GRAD > ENVSCI
Environmental Sciences
ENVSCI 510 Teaching Weather & Water +
Description:
This course crosses the boundaries of the science disciplines to focus on weather and the pivotal role that water and solar radiation play in the exchange of energy at the Earth's surface. Basic concepts such as the behavior of gases (Ideal Gas Law), energy flow, density changes, phase changes, heat capacities, isotopic fractionation processes, thermal convection, and thermohaline circulation, will be applied to examine short-term weather and water dynamics (pressure-driven fronts and flows) and longer-term impacts on global warming and climate change. The course has been designed to embrace the 7E learning cycle and instructional model. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 597 Special Topics +
Description:
This course offers study of selected topics within this subject. Course content and credits vary according to topic and are announced prior to the registration period. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 600 Responsible Conduct in Research +
Description:
This first year graduate course will introduce students to the many aspects of scientific integrity and responsible conduct in research (RCR). We seek to provide a learning experience for students that will enable them to:1. Develop and refine skills needed to solve problems involving relevant topic areas of responsible scientific conduct; 2. Be able to clearly articulate --both verbally and in writing --ethically and legally acceptable solutions to problems posed about scientific conduct; 3. Develop a positive attitude towards life long learning in the matters of scientific integrity and responsible research conduct. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 601 Introduction to Probability and Applied Statistics +
Description:
The course will analyze basic probability theory, probability distributions useful for modeling environmental processes - including binomial, Poisson, exponential, normal, geometric, hypergeometric, Chi-square, F, and Student's t - conditional probabilities & Bayes' theorem, random variables, & expected values, the central limit theorem, and parameter estimation. The course focuses on software-based hypothesis testing including p-values & confidence limits, Monte Carlo simulations, Type I and II error & power, Student's t tests and non-parametric alternatives, contigency tables & goodness-of-fit tests, regression, correlation, and one-way randomized block ANOVA. The course will make extensive use of programming software (e.g., Matlab or R). Calculus is a prerequisite. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 603 Coasts and Communities I +
Description:
This course defines and explores methods of linking critical disciplinary perspectives important to defining and solving environmental problems. The course will focus on the relation among natural and human systems in coastal regions of the world. Through the lens of climate change and urbanization this course will cover fundamental aspects on earth system interactions including hydrology, geology, geochemistry, physical oceanography, and ecology. This course is combination lecture and discussion. Students are required to register for both the lecture and a discussion section. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 604 Coasts and Communities II +
Description:
This course explores human system interactions with the environment through the lens of climate change and urbanization. The course uses conceptual modeling and problem solving to explore the role of governance, business, and communities in the development and implementation of sustainable solutions to environmental problems. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 607 Introduction to Environmental Innovation Clinic +
Description:
This course gives students a new set of tools for and experience in finding and developing innovative approaches for addressing environmental problems. The course explores various creativity methodologies and identifies, in collaboration with stakeholders, prospects for applying innovative strategies to address current environmental challenges. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 611 Applied Statistics +
Description:
This course is designed to prepare students to design and analyze experiments and field studies using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and regression techniques, including generalized linear regression. Analyses will be performed using Matlab, SPSS/PASW or R. both online and in-person versions will use discussion boards extensively and 2-3 hours of virtual office hours will provide 1-on-1 help with computer analyses and statistical concepts. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 613 Oceans and Human Health +
Description:
Over the last ten years, there has been a growing realization among both natural and social scientists that the oceans affect human health, and humans affect ocean health. Because of the complex and varied interactions between the oceans and humans, this new field is necessarily interdisciplinary, spanning the entire gamut from oceanography, toxicology, biological, physical, chemical and medical sciences, through engineering, epidemiology and public health, and on the social sciences, economics, and environmental policy and management. This course aims to introduce student sto the evolving interdisciplinary field of "oceans and Human Health." Lectures will provide background information on human health, the physical environment, and oceanographic processes, presented through a case study approach that will demonstrate the inter-relationships among these three factors. The course will include such current topics as the impacts of global climate change, endocrine disruptors, harmful algal blooms (HSBs), toxic dinoflagellates, waterborne and foodborne diseases, and the importance of natural products from the ocean. Impacts (to both humans and the ocean) and remedies will be emphasized. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 616 Environmental Policy and Administration +
Description:
Study of how solutions to environmental problems are implemented. Techniques of policy-making and administration in both public and private organizations are studied. Government and industrial administrators are brought to campus to provide insight into real-world problems and solutions. (Course offered in the fall only.) More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 621 Plankton Dynamics +
Description:
The focus of the course will be on the dynamic processes and interactions between water column plankton (e.g., phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, and protists) with regard to nutrient and energy exchange. The course will examine how changes in the water chemistry can affect biological processes and community composition and the impacts this has on marine resources and society. There will be a small field component to this course where students are exposed to and allowed to see the different plankton organisms along with being shown the basic methods for studying the different water-column plankton. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 622 Introduction to Zooplankton Ecology +
Description:
Zooplankton can be called the cows of the sea. These animals range in size from 200 mm to .1 mm and are the food supply for many commercially important fish, whales, and other large animals. This course will examine the different classes and functional groups of marine zooplankton, with an emphasis on copepods and tunicates. Zooplankton morphology, physiology, ecology, and geographical distributions will be discussed in detail and related to larger environmental issues, e.g., global warming, eutrophication. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 623L Introduction to Geographic Information Systems +
Description:
This course teaches the concepts, principles, approaches, techniques, and technologies of geographic information systems (GIS)The specific topics include essential elements of a GIS, hardware requirements and system integration, technologies and techniques for acquiring spatial data, spatial data models, data structures, data formats, database models, spatial analysis and modeling, cartographic design, implementation of a GIS, and environmental and socioeconomic applications. Hands-on exercises on ArcView are assigned each week. A term project on the use of a GIS in solving a specific environmental or socio-economic problem is required.EEOS 623L and UPCD 623L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 625 Principles and Applications of Remote Sensing +
Description:
In this course, students learn the physical principles of remote sensing and become familiar with the capabilities and limitations of current and future remote-sensing systems. They also learn the techniques commonly used for interpreting aerial photographs, satellite remote-sensing data, and thermal and radar imagery, and gain practical lab experience in image interpretation. They are exposed to a wide variety of applications in environmental mapping and monitoring, natural resource management, urban and regional planning, and global change research. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 627 Environmental Modeling in Raster GIS +
Description:
This course has two major components. The first component focuses on GIS raster data models, their structure and function, and in particular their use in a modeling context. The second component focuses on the use of modern structures design techniques for forming a basis for the correct design and implementation of geographic information systems applications. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 629 Advanced Topics in GIScience +
Description:
This course is an advanced GIS graduate course focusing on quantitative methods in spatial analysis. It is meant to promote critical thinking and explore current technical advances in GIS. Students will examine GIS applications in detail, and gain "hands-on" experience with current spatial modeling software in an applied area. Students will also gain experience in planning and outlining an applied GIS project, learning the specific techniques required for the project, and advancing the project through to completion. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 630 Biological Oceanography +
Description:
The course analyzes the processes governing the population dynamics of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthos. The course stresses the interaction between marine biology and relevant aspects of physical, chemical and geological oceanography. The course has a special emphasis on applied benthic ecology, especially the effects of pollution on the coastal zone. Other topics include the microphytobenthos, modeling competition, predation & benthic community structure, zooplankton grazing & predation, satellite remote sensing, and the effects of climate change on marine populations. Calculus recommended, but not required. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 635 Environmental Toxicology +
Description:
The course will impart basic principles of environmental toxicology, focusing on toxicological assessment, types and mechanisms of toxicological response, the properties and effects of specific groups of toxicants released into the environment (e.g., PAH, PCB, pesticides, metals, dioxins/dibenzoofurans), and an overview of current issues facing the rather broad field of environmental toxicology. Toxicological responses will be discussed at all levels of biological organization, from the molecular/biochemical, cellular, and organismal up through the population, community, and ecosystem. Biochemical toxicology will be particularly emphasized with respect to toxicant absorption, internal partitioning/transport, metabolism/detoxification, sequestering, targeting, and elimination. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 640 The Chemistry of Natural Waters +
Description:
A basic description of the chemistry of natural and especially marine waters designed to lay the foundation for more advanced course work. Emphasis will be on the chemical composition of natural waters and the identification of the important chemical, physical, and biological processes controlling their composition. A case study, emphasizing the multidisciplinary nature of these processes, will be given at the end of the course. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 641 The Geochemistry of a Habitable Planet +
Description:
Geochemistry is a unique field integrating geology and chemistry to tell the story of a planet. In this class, we will use geochemistry to reconstruct the story of our Earth, a habitable planet. Along the way, we will explore principles in isotope geochronology, trace element geochemistry, aqueous chemistry, stable isotope geochemistry and chemical proxies in dynamic systems. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 642 Laboratory for the Geochemistry of a Habitable Planet +
Description:
This course is designed to introduce the theory, applications, and operation of modern instrumental methods for geochemical analysis earth materials. The course aligns laboratory activities with ENVSCI 641 to reinforce key geochemical concepts through discovery. Students will be introduced to a wide spectrum of instrumental techniques and will gain an understanding of the analytical approach to problem solving. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 645 Environmental Issues in the Horn of Africa +
Description:
This course explores the environmental issues and associated political ecologies of the Horn of Africa. The course will explore the history of human-environment relations, paying particular attention to the exploitation of the natural environment during colonialism and patterns of extraction and trade set up during that time. The course will also explore the major debates concerning the development, governance, and valuation of the regions natural resources. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 646 Global Ecology +
Description:
This course reveals key examples of the vast network of long distance ecological connections across the biosphere. Emphasizing a visual, interactive, and interdisciplinary approach, students explore the impacts of air currents, symbiosis, bacteria as global organism, biogenic depositions, algal interactions, and climate disruption. Students are also introduced to inspiring science-based grassroots and indigenous leaders around the world. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 650 Physical Oceanography +
Description:
This course introduces the physical processes active in the ocean environment, including coastal and estuarine regions, and investigates the connection between those processes and observed physical characteristics of the ocean. (Course offered in the fall only.) More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 654 Professional Science Communication +
Description:
Advances in science depend upon systematic communication regarding theories, methods, observations and findings. At the same time, the development of technology and sound public policy depend upon advances in science. This course is designed to familiarize students with the wide range of models, methods and media that are employed in scientific communication. Assignments will include the construction of written documents such as abstracts, research proposals, and research reports as well as articles and notes for general audiences; visual presentations such as slides, posters, and graphs; and oral communications such as presentations, testimony and interviews. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 657 Fluvial Hydrology +
Description:
This course will introduce the student to streamflow hydrology and fluvial processes. Topics will include field measurement techniques, the hydrodynamics of moving water, channel form, sediment transport and commonly used statistical methods such as flow duration and flood frequency analysis. Students will learn how these topics and techniques are linked and utilized in water management and river restoration. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 658 Geomorphology of Coastal Watershed +
Description:
This course will provide students with an understanding of the landforms, landscapes, and processes that shape and alter the environments found within coastal watersheds. For the purpose of this course, a coastal watershed is loosely defined as the area from the edge of the continental shelf to the piedmont. Environments will be examined through the use of informed descriptive geomorphology and process geomorphology. It will also draw on elements of sedimentology and statigraphy to assist in providing a spatial and temporal context to discussions. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 660L Coastal Ecological Processes +
Description:
Coastal ecosystems form a critical boundary between watersheds and the oceans and as such are influenced by processes in both habitats. From local scale impacts associated with urbanization of near shore watersheds and local fisheries to global scale impacts due to increasing acidification of the oceans and long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants, many coastal waters are under siege from numerous anthropogenic influences. Considering the vast number of ecosystem services provided by coastal waters, understanding the functioning of coastal ecosystems is a critical first step toward developing sustainable management practices. This course will study the basic functioning of coastal ecosystems and the role that human perturbations play in altering these functions. In particular we will focus on understanding the scientific aspects of coastal ecology that underlie areas of interest to coastal managers, including the science behind coastal eutrophication, ocean acidification, food web structure and function (including food web/fisheries interactions), and wetland protection and restoration.BIOL 660L and EEOS 660L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 662L Applied Chemometrics +
Description:
Applied Chemometrics will cover the fundamentals of many commonly used chemometric methods such as principal components analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) regression. Emphasis will be on applying these techniques in the chemical process and laboratory environment for instrument calibration, sample classification, Multivariate Statistical Process Control (MSPC), experimental design, and hypothesis testing. The class begins with a brief review of linear algebra and basic statistics and moves quickly into multivariate methods. Advanced methods and variable selection will be covered. The course includes broad coverage of common applications and discussion of common mistakes in chemometrics and how to avoid them. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 665L Ecological Risk Assessment +
Description:
Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) is formal practice used by regulatory agencies worldwide to define the scope of environmental problems. The ERA framework was developed over several decades in response to inconsistencies in how risk assessments were conducted. This framework now provides a systematic method for approaching environmental problems associated with chemical contamination, and other ecological stressors. This course will use the risk assessment documents and guidelines developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to train students in the basic methods of ERA. Students will be tasked with performing a Stressor Identification and ERA at impaired sites to demonstrate competency in these methods. In addition, this course will explore emerging topics in ERA including the broadening field of Ecological Exposure Assessment and incorporation of nonchemical stressors into ERAs. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 670L Environmental and Energy Economics +
Description:
This course introduces students to the economist's approach to solving environmental problems and related aspects of energy markets. The first part of the course concentrates on the economic theory used to solve environmental problems, including those associated with energy production and utilization. In the latter half of the course, the theory will be used as a framework to approach a wide range of environmental and energy issues. The purpose of the course is to expose students to sufficiently rigorous economic analysis to enable them to appreciate the usefulness of the economic approach to environmental and energy-related problem solving and to enable them to critique economic analyses they may be presented with in future decision-making roles.ECON 670L and EEOS 670L and UPCD 670L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 674L Climate and Energy: Law, Policy and Management +
Description:
This course examines legal, public policy and management issues related to Climate Change as well as those related to the siting, development and distribution of renewable energy. It begins with an on international overview of the socio-economic forces shown to influence climate change, the legal and economic mechanisms that have emerged to address such change and the evolving global energy portfolio (particularly efforts to develop renewable energy).EEOS 674L and MBAMGT 674L and UPCD 674L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 675L Economics of Renewables: Marine and Energy Resources +
Description:
This course introduces students to the use of economic analysis in helping to solve marine and energy related natural resource problems. The first part of the course focuses on the economic theory used to analyze natural resource and energy issues. In the latter half of the course these theoretical tools will be used as a framework to analyze a wide range of issues dealing with marine resources and renewable energy. The purpose of the course is to expose students to sufficiently rigorous economics analysis to enable them to appreciate the usefulness of the economic approach to resource and renewable energy problem solving and to critique economic analyses they may be presented with in future decision-making roles.ECON 675L and EEOS 675L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 676 Optical Methods for Monitoring Aquatic Environments +
Description:
This course is designed for student interested in using optical methods to monitor aquatic environments. It will introduce students to basic concepts and principles of optical relationships, various methods in measuring optical properties of aquatic environments, the variations of these properties in different environments, as well as steps to obtain large-scale data products from satellite remote sensing. The course will also provide examples on remotely sensing oil spills, harmful algae blooms, etc. and on skills and analyzing aquatic environment. Students are expected to have basic knowledge in oceanography and remote sensing as well as statistical skills to evaluate relationships between various environmental properties. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 680 Coastal and Ocean Law +
Description:
An examination of the laws to preserve, develop, and manage coastal ocean resources and space. Judicial decisions interpreting and applying these laws are a major focus, although attention is also given to the coastal and ocean policies embodied in them and the process by which these policies have been established. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 685 Ecosystem Management Law and Policy +
Description:
This course examines environmental and natural resource management laws through and ecosystem law and policy lens. Ecological concepts are considered and assessed in light of the myriad challenges related to complex systems management. In light of the fact that most public policy, regulatory and market approaches to resource use and ecosystem stewardship focus on human behavior, socio-economic concepts are examined as well. Students participate in discussions of readings in the ecosystem management, law and policy literature; select and critically review an environmental or natural management program from an ecosystem management perspective, and present their findings to the class. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 688 Advanced Marine Geographic Information Systems +
Description:
Advanced Marine Geographic Information Science is an advanced course on GIS principles, theories, and practices for marine environmental applications. We will focus on the fundamentals of marine GIS, spatial data, and spatial analysis by using real-world marine datasets using ESRI's ArcGIS software. Topics will include, but are not limited to oceanographic data acquisition, habit modeling, species distribution modeling, and marine spatial planning for conservation and human uses. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 691 Current Literature in Environmental Sciences +
Description:
A series of one-credit seminar courses focusing on subfields of environmental science, designed to help students develop the habit of keeping up with recent developments through reading scientific journals. The seminars also provide a forum for discussion of significant new findings in the field as well as discussion and critique of the students' own research. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 692 WISP Seminar +
Description:
This seminar is designed to prepare WISP (Watershed-Integrated Sciences Partnership between UMass Boston and three local school districts) Fellows for intensive summer workshops (Teacher Training and Environmental Science Content Institute), to initiate an exploration of science education practices, and to expose Fellows to middle school classroom teaching. The seminar is intended to provide consistency and a passing on of experiential knowledge from one cohort of Fellows (outgoing) to the next (incoming). The 1-credit seminar is required for participation of UMass Boston graduate students in the GK-12 program as Fellows. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 693 Ecophysiology and Conservation of Fishes +
Description:
Broadly, this course will combine fundamental lessons on fish ecology and physiology with an applied conservation focus, centering on anthropogenic disturbances threatening biodiversity in today's aquatic ecosystems. After an initial review of the basic physical properties of aquatic environments, we will examine the diversity and specialization of form and function among fishes, as well as basic lessons on reproduction and life history. Next we will explore the physiological systems within fishes that enable an aquatic existence. Wherever possible, we will integrate case studies on anthropogenic threats and their direct and/or indirect effects on physiology, fitness, survival and ultimately the conservation and management of different fish species. Students will be encouraged often to think about how particular aspects of anatomy, physiology and life history among the 28,000+ species of fish influence the relative ability to withstand specific conservation threats. Students should have completed an undergraduate - level ecology course prior to enrolling in this course. This is a combined lecture and lab course. Students are required to register for both the lecture and laboratory. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 697 Special Topics in Environmental Sciences +
Description:
This course provides an opportunity for presentation of particularly timely lecture/laboratory/field material which does not fall under the purview of any other course. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 698 Projects in Environmental Sciences +
Description:
A practicum resulting in a substantial written report based on library, laboratory, or field research which involves an original project. Up to 6 credits from this course may be applied to the MS degree, over more than one semester. Please note: This course is required for all master's-level students taking the non-thesis option; it is not open to doctoral students. Students may not take both ECOS 698 and 699. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 699 Thesis Research +
Description:
Research conducted under faculty supervision which leads to the presentation of a master's thesis. Up to 10 credits from this course may be applied to the MS degree, over more than one semester. Please note: This course is required for all master's-level students taking the thesis option; it is not open to doctoral students. Students may not take both ECOS 698 and 699. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 710 Environmental Biogeochemistry +
Description:
This course identifies and defines the influence of biota on the geochemical cycling of inorganic and organic substances through the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Particular emphasis is given to contemporary research in the biogeochemistry of carbon, sulfur, selected metals, and organic compounds of natural and anthropogenic origin. Calculus and biochemistry are recommended, but not required. (Course offered in the spring every other year.) More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 715 Isotope Geochemistry +
Description:
This course explores the use of stable and radioactive isotopes in delineating biogeochemical and geochemical processes in the environment. Emphasis is given to recent advances in the field. Specific topics to be addressed include geochronology, paleothermometry, use of isotopes as tracers, and analytical methods. A team project exercise combining field and laboratory work and presentation of results is required. (Course offered in the fall every other year.) More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 716 Scientific and Technical Information and the Policy Process +
Description:
This course considers the role of scientific and technical information in the policy-making process. Questions of the impact of information on policy evaluation, the role of scientists, and research agenda setting are all discussed. (Course offered in the spring only.) More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 718L Environmental Law and Policy: Federal Agencies, Courts, and Congress +
Description:
This course surveys three major areas of federal involvement in environmental law and policy. The first is federal environmental and resource management programs and laws, such as the Clean Water, Ocean Dumping, Superfund, Resource Conservation and Recovery, Coastal Zone Management, and Fishery Conservation and Management Acts. The second is the role of the federal agencies and courts in implementing and overseeing federal laws; and the third is the legislative functions of the US Congress in debating, enacting, and monitoring national policy. Emphasis is placed on coastal and marine environmental problems and issues. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 726 Coastal Zone Management +
Description:
This course introduces and evaluates the legal, political, and social factors that most directly affect the management of coastal area resources. Both conceptual and case-oriented literature are reviewed, in order to familiarize the student with the evolution and practice of coastal zone management generally in the U.S., and particularly in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 780 Seminar in Environmental Chemistry +
Description:
Lectures and discussion focused on contemporary issues in environmental chemistry. (Course offered in the fall every other year.) More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 791 Seminar in Environmental Sciences +
Description:
Presentations and discussions of current topics in environmental sciences by students and visiting lecturers. Registration required each semester. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 796 Independent Study in Environmental Science +
Description:
Independent laboratory and/or library studies under the direction of a faculty member. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 798 Internship in Environmental Sciences +
Description:
Students are placed individually at private-sector or government institutions in order to gain practical training and professional experiences not available on campus. Each placement is jointly supervised by an individual at the host agency or company and by a faculty member. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 799 Environmental Innovation Clinic Research +
Description:
In this course student teams will work on behalf of clients (i.e., agencies, industry, municipalities, community members) to implement an innovative solution to an environmental problem. The course will include guided research and will provide students with skills in stakeholder engagement, project management, and project reporting. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 899 Dissertation Research +
Description:
Research, conducted under faculty supervision, which leads to the presentation of a doctoral dissertation. More Info
Offered in: