Environmental Studies: Course Descriptions
ENV-100 Environmental Studies Seminar
The study of the environment encompasses a broad field that links theory from many disciplines to applications in human society. This course provides a survey of both the major issues in environmental science and the environmental professions that address these issues. Faculty and outside speakers from government and private industry will make presentations and lead discussions. The structure of environmental regulation and management in the U.S. will be described. 1 hour.
Credits: 1.00
ENV-141 Permaculture Design I
Permaculture is about designing ecological human habitats and food production systems. It is a land use and community building movement which strives for the harmonious integration of human dwellings, microclimate, annual and perennial plants, animals, soils, and water into stable, productive communities. The focus is not on these elements themselves, but rather on the relationships created among them by the way we place them in the landscape. This synergy is further enhanced by mimicking patterns found in nature. This course is designed to help students understand the basic principles of permaculture through hands-on experience. Students can receive certification in Permaculture by completing both Permaculture I (ENV-141) and Permaculture II (ENV-142). This course is taught at the B Street Demonstration Farm located 4 blocks from Pacific University. This course will fulfill part of the science core requirement. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
ENV-142 Permaculture Design II
A continuation of Permaculture Design I (ENV-141), which is a prerequisite with a C- or better. Students can receive certification in Permaculture from the Permaculture Design Institute by completing both Permaculture Design I (ENV-141) and Permaculture Design II (ENV-142). This course is taught at the B Street Demonstration Farm located 4 blocks from Pacific University. This course will fulfill part of the science core requirement. Prerequisite: ENV-141 with a C- or better. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
ENV-155 Special Topics
Special topics course. See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
ENV-160 Energy & the Environment
In order to live, humans require energy, and methods of energy production significantly affect the environment in which humans live. This course examines fundamental thermodynamic concepts such as energy and power and then explores the comparative environmental costs and benefits, including potential long term consequences, of producing energy from various sources such as fossil fuels, nuclear reactors, wood burning, solar panels, wind turbines, etc. Methods of estimation and risk assessment are emphasized so that meaningful comparisons between energy sources and their environmental consequences can be made. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
ENV-170 Intro to Geographical Informational Sys
This course is designed for both newcomers to the field of GIS who want to understand the concepts and technology and for students with some knowledge of GIS who want to go beyond the software manuals to understand the fundamental concepts of GIS. Through lecture we will explore the basic concepts of mapping and spatial databases and their use in fields ranging from land-use planning to ecological research. Students will also gain a working knowledge of GIS software through the use of ArcView GIS, the most widely used GIS software package. This course will fulfill part of the science core requirement. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
ENV-195 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
ENV-200 Introduction to Environmental Science
The systemic study of the environment, and human impacts on environmental systems. Human activities have changed the types and rates of processes occurring throughout the planet. Understanding the near-term and long-term effects of these actions on the quality of the environment requires a broad view of the science on how earth functions without human intervention, and how society has changed these functions to support itself. Includes laboratory and field experiences. Consent of instructor. This course will fulfill part of the science core requirement. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
ENV-205 Environmental Science Methods
Environmental Science Methods is a field-oriented course that introduces students to a range of laboratory and field methods and techniques used by professional scientists. This course provides training in techniques that could be used in senior projects. Students are introduced to methods for studying, monitoring, and experimenting upon plants and animals in a variety of habitats. Emphasis is placed on the choice of techniques for data collection, followed by rigorous analysis of results. Training is provided in the application of appropriate statistical techniques to experimental results. Prerequisites: ENV 200 and MATH 122. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ENV-210 Tropical Environmental Biology
A study of the effects of human activity on natural environments associated with Third World, developing countries (i.e. Belize and Guatemala, Central America). A variety of ecosystems and areas will be studied, including lowland savannas, tropical seasonal forests, limestone caves, coastal lagoons, mangrove swamps, sea-grass flats, coral reefs and urban and rural societies. The course meets during the spring, in order to present lectures and background materials, which will prepare students for activities in Belize and Guatemala in May. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and sophomore standing. This course will fulfill part of the science core requirement. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
ENV-214 Outdoor Leadership
This course is designed to offer students an outdoor context for their leadership development. Applied decision making skills, group dynamics, trip planning, first aid and navigation will be addressed in three activity areas; winter camping with snow shoes, sea kayaking, and backpacking. Instructor consent required. 2 hours.
Credits: 2.00
ENV-224 Environmental Politics
This course introduces students to environmental disputes and the forces that affect environmental policy. Topics include the history and evolution of environmentalism and environmental policy, and an extensive case study of a local environmental issue. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
ENV-230 Restoration Ecology
Restoration ecology seeks to enhance the natural recovery of damaged ecosystems. Through lectures, readings, and field/lab work we will review the conceptual bases of restoration ecology, investigate the tools used by restoration ecologists to solve practical problems, and discuss the scope and success of actual restoration projects. Prerequisite: ENV-200 or BIOL-202 with a grade of C- or better. This course will fulfill part of the science core requirement. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
ENV-255 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 3.00
ENV-260 Oregon Natural History
Oregon Natural History will introduce students to the plant and animal communities of the Pacific Northwest. Participants will learn to identify common species in local habitats ranging from the coast to the Cascades. We will use ecology, life history, and behavior to investigate the interactions that define communities. By exploring connections between geology, climate, and the biotic realm, students will gain a better understanding of and appreciation for the biodiversity of this region. This course will fulfill part of the science core requirement. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
ENV-295 Independent Study
Credits: 1.00
ENV-301 Environmental Toxicology
Pollutants impact the structure and function of ecological systems at all levels of biological organization. This course will focus on the effects of toxicants on ecological structures from the molecular to the individual organism to the community and the ecosystem. Field and laboratory experiences are integrated into the course and will involve standard toxicity testing, use of biomarkers, tissue, water and soil analyses, and molecular techniques. Prerequisites: BIOL 204 and one semester of organic chemistry, both with a "C-" or better, and consent of instructor. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
ENV-310 Environmental Chemistry
Changes in the environment are ultimately the result of chemical processes. This course examines our understanding of chemical change in the atmosphere, groundwater, and various aquatic environments from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Methodology for monitoring and modeling these systems will be included. Prerequisites: CHEM 240 or CHEM 310, BIOL 204, with a C- or better. 4 hours. Alternate years.
Credits: 4.00
ENV-313 Ecological Psychology
This course investigates the reciprocal relationship between the human-environment interaction and the consequences of these interactions. Research from various perspectives are read and discussed. Student discovery occurs through discussion and participation in field trips and through a service learning project. Prerequisite: PSY-150 with a C or better. 3 hours. Cross-listed with PSY-313.
Credits: 3.00
ENV-320 Advanced Tropical Environmental Biology
An in depth study in the effects of human activity on tropical ecosystems associated with developing countries, and current environmental science research in tropical ecosystems. A variety of tropical ecosystems will be studied with an emphasis on tropical seasonal forests and marine ecosystems. The course meets once a week during the spring semester, in order to present lectures and background materials, which will prepare students for activities in Belize and Guatemala in May. Students will be assigned outside readings from peer-reviewed scientific research articles and text books dealing with environmental impacts on tropical ecosystems. Students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge of this material in addition to the material that is required for students taking ENV-210 (Tropical Environmental Biology for Nonscience majors). Students will participate in hands-on field research, design research proposals, and learn environmental problem solving through a case study approach. This will be in addition to the daily requirements for students in ENV-210. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: ENV-200, BIOL-202, and MATH-207, all with minimum grade c-. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
ENV-321 Environmental Ethics
A study of the key concepts in environmental ethics, such as biodiversity loss, corporate responsibility, animal rights, over-population, and environmental racism. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ENV-322 Animal Ethics
An investigation of the relationship between human and non-human animals. What is the moral standing of non-human animals? We will study both the theoretical and practical facets of this question by focusing on the ethical issues raised by animal experiments and factory farming. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. 4 hours. Offered alternate years.
Credits: 4.00
ENV-325 Conservation Biology
This course will examine the historical and ethical background of the conservation movement and trace the development of the science of conservation biology. We will be making connections between society and the natural world, relating human impacts on plants and wildlife to the goals of the practicing conservation biologist. We will learn quantitative methods to determine and predict the status of plant and animal populations. This is a lab/field course with opportunities to learn from conservation efforts around the Portland metropolitan area. Prerequisites: BIOL 204 with a C- or better. CS 130 or MATH 226 recommended. This course will fulfill part of the science core requirement. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
ENV-333 Environmental Economics
Environmental economics studies the role of environmental amenities such as clean air and clean water in the economic system. This course analyzes the problems of market outcomes when such amenities are not priced. The problems associated with estimating economic costs and benefits are also carefully examined. Throughout the course, the connection between economic understanding and improved public policy is emphasized. The course will include a lab section which will be devoted in large measure to experiences in the field. Prerequisite: ECON 102. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
ENV-342 Risk Management and Decision Making
The focus of this course is on the development, application and integration of analysis tools and decision models to aid managerial decision making in the face of risk and uncertainty. The course presents ways of structuring such problems to provide a systematic, reasoned analysis of the situation. Behavioral factors that influence decisions will also be considered. Specific topics include normative and descriptive theories of decision making, judgmental heuristics and biases, risk assessment techniques, risk management frameworks and strategies, value tradeoffs and multi-criteria decision analysis. We will explore applications in environmental, technological, health, safety and organizational risk management. Prerequisite: Junior standing. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
ENV-355 Special Topics in Environmental Science
Topics vary, see department for details.
Credits: 1.00
ENV-380 Environmental Problem Solving
This course is designed to help students understand the complexity of environmental problems. Students will put together a comprehensive project proposal for an independent research project that they will complete as part of their senior capstone. Students will also listen to guest lectures from experts in the field that are involved with environmental problem solving. Prerequisite: ENV-200, ENV-224, ENV-333, junior standing. 2 hours.
Credits: 2.00
ENV-395 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
ENV-441 Environmental History
This course focuses on historical scholarship that has addressed the changing relationship between human societies and "nature". The course explores the development of ecological science and environmental politics; it also explores the ways in which Americans of European and indigenous background imposed their understandings on the landscape, and the consequences of these impositions. Other subjects include National Park Service policy, game conservation and class conflict, and the development of governmental agencies dedicated to protecting or controlling the environment. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
ENV-475 Internship
Credits: 1.00
ENV-490 Capstone Experience
Designed to allow students to expand on research projects or internships by more thoroughly examining the primary literature, reanalyzing data, writing an annotated bibliography and presenting in a public forum. Prerequisites: Senior standing and approved project. 2 hours.
Credits: 2.00
ENV-495 Research
Faculty supervised, student-conducted, individual research project. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. 1-6 hours.
Credits: 1.00