ENVS - Environmental Science

ENVS 1105. Environmental Studies (3-0-3) An examination of the scientific components of environmental studies, including the interactions of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Primary focus will be on issues related to scientific principles and concepts, human population, global environmental problems (biodiversity and warming), air and water pollution, natural resources and resource management, and the historical, social and political issues related to the environment.

ENVS 5165. Introduction to Hydrology (3-0-3) Prerequisites: CHEM 1211, CHEM 1211L, and MATH 1132. Study of hydrological systems on and beneath the earth's surface. Topics include: precipitation and evaporation, runoff and stream flow, groundwater infiltration, flownets and flow direction analysis of groundwater, properties of aquifers, regional groundwater flow patterns, and water pollution.

ENVS 5225. Natural Environments of Georgia (1-14-3) Prerequisites: BIOL 1215, GEOL 1221, and GEOL 1222. The geological framework and natural plant and animal communities of Georgia, examined through a series of weekend field trips to selected locations in the Ridge and Valley, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain provinces. Recommended for teachers and students wanting to broaden their knowledge of Georgia's geology, flora, and fauna. Some travel expenses will be paid by the students.

ENVS 5255. Environmental Geology (3-2-4) Prerequisite: GEOL 1221. Examination of human interaction with the geologic environment. Geologic hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions will be considered, as well as resource and waste management, and human impacts on the physical environment.

ENVS 6105. Environmental Issues (3-0-3) Seminar and lecture course with a focus on the study of current environmental issues such as the generation, reduction and disposal of hazardous materials, management of air and water quality, the status and management of endangered species, as well as the research needs in these areas for the future. Case studies will be used where possible.

ENVS 6106. Environmental Law and Regulations (3-0-3) Study of federal, state, and local laws related to the protection of the environment and populations. Effects and implications of such laws and regulations and the relationships among agencies in the promulgation and enforcement of them. Requirements and obligations of scientists testifying as expert witnesses in environmental cases.

ENVS 6109. Environmental Air Quality (3-0-3) Study of the structure and composition of the atmosphere, methods of analysis of pollutants in the atmosphere, and ozone depletion. Emphasis on transport and diffusion of atmospheric pollutants from the micro scale to the global scale, as well as an examination of global climate change.

ENVS 6206. Water Resources Management (3-3-4) An examination of fluvial and wetland ecosystems and their dynamics, as well as common practices in the management and maintenance of these resources. Topics will include analysis of open-channel hydrology and hydraulics, flood control and analysis, regulated river management, wetlands hydrology, and management alternatives for wetland ecosystems.

ENVS 6207. Ecological Methods (3-3-4) Applications of ecological principles to societal challenges such as population management, establishment, exploitation and assessment of ecosystems. Special emphasis is placed upon experimental design and methods employed for the analysis of the abundance and distribution of lying organisms and the structure and function of communities.

ENVS 6235. Introduction to Geographic Information and Global Positioning Systems (2-3-3) How to use GIS and GPS to portray existing spatial datasets, create new datasets and analyze datasets with emphasis on environmental applications, especially the analysis of change in environmental conditions on a landscape scale. Projects will require lab time beyond that scheduled.

ENVS 7000. Masters Thesis Defense (0-0-0) Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Director. Degree candidates must be enrolled in this course during the quarter of their defense. (S/U grading.)

ENVS 7115. Environmental Chemistry (3-0-3) A study of aquatic chemistry, atmospheric chemistry and environmental chemistry analysis.

ENVS 7145. Land Use and Waste Management (3-0-3) Prerequisites: ENVS 5165 and ENVS 7115 recommended. Recommended for Advanced students in Environmental Science program. Analysis of the geological factors in urban planning and facilities siting, and the development and operation of urban waste disposal facilities. Topics include theory and methods of isolating water resources, floodplain protection and development, recycling systems, hazardous and radioactive waste containment, geology of site development for larger facilities, and assessment of geotechnical hazards.

ENVS 7555. Selected Topics in Environmental Science (1-3) Prerequisite: Permission of department head. Semester-length or short courses in specialty areas of environmental science, available as needed or as required by current environmental situations. These are topics not usually available on a regular schedule, such as risk analysis, environmental impact assessment, etc. May be repeated for unlimited credit.

ENVS 7999. Research in Environmental Science (1-9 hours) Prerequisite: Approval of theses research topic by student's advisory committee. Thesis research. May be repeated for credit.