Environmental Studies

Study of the earth's environmental systems and of the role of humans in those systems. Focus on the major policy and scientific developments and debates, including such topics as nuclear waste disposal, depletion of stratospheric ozone, global climate change, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

Study of human effects on the biosphere and the physical and chemical techniques used to monitor environmental quality. Waste disposal, recycling, energy utilization, industrial pollution, pesticide use, water quality, and regulatory instruments such as the Environmental Protection Act. Quantitative monitoring of air, water, and general environmental quality. Analytical methods and use of modern instrumentation, including gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, high pressure liquid chromatography, and potentiometric methods. 

Introduction to contemporary environmental issues and problem solving at various geographic scales. Particular attention given to planning approaches to environmental issues.

Relations between society and the geologic environment. Focus on geologic hazards such as floods, landslides, volcanoes, and earthquakes; geologic resources such as metals, fossil fuels, and water; and environmental challenges such as groundwater contamination. Lab includes required field trips. 

Agriculture is the largest single land use on our planet. This course examines both conventional and unsustainable agriculture and their impacts on our environment. We review design and management of plant crops and animal husbandry systems and the sustainability of these procedures for our region and for our planet.

Ethnobotany draws from numerous fields, including plant biology and ecology, history, language, religion, and more to study human-plant interactions. This course explores the role and significance of plants in our everyday lives with a focus on plants and nature in Appalachia. Students will also learn about the importance of plants and the natural world to indigenous peoples in North America and cultures around the world.

This course will cover ecology concepts and discuss human interactions within each level of ecology (population, community, and ecosystem ecology).  We will focus on applying ecological concepts in laboratory and field studies, and experience how ecologists and field biologists design, carry out, and communicate scientific research. 

Research experience through assistance in faculty-led research projects.

Research experience through assistance in faculty-led research projects.

Research experience through assistance in faculty-led research projects.

Research experience through assistance in faculty-led research projects.

Modern techniques used by field researchers for monitoring individuals and populations of various animal groups important in the Appalachian region. Modern issues and approaches to habitat and species management. Emphasis on research methods.

Introduction to basic nuclear science, energy, and weapons technologies followed by exploration of current environmental and societal issues pertaining to these technologies. Examination of the international implications of nuclear energy and nuclear weapons along with the ethical, environmental, and cultural underpinnings that drive policy.

Study of the movement, distribution, and quality of fresh water throughout the Earth. Focus on the hydrologic cycle, water resources, watershed sustainability, hydrologic modeling, and the influence of climate, geology, and human activity on the hydrosphere. The lab component requires fieldwork.

Historical development and current assessment of policy for environmental protection. Emphasis on the geographic nature of policies, resulting from the interplay of local, state, and federal governments and non-governmental organizations. 

Introduction to geographic information systems with a focus on concepts, data management, and applications in geographic research, planning, business, and environmental studies. Use of ArcGIS software with both raster and vector data structures.

Advanced study of selected topics in environmental policy and science, including guest lectures and presentations by faculty and students. Open to senior Environmental Studies majors or by permission of instructors.

Independent research under faculty supervision by students either in the policy track or in the science track.

field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.

Study of rocks and minerals, forces and processes that alter the earth's surface, and mechanisms that contribute to the constantly changing earth. Earth materials, plate tectonics, erosion, volcanism, and diastrophism. Lecture, laboratory, and field work hours. 

Past events in earth's history as interpreted by record of the rocks. Major geologic periods, continuity of change, and evolutionary progress of life.

Natural forces influential in shaping cultural patterns that evolved in human history. Relationship of humankind to such elements as climate, terrain, vegetation, and world location. Cultural forces affecting humankind. 

Meteorological and climatological principles presented as background to understanding the global geography of climates. Special emphasis on understanding the relationships between climate and vegetation, and climate and human activities.

Examination of landforms in relation to tectonics, climatic environment, and geologic processes. Special emphasis on understanding the development and evolution of the Appalachian Mountains. Required field trips.

The Middle East as a cultural crossroads; the region's rich diversity of people, life, and landscape; and its dependence on oil production and scarce water supplies. 

Comparative study of geography and history of two southern states. Emphasis on teacher responsibilities in the public schools with regard to the standards of learning.

Special studies offered according to needs of students. Emphasis on remote sensing, cartography, environmental geology, and other topics for students in geography, land use planning, environmental studies, and archeology.

Advanced independent research in a specific area of geography, under the supervision of a faculty member.