Environmental Science Program Course Descriptions

ENSC 200: Global Change & Environmental Science                                                        
3 Semester Credit Hours
This course is designed to introduce students to the concept of the Earth System and the dynamic interaction of its major components in shaping the modern Earth and its biosphere through time.  Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of these components of the Earth System in the development of our present Earth System and present-day environmental conditions.  Offered on an irregular basis.

ENSC 220: Environmental Science
3 Semester Credit Hour
This course, open to all majors, will examine environmental issues of local, regional, and global concerns.  Topics will include overpopulation, pollution, energy production and consumption, agriculture, resource management and land use conflicts.  Offered every Fall. Co-requisite: ENSC 221.

ENSC 221: Environmental Science Laboratory
1 Semester Credit Hour
Co-requisite: ENSC220.  Laboratories will include weekly experiments to support lecture topics.  Offered every Fall.

ENSC 390: Topics in Environmental Science                                                                       
3 Semester Credit Hours
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues and methods of current interest.  Topics will change from year to year, but the objectives of the course will consistently support the environmental science pre-professional program as well as the integrated studies requirement in the General Education curriculum.  A recent example was “Catalytic Thinkers in Environmental Science,” which was conducted as a seminar addressing books written by leaders of the environmental movement.  Prerequisite: one college-level science course.

ENSC 395: Introduction to Conservation                                                                              
3 Semester Credit Hours
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues surrounding the preservation of biodiversity. Topics will include the definition and origin of biodiversity, why biodiversity is valuable, threats to species, extinction, and how managers go about trying to protect biodiversity. Completion of one other science course is recommended prior to taking this course. Offered online.