UGRD > ENVSCI
Environmental Sciences
ENVSCI 101 The Global Environment +
Description:
An analysis of the physical geographic environment including the globe, the atmosphere and ocean, climate, soils, vegetation, and landform. Positive and negative interaction of human beings with these aspects of the environment is examined where appropriate. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 102 World Regional Geography +
Description:
An overview of world regions in terms of physical environment, human populations and the relationship between them. Topics with a focus on diversity are discussed from an international viewpoint and center on particular countries. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 104 Dinosaurs: A Natural History +
Description:
This course considers dinosaurs, their evolution, and our understanding of their fossil record. Students will examine the geologic record and the tools used by paleontologists to determine: geologic ages and ancient environments; evolutionary history and extinctions; dinosaurian biology and behavior; and their survival as birds. Mechanisms of global change ranging from plate tectonics to asteroid impact will be discussed. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 109 Cultural Geography +
Description:
Given the extent of today's era of globalization, it is more important than ever to understand human differences and similarities around the world. Within the broad discipline of Geography, cultural geographers focus on the complex inter-related causes and effects that produce diverse, as well as similar, cultures. Students will become familiar with the geographical perspective, basic concepts, vocabulary, and tools & techniques that form the foundations of cultural geography. Students will learn to use new knowledge and skills to examine why human cultures vary around the world in response to their physical and social environments. Through the selected topics in the syllabus, this course will guide students to study different dimensions of human characteristics, cultures, behaviors, and activities in a variety of global locations and to better understand how cultural differences develop. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 114 Introduction to Sustainable Marine Aquaculture +
Description:
This course provides an introductory overview of marine aquaculture with a specific focus on the principles of sustainability in the production and distribution of marine-sourced foods. Students will explore the culturing and rearing of marine invertebrates and plants. Building on a general overview of marine aquaculture, the course will cover the physical and chemical properties of the aquatic environment; site selection; aquatic engineering; bivalve culture; crustacean culture; seaweed culture; health and pathology; growth and nutrition; genetics and reproduction; legal, economic, social and environmental considerations. These topics will be covered with both a local and global perspective. The course is designed to familiarize students with the multi-disciplinary nature of sustainable marine aquaculture as a field. We will conclude with a brief overview of the legal, economic, and social considerations and we will look at some of the controversies surrounding marine aquaculture and environmental sustainability. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 115 Environmental Geology +
Description:
This course examines geological phenomena that adversely affect the human environment. Among the naturally occurring phenomena are earthquakes, weather, climate, volcanoes, tsunamis, landslides, and subsidence and erosion. Topics also include those geological impacts which are the result of human activities, such as subsidence, flooding, soil degradation, and hazardous material contamination. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 120 Introduction to Environmental Science +
Description:
This course offers a broad overview of the physical, chemical, biological, and geological principles underlying the environmental sciences. Students are introduced to natural processes and interactions in the atmosphere, in the ocean, and on land primarily through case studies at the coastal ocean-watershed interface. Majors must also take the co-requisite lab, EEOS 121. Both courses will lay the foundation for understanding the key concepts of required for the major in Environmental Science. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 121 Introduction to Environmental Science Lab +
Description:
This course offers a hands-on, experiential overview of physical, chemical, biological, geological laboratory and field skills needed for the environmental sciences, and serves as a core required course for Environmental Science majors. Students will be introduced to field techniques, internet research, laboratory skills and data analyses. Experiences may include a Boston Harbor cruise, delineation of a local watershed, assessing air and water quality, running computer simulation models, and using GPS/GIS to locate and map spots on the UMass Boston campus. Students must have access to a laptop computer with Excel- and MSWord-compatible software in order to enroll. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 122 Introduction to Environmental Policy & Management +
Description:
The inherent link between human activity and environmental impact highlights the importance of the social sciences in the examination of environmental systems, management and policy. This course introduces students to concepts and assessment methods vital to an understanding of environmental policy and management issues. Topics include environmental values and equity; resource allocation; environmental policy and politics; population dynamics; sustainable development; species and ecosystem-based management; habitat and food source protection; pollution management; and, land use. In-class activities and assignments will focus on three general education skills: critical thinking, critical reading and analysis, and effective communication. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 124 Aquaculture Production +
Description:
This course is designed to provide an overview of animal production and associated environmental and regulatory aspects of the industry. The course also introduces aspects of business and market development for cultured products with special focus on marine aquaculture and shellfish. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 134 The Business of Marine Aquaculture +
Description:
This course will examine the elements of working in and managing a successful aquaculture operation. Aquaculture is currently the fastest growing segment of the food industry, with about half of what we eat from the ocean coming from aquaculture. This is an increasingly competitive space that suffers from a tradition of malpractice and misunderstanding as well as a regulatory culture that lags far behind an innovative rate. Site selection, gear, seed and feed procurement, marketing, and supply chain dynamics are all important elements of a successful aquaculture operation that demand an understanding of regulatory, financial, and marketing and entrepreneurial principles. This course is designed to introduce students to these challenges and equip them with the tools needed to engage within the industry on a sophisticated, successful level. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 187S First Year Seminar in Environmental Science I +
Description:
This is a two-semester sequence, two credits each semester. Successful completion of the sequence will fulfill the students First-Year Seminar requirement. Course content will vary with instructor, but will focus on current issues in environmental science. Using this approach, students will become increasingly familiar with and experienced in scientific discourse, the scientific method, and the interplay between the natural and social sciences that comprise the study of the environment. Within this framework, the course will address all the objectives of the UMass Boston First Year Seminar Program. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 188S First Year Seminar in Environmental Science II +
Description:
This is a two-semester sequence, two credits each semester. Successful completion of the sequence will fulfill the student's First-Year Seminar requirement. Course content will vary with instructor, but will focus on current issues in environmental science. Using this approach, students will become increasingly familiar with and experienced in scientific discourse, the scientific method, and the interplay between the natural and social sciences that comprise the study of the environment. Within this framework, the course will address all the objectives of the UMass Boston First Year Seminar Program. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 203 Field Trips in Environmental Science +
Description:
The Environmental Science are very hands-on sciences based on large-scale, real-world situations that are difficult to replicate in a traditional laboratory. Students will travel to various locations to observe, sample and interact with the environment based on the theme of the trip. The goal of the experience is to introduce students to conduction field observations and develop environmental-based problem solving skills through an immersion setting. Students will learn observations skills, sample techniques, and reasoning skills. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 210 Earth's Dynamic Systems +
Description:
The basic principles of this course are embodied in the rock and hydrologic cycles. It examines the igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary, tectonic, and weathering systems of the rock cycle; and the runoff, glacial, ocean, groundwater, and atmospheric systems of the hydrologic cycle. A laboratory component includes one or more field trips to sites where geological phenomena can be viewed. Course is for majors only. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 225 Weather and Climate +
Description:
This course investigates atmospheric processes forming the basis for weather patterns and climatic development on a global scale. Major topics include earth-sun relationships, heating and cooling of the atmosphere, atmospheric circulation, pressure patterns, air mass formation and frontal systems, episodic storms, vertical zonation of climate, and the Koppen System for evaluating and classifying climatic phenomena. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 226 Introduction to Oceanography +
Description:
The world ocean covers approximately 71% of the Earth surface and 99% of its livable volume. This course explains how the ocean works starting from the histories of ocean explorations and early scientific knowledge rot ocean formation, currents and waves, effect of Earth's rotation, coastal and estuarine systems, marine habitats, nutrient-carbon cycle, human impacts and the role of oceans in climate change. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 256 Health and Medical Geography +
Description:
This course will introduce students to health and medical geography as an applied social science, emphasizing the role that place plays in human health and well-being, and updating the notion that geography is merely an inventory of places. Through basic geographic concepts and tools, this course will examine different aspects of health and medicine that underscore the interactions of humans with each other and with their physical and social environments. Topics include: the role that the physical and human environments play in health and medicine; an introduction to basic spatial analysis methods; map interpretation; models of diffusion; spatial aspects of health care delivery, health care policies, as well as environmental settings and resource issues. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 260 Global Environmental Change +
Description:
This course examines the cross-disciplinary (astronomical, geophysical, chemical, and biological) interactions and cycles that cause global environmental change and the impact of human activities on natural earth-ecosystem processes, including global warming, pollution, deforestation, ozone depletion, and biodiversity reduction. Environmental change throughout Earth's history will be explored to better understand the effects of human-induced changes on the Earth System. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 261 Statistics for Environmental Science +
Description:
This course focuses on fundamental statistical concepts, methods in data analysis and applications to environmental science. Topics include frequency distributions and graphic representations of data, measures of central location and spread, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, correlation and single and multiple variable linear regression. Environmental Sciences majors may only use ENVSCI 261 or MATH 125, not both, for fulfilling the "Designated Skills" courses requirement for the major. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 265 Computer Applications in Geography +
Description:
This course teaches the fundamentals of geographic applications of computers. Topics include components of a computer system and their functions; hardware requirements for geographic applications; operating systems; the cartographic roots of GIS; the structure and creation of geographic data; geographic information systems software for geographic applications; and the uses of computers in spatial analysis and map production. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 266 Building and Editing a Geodatabase Using ArcGIS 9.3 +
Description:
This is a hands-on beginner level course for Geographic Information System (GIS) users. The course covers basic concepts of relational database management systems (RDMS) and introduces the design of Geodatabase. The course explains how precision and spatial domain control the accuracy dn allowable extent of data stored in a geodatabase, how they are maintained, and how they affect the overall GIS environment. Students will be able to build and edit a Geodatabase using ArcGIS 9.3 at the end of the class. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 267L Introduction to Coastal Biological Systems +
Description:
This course will survey coastal marine habitats in terms of the organisms that inhabit these regions; the biological processes that dominant within those environments and the impacts of that habitat on humans. The objectives of the course will be for the students to gain an appreciation and understanding of the diversity and function of coastal marine systems in terms of the biological organisms and biological processes that are found there.EEOS 267L and ENVSTY 267L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 270 Cities and the Environment +
Description:
This course introduces spatial analyses of cities to provide a broader understanding of their historical and current role. Major topics include the application of different geographical perspectives, why and where cities developed, the evolution of cities, how urban function and culture determines their spatial organization, how the economy and transportation drives the change in land use in urban areas, and urban areas in the 21st century. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 280 Global Society and the Environment +
Description:
This course examines the spatial distribution of economic activities at local, national, regional & global scales and introduces the inter-related causes-and-effects on the economic use and organization of space. Major topics include the spatial distribution of the major economic sectors, the historical geography of capitalism, the city as an economic node, colonialism and globalization, the geography of the recession, the economy and the environment, and the location of informal economies. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 281 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems +
Description:
This course is concerned with computer handling of spatial data. It covers essential elements of a GIS, hardware requirements, GIS software, data acquisition, data structures, spatial databases, methods of data analysis and spatial modeling, and applications of GIS in solving a variety of environmental and economic problems. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 298 Pacific Rim Geography +
Description:
This course takes an interpretive look at China and other East Asia countries such as Japan, and Korea in terms of changing attitudes toward urban life. City and suburbs are experienced as the product of planning and development decisions informed by cultural and economic forces, and in relationship to utopian and pragmatic efforts to reinterpret urban traditions in search of American alternatives. Topics include: persistent ideals such as housing forms attitudes toward public and private space; the rise of suburbs and suburban sprawl; cycles of disinvestment and renewed interest in urban centers; and impacts of mobility and technology on settlement patterns. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 299 Environmental Science Methods and Practice +
Description:
This class is a general introduction to the practice of environmental science. The course provides students with an overview of the scientific method and process, particularly within the context of coastal environmental science. Students will learn the steps of crafting scientific hypotheses, research design, experimentation, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and presentation. The course includes an introduction to the tools and methods used in the field and laboratory to collect and analyze environmental samples and the application of statistical analysis to these data. Students also learn how to search and review primary literature. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 302 Geomorphology +
Description:
A topical approach to the analysis of landforms and the processes responsible for their formation. Map and aerial photographic interpretation are used to demonstrate the relationship of underlying structure to destructive and constructive processes at various stages of landform development. Environmental, regulatory, and other applications are discussed. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 305 Hydrology +
Description:
Hydrology is the science of dealing with the waters of the earth, their occurrence, distribution, circulation, and chemistry. This course introduces students to the physical science of hydrology in the context of its application to real world problems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the physical processes that form the water cycle (precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, infiltration, and groundwater flow). More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 312 Glacial and Quaternary Geology +
Description:
The significance and effects of the last ice age. Causes of ice ages, ice dynamics, comparison of glacial events of North America to glacial events throughout the world and current investigations concerning ice ages are among the topics discussed. Controversies concerning scientific acceptance of ice ages, the mode of ice movement, and predictability of climate allow for insight into the present and ongoing development of a science. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 313 Oceans and Human Health +
Description:
This course aims to introduce students to the evolving interdisciplinary filed 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 (HABs), 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:ENVSCI 316 Coastal and Marine Pollution +
Description:
This course will explore human impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems. Beginning with a brief introduction of coastal and marine ecology and methods for measuring impacts, the course will then investigate the major causes of environmental degradation to coastal and marine ecosystems. Major marine pollutant classes including metals, pesticides, and organic pollutants will be examined by reviewing sources, distribution in coastal ecosystems, toxicology of the pollutants to estuarine and marine organisms, and resulting effects to fisheries, marine communities, and human health. The impacts of nutrients loading, sewage outfalls, oil spills and dredging on environmental quality and the cascading effects on ecosystems will be discussed. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 317 Coastal and Marine Pollution Laboratory +
Description:
Coastal and Marine Pollution Laboratory (ENVSCI 317) is a two credit laboratory course which accompanies the Coastal and Marine Pollution (ENVSCI 316) lecture course. This course will provide hands on exploration of topics of importance in coastal and marine pollution including emerging contaminants and toxicity testing, endocrine disruption and biomarker monitoring, and invasive species monitoring and effects. This laboratory course will enable students to explore experiments in detail while learning elements of experimental design, hypothesis testing, and formal scientific writing through laboratory activities and reports. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 324 Coastal Zone Management +
Description:
This course is concerned with coastal environmental problems and their solutions. It discusses in general the identification of the component parts of the coastal zone and the development of appropriate policies for their management. Field trips to representative areas are required relative to Mass CZM. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 325 Introduction to Biological Oceanography +
Description:
Biological oceanography is a field of study that seeks to understand what controls the distribution and abundance of different types of marine life, and how living organisms influence and interact with processes in the oceans. These include processes from those that occur at the molecular level, such as photosynthesis, respiration, and cycling of essential nutrients, to those that are large-scale such as effects of ocean currents on marine productivity. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 327 Coastal Geology +
Description:
This course focuses primarily on abiotic and physical factors in shallow water coastal environments. Particular emphasis is given to detailed examination of Massachusetts. The course requires on or more field trips. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 336L Ecosystems Ecology +
Description:
This course will focus on the foundational principles of ecosystems ecology. We will focus on the flow of energy and materials through both the biosphere (plants, animals, and microbes) and the geosphere (soils, atmospheres, and oceans) and the role that humans are playing in altering these key fluxes. We will draw on examples from both terrestrial and marine systems to understand the underlying principles of ecosystem structure and function.BIOL 336L and EEOS 336L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 340 Planning and Land Use Law +
Description:
A study of the law as it has developed and applies to the planning process and the regulation of land use in the United States, with emphasis on Massachusetts. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 341 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. You will learn about the formation of elements in stars, the formation of Earth in the context of the solar system, the differentiation of the planet via igneous processes, the origin of the continents, the effects of water and CO2 on Earth climate, the source of fossil fuel and mineral resources, the origin of life, and our effect on the 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 342 Laboratory for the Geochemistry of a Habitable Planet +
Description:
This course is designed to introduce the theory, applications,a nd operation of modern instrumental methods for geochemical analysis of earth materials. Students will be introduced to a wide spectrum of instrumental techniques and will gain an understanding of the analytical approach to problem solving. The course aligns laboratory activities with ENVSCI 341 to reinforce key geochemical concepts through discovery. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 344 Island Economy: Environmental Dimensions of Local Production and Consumption +
Description:
Island economies often depend on energy and material goods imported from the mainland. This course examines island economic history and physical potential for self-sufficiency. The course includes examination of relevant economic theory, for example location theory, gains from trade, advantages of scale, and community economic development. History and theory will be combined with social considerations to make broad conclusions about the ecological economics of more self-sufficient island economies. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 345L Natural Resources & Sustainable Development +
Description:
This class introduces the economic approach to sustainable growth and economic development by, among other things, examining questions surrounding natural resource management. The first third of the course focuses on the role economics can and cannot play in examining natural resources issues, schools of thought concerning the extent to which natural resources are scarce, and what sustainable economic growth means. The second third of the class focuses on exposing you to the tools economists and policy decision makers use to examine natural resource issues. Finally, the final third of the course focuses on applying the concepts you have learned to specific natural resource issues.ECON 345L and EEOS 345L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 346 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:- TBA
ENVSCI 347 Mineralogy and Petrology +
Description:
Physical, chemical, structural, and optical properties of minerals; description and identification of common rock-forming and ore minerals; mineral associations and introduction to classification of common rock types. Field trip. Offered Fall even years. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 349L Economic Approaches to Environmental Problems +
Description:
An introduction to the economist's approach to solving environmental problems. The course examines applicable economic theories, then uses them to develop a framework for analyzing a wide range of environmental issues. Topics include benefit/cost analysis; measurement of environmental damages; and current government approaches to solving air, water, and solid waste pollution problems.ECON 349L and EEOS 349L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 350 Quant Hydrogeology +
Description:
This course reviews standard quantitative aspects of hydrogeology and then applies a series of computer models to a number of different hydrogeological situations. Field data from pump tests, slug tests, and contaminant flow are investigated with programs such as mudflow, graphic groundwater, rock ware, and aquifer test in order to ascertain important groundwater characteristics. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 355 Historic Environments +
Description:
A description, evaluation, and analysis of present North American physical environments and how they have been altered by our urban-industrial evolution. The course focuses on the historical development of interactions among settlements, economic activity, resource exploitation, waste disposal, technologies and the natural setting, culminating in how we have arrived at our current altered or damaged environments. Several field trips are required More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 356 Natural History of Nantucket +
Description:
This course is a field-based exploration of the natural history and ecology of the island of Nantucket, with an emphasis on the interplay between coastal, marine and land ecosystems. Students build on foundational principles of the environmental sciences through development and practice of observation, identification, and interpretation skills and the keeping of a refined naturalist field journal. Topics include natural community composition and structure, biographic concepts, ecological succession, identification and classification skills for flora and fauna (including an introduction to botanical keys, as well as extensive use of other types of field guides), and the history and philosophy of Natural History. Course format includes lectures, discussions, and a significant field component. No pre-requisites are associated with this course. It is open only to UMass Boston students admitted to the Nantucket semester program offered in collaboration with CAPS. The program serves junior and senior students across the environmental fields including CSM and CLA majors and as such the complete listing of course permutations that would meet pre-req requirements is not possible. All students admitted to the program are evaluated based on academic preparation (completion of minimum 30 credits including at least 1 introductory science course and mathematics course), faculty references, student application essays, and formal interviews. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 357 Coastal Watershed Ecology and Conservation +
Description:
Watersheds are natural terrestrial boundaries in which water flows from a high point divide to low point catchments of lakes and streams. The coast is the interface where the land meets the ocean and thus coastal watersheds provide the upstream linkage to the coastal transition from the terrestrial landscape into estuaries and the open ocean. Thus, studying coastal watersheds provides invaluable insight into coastal environmental processes and issues. In this course, students will be exposed to the physical and chemical properties of water, the physiography of groundwater, wetlands, flowing water, and lakes/reservoirs, and the ecology and conservation of aquatic systems in watersheds with particular attention paid to coastal watersheds. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 358 Coastal Watershed Ecology and Conservation Laboratory +
ENVSCI 360 Computer and Analytical Cartography +
Description:
Topics include cartographic design, cartographic transformations, digital data formats, software for automated cartography, generation of computer maps, and cartographic modeling. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 364 Environmental Management and Sustainability +
Description:
This course examines current national environmental problems facing both private and non-profit organizations from a management perspective. These problems include hazardous materials and waste, clean air and water quality. The course also explores the relationship between environmental protection and health and safety issues such as biosafety and worker protection. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 368 Social-Ecological Systems Dynamics +
Description:
This course will advance students understanding of social-ecological systems, how social-ecological systems change over time, and how a systems dynamics modeling approach is ideal for understanding social-ecological systems. Students will focus on fundamental concepts of system dynamics and the modeling process by using real-world environmental issues. System Dynamics is an ideal methodology for studying sustainability research questions because it provides the qualitative and quantitative tools (i) for understanding the feedbacks, accumulation, nonlinearities, surprises, delays within social ecological systems; (ii) for tracing the roots of the problem by studying in depth the structure and the processes underlying the relationships between social and ecological systems; (iii) for testing alternative policy and management scenarios and designing sustainable pathways of development. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 372 Introduction to Remote Sensing +
Description:
This is an introductory course on the principles and techniques of remote sensing. It covers the physical principles of electromagnetic radiation, remote sensing systems, interpretation of aerial photographs, satellite remote sensing data, thermal and radar imagery, and applications of remote sensing.Students cannot receive credit for both EEOS 370 and EEOS 372. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 375 Urban Planning +
Description:
A case method approach to urban planning. Students are supplied with a standard "request for a proposal" for a master plan. As an end product, they must present and submit a proposal for review. Class work focuses on how to use the planning process to design a master plan and on various approaches to designing zoning ordinances and land-use controls. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 378 Ecosystem Management Law and Policy +
Description:
This course examines environmental and natural resource management laws through an 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 environment or natural management program from an ecosystem management perspective, and present their findings to the class. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 381 GIS Applications and Spatial Databases +
Description:
This course is designed to give students an overview of GIS applications, an understanding of spatial and relational database concepts, and the practical experience of using GIS to solve real works problems. The course will include both lecture and lab components. The lab will use ESRI's ArcGIS software, its extensions, and ArcSDE, as well as the database applications Microsoft Access 2003 and SQL*Plus. Students will complete a final project involving data collection, analysis and display. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 383 Water Resources Management: Principles, practices, and problems. +
Description:
This course explores the global use of water across different sectors of the economy and the management of these resources. Specific attention will be paid to sustainable use of water resources. The course integrates the principles that underlie water resource management, the problems that have arisen, and some possible solutions for the future. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 384 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 development of renewable energy. It begins with an international overview of the social-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). Current laws as well as evolving energy and climate change associated policies and regulations will be considered. Students participate in discussion of readings in the climate change and energy management literature, select and critically review an environmental or energy program from a climate change management perspective, and present their findings to the seminar. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 385 Applied Hydrogeology +
Description:
This course provides comprehensive coverage of ground water hydrology, from theory to practice, with application to issues of ground water supply, ground water quality, and ground water resource management. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 387 Climate Change Adaptation Planning +
Description:
Anthropogenic climate change will continue for centuries. Since all human and natural systems depend upon climate, this means that all systems must adjust or adapt to the changing climate and its nonstationary conditions. This class discusses and analyzes the impacts of climate change, various adaptation strategies, and the different theories and processes of adaptation planning. The goal is to give students the knowledge and skills to participate in impact, vulnerability, and adaptation projects and research. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 390 Changing Coastal Environments +
Description:
This course will examine natural and anthropogenic processes affecting the coastal zone and nearshore environment. Environmental Science principles and their application to design and planning will be emphasized. Topics will include coastal ecosystem biodiversity and conservation, coastal wetland development, sediment movement in estuaries and long-shore, natural disturbances regimes including coastal storms, flooding, and erosion. Applications of ecological principles for landscape design, planning, restoration, recreation, management and conservation at regional scales will include stormwater management, hardened coastlines, sediment and toxics management, marsh restoration, energy development. No pre-requisites are associated with this course. It is open only to UMass Boston students admitted to the Nantucket semester program offered in collaboration with CAPS. The program serves junior and senior students across the environmental fields including CSM and CLA majors and as such the complete listing of course permutations that would meet pre-req requirements is not possible. All students admitted to the program are evaluated based on academic preparation (completion of minimum 30 credits including at least 1 introductory science course and mathematics course), faculty references, student application essays, and formal interviews. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 391 Biology of Whales +
Description:
This course provides a comprehensive review of the biology, ecology, and management of cetaceans. a thorough grounding in cetology and populations biology will prepare students to understand conservation problems presented as case histories. Students will also complete an independent research paper on a topic related to cetacean conservation. Hands--on activities may include the dissection of a small cetacean and a shore--based whale watch in Massachusetts Bay. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 393 Ecophysiology and Conservation of Fishes +
Description:
This course combines 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 examine the diversity and specialization of form and function among fishes, as well as basic lessons on reproduction and life history. Next we explore the physiological systems within fishes that enable an aquatic existence. Whenever possible, we 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 to think about how particular aspects of anatomy, physiology, and life history among the 28,000+ species of fish influence their relative ability to withstand specific conservation threats. This is a combined lecture and laboratory class. Students are required to register for both the lecture and laboratory section. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 395L Immersive Field Trip: Exploring Individuals, Societies, and Natural Systems +
Description:
This course will provide students with an immersive experience in which students will gain knowledge of individuals, societies, and natural systems away from their home institution. Domestic or global learning will occur as students gain intellectual and practical skills, gain personal and social responsibility, and integrate their learning through synthesis and advanced learning across general and specialized studies. Some sections may also partake in civic engagement and service learning. Each section of the course will visit international or domestic locations and situations based on instructor expertise and opportunities. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 402 Sedimentology & Stratigraphy +
Description:
This course outlines the principles that govern sediment transport and accumulation that compose modern constructional features on the landscape. Students will learn how processes of transport and accumulation can be deciphered and the evolutionary history of a landscape determined. Geophysical, biological and lithological techniques will be highlighted. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 406 GIT Data Collection and Field Methods +
Description:
This course has 3 components: lecture, lab, and field data collection. The course is conducted at the UMass Boston campus for the first 2 weeks and at the UMass Boston field station on Nantucket for the third and final week. The course covers basic Geographic Information Technologies (GIT) and applications used to research, map, and analyze landward and coastal phenomena. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 422 Zooplankton Ecology +
Description:
Zooplankton can be called the cows of the sea. These animals range in size from 20 um to >1 mm and are the food supply for many commercially important fish, whales and other larger animals. This course will examine the different classes and functional groups of zooplankton with an emphasis on copepods and pelagic tunicates. Zooplankton morphology, physiology and ecology will be discussed in detail and related to larger environmental issues, e.g. global warming, eutrophication. There will be 1-2 field trips and/or laboratory classes to learn current zooplankton methods. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 444 Cooperative Education Field Experiences +
Description:
In this program majors are placed in paid work positions. Credit is awarded only to those who complete an approved learning prospectus, including working reports and a substantial research project. Note: No more than a total of 6 credits in E&GSCI 444 or E&GSCI 499 may be counted toward the major. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 445 Cooperative Education II +
Description:
For this course, majors are placed in paid work positions in which academic credit is awarded each semester by working at least three hours per week for each credit attempted and by completing an approved learning prospectus including, but not limited to, activities such as reflective assignments, daily/weekly journal entries, supervisor meetings and evaluations,and a final reflective paper. This course is repeatable 6 times for a maximum of 54 credits. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 460 Digital Image Processing in Remote Sensing +
Description:
This course is concerned with the computer processing and analysis of remote sensing data. Topics include radiometric and geometric characteristics of remotely-sensed data, image processing systems, image restoration, enhancement techniques, thematic information extraction, classification accuracy assessment, and integration of remote sensing and geographic information systems. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 465 Environmental Modeling with Raster GIS +
Description:
This course focuses on two different topics. The first topic is raster data models, their structure and function, and in particular, their use in a modeling context. The second topic is the use of modern structured design techniques for forming a basis for the correct design and implementation of geographic information system applications More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 472 Programming for Geospatial Analysis +
Description:
This course is an introduction of the Interactive Data Language. IDL is widely used and powerful tool for viewing and manipulating big data, which are usually taken by various imagers. Students will learn the basics, commands, subroutines, loops, and applications of IDL. Also, with real images from various satellites, students will learn to use IDL for extracting useful information or data products for Earth Sciences studies. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 476 Environmental Science Capstone +
Description:
This course fulfills the capstone requirement and is meant to be the final culminating experience for Environmental Science majors. The main goal of the course is to integrate natural and social science knowledge and approaches to environmental problems, drawing from students' own experiences and the information they obtained over their undergraduate career in order holistically to address one or more current environmental issues or problems. Both the course topics and the approach taken to address these topics will vary depending on the instructor chosen for each semester More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 478 Independent Study +
Description:
This course provides an opportunity for a qualified, advanced student to work on a specialized topic or research project under the guidance of a sponsoring faculty member (not necessarily your assigned academic advisor) outside of the traditional lecture/discussion/laboratory course framework. This course will not count towards the capstone requirement. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 480 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:ENVSCI 481 Capstone Independent Study +
Description:
This independent research capstone course provides a culminating experience that synthesizes what students have learned in their coursework and looks forward to what the students are capable of doing after receiving their Environmental Sciences degree, demonstrated as a written final paper/report. Student projects must demonstrate a high level of competency by integrating across the natural and social sciences of synthesizing their Environmental Sciences track emphasis. Prior to enrolling in this course, students must develop, in consultation with his/her faculty research sponsor, and appropriate integrative (across the natural and social sciences) or track themes project abstract that is approved by the Undergraduate Program Director. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 488 Advanced Marine Geographic Information Systems +
Description:
Advanced Marine Geographic Information Systems in a course on GIS principles, theories, and practices for marine environmental applications. It will focus on the fundamentals of marine GIS, spatial data, and spatial analysis by using real-world marine datasets and ESRI's ArcGIS software. Topics will include, but are not limited to, oceanographic data acquisition, habitat modeling, species distribution modeling, and marine spatial planning for conservation and human uses. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
ENVSCI 498 Honors in Environmental Science +
Description:
This is an honors capstone research course with the ultimate goal being the production of an honors thesis/paper consistent with the field of environmental sciences in which students must have a 3.3 or higher GPA in their Environmental Sciences major. This capstone honors project must be integrative across the natural and social sciences or synthesizing their Environmental Sciences track emphasis demonstrating a high level of competency consistent with the honors designation. Prior to enrolling in this course, students must develop, in consultation with his/her faculty research sponsor, and appropriate integrative across the natural and social sciences or track themed project abstract that is approved by the Undergraduate Program Director. More Info
Offered in:ENVSCI 499 Practicum +
Description:
A work program opportunity for qualified department majors to obtain practical experience in an approved work position in the field of their interest and training. Students submit critiques of their experience and are supervised by departmental advisors. More Info
Offered in: