Courses

The course provides an overview of the theoretical foundation and applied use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). At the conclusion of the course, students will have working knowledge of GIS and their appropriate application in various disciplines and organizational settings. The historical development of innovative and collaborative geographic information tools that assist with managing the challenges associated with positional data will also be introduced. Students will demonstrate acquired knowledge via application of the fundamental and principal concepts of geographical information systems by completing a series of lab assignments and a culminating research project. Prerequisites: EGR 121 and CIS 265. (3 units; Fall)

This course explores diverse aspects of agriculture and agriculture sustainability, primarily from various natural science perspectives. Techniques of organic and sustainable agriculture will be emphasized. This course also touches on the social, political, and economic forces that relate to farming communities, food production and distribution, and consumption. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

This laboratory experience is designed to teach students about the basic concepts of urban agriculture. Students will gain hands on experience in the field of urban agriculture ranging from topics such as hydroponics, soil quality, composting, worm farming, erosion control, plant cloning and propagation, micro-greens, and how to grow food in planter boxes or small containers. Students will be taught a wide range of agricultural principles related to urban farming, urban gardening, and how to grow and distribute food locally in a sustainable system. Additional lab fee. (1 unit; Fall)

Concentration upon a specific topic in the field of Environmental Science. Topic varies for different semesters. May be repeated for a maximum of eight (8) units with change in topic. (1-4 units; As offered)

This laboratory course will be offered in conjunction with the special topics course to provide instruction with hands on experience. Topic varies for different semesters. May be repeated one (1) time with change in topic. Additional lab fees. (1 unit; As offered)

Sustainability and Conservation is the science of preserving biodiversity and sustaining the earth. This is an interdisciplinary course that examines the human impact on biodiversity and the earth. The course synthesizes the fields of ecology, environmental science, evolution, genetics, philosophy, economics, sociology, and political science, with emphasis on the development of strategies for preserving populations, species, biological communities, and entire ecosystems. (4 units; Spring, odd years)

An advanced study of the geosciences including the areas of astronomy, meteorology and climate, geology, and oceanography. The laboratory experience is designed to illustrate and reinforce geosciences principles and to introduce basic geosciences laboratory techniques. Lecture: 3 units. Lab: 1 unit. Additional lab fee. Prerequisites: CHE 115 and 115L. (4 units; Fall/Spring)

This class focuses on laboratory and field research projects and topics of current or historical interests in environmental science. Individual research on a problem relating to environmental science will be conducted under the guidance of an instructor. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of eight (8) units with a change in content. Prerequisites: ENV 470 and permission of the Department Chair. (1-4 units; Fall/Spring/Summer)

This course is designed to allow students to participate in an extended discipline specific experience through approved programs in the area of environmental science. In addition to the required field experience, it is designed to be an exercise for students to reflect upon, evaluate, and assimilate knowledge and experience they have gained through their course of study and practicum. Students in this course will prepare a presentation (both written and oral) that will focus on that experience. May be repeated for a maximum of six (6) units. Prerequisite: Permission of the Department Chair. (3 units; As offered)

This course is designed to allow students to participate in an extended discipline specific experience through approved programs in the area of environmental science. In addition to the required field experience, it is designed to be an exercise for students to reflect upon, evaluate, and assimilate knowledge and experience they have gained through their course of study and practicum. Students in this course will prepare a presentation (both written and oral) that will focus on that experience. Students registered in this section will participate in a global practicum experience during which the skills learned throughout the semester will be applied in a global setting. May be repeated for a maximum of six (6) units. Additional trip fee(s). Prerequisite: Permission of the Department Chair. (3 units; As offered)

This class deals with research projects and topics of current or historical interest which are not normally covered in other established courses. Content variable from year to year. Prerequisite: BIO 148. (1-4 units; As offered)