NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

364 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ENVS 3170 Everglades Ecology and Conservation (3 credits) An overview of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem that integrates biological, geological, ecological, conservation, social, economic and political aspects to the ecosystem and its current restoration efforts. The course will examine the main biological and physical features of South Florida, and the ecological processes that make this a unique ecosystem. The course will also examine man’s relationship with the ecosystem since the times of their earliest occupation in the region to present. The course incorporates classroom time and 4 all-day Saturday fieldtrips. Prerequisites: ENVS 1100 or BIOL 1510 or BIOL 1510H. ENVS 3201 Environment, Culture, Ethnicity and Health (3 credits) This course introduces students to skills and insights necessary in promoting health in diverse populations. Issues discussed include the need for effective communication; understanding of cultural factors and how they impact preventive efforts; and health care status and utilization patterns on the health care system and expenditures. The course also explores traditional modalities of health maintenance among various populations. ENVS 4002 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (3 credits) Students learn health educational strategies that can be incorporated into multiple settings focusing on wellness and preventive interventions. This course addresses individual and social factors as well as behavioral issues, health detriments, and community resources. Prerequisite: ENVS 3201. ENVS 4210 Environmental Epidemiology (3 credits) Examines the history, principles, and uses of epidemiology for understanding and control of health and disease in relation to human environments. Emphases in this survey course include the natural history, prevention, and control of diseases, as well as monitoring and outbreak investigations. Prerequisites: BIOL 2400 or BIOL 3400. ENVS 4300 Industrial Ecology (3 credits) Industrial ecology is a new way of thinking about economy-environment interactions. To provide a suitable and sustainable quality of life, increased (rather than less) reliance on new technologies will be required. Industrial ecology is the means by which humanity can deliberately and rationally approach and maintain a desirable carrying capacity given continued economic, cultural, and technological evolution. The concept requires that an industrial system be viewed not in isolation from its surrounding systems, but in concert with them. It requires familiarity with industrial activities, environmental processes, and societal interactions. This course will unite many of the concepts learned throughout the degree program. It is a subject that acknowledges the interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues and maintains that one solution (the industrial one) lies in uniting the new generation of engineers, scientists, business people, and public policy experts such that we enter a new century with an environmental ethic guiding each business decision. Topics considered will include the minimizing of energy-intensive process steps in manufacturing, the reduction of residues, and the importance of designing, building, maintaining, and recycling products in such a way that they impose minimal impact on the wider world. Prerequisite: CHEM 1500 or CHEM 3150 and ENVS 1100 or BIOL 3200. ENVS 4310 Environmental Health (3 credits) Environmental Health examines a multidisciplinary field. The study of environmental health sciences is concerned with the impact of environmental conditions on human health. Particular attention is given to the health effects in human populations that can arise from exposures to agents (chemical, biological, physical) through the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the food they eat. Prerequisite: ENVS 3101 ENVS 4900 Special Topics in Environmental Science and Studies (3 credits) Topics in advanced environmental science and studies that are not included in a regular course offering. Prerequisites may be required. Specific content and prerequisites are announced in the course schedule for the given term. Students may re-enroll for Special Topics covering different content. ENVS 4900A Special Topics in Environmental Science and Studies Biodiversity of Alaskan Ecosystems Field Course (1 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, over consumption 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 field work and seminars. Students will be able to observe first-hand the ecological concepts and biological characteristics of Alaska’s wildlife. Prerequisites: ENVS 2000.