NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

363 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ENVS—Environmental Science ENVS 1100 Environmental Science I (3 credits) Environmental Science I provides students with a broad overview of a highly interdisciplinary subject by examining how man can best live with Earth’s environment. The first semester concentrates on the biological nature of environmental science: NIMBY, environmental justice, eco-feminism, biological communities, biodiversity, population, food, and hunger. ENVS 1200 Environmental Science II (3 credits) Environmental Science II provides students with a broad overview of a highly interdisciplinary subject. The course examines how man can best live with the Earth’s environment. The second semester concentrates on the issues surrounding the physical nature of environmental science: air and water urbanization, toxic waste, natural resource management, law, and politics. ENVS 1500 Natural History of South Florida (4 credits) Through classroom, field trip, and practical experience, this course provides instruction on the general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Fresh Water Wetlands, Coastal Systems and Upland Systems in South Florida. The course addresses society’s role toward various ecosystems and discusses environmental ethics. The course will provide students with examples of common behaviors that negatively affect local species and present simple alternatives that can be incorporated into their daily lives. Students will also be taught naturalist interpretation skills during hikes through local natural areas. ENVS 2000 Biodiversity of Alaskan Ecosystems (3 credits) This course is an introduction to Alaska’s diverse wildlife in a biological, ecological and evolutionary context. The course will cover biological and ecological aspects of the diverse flora and fauna located throughout Alaska’s ecosystems including such topics as natural history, geography and geology, ecosystem characterization and connections, and wildlife populations and conservation. This course is designed to prepare students for a 10 day field course to explore Alaska’s wilderness and observe its biodiversity first hand. Prerequisite: BIOL 1100 or higher. ENVS 2001 Biodiversity of Alaskan Ecosystems Field Course (3 credits) This field-based course introduces Alaska’s diverse wildlife in a biological, ecological and evolutionary context. The course will provide students with an overview of the recent research and current issues related to the diverse flora and fauna of Alaska’s ecosystems, including effects of climate change, overconsumption and management of populations, and pollution effects of mining and fossil fuel extraction. Local culture and native tribes will be introduced, as well as geography and geology, ecosystem characterization and connections, and wildlife populations and conservation. Students will also meet with local scientists and participate in fieldwork and seminars. Students will be able to observe first-hand the ecological concepts and biological characteristics of Alaska’s wildlife. Prerequisites: ENVS 2000. ENVS 2100 Environmental Science Laboratory (3 credits) Environmental science laboratory presents students with an opportunity to experience the practical work of an environmental scientist. Students will work collaboratively and use hands-on approaches to gain practical experience in many areas of this interdisciplinary science. Through laboratory, classroom, and on- and off-campus field experiences, students will learn to use equipment, make observations, collect data and test hypotheses related to environmental problems. Specific topics include population biology, biological diversity, geographic information systems, environmental quality/pollution, geology, environmental justice and environmental restoration. The course will include a collaborative capstone project investigating an ongoing, local environmental issue. Prerequisites: ENVS 1100 or ENVS 1200 or BIOL 1510. ENVS 3000 Environmental Geology/Lab (4 credits) Environmental geology is an applied science that uses geologic principles to identify, analyze and mitigate problems that occur where humans interact with geologic environments. This course covers basic concepts of physical geology including earth materials, plate tectonics, deformation and mountain building, and earth surface processes. Additional topics may include sustainability, environmental hazards, environmental policy, and transport and fate of environmental contamination. Students will examine environmental problems on a global and local scale. Prerequisite: CHEM 1300 or CHEM 1300H or CHEM 1500. ENVS 3100 Environmental Issues (3 credits) Environmental Issues is designed to teach students that most of today’s issues in environmental science are highly controversial and that advocating a policy stand on an environmental concern requires the balancing of the pros and cons of an issue. Several current areas will be introduced in an unbiased manner. The students will gain experience taking sides and debating issues by presenting objective perspectives on environmental topics. Prerequisites: BIOL 1040, ENVS 1100, or ENVS 1200. ENVS 3101 Introduction to Public Health (3 credits) This course provides an introduction to the concepts, values, principles, and practice of public health.