Environmental Studies
Michel A. Boudrias, Ph.D., Chair
Elizabeth D. Baker Treloar, M.S.
Hugh I. Ellis, Ph.D.
Sarah C. Gray, Ph.D.
Ronald S. Kaufmann, Ph.D.
Nathalie Reyns, Ph.D.
Anne A. Sturz, Ph.D.
Drew M. Talley, Ph.D.
Zhi-Yong Yin, Ph.D.
The Environmental Studies Minor
The environmental studies minor is offered by the Department Of Marine Science and Environmental Studies. The environmental studies minor is intended to accompany majors in the natural sciences, liberal arts, business, or education. This minor is intended to provide coursework in subjects that will help a student work in fields related to environmental policy or management. This minor requires consultation with the environmental studies advisor prior to registering for envi 300. A minimum of 18 units is required. Certain courses offered through field programs (like the School for Field Studies) may satisfy some requirements of the minor.
Required Courses
Lower Division
Take either:
ENVI 102 (= BIOL 102) – Ecology and Environmental Biology (3) OR
ENVI 121 – Life in the Ocean (4)
Take either:
ENVI 110 – Introduction to Physical Geography and Earth Systems (4) OR
MARS 120 – Introduction to Physical Oceanography (4)
Upper Division
ENVI 300 – Environmental Issues (3)
Prerequisites for ENVI 300 are ENVI 110 (or equivalent physical science) and ENVI 121 or
ENVI 102 (= BIOL 102) or BIOL 190
Take three courses, including at least one science course with laboratory and at least one non-science course. Note: Some of these courses have additional prerequisites.
Science Courses
ENVI 305 – Environmental Assessment Practices (3)
ENVI 315 – Geographic Information Systems (3)
ENVI 331W – Coastal Environmental Science (4)
ENVI 420 – Introduction to Remote Sensing (4)
ENVI 485 – Environmental Geology (4)
ENVI 487 – Surface Water Hydrology (4)
MARS 427 – Marine Environment (3)
MARS 473 – Climatology (4)
MARS 474 – History of the Earth and Climate (3)
Non-Science Courses
ANTH 335 – Nautical Archeology (3)
ANTH 336 – Pre-Classical Seafaring (3)
ANTH 339 – Post-Medieval Seafaring and Empire (3)
ECON 308 – Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (3)
HIST 370 – American Environmental History (3)
PHIL 338 – Environmental Ethics (3)
PHIL 344 – Environmental Justice (3)
POLS 329 – Law of the Sea (3)
POLS 349 – Politics and the Environment (3)
Environmental Studies Courses (ENVI)
102 Ecology and Environmental Biology / 3 UNITS
Investigation of the natural environment and the relationship of its biotic and abiotic components. Topics include the ecosystem concept, population growth and regulation, and our modification of the environment. Laboratories will include field trips, one of which will be an overnight trip to the desert. This course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for a life science and a laboratory. Two lectures and one laboratory per week. Cross-listed as BIOL 102. (every semester)
104 Natural Disasters / 3 UNITS
This course will give students an introduction to the Earth and the dynamic natural processes that impact humanity and life in general. Man and nature are becoming increasingly intertwined as the human race continues to proliferate. This course will emphasize the fundamental scientific principles and processes related to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, severe weather, hurricanes, meteorite impacts, and climate change. Historic catastrophes will be emphasized. This course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for a physical science course without a laboratory. (every semester)
109 Introduction to Physical Geography / 4 UNITS
An introductory course to give students a comprehensive overview of the Earth and its component systems. The emphasis of this course is the interactions among the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Various global environmental issues also will be examined from the perspective of physical geography. Three lectures and one laboratory per week and some field experience, which may include an overnight trip. This course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for a physical science course with a laboratory. (fall semester)
110 Introduction to Earth Systems / 4 UNITS
Lecture and field investigations of geographic and geological processes. The objective of this course is to give students a comprehensive overview of the earth and its component systems. The emphasis of this course is the interactions among the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Three lectures and one laboratory per week and some field experience, which may include an overnight trip. (every semester)
121 Life in the Ocean / 4 UNITS
An introduction to the organisms in the ocean, including their phylogenetic and ecological interrelationships. Biological principles and processes that are basic to all forms of life in the ocean will be stressed. This course will satisfy the core curriculum requirement for a life science and for a laboratory course. This course will not satisfy the requirements of the marine science major. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (every semester)
300 Environmental Issues / 3 UNITS
This course is a consideration of environmental problems that confront our society today. By looking at controversial environmental issues, students will be encouraged to distinguish political interests and emotional hyperbole from scientific facts; furthermore, students will be presented examples of scientific facts that support different interpretations of an issue. Both environmental resolutions and their social implications will be considered. Three hours of lecture. Prerequisites: ENVI 110 (or equivalent physical science) and ENVI 121 or ENVI 102 (= BIOL 102) or BIOL 190.
305 Environmental Assessment Practices / 3 UNITS
An interdisciplinary approach to environmental decision making. An introduction to the law relative to environmental impact reports, their contents and development. Prerequisites: Either ENVI 109, 110, or 210 and ENVI 102 or 121.
312 Introduction to GIS / 3 UNITS
An overview of geographic information systems (GIS), including its history, role in complex spatial analysis projects, and geographic data management. Related technologies such as global positioning system (GPS) and remote sensing also will be introduced. Laboratory exercises will emphasize digital cartography using ArcView software. Two hours of lecture and one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: MATH 115.
314 Introduction to Maps and Spatial Data Analysis / 3 UNITS
Use of maps as an analytical tool. Topics include: map reading; the use of maps as a medium for describing and analyzing various types of spatially-distributed data; stereoscopic interpretation and cartographic representation of landforms, vegetation, and land use. Laboratory exercises will use ArcView software. Two hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: MATH 115. (fall semester)
315 Geographic Information Systems / 3 UNITS
Theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool for the display and manipulation of spatial data. Applications include: urban planning; land use classification; biomass analysis; crop monitoring; forest resource assessment and management; and disaster assessment, management, and recovery. Laboratory exercises will use ArcInfo software. Two hours of lecture and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: ENVI 312 or 314 and MATH 115 or consent of instructor. (spring semester)
331W Coastal Environmental Science / 4 UNITS
An interdisciplinary study of physical, chemical, and biological processes in the oceans with an emphasis on coastal environments. Topics include coastal oceanography, nutrient distribution and geochemical cycles, primary productivity, food webs and fisheries, and benthic habitats. This course examines the interactions between abiotic forces in the oceans and the organisms that live in a variety of habitats. Environmental issues will be connected to major scientific themes. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: MARS 120 and ENVI 121 or BIOL 221/221L. (fall semester)
355 Environmental Chemistry / 3 UNITS
A survey of the natural environment from a chemist’s point of view and the evaluation of chemicals from an environmental point of view. This course is concerned with the chemistry of air, water, soil, and the biosphere in both pristine and polluted states. Pollution prevention and mitigation schemes are considered. Two one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 301/301L. Cross-listed as CHEM 355.
361 Ecological Communities of San Diego County / 2 UNITS
A general survey of the ecological communities of San Diego County will acquaint students with local marine, freshwater, chaparral, and desert habitats. The course is primarily field study, and one overnight trip to the desert will be included. Identification of organisms and their ecological relationships will be stressed. One laboratory weekly. Cross-listed as BIOL 361.
364 Conservation Biology / 4 UNITS
This course focuses on the history of conservation awareness, theory, and practice. Lectures address conservation biology from a historical perspective; readings and discussion are directed toward both classic and current literature. Student presentations will be expected. Weekend field trips may be required. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 190, 221/221L, 225/225L, and 300. Cross-listed as BIOL 364. (spring semester)
420 Introduction to Remote Sensing / 4 UNITS
An introduction to remote sensing technology and its applications in earth science. This course will cover principles of remote sensing, aerial photography, photogrammetry, electronic multispectral imaging, and methods of digital image processing and analysis. Applications of remote sensing in marine and terrestrial environments and integration of remote sensing and geographic information systems also will be discussed. Three lectures and one laboratory per week and some field trips. Prerequisites: ENVI 312 or 314 and at least one course in physical science, or consent of instructor.
471 Near Shore Processes / 3 UNITS
Physical and chemical processes which influence coastal sediment, water mass distribution, and chemical composition. Topics include: currents and ocean circulation patterns on the continental shelf; coastal erosion and deposition; river flux and its influence on the chemical composition of seawater; sediment transport; and chemical reactions in estuaries and bays. The impact of human activities on coastal areas will also be covered. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 152/152L, MARS 120, and PHYS 136 or 270. Cross-listed as MARS 471.
485 Environmental Geology / 4 UNITS
This course will provide an in-depth examination of the geologic principles and issues pertinent to the environmental consulting industry. It will include a discussion of geologic hazards including floods, mass wasting, earthquakes, and erosion. An examination of the geology of groundwater occurrence, groundwater flow, and groundwater development and management will also be addressed. Specific examples from the San Diego region will be emphasized. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: ENVI 110 and MATH 115 or Calculus; or consent of instructor. (spring semester)
487 Surface Water Hydrology / 4 UNITS
A course to cover principles of surface water hydrology and methods to solve hydrologic problems related to urbanization, soil and water conservation, and water resources management. The components of the hydrologic cycle and the concept of water balance will be discussed in detail. This course also will cover various methods of hydrologic computation, the basics of watershed modeling, applications of GIS in hydrology, and issues especially relevant to Southern California. Three lectures and one laboratory per week and some field trips. Prerequisites: ENVI 110, or consent of instructor. An introductory course in statistics is recommended.
494 Special Topics in Environmental Studies / 2-4 UNITS
Topics of special interest and/or unique opportunity. Prerequisites: Upper-division standing and consent of instructor or chair of marine science and environmental studies; other prerequisites may apply.
496 Research / 1-3 UNITS
Directed research in environmentally related areas of the student’s choosing. Since many of the projects may be interdisciplinary in nature, the student must contact the chair of marine science and environmental studies well in advance of enrolling in the class.
497 Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant / 1 UNIT
Assist laboratory instructor in all aspects of an Environmental Studies laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Unit counts toward graduation, but not toward the minor. Pass/fail only. (every semester)
498 Internship / 1-3 UNITS
Experience in the practical and experimental application of the field. Students will be involved in research projects conducted by agencies and institutions outside the university, such as state parks, government agencies, research facilities, or marine industries. Enrollment is arranged on an individual basis according to a student’s interest and background, and is dependent on positions available and faculty approval. Two units taken in consecutive semesters recommended, but variations can be arranged with instructor or chair of Marine Science and Environmental Studies in advance. Maximum of 3 units. Pass/fail only. (every semester)
499 Independent Study / 1-2 UNITS
An in-depth study of an environmental problem of the student’s choosing. Guidance and coordination will be offered through a weekly meeting. The student will be required to submit a written report suitable for inclusion in the environmental studies library. Prerequisite: Consent of the chair of marine science and environmental studies.
