Environmental Sciences
The Department of Environmental Sciences (ENVS) is comprised of faculty who are dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to creatively address critical environmental challenges of our world, such climate change, disease ecology, food and water security, and human impacts on the environment. A degree in ENVS offers students opportunities to tackle the most pressing issues of our times through biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, ecosystem management, and other solutions.
Through the interdisciplinary perspectives of both natural and social sciences, and by integrating research, teaching, and service, our goal is to advance knowledge and prepare the next generation of scholars, researchers and citizens. Because environmental issues transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, the structure and content of the Environmental Sciences curriculum emphasizes systems thinking and integrative learning. The curriculum is designed to sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving skills by challenging students to translate theory and classroom learning into practice, engaging in real world issues at local to global scales. Methods-based, laboratory, and field classes provide direct connections to learned content, while internships, practicums, and research experiences provide opportunities to apply that knowledge via independent study. ENVS faculty offer a variety of opportunities for students to participate in research within the department as early as their first year.
The department offers BA and BS degrees, two minors (Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Sciences), and a concentration in Environmental Management with the Goizueta Business School. Students completing the BS degree will focus their electives within one of four tracks: Ecology & Conservation, Environment & Health, Earth & Atmospheric Science, or Environmental Social Science & Policy. The department participates in an undergraduate/graduate (4+1) program which allows students to pursue a BS in ENVS and an MPH with Rollins School of Public Health.
Concentrations
Faculty
- Chair
- Thomas Gillespie
- Director of Undergraduate Studies
- Shaunna Donaher
- Core
Courses
ENVS 100-Level Courses
Introduction to environmental sciences through overarching hot-button research topics in earth science, ecology, resilience, and sustainability. Human impact on the environment will be discussed and debated through interdisciplinary analysis of case studies. Appropriate for majors and non-majors.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course is an introduction to the concepts and methods related to the study of environmental sciences. Students will be introduced to relevant theories from physical, ecological and social sciences. This course is intended for majors and minors in Environmental Sciences.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Applies and integrates theories and concepts of environmental science through field study. Introduction to Piedmont geology, water, land and forest use, management and policy. Introduction to ENVS research and community engaged learning. This course is required for ENVS majors.
- Credit Hours
- 2
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 140 as prerequisite or co-requisite, or equivalent transfer credit
- Cross-Listed
- None
Human and environmental health are incredibly intertwined. This course will introduce the relationships emerging between humans, animals and environmental change and examine health issues, scientific understanding of causes, and possible future approaches to global environmental and health problems.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
The topics for freshman seminars are variable and change every semester. Past offerings include Climate Change, Global Earth Systems, Interpreting Behavior That You Can't See, Ecological Economics, Plants, People and Places and Ecological Restoration.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- FS
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
ENVS 200-Level Courses
Environmental epidemiology centers on the application of epidemiological methods to examine how environmental determinants (physical environment, chemicals, and infectious agents) influence distributions of diseases within and among populations.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Geology and paleontology are essential sciences for understanding how the earth, its life, and environments changed through time. This class explores their 18th and 19th century roots by reading, discussing, and writing about books of those times to learn appreciation for their scientific influence.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Geology and paleontology are essential sciences for understanding how the earth, its life, and environments changed through time. This class explores their 18th and 19th century roots by reading, discussing, and writing about books of those times to learn appreciation for their scientific influence.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
History of earth in context of changing global environments. Emphasizes biological systems interacting with global processes: plate tectonics, climate change, sea level; lab exercises on minerals, rocks, fossils, geologic maps.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course investigates the interactions between economic systems and the environment, focusing on the economic drivers of and solutions to environmental change.Topics include food and water security, economic valuation and externalities, market failures, and socioenvironmental inequality.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Introduces theories of human interaction with the environment. Focus is on holistically examining the factors social science research suggests drives human behavior towards natural resources. Focused on Ostrom's IAD and SES Frameworks.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- HSC
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Introduction to basic concepts of American environmental policy. Topics include: history of federal environmental policymaking, environmental policy tools, controversies in environmental policy, and U.S. environmental policy in the age of globalization. Field trips required.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- HSC
- Requisites
- POLS 100 or POLS_OX 100 or ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- POLS 227
Introduction to basic concepts of American environmental policy. Topics include: history of federal environmental policymaking, environmental policy tools, controversies in environmental policy, and U.S. environmental policy in the age of globalization. Field trips required.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- HSCW
- Requisites
- POLS 100 or POLS_OX 100 or ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- POLS 227W
Prerequisite: ENVS 131, POLS 100 or permission. An introduction to basic concepts of American environmental policy in the age of globalization. Topics include the history of federal policymaking, policy tools and controversies in environmental policy. Field trips and weekly lab required.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- HSC
- Requisites
- POLS 100 or POLS_OX 100 or ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- POLS 228
Prerequisite: ENVS 131, POLS 100 or permission. An introduction to basic concepts of American environmental policy in the age of globalization. Topics include the history of federal policymaking, policy tools and controversies in environmental policy. Field trips and weekly lab required.
- Credit Hours
- 5
- GER
- HSCW
- Requisites
- POLS 100 or POLS_OX 100 or ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- POLS 228W
Meteorology is the science of the atmosphere and the weather it produces. It seeks to understand the dynamics of the system in terms of available energy and how those dynamics produce the daily weather and long-term climate of the globe. This course will include a weekly lab.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Introduction to earth processes. Topics include minerals, the rock cycle, the hydrologic cycle, stream dynamics, glacial and coastal processes, energy resources, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanism.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Overview of ecology, including ecosystem structure and function, ecosystem dynamics, methods of ecosystem analysis, energy flow, nutrient dynamics, population and community ecology and human dominated ecosystems.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Application of basic ecological concepts to the design of architectural structures. In addition, the course will explore the concept of 'biophilia'(inherent love of nature) and 'biomimicry'(using nature to inform design) in architectural design.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course focuses on interactions between human activities and geologic processes. Topics include floods, earthquakes, volcanism, risk and resilience, air and water pollution, mineral and energy resources and climate change.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course will view ecology through the lens of social value. Students will learn about the foundations of ecological principles and how quantitative ecological models can be used with structured decision-making to address socio-ecological challenges.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Overview of ocean processes, including the causes and effects of waves and currents, geology of the sea floor, coastal erosion, and related environmental and economic effects.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Overview of ecosystem ecology, including dynamics of large scale systems, landscape ecology, ecosystem structure, and function. Topics in the course will include: methods of ecosystem analysis, energy flow, nutrient cycling, community dynamics, issues of scale, models, and ecosystem properties.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This is the laboratory portion of the ENVS 240 Ecosystem Ecology class. Field studies and laboratory exercises will be conducted in various ecosystems around north Georgia.
- Credit Hours
- 1
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 240 as prerequisite or co-requisite, or equivalent transfer credit.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Modern and ancient tropical environments of The Bahamas. Topics: sea level, island biogeography, reef ecology, geology, human effects on environments. Required weekend field trip to Georgia barrier island. Must be taken with ENVS 242 to fulfill ENVS field course.
- Credit Hours
- 1
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Field-based study of modern and ancient tropical environments on San Salvador Island, Bahamas. Topics: terrestrial, intertidal and subtidal environments; rocky and sandy shorelines; hypersaline lakes; caves; reefs; lagoons; biological and geological methods in the field. Fulfills ENVS field course.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- This course requires ENVS 241 as a prerequisite OR permission of instructor.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course emphasizes soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties concerning plant growth, environment, and soil's place in our daily life. Students will learn the importance of soils to humans through the study of their morphology, properties, distribution, and biological significance.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- NS
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course provides an overview of the principles of ecology and the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Processes and properties of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems will be emphasized. Lectures will emphasize active and collaborative learning.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- (BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142WE or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- BIOL 247
This is the laboratory portion of the Ecology class. Field studies will be conducted in various natural areas in Georgia, including a weekend trip to the mountains. Pre- or corequisite: Biology/ENVS 247. (This course meets the upper-level laboratory requirement for the biology major.)
- Credit Hours
- 2
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- This course requires BIOL 142, BIOL 142L or BIOL_OX142 AND BIOL/ENVS 247 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- BIOL 247L
This is the laboratory portion of the Ecology class. Field studies will be conducted in various natural areas in Georgia, including a weekend trip to the mountains. Pre- or corequisite: Biology/ENVS 247. (This course meets the upper-level laboratory requirement for the biology major and the WR GER.)
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- This course requires BIOL 142, BIOL 142L or BIOL_OX142 AND BIOL/ENVS 247 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- BIOL 247LW
Explores the study and design of maps and geographic information systems (GIS) as a problem-solving tool for geographic analysis with focus on applications of GIS, data collection and processing, cartographic design, and trends in geospatial technology.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- QTM 100 or QTM_OX 100 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Environmental issues that are often misunderstood can be communicated with effective writing and presentation methods. This class provides tools for addressing environmental misconceptions while also developing communication skills for a variety of personal, public, or academic situations.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Environmental issues that are often misunderstood can be communicated with effective writing and presentation methods. This class provides tools for addressing environmental misconceptions while also developing communication skills for a variety of personal, public, or academic situations.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Quantitative methods in environmental studies, with a focus on statistical methods.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- QTM 100 or QTM_OX 100 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Students will learn to summarize and explore patterns and relationships in social and environmental data, conduct independent research, effectively communicate results and implications, and critically assess data-driven assertions.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- QTM 100 or QTM_OX 100 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
We examine the interaction between the human and natural world in Japanese cultural and scientific history by looking at maps, literature, scriptures, visual media, and current journalism.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- HA
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- JPN 275
- EAS 275
A course designed for second year students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. This course may count as elective credit for the ENVS major and minor; relevant topics may count towards the ENVS Sustainability Sciences or Earth and Atmospheric Sciences minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for second year students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. This course may count as elective credit for the ENVS major and minor; relevant topics may count towards the ENVS Sustainability Sciences or Earth and Atmospheric Sciences minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for second year students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with weekly lab sessions. This course may count as an upper level lab for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for second year students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with weekly lab sessions. This course may count as an upper level lab for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for second year students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with required field trips. This course may count as an upper level field course for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for second year students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with required field trips. This course may count as an upper level field course for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Variable credit. Permission of faculty supervisor required prior to enrollment. Designed primarily for sophomores, this course provides ENVS students with foundational skills for research under the supervision of a faculty member. A stepping stone to more advanced research work.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 8
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
ENVS 300-Level Courses
Introduction to Adaptive Natural Resource Management. The course will review existing theories, concepts and methods of adaptive assessment, management, and case histories of systems where adaptive management approaches have been applied.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- (ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140) and (ENVS 232 or ENVS 240 or ENVS 247/BIOL 247) or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisites.
- Cross-Listed
- None
The class will question the extent to which current food systems are socially desirable and environmentally sustainable and explore tools, theories, and interventions to envision and create food systems that are sustainable, resilient, and just.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course introduces the fields of environmental and ecological economics. Our focus is on how economic thinking can be used to interpret and inform environmental policy and management of pollution, climate change, fisheries, forestry, water, biodiversity, and food production.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- (ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140) and (ENVS 250 or ENVS 260 or ENVS 270) or equivalent transfer credit.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course draws upon the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as a way to explain issues related to the science, policy, and business of climate change from an interdisciplinary perspective.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course will provide knowledge in atmospheric chemistry, focusing on the physical and chemical processes. Students will be able to: 1) explain important atmospheric phenomena from the local to global scale; and 2) critically assess public discussions and media coverage on air pollution.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- This course requires PHYS 141 and PHYS 142 or PHYS 151 and PHYS 152 and CHEM 141 as Pre-Requisite
- Cross-Listed
- CHEM 328
Historical, philosophical, and ethical relationships between religion and ecology; other dimensions include Eastern thought, ecofeminism, animal rights, and literary nature writers.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- HAP
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- REL 329
Climatology studies the properties of the atmosphere and ocean and the resulting climates. We emphasize the energy cascade of the climate system and climate change.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- SNT
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course covers how the atmosphere, oceans, and land work together to produce the characteristics of the planet, how this synergy has changed in the past, and how human activity affects the system. There is a heavy focus on reading and communicating about scientific literature in ENVS 331W.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- SNT
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course covers how the atmosphere, oceans, and land work together to produce the characteristics of the planet, how this synergy has changed in the past, and how human activity affects the system. There is a heavy focus on reading and communicating about scientific literature in ENVS 331W.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Biogeochemistry utilizes multiple disciplines to study elemental cycling through both living and non-living parts of the environment. We will focus on the interplay of biology, geology, and chemistry with respect to environment, food production, global carbon/nutrient cycles, health, and policy.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 140 or ENVS_OX 131 or BIOL 141 or BIOL_OX 141 or CHEM 150 or CHEM_OX 150 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course will focus on plant identification in the field. Students will learn sight identification and the use of taxonomic keys. We will also discuss the natural history of plants and plant communities. This course fulfills an ENVS lab requirement. Includes a required weekend field trip.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Overview of barrier islands, integrates geology and ecology to understand barrier islands as places denoted by dramatic and rapid change. Includes human-related factors related to barrier islands and effects of climate change. Weekend field trip to Georgia barrier islands.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
History of the relationship between the American people, land, weather, and natural resources, with special attention to the environmental movement since 1960.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- HSC
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- HIST 344
This course focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and introduces students to ways that ecological and evolutionary principles can be used to conserve and protect species and ecosystems at risk.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- SNT
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or (BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- BIOL 345
This course examines cultural and physical landscapes and their temporal and spatial changes of natural and built environments and by incorporating the use of geospatial technologies and methods in their examination.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This lab/field experience is a supplement to ENVS 347 Landscapes and Geomorphology which examines cultural and physical landscapes and their temporal and spatial changes through the study of natural and built environments and by incorporating the use of geospatial technologies.
- Credit Hours
- 1
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 347 as co-requisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Topics include the hydrologic cycle, surface and groundwater hydrology, effects of human activity on water quality and supply, water management, water scarcity and conflict. Special emphasis on sustainable practices in water resource management. .
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course will familiarize students with principles of ecological invasions and methods for assessing the spread and impacts of invasive species on a global scale. Students will also become familiar with major sources of exotic species introductions and methods available for prevention and control.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or (BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- BIOL 349
This course exposes students to philosophical and ethical dimensions of human-nature relationships. Students will consider their own views toward nature. Philosophical and ethical concepts are examined through readings, discussions, and group activities.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- HSC
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course exposes students to philosophical and ethical dimensions of human-nature relationships. Students will consider their own views toward nature. Philosophical and ethical concepts are examined through readings, discussions, and group activities.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- HSCW
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Explores the role of business in "doing good" for society, how to develop a vision for sustainability within a company, what it means to work on environmental concerns in a major corporation, and compares the approaches of leading companies. Emphasis on readings, writing assignments and discussion.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or ENVS 225 or ENVS 227/POLS 227 or ENVS 227W/POLS 227W or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Explores the role of business in "doing good" for society, how to develop a vision for sustainability within a company, what it means to work on environmental concerns in a major corporation, and compares the approaches of leading companies. Emphasis on readings, writing assignments and discussion.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or ENVS 225 or ENVS 227/POLS 227 or ENVS 227W/POLS 227W or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
From prehistory to today, pathogens have played a central role in our existence. This course will provide insights into why we get sick and how we heal by examining human disease within the context of ecology and evolution. Required for ENVS BS/MPH students.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Using Global Cities and Atlanta as "laboratory" this course examines the urban environment and explores issues in urban planning and policy, sustainability, and environmental management while employing the use of geo-spatial computer applications.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Population Ecologists focus on the study of the distribution, abundance and interactions of taxonomically or functionally related organisms. This course will provide the foundations of Population Ecology.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Open only to undergraduate students by permission of the instructor. Additionally, this course is required for all students seeking to apply for the fellowship in Community Building and Social Change.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- HSC
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- POLS 370A
- CBSC 370A
- SOC 370A
Open only to students admitted as fellows in the program in Community Building and Social Change.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- HSC
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- POLS 370B
- CBSC 370B
- SOC 370B
Open only to students admitted as fellows in the program in Community Building and Social Change.
- Credit Hours
- 5
- GER
- HSCW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- POLS 370BW
- CBSC 370BW
- SOC 370BW
Open only to students admitted as fellows in the program in Community Building and Social Change.
- Credit Hours
- 1
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- POLS 370L
- SOC 370L
- CBSC 370L
Explores the diverse biomes of the tropics. Focus will be on tropical forests and grasslands, with an emphasis on ecological processes, biodiversity, human impact in the tropics, indigenous peoples, and ethnobotany.
- Credit Hours
- 2
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or (BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- BIOL 371
Permission required. This is the field course to accompany the lecture course on tropical ecology. Field trip will take place during the spring recess.
- Credit Hours
- 2
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- This course requires ENVS 371 or BIOL 371 as a prerequisite OR permission of instructor.
- Cross-Listed
- BIOL 372
Lectures and readings focus on the diversity, structure, and conservation of marine ecosystems, including experimental and analytic approaches to their study. Discussions of primary literature cover current topics such as biological invasions, disease, climate change, and marine protected areas.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 232 or ENVS 240 or ENVS 247 or BIOL 247 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- BIOL 373
This course will explore coastal and near-shore tropical marine ecosystems including mangroves and coral reefs. Readings will review key concepts of marine ecology with a focus on local ecosystems. Field excursions to local sites will provide opportunities to learn from researchers and managers.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or BIOL 141 or BIOL_OX 141 or BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- BIOL 375
Focuses on the complexity of policy problems surrounding international environmental issues, the fragility of international environmental institutions, and specific policy problems such as free trade, sustainable development, population growth, climate change, and endangered species.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- HSC
- Requisites
- POLS 110 or POLS_OX 110 or ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- POLS 384
Focuses on the complexity of policy problems surrounding international environmental issues, the fragility of international environmental institutions, and specific policy problems such as free trade, sustainable development, population growth, climate change, and endangered species.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- HSCW
- Requisites
- POLS 110 or POLS_OX 110 or ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- POLS 384W
This lecture/field course is designed to give the student a broad view of these two classes of vertebrates (Amphibia and Reptilia). Class topics will include taxonomy, conservation, life histories, special senses and pheromones, biogeography, reproductive strategies, physiology, and behavior.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- BIOL 380
Variable topics that are offered as irregular courses. Past course topics have included: Finding Place: Technology, Stories, and the Environment; Introduction to Botany; Environment, Health, and Development; Conservation and Development; Booms and Busts in Resources of Georgia; and Paleoecology.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Variable topics that are offered as irregular courses. Past course topics have included: Finding Place: Technology, Stories, and the Environment; Introduction to Botany; Environment, Health, and Development; Conservation and Development; Booms and Busts in Resources of Georgia; and Paleoecology.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for intermediate students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with weekly lab sessions. This course may count as an upper level lab for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for intermediate students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with weekly lab sessions. This course may count as an upper level lab for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for intermediate students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with required field trips. This course may count as an upper level field course for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for intermediate students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with required field trips. This course may count as an upper level field course for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Credit, two hours. Weekly seminar on topics in Environmental Studies featuring speakers from within and outside the University. Students are required to read published articles authored by each speaker and submit weekly response papers. Group presentations on seminar topics are also required.
- Credit Hours
- 2
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Variable credit. Permission required. Intended for students who have had some prior introduction to research, either in ENVS 299 or in another class or field. In this individual research course, research skills are developed and refined under supervision of an ENVS faculty member.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 8
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
ENVS 400-Level Courses
This course allows students to explore the ecological and legal dimensions of environmental issues of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and sustainable development. The class will combine readings and case studies.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or (BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This class is offered to students selected to participate in a one-week fieldwork trip to the U.N. Climate Change Negotiation as a part of Emory's delegation. The course explores interdisciplinary climate change issues from science, policy, and business perspectives.
- Credit Hours
- 2
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 326 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course will use ecological concepts to investigate the forests of the Emory campus.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or (BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course will use ecological concepts to investigate the forests of the Emory campus.
- Credit Hours
- 5
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or (BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course investigates the influence of the physical environment on abundance and distribution of organisms in ecosystems and characterizes ecosystem structure and function for each ecosystem. Students will learn how to identify species and explore the natural history of dominant organisms.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course is focused on the diverse ecosystems of the Southeast, including: Piedmont, coastal barrier island, long-leaf pine, Okeefenokee, lake and river, farmland, and urban ecosystems. Weekend field trips required.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This summer field course will provide students with a hands-on experience in the southern African countries of Namibia and Botswana. Within a conservation biology perspective, students have the opportunity to learn about the unique habitats and conservation issues of southern Africa.
- Credit Hours
- 6
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- BIOL 446
Advanced seminar exploring the challenges of fishing. Introduces social, economic, and technological aspects of the world's fisheries, then focuses on overfishing and means of controlling overfishing.
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Urban ecology is broadly defined as the study of interactions between organisms and communities with urban environments and of the linkages between them and human activities. By taking a global perspective, this course will provide the foundations of urban ecology.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course will provide the necessary skills and support for students to conduct research in a field of environmental studies through a series of lectures and engaged learning.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- ENVS 250 or ENVS 260 or ENVS 270 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Required for all students completing the Environmental Management Concentration though ENVS and the Goizueta Business School. During this course you will develop a capstone portfolio to reflect on your experience in the concentration. The course should be taken in your final spring semester.
- Credit Hours
- 1
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course examines patterns of health in place and time, application of geospatial technologies for epidemiology, analysis of time-space relations, clusters and diffusion of disease, and the spatial ecology of selected infectious and non-infectious diseases.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- This course requires ENVS 250 and ENVS 260 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisites OR permission of instructor.
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for advanced students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. This course may count as elective credit for the ENVS major and minor; relevant topics may count towards the ENVS Sustainability Sciences or Earth and Atmospheric Sciences minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for advanced students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. This course may count as elective credit for the ENVS major and minor; relevant topics may count towards the ENVS Sustainability Sciences or Earth and Atmospheric Sciences minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for advanced students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with weekly lab sessions. This course may count as an upper level lab for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for advanced students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with weekly lab sessions. This course may count as an upper level lab for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for advanced students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with required field trips. This course may count as an upper level field course for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
A course designed for advanced students on topics of interest in environmental sciences. Lecture with required field trips. This course may count as an upper level field course for the ENVS major; relevant topics may count as elective credit for ENVS minors. See current course atlas.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 5
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
This course is required for all ENVS majors (BA and BS) in their final semester prior to graduation.During this course you will develop a capstone portfolio that includes examples of past coursework and has written reflections evaluating your academic growth throughout the major.
- Credit Hours
- 1
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Student teams work on an environmental project for an external stakeholder, using problem identification, research and analysis, report and policy drafting, and public presentation skills. Project and stakeholders vary by semester. Fulfills an ENVS Independent Study.
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GER
- XA
- Requisites
- ENVS 120 or ENVS 130 or ENVS 131 or ENVS_OX 131 or ENVS 140 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
- Cross-Listed
- None
Open only to students admitted as fellows in the program in Community Building and Social Change.
- Credit Hours
- 2
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- POLS 492R
- CBSC 492R
- SOC 492R
Student research projects developed with the guidance of ENVS faculty. Permission required. Previous research experience is not required. Fulfills the ENVS independent study requirement (4 credit hrs).
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 8
- GER
- XA
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Student research projects developed with the guidance of ENVS faculty. Permission required. Previous research experience is not required. Fulfills the ENVS independent study requirement (4 credit hrs).
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 8
- GER
- XAW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Permission of Honors Coordinator required. Restricted to students who are accepted into the departmental Honors program. Fulfills ENVS Independent Study requirement (4 credit hours).
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 8
- GER
- XA
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Permission of Honors Coordinator required. Restricted to students who are accepted into the departmental Honors program. Fulfills ENVS Independent Study requirement (4 credit hours). May also be used to fulfill a continued writing requirement.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 8
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
ENVS permission and internship pre-approval required. Credit for working as an intern in environmentally-related, approved settings. Fulfills ENVS Independent Study requirement (4 credit hours).
- Credit Hours
- 3 - 5
- GER
- XA
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Variable credit. Permission of ENVS faculty supervisor required prior to enrollment. Course allows for students to work with faculty to explore topics that are not normally offered. Fulfills Independent Study requirement for ENVS majors (4 credit hours).
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 8
- GER
- None
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Variable credit. Permission of ENVS faculty supervisor required prior to enrollment. Course allows for students to work with faculty to explore topics that are not normally offered. Fulfills Independent Study requirement for ENVS majors (4 credit hours).
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 8
- GER
- CW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Students design a research project in collaboration with ENVS faculty. Permission required. Intended for students with previous research experience. Fulfills the ENVS Independent Study requirement.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 12
- GER
- XA
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None
Students design a research project in collaboration with ENVS faculty. Permission required. Intended for students with previous research experience. Fulfills the ENVS Independent Study requirement.
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 12
- GER
- XAW
- Requisites
- None
- Cross-Listed
- None