51 courses with the subject ENVS, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
ENVS 105The Planet Earth4
An introduction to the dynamic processes that shape the Earth and its surface. Topics include rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains, soils, groundwater, and streams. Students will gain an understanding of how geoscientists contribute to a better understanding of our environment. In the laboratory portion of the class, students will learn hands-on skills used in a variety of disciplines. Includes an all-day weekend field trip to areas of local geological interest. Fall and Spring.
Introduction to the development of Earth as preserved in the rock record. Includes geologic time, stratigraphy, major mountain building events, and evolution of life forms. Spring.
The biological, chemical, physical and societal implications of human impact on the environment with consideration of selected contemporary problems such as population issues, acid rain, energy supply, water pollution, etc. Fall and Spring.
ENVS 131Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory1
This lab course introduces students to the diverse field of Environmental Science, providing experiential learning exercises centered on the subdisciplines and skills involved in many environmental fields. Using the UNCA campus as an outdoor classroom, students will engage in a variety of topics including organismal and rock/mineral identification, environmental data collection, and energy resources. Pre- or
ENVS 171-6Special Topics in Environmental Science1-6
Course not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special needs. May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes.
Subject
ENVS
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
6
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes.
Fundamental principles and concepts related to populations, communities and ecosystems with emphasis on the Southern Appalachians. Designed for Environmental Science majors and minors.
ENVS 271-6Special Topics in Environmental Science1-6
Course not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special needs. May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes.
Subject
ENVS
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
6
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes.
Human interactions with natural geological processes. Topics to be covered include volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, mass movements, water pollution, waste management, and radon gas. Field trips will be required.
This is a field-intensive geology course. Topics to be covered include making detailed field observations, collecting geologic data, maintaining a field notebook, and reconstructing the geological history of the region based on rock units, structures, and other features seen in the field. May be repeated once for a total of 4 hours credit.
Subject
ENVS
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
2
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated once for a total of 4 hours credit.
ENVS 105 or 106 or permission of the instructor. Summer.
ENVS 302Field Ornithology2
Students will learn field identification of southern Appalachian birds by sight and sound. Class periods will include field trips to a variety of local habitats. Summer.
Study of economic mineral deposits with emphasis on representative types, formation, and methods and environmental effects of extraction. Will include field trips.
Introduction to fundamental crystallography, crystal chemistry and the systematic study of minerals; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, including classification, textures, formation and graphical representation.
Study of the important organisms, habitats, and ecosystems characteristic of the tropical world. Emphasis will be on ecological and evolutionary theory, biodiversity, and need for species/habitat conservation.
This course explores the intersection of environmental ethics with science and policy from a diversity of Western and Non-western theoretical perspectives. Students will identify local and global applications of theory and learn to develop ethical arguments. Fall and Spring.
This course introduces students to using aerial, drone, and satellite imagery to analyze environmental systems. It will cover principles of the electromagnetic spectrum, sensor types, data collection, image interpretation, image processing, and remotely sensed data analysis techniques using ArcGIS. Students will apply these skills to real-world problems like environmental change, natural disasters, conservation, and natural resource management. Some prior experience with computers is assumed. Access to a PC laptop is preferred. Fall.
The principles, practices and problems of managing the environment at the federal, state and local levels. The course will focus on the complexities of environmental administration of renewable and nonrenewable resources, pollution control and global problems.
Conventional and alternative energy systems and the interrelationships between renewable energy resources and the built environment; lectures, field trips and demonstrations.
Study of the hydrologic cycle with an emphasis on groundwater. Topics include stream and groundwater flow, water resource management, and water contamination. Field methods employed in typical hydrologic investigations will be used during laboratory and field trips.
An introduction to the ecology of freshwater wetland ecosystems. Topics include hydrology, biogeochemistry, plant and animal communities, ecosystem development, and classification and management of wetlands. One or more required weekend field trips.
Study of the structure and function of flowing-water ecosystems. Students will learn both ecological theory and research techniques, with emphasis on field and laboratory investigations of local streams and rivers.
An introduction to the study of urban areas as complex ecosystems. Explores how urban areas affect, and are affected by, ecosystem processes, climate, biodiversity, and evolution.
Study of the distribution and abundance of freshwater fishes, with emphasis on fishes of the southeastern United States. The role of biotic and abiotic factors will be discussed, with special focus on how human activities interact with these factors. Lab activities will include field trips to local rivers, streams and lakes.
An introduction to the identification, ecology and conservation of birds, particularly those of the Southern Appalachians. Laboratory will include several early morning field trips. At least one weekend field trip is required.
ENVS 130 or permission of instructor. Even years Spring.
ENVS 349Field Herpetology2
This field-intensive ecology course will introduce students to the identification and study of reptiles and amphibians in the wild. Herpfauna will be surveyed, and topics such as ecology, identification, sampling methods, conservation and invasive herpfauna will be studied.
Students will examine the extant reptile and amphibian families of the world. Topics will include classification (phylogeny), anatomy, physiology, ecology, and threats to the continued survival of these species.
Explores some of the fascinating relationships between plants and animals, focusing on mammals, birds, and invertebrates in southern Appalachian ecosystems. Topics may include herbivory, pollination, galls, seed dispersal, and plant carnivory.
A review of agriculture production systems and their environmental consequences, ranging from highly intensive industrial food production to more sustainable approaches, including organic agriculture, agroecology, biodynamic agriculture, and permaculture. Course includes field trips to local farms. Students will plant and maintain a Fall garden. Odd years Fall.
The planning, implementation and assessment of ecosystem restoration with an emphasis on aquatic habitats. Topics include goals, objectives and design of restoration projects and selecting the criteria used to assess the structural and functional attributes of a restored ecosystem.
Introduction to the chemicals and chemical processes that affect water quality in natural and contaminated systems. Basic principles and practical real-world examples will be used to demonstrate how water chemistry is impacted by both human activity and natural interactions with rocks, soil, and the atmosphere. Hands-on activities will focus on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of water chemistry data.
Introduction to the study of institutional change and improved environmental performance. Focus on manufacturers, large institutions such as universities and hospitals, and the built environment.
An introduction to the identification and management of exotic invasive plants. Topics and activities include identification, mechanical and chemical control methods, seedbanks, management plans, and ecosystem restoration.
ENVS 130 or permission of instructor. Even years Spring.
ENVS 371-6Special Topics in Environmental Science1-6
Course not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special needs. May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes.
Subject
ENVS
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
6
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes.
Examines the fundamental concepts of deformation in the Earth’s crust and trains students in field methods and problem-solving related to geologic mapping. This course covers stress and strain, rock deformation, kinematic and dynamic analysis, fold and fault classifications, stereographic projections, geologic maps, cross sections, and working with three-dimensional data. Includes required field trips.
A focus on environmental problems associated with land planning, landscape design and land use. Student exercises using various techniques and methods of landscape analysis are included with application to planning issues.
ENVS 384Introduction to Geographic Information Systems4
Introduction to landscape analysis through computer- based, geographically referenced information systems. Data acquisition, processing, analysis and presentation will be emphasized in both lecture and laboratory. Some prior experience with computers is assumed. Access to a PC laptop is preferred. Spring.
Introduction to soils including physical and chemical properties, the role of water in soil processes, microbial activity and other aspects of soil ecology, biogeochemical cycles as they relate to plant productivity, soil acidity, soil formation, soil classification, and soil degradation. Laboratory will include several field trips.
An introduction to the principles and practices of wildlife ecology and management, emphasizing wildlife species and habitat of the Southern Appalachians.
Examines threats to global biodiversity and focuses on how to protect threatened populations. Topics include the history of conservation, habitat management, species management, captive breeding, cloning, and the genetic integrity of populations. Students will develop a better understanding of how we may prevent extinctions and loss of ecosystem function.
Explores the morphology, anatomy, physiology, and natural history of trees, shrubs, and woody vines, including how woody plants are adapted to life in winter. Labs will focus on identification, using twigs, bark, and plant form. Participants must be capable of hiking on rough terrain in winter conditions.
Field identification, natural history, and botanical classification of herbaceous plants with the changing of the season, including evergreens, winter annuals, biennials, spring ephemerals, and graminoids.
ENVS 471-6Special Topics in Environmental Science1-6
Course not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special needs. May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes.
Subject
ENVS
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
6
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes.
ENVS 130 and junior standing in an approved Environmental Science concentration. Fall and Spring.
ENVS 490Internship3-6
A field work experience in government, a public agency, a non-profit organization, or business. The participant’s experience is under the supervision of the ENVS faculty coordinator and the student’s on-site work supervisor. May be repeated (with a different internship project) for a total of 6 hours of credit. An In-Progress grade may be awarded at the discretion of the internship coordinator.
Subject
ENVS
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
6
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated (with a different internship project) for a total of 6 hours of credit.
junior or senior standing, and a declared major in Environmental Science. Spring and Summer.
ENVS 499Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science1-6
Independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. An IP grade may be awarded at discretion of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. Fall and Spring.
