Environmental Science

This course examines the interaction of humans and the environment, within the context of key ecological and evolutionary principles. Topics include conservation, ecotoxicology, agriculture, climate change, natural resource use, environmental ethics, environmental policy, and sustainability. Intended for general education.

An introductory series of lectures on campus will be followed by a one to two-week field research experience at biological field stations. Topics include tropical ecology and marine biology. May be repeated when topics vary. May be designated as global when topic is appropriate.

This course covers physiological, population, community, and ecosystem ecology with a focus on methods of field study and conservation biology. Application of ecological and evolutionary principles to real world environmental issues. Topics include nutrient cycling, biomes, population dynamics, species interaction, restoration, and landscape ecology. The course will also investigate the social, economic, and political aspects of applied ecology.