20 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 135Earth Science2
(PHYS 151 College Physics I OR PHYS 252 University Physics I) and PHYS 153 College Physics I laboratory OR PHYS 253 University Physics I laboratory (4) Enrollment in upper-level biology, biochemistry, chemistry and environmental science courses (BIOL, BIOCH, CHEM, ENVS 300s and 400s) requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all science and math courses (BIOL, BIOCH, CHEM, ENVS, MATH, PHYS). Students who fail to earn a C- in any coursework required for their major should promptly schedule a meeting with their advisor. 2026-27 Undergraduate Programs of Study – 69
Survey of the human impact on natural and cultural ecosystems. Focuses on problems associated with population growth; the use of energy and other natural resources; and water, air and solid- waste pollution. Also attempts to present interdisciplinary techniques for solving some of these problems.
This course introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with an emphasis on their role in environmental and conservation practices. Students first learn basic GIS skills in ESRI's ArcGIS 10.3 software and then conduct an independent research project using GIS techniques. Projects may include but are not limited to local natural resource or landscape issues. Independent projects require an oral and poster presentation. Required for students in the environmental science track of the environmental sustainability major. (Spring 2024)
This course explores questions of sustainability in global food systems. Agricultural, food transportation, food storage, and food processing and production systems are compared with regard to energy-use relative to nutrient-production efficiency, as well as social, cultural and economic sustainability aspects of food systems including international food commodity trade and food trade policy, food islands, farm-to-table restaurants, and small local organic production. This course meets for 7 weeks. Core Natural Science designate. Prerequisite: BIOL 173, SOC 245 or instructor approval. (Fall 2023) Core: NS
Different ethical theories concerning the environment will be articulated, with a focus on Anabaptist theological perspectives, and the role of ethics in civic society. Ethical perspectives are examined through their application to contemporary issues in sustainability. This course meets for 7 weeks. Prerequisite: BIOL 173. (Spring 2023) Course Descriptions - 205
This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of soil science, including soil genesis, classification and morphology, physics, chemistry, and hydrology. Particular emphasis is placed on soil maintenance and improvement for sustainable food production and mitigation of environmental problems. The course involves several short hands-on lab and field activities. This course meets for 7 weeks. Prerequisite: CHEM 223 and an annual safety training outside of class. Offered occasionally.
This course addresses principles of risk assessment, perception and management, using issues in environmental contaminants as a frame. Examines how people, individually and as a society, perceive risk, and how risk is addressed through policy options. This course meets for 7 weeks.
This course examines the basic principles of toxicology and the effects of chemicals on human health and is designed for students in public health and the environmental sciences. Topics include exposure routes and mechanisms; dose/response relationships; toxicity testing, disposition in the body; modifiers of response; chemicals and cancer; birth defects; exposures in the home, workplace, and environment; and introductions to regulatory and food toxicology. The course also considers how society responds to these threats to human and ecosystem health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the chemical/physical, the biological, and the social aspects of environmental science. The overall objective of this course is to provide the student with an introduction to the language and principles of toxicology such that these principles may be applied to public health situations, efforts to improve sustainability and reduce toxin use, and be communicated to the general public. Prerequisite: BIOL 173 and CHEM 223 (BMS 557) (Spring 2024)
ENVS 379Techniques in Environmental Monitoring (1 SH)
This lab and field based course provides training in techniques related to an environmental monitoring effort, equipping students with specific skills to prepare them for a career in environmental, chemical or ecology monitoring. Specific techniques vary depending on instructor and may focus on water, air, or soil quality. Past and potential topics include stream macroinvertebrate collection and identification as a biomonitoring technique to measure water quality. This course does not satisfy any EMU Core requirements. Prerequisite: an annual safety training outside of class. (Fall 2022)
A study of global biodiversity, its importance, and the environmental, social and economic factors that affect it. Current threats to biodiversity, including species extinction, habitat degradation, invasive species, and over exploitation of natural environments are examined. The class also focuses on efforts to manage and maintain biodiversity, including how human development, culture and social systems impact conservation efforts. Laboratory work will emphasize population ecology and animal and plant survey techniques as well ecological and economic modeling used to make management decisions. Prerequisite: an annual safety training outside of class and BIOL 235 or instructor permission. (Fall 2023) 206 – Course Descriptions
This course serves as a practical application of environmental principles and knowledge within a specific discipline of interest and as a way of gaining experience outside of EMU in an area of concentration. The internship will vary with a student's particular interest but typically involves either working on a research project or participating in an internship at an appropriate organization (e.g. environmental consulting firm, government agencies, conservation organization, agricultural research center or farm utilizing alternative/sustainable methods). Open to junior or senior level environmental science majors only. Core: CL
An advanced ecology course emphasizing a distinct branch of ecology and/or an investigative field technique. Specific foci vary from year to year depending on instructor. Past courses have focused on forestry, restoration ecology, and animal population survey techniques. The course includes significant field work as well as an introduction to ecological research design and data analysis. weeks. (Fall 2026)
BIOL 235 and an annual safety training outside of class. This course meets for 7
ENVS 465Topics in Advanced Ecology (2 SH)
An advanced ecology course emphasizing a distinct branch of ecology and/or an investigative field technique. Specific foci vary from year to year depending on instructor. Past course have focused on forestry, restoration ecology, and animal population survey techniques. The course includes significant field work as well as an introduction to ecological research design and data analysis. weeks. (Fall 2022)
