Environmental Science Field Trip ENVS-350

    Environmental Challenges Posed by Urban Life Along the Yangtze ENVS-123

BIOLOGY

Conservation Biology BIOL-233

This lecture/discussion course focuses on the science and theory of this interdisciplinary field.  We examine patterns of biodiversity, definitions of species, patterns of species vulnerability, population dynamics of declining and small populations, extinctions and invasions, metapopulations, conservation genetics, habitat fragmentation, and population recovery programs.  Interactions between biodiversity, resource management, and the political process are also considered.   Enrollment limited.  Prerequisite: BIOL-182L.   Recommended: BIOL 333L (Ecology)

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Global Perspectives in Biological Conservation BIOL-141

This lecture/discussion course focuses on the evolution of biological diversity on Earth and on scientific investigations of the current biodiversity crisis.   We discuss definitions of biological diversity, patterns of biodiversity across the globe,  how biodiversity is monitored, direct and indirect values of biodiversity, and consequences of biodiversity loss.  Not creditable to the biology major.  Enrollment limited.  No prerequisites.

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Biology Seminars:

Avian Ecology and Conservation BIOL- 430

This seminar/discussion course focuses on issues related to the ecology and conservation of birds.   Discussions are organized around student presentations of readings from the current ornithological literature.  Because a class goal is to provide students with experience in forming testable hypotheses, students are also required to develop and carry out a short field study relating to some aspect of avian biology.  Students present their research to the entire group at semester's end.  Prerequisite: either BIOL 333L or 233L.  Recommended primarily for upperclass students.

Life History Strategies BIOL-435

This seminar/discussion course examines the evolution and consequences of life history strategies for a variety of organisms.  We discuss adaptations and constraints of different life history strategies and attempt to integrate current life history theory into the framework of conservation biology.  Topics of discussion include evolution of sex, sex ratios, predator-prey relationships, reproductive effort/costs, reproductive schedules, sex reversal, lifespan and senescence, and complex life cycles.  Classes are organized around student discussion and presentation of current and classic readings from the primary literature. Prerequisite: BIOL 182L and at least 2 other Biology courses. Recommended primarily for upperclass students.

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Ornithology Study Unit (IDP)

This course examines the evolution, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology of birds.  Areas of focus include flight, feathers, feeding, visual and vocal communication, migration and navigation, social behavior, reproduction, parental care, growth and development, biogeography, and systematics.  Aspects of avian ecology, particularly those related to the conservation of birds globally are also examined.  The course is divided into five subunits, and the student should make an appointment to meet with the instructor after completing each unit.  Assessment of student learning in each course unit is based on essays, lab exercises, and a unit paper.   In addition to the primary textbooks, additional readings from other books and a laboratory manual, and viewing of videotapes are required.   Permission of instructor required.

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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Introduction to Environmental Science ENVS-149L

An introduction to interrelationships among the natural environment and the human environment, including the biological, social, economic, technological, and political aspects of  current environmental challenges.  Course topics include the structure, function, and dynamics of ecosystems, interactions between living and physical systems, and how human enterprise is affecting the environment.  Primary goals of the course include (1) helping students work towards understanding the Earth's natural systems and (2) providing students with the opportunity to acquire a broad understanding of issues, causes, and possible solutions to environmental challenges.  The laboratory component includes field trips and computer exercises that examine issues such as air and water quality, soil contamination, and mapping using Geographic Information Systems.   Enrollment limited.  Required for the Environmental Science major, no prerequisites.

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Methods in Environmental Science ENVS-275L

A team-taught, problem-based, laboratory and field course that provides students with exposure to interdisciplinary approaches to the investigation of environmental issues.  Emphasis is placed on research design, sampling methodology, display, and statistical analysis of large datasets.  The course's field component provides experience in methods used for soil sampling, water quality assessment, sampling and identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates.  Students gain experience collecting, managing, and analyzing a variety of environmental data through intensive work with MS Excel.   Prerequisite: ENVS-149L or AP Exam score of 4 or 5 in Environmental Science.

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Advanced Senior Seminar in Environmental ScienceENVS-401

This seminar engages students in the interdisciplinary study of a local environmental issue.  The course will involve interaction with community groups and government agencies, library research as well as collection and analysis of data.  Permission of Instructor required.  Required for Environmental Science major

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Environmental Science Field Trip  ENVS-350

This course is a 10-12 day field trip taken outside of Connecticut, either after the end of Spring semester or in August, each year.  During the trip, students and 2 members of the ENVS faculty travel to and investigate the geology and ecology of the areas visited.  We travel in a van and camp throughout the trip.  Areas visited have included northern Arizona, Utah, Washington, Oregon, Death Valley, Badlands of South Dakota, and Iceland.  Enrollment limited, permission of instructor required.  Click here for further trip details.

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Environmental Challenges Posed by Urban Life Along the Yangtze ENVS-123

Cities have been established along rivers throughout human history because of the benefit of the water resources and the functions of rivers in removal of waste and movement of goods.  While the waters initially provided great benefit, ultimately rivers have undergone periods of extreme pollution and then clean up, as we began to understand how human actions can affect environmental function and quality. This course will examine the basics of environmental science with a focus on rivers.  Specifically, we will examine rivers as systems, the scientific laws of energy and matter as they apply to river systems, and some case studies of rivers throughout history.  We will also explore human economic systems and issues of sustainability as they relate to urbanization along rivers, using the megacities we will visit in China, as examples.  Through field exercises along the Connecticut and the Yangtze Rivers, students will use the scientific method to compare water quality between the 2 rivers.  Students will read current material that explores interrelationships between rivers and the human enterprise, then, in China, our field experience along the Yangtze River will allow examination of interactions between humans and the river in locations from the smallest rural village to the rapidly growing megacities.