 105 (0-2-1)

Environmental Science Laboratory

This course enables students to apply the theories introduced in ENV 100: Introduction to Environmental Science. Students apply these theories through a combination of laboratory and applied learning activities. It introduces students to topics such as energy and land usage, solid waste, water and air issues, and climate change, as they are applicable to the Capital Region and Mohawk River watershed. Note: This laboratory portion, taken concurrently with ENV 100, is for students whose program requires a 4-credit science lab course or for transfer purposes, but do not intend to major in a physical science or mathematics.

ENV 203 (3-3-4)

General Ecology

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. 
Spring only 
PR: BIO 142 and CHM 122, or equivalent

ENV 205 (3-0-3)

The Environment and Social Issues

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

ENV 260 (4-0-4)

Subtropical Coastal and Marine Ecology

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