| ENVS 110 |
| The Earth's Climate |
| The course will introduce students to techniques that quantify past and present climates and present a history of the earth’s climate throughout geologic time. We will discuss past and future climate change, its potential causes and effects on society. (GLB3) |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 112 |
| Introduction to Earth Science |
| The course will introduce students to the basic principles of geology, such as rock and mineral identification, the interpretation of the geological record, and the theory of plate tectonics. These principles will allow us to reconstruct the Earth’s history, to interpret sedimentary records in terms of environmental change, and to assess the impact of human activity on the Earth system. Additional topics include volcanoes and igneous rocks, sedimentary environments, the Earth’s climatic history, the formation of mountain ranges and continents, and an introduction to the Earth’s interior. Two one-day field trips focus on the local geology and the various rock types found within the state. (GLB3) |
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1.25 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 116 |
| Saving Nature: Half-Earth Design Studio |
| The Half-Earth project aims to put half of the United States into protection from human impacts for the benefit of all of nature. This seminar combines guided-discussion sessions with a design challenge in a studio format. Discussion components will explore human dependence on other species and intact ecosystems, the unequal planetary distribution of natural and human capital, and maps as information sources and as persuasion platforms. Biodiversity, biophilia, and concepts like nature deficit disorder will be explored. In the studio-style design challenge students will draft a conservation plan for an area of their choosing , using the Half-Earth Map and other data tools. (NAT) |
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0.50 units, Studio
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| ENVS 121 |
| Human Dimensions of Wildlife |
| This course focuses on human dimensions of wildlife use and management. For millennia, humans have relied on wildlife for food and clothing, as well as for cultural practices and inspiration. This course will explore the historical as well as contemporary human dimensions of wildlife use and management, including stakeholder engagement, hunting regulation, predator reintroductions, Indigenous knowledge, and international policy agreements. (SOC) |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 122 |
| Saving Nature: Half-Earth Design Studio |
| This online seminar combines guided-discussion sessions with a design challenge in a studio format. Discussion components will explore human dependence on other species and intact ecosystems, the unequal planetary distribution of natural and human capital, and maps as information sources and as persuasion platforms. Biodiversity, Biophilia, and concepts like nature deficit disorder will be explored. The studio-style design-challenge will engage students in individual and group work to address the goal of putting half of the United States into protection from human impacts for the benefit of all of nature. Students will then choose a place that they define and using the Half-Earth Map and other data tools draft a conservation plan for that area. (GLB3) |
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0.50 units, Studio
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| ENVS 141 |
| Global Perspectives on Biodiversity and Conservation |
| This lecture and discussion course focuses on the current biodiversity crisis. We will discuss biological diversity and where it is found and how it is monitored, direct and indirect values of biodiversity, and consequences of biodiversity loss. Topics of discussion will also include the problems of small populations, the politics of endangered species, species invasions and extinctions, and the role of humans in these processes, design and establishment of reserves, captive breeding, and the role that the public and governments play in conserving biological diversity. Not creditable to the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. This course is not open to students who have already received a C- or better in Biology 233 (Conservation Biology). (GLB3) |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 149 |
| Introduction to Environmental Science |
| An introduction to interrelationships among the natural environment, humans, and the human environment, including the biological, social, economic, technological, and political aspects of current environmental challenges. This course focuses on building the scientific framework necessary to understand environmental issues. It explores the structure, function, and dynamics of ecosystems, interactions between living and physical systems, and how human enterprise affects natural systems. It also examines current issues regarding human impacts on environmental quality, including global warming, air and water pollution, agriculture, overpopulation, energy, and urbanization. The laboratory section, which complements lecture material, incorporates laboratory and field exercises that include a focus on Hartford and a nearby rural area. (GLB3) |
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1.25 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 203 |
| Religion and Climate Change |
| Climate change has elicited a range of responses from the world's religions, based on the history of their understanding of the natural world and the relationship of human beings to it. Through an examination of texts produced by specific religious traditions and actions taken by religious communities individually and collectively, this course will evaluate the role of religion in confronting the climate change crisis. Some experience with religious modes of thought is required. (GLB2) |
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1.00 units, Seminar
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| ENVS 204 |
| Earth Systems Science |
Over recent centuries humans have evolved as the major agent of environmental change and are altering the global environment at a rate unprecedented in the Earth's history. This course provides the scientific background necessary for knowledgeable discussions on global change and the human impact on the environment. The major processes that affect the geo- and biosphere, as well as connections and feedback loops, will be discussed. The course also explores techniques that enable us to reconstruct short and long-term environmental changes from geological archives. Particular emphasis will be placed on climatic stability on Earth, the effects of global warming, the human threat to biodiversity, and the depletion of the ozone layer. (GLB3)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Environmental Science 112 and Mathematics 107 or higher. |
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1.25 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 215 |
| Reading the Climate: From Literature to Action |
| In this course we will read major works of contemporary environmental literature that center on the changing climate in the Anthropocene and explore the consequences of global warming: for humanity and the planet as a whole. The novels, short stories and essays-sometimes referred to as "eco-fiction"-are selected from across the globe, and we will read them as literature as well as calls for action to combat the problem that is bound to define the 21st century. We will consider the science behind the stories and examine their social, political and ethical dimensions. The questions that will stay with us throughout are: how to respond meaningfully to the urgency of climate change; and how to turn our reading into action. (HUMW) |
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1.00 units, Seminar
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| ENVS 216 |
| U.S. Environmental Policy, Partisanship, and the Global Climate Crisis |
| The Biden administration has set out to work with Congress to pass the most momentous environmental legislation in four decades. This legislation and accompanying regulation will require some measure of bipartisan support to be successful in the long term, but the United States finds itself at one of the most intensely partisan moments in its history. To explore the historical roots of U.S. environmental partisanship, this interactive class will explore the history of the environmental movement in the United States, including major policy milestones of the 20th century. Students will then apply this knowledge-along with insights from media and literature-to understand and ideate bipartisan solutions to green infrastructure, emissions cuts, terrestrial and marine conservation, and other pressing U.S. environmental policy challenges of today. (SOC) |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 230 |
| Environmental Chemistry |
This course will cover basic chemical concepts, such as polarity, volatility, and solubility, as they relate to chemical behavior in the environment. The ability to predict environmental behavior from chemical structure will be emphasized. Human and environmental toxicology will be discussed, and specific pollutants will be examined. Case studies will be used to illustrate concepts. The laboratory will emphasize techniques used for environmental analysis. (NAT)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 111L and 112L, or permission of instructor. Students registering for the ENVS 230 lecture must also enroll in the lab. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 230 |
| Environmental Chemistry Lab |
This course will cover basic chemical concepts, such as polarity, volatility and solubility, as they relate to chemical behavior in the environment. The ability to predict environmental behavior from chemical structure will be emphasized. Human and environmental toxicology will be discussed, and specific pollutants will be examined. Case studies will be used to illustrate concepts. The laboratory will emphasize techniques used for environmental analysis. (NAT)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 111L and 112L, or permission of instructor. Students registering for the ENVS 230 lecture must also enroll in the lab. |
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0.25 units, Laboratory
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| ENVS 233 |
| Conservation Biology |
| This lecture and discussion course focuses on the science and theory of this interdisciplinary field. Biological concepts examined include biodiversity and the definition of species, patterns of species vulnerability, population dynamics of small populations, extinctions and invasions, rarity, metapopulations, conservation genetics, reserve design, captive breeding, endangered species, habitat fragmentation, and population recovery programs. Interactions between biology, human concerns regarding resource management, and the political process will also be considered. (NAT) |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 241 |
| Cultural Ecologies: Nature, Coloniality, and Environmentalism |
| This course explores ecological discourses and cultural representations of
nature across diverse Latin American/Latinx geographies through various
cultural archives (literature, films, photographs, podcasts). Understanding
ecologies as spaces of cultural formation, this course deeply engages with
topics on environmental humanities such as Extractivism, Capitalism,
Environmentalism, and Colonialism. Through an analysis of the political
agendas of environmental activists, as well as indigenous and non-indigenous
social movements, this course aims to identify how our cultural identities
index specific ecologies. The readings, discussions, and compositions that
make up this course will help participants to identify how discursive
ecologies inform current interpretations of environmentalism and climate
crisis. (HUM) |
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0.50 units, Seminar
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| ENVS 281 |
| Drone Flight School - Making maps safely and responsibly with drone technology |
| Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones have quickly emerged as a new way to explore the world around us. Emerging applications include surveying, search and rescue, scientific research and unmanned cargo. Mapping via drones is a growing field as drone imagining technology is compatible with desktop mapping software. Responsible drone usage requires knowledge of FAA regulations especially in urban areas where local air traffic could be impacted. This hands-on course will introduce students to UAS technology and all participants will learn how to fly drones safely and responsibly. They will then use the drones and associated imaging software to construct maps on and/or off campus. Not open to students who have completed ENVS 282. |
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0.50 units, Seminar
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| ENVS 282 |
| Drone Flight School – Mapping, Photogrammetry and Cinematography with Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones have quickly emerged as a new way to explore the world around us. Emerging applications include mapping,
photogrammetry, surveying, search and rescue, scientific research, and unmanned cargo delivery to name just a few. In this hands-on course all participants will pilot college owned drones to learn how to fly safely and responsibly to generate maps and 3D models utilizing ArcGIS and photogrammetry software. In addition to learning how to pilot the drones, students will explore the legal issues involved including: privacy and safety; FAA and other federal regulations; state and local laws; and current and future policy implications. The course will provide students with a solid basis for pursuing an FAA remote pilot certificate. Not open to students who have completed ENVS 281. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 286 |
| Theory and Application of Geographic Information Systems |
| A lecture/lab course that focuses on the theory and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using the ESRI ArcGIS software package. ArcGIS is a powerful mapping tool that facilitates the compilation, analysis and presentation of spatial data for a wide variety of disciplines including the natural and social sciences and any other field that uses spatial data. This course will provide students with the fundamental skills needed to design and manage digital databases and map sets so that they may integrate GIS into future courses, research, or careers. Topics include basic and advanced navigation and functionality within the ArcGIS workspace; database management and querying; and methods of data acquisition for GIS project building. Class projects on lab computers will be an integral component of the course and will be tailored to the specific interests and goals of individual students. This course does not meet the natural science distribution requirement. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 302 |
| Amphibian Ecology and Conservation |
Amphibians are undergoing a dramatic and rapid global decline due to a variety of factors including habitat degradation and destruction, over-exploitation, disease, and climate change. This seminar and discussion course will explore the ecology of amphibians, the causes and implications of their decline, and amphibian-focused conservation efforts. Students will gain experience reading, evaluating, presenting, and discussing peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, government documents, and non-government organization publications. (NAT)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Biology 182L or Biology 183L, or permission of instructor. |
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1.00 units, Seminar
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| ENVS 305 |
| Soil Science |
After a brief introduction to the soil profile, its nomenclature and classification, the course will concentrate on the processes and factors that influence weathering and soil development. Topics to be covered include: physical and chemical weathering of rocks; the influences of parent material, topography, climate, and time on soil formation; and the relationships between soils and the biosphere. The remainder of the course will be taken up with the application of soils to geological and environmental problems. Two half-day field trips will familiarize students with the various soil types found in Connecticut. (NAT)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Environmental Science 112L |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 306 |
| Applied Ecology |
This course examines ecological concepts and theory with an emphasis on their
application to solving environmental problems such as biodiversity loss and
ecosystem degradation. Students will gain experience using field and
computational research techniques to examine how organisms are influenced by
their abiotic environment and other species. This course is not open to students
who have already received a C- or better in Biology 333L. (GLB3)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Biology 182L or permission of instructor. |
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1.25 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 307 |
| New England in Winter |
| This week-long course explores the winter environments of New England through a number of day-long and half-day hikes, readings, and discussion. We will explore Connecticut's famous traprock ridges, eastern hardwood forests, the glaciated Riga Plateau and Long Island Sound. Students are expected to participate in four of five hikes, participate in class discussions and investigate one of these environments in greater depth. This course includes a significant outdoor component and will expose you to wintry, possibly cold and/or wet environments. It requires adequate clothing and footwear as the hikes will be rain (snow) or shine. Additional equipment (e.g., snow shoes, microspikes) is available through Trinity's outdoor program. Students are strongly encouraged to check the course syllabus and contact the instructor with any questions prior to registering for the course. (WELL) |
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0.50 units, Seminar
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| ENVS 308 |
| Watershed Ecology |
This course focuses on watershed ecology and stream ecosystems. We will examine the biological and physical linkages among upland, riparian, and stream systems. Starting with a brief introduction to watershed hydrology, we will expand outwards from the stream, covering plant and animal interactions within this vital ecosystem. To tie these components together, we will engage in discussions on global climate change, resource management, non-point source pollution, and their relationship to our stream ecosystems. (NAT)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Biology 182L or permission of instructor. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 309 |
| Introduction to Environmental Engineering |
Introductory course to environmental engineering geared towards non-engineering majors. The course applies physical, chemical and biological concepts to engineered environmental systems. Topics include water quality assessment and supply issues, drinking and waste water treatment, solid waste treatment and management strategies, and resource recovery and recycling. Students will review existing laws and regulations in the context of the topics covered. (NAT)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 112 and MATH 131, or permission of instructor. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 310 |
| Environmental Geophysics |
This course will introduce students to near-surface geophysical techniques and their environmental applications. Lectures will provide the theory and background knowledge required to collect and interpret geophysical data. Hands-on exercises will allow students to gain experience in conducting geophysical surveys, operating equipment, and data analysis. (NAT)
Prerequisite: ENVS 112L and MATH 127 or higher |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 311 |
| Forest Ecology and Management |
Forests are complex ecological systems or ecosystems where organisms exist in dynamic interaction with each other and the physical environment as an integrated system. Humans are an integral biotic component of forest ecosystems and rely on the physical components through various interactions. Understanding the structure, composition and functions of forest ecosystems is essential for maintaining healthy forests and to continue to obtain the many ecosystem services that we receive from them. This course is an introduction to how trees acquire resources from the environment and how the environment in turn affects resource acquisition. The course will cover factors that affect forest growth and development, ecosystem-level processes, ecosystems services and forest management. (NAT)
Prerequisite: C- or better in ENVS 149 or BIOL 182. |
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1.00 units, Seminar
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| ENVS 327 |
| Religion & Environmental Justice |
| This course examines various environmental crises that confront humanity today and how these crises are being addressed by religious traditions from around the world, including Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and indigenous traditions in Africa and the Americas. We will look at contemporary case studies for each tradition to explore how activist groups around the world rely on their respective religious teachings as the foundation for their activism toward local, regional, and global environmental justice. (GLB2) |
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1.00 units, Seminar
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| ENVS 350 |
| Field Study in Environmental Science |
| This 10-12 day field trip to a particular region of the U.S. introduces Trinity students to field methods in the environmental sciences. Students will study the geology, ecology, and history of human impact on the region visited, which varies from year to year. Students will also gain experience in basic field sampling techniques, observational skills, field note-taking, and methods for data analysis and interpretation. Pre-trip readings and an oral presentation given during the trip are required. Camping throughout. Permission of instructor required. Does not count toward science distribution.. |
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0.50 units, Seminar
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| ENVS 375 |
| Methods in Environmental Science |
A field-oriented, problem-based course covering data collection and analysis methods commonly used to conduct environmental assessments and to solve environmental problems. This course includes methods for risk assessment, land management and land use history determination, habitat analysis, bio-monitoring, soil composition analysis, soil and water chemistry analysis, and GIS mapping. A strong emphasis is placed upon research design, data manipulation, and statistical analysis, and students are required to complete significant work outside the classroom. As a culminating exercise, students prepare a final report that integrates all the topics and techniques learned throughout the course and that addresses the focal problem. This course is not open to first year students. (NAT)
Prerequisite: C- or better in Environmental Science 149L and Chemistry 111L. |
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1.25 units, Lecture
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| ENVS 399 |
| Independent Study |
| Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and director are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
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| ENVS 401 |
| Advanced Seminar in Environmental Science |
This capstone seminar will engage students in the interdisciplinary study of a local environmental issue. The course will include interaction with community groups and government agencies, library research, and the collection and analysis of data to explore the connections between science, public policy, and social issues. This course does not meet the natural science distribution requirement. (WEB)
This course is open to senior environmental science majors and minors, and others by permission of instructor. |
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1.00 units, Seminar
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| ENVS 405 |
| Internship in Environmental Science |
| This course allows students to meet the integrating experience requirement for the environmental science major through an approved internship. Students who wish to use an internship toward the major must have their integrated internship contract approved by the Environmental Science Program director before the internship is begun. All students undertaking approved internships will be required to keep a detailed log of their activities, prepare a final written report and make an oral presentation of their work to the Environmental Science Program staff and students in order to complete the internship credit. |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
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| ENVS 419 |
| Research in Environmental Science Library |
| Students will conduct library research projects under the direction of an individual staff member. Students electing this type of independent study should plan on a full semester culminating with the completion of a final formal paper. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
|
| ENVS 425 |
| Research in Environmental Science Laboratory |
| Students will conduct original laboratory research projects under the direction of an individual staff member. Students electing to pursue independent study of this type should plan on initiating the work no later than the fall of the senior year, and should also plan on no less than two semesters of study with a final formal report to be submitted to the staff. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
|
| ENVS 466 |
| Teaching Assistantship |
| Submission of the special registration form, available online, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. Guidelines are available in the College Bulletin.
(0.5 course credit) |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
|
| ENVS 497 |
| Honors Research |
| An extended paper on the subject of the student's two-semester research project with a professor in environmental science, to be read by three or more members of the program. This course is open only to those environmental science majors who wish to qualify for honors (See paragraph on honors in environmental science in the description of the major). Simultaneous enrollment in Environmental Science 419 or 425 during the spring semester of senior year, submission of the special registration form and approval of the instructor and director are required for enrollment. (NAT) |
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0.50 units, Independent Study
|
| ENVS 499 |
| Independent Study |
|
No Course Description Available.
|
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0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study
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