Environmental Studies Course Descriptions
2011-12 General Catalog
405 Interdisciplinary Sciences Building
(831) 459-2634
http://envs.ucsc.edu
Lower-Division Courses
15. Natural History of the UCSC Campus (2 credits). W
Introduces students to the range of natural species and communities occurring on the UCSC campus. All class time is spent outside, and each week a different area of campus is visited. Course 24 is recommended. C. Lay
23. The Physical and Chemical Environment. S
Provides an overview of the physical and chemical environment of planet Earth. Fundamental chemistry and physics is introduced in the process of learning about Earth in a holistic way. The influence of human societies on the global environment is one focus of discussion. Earth's many "spheres" are explored first: the lithosphere; the atmosphere; the hydrosphere, and the ecosphere. Then global cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and several other elements are studied in the context of basic sciences and societal issues. (General Education Code(s): IN.) W. Cheng
24. General Ecology. F
Covers principles of ecology including limits to species abundances, evolutionary ecology, population dynamics, community interactions and patterns, and ecosystem patterns and dynamics. Prerequisite(s): Applied Mathematics and Statistics 2 or 3, or Mathematics 3 or higher level Mathematics course or placement exam score of 31 or higher; or AP Calculus AB exam score of 3 or higher; course 23 recommended as prerequisite to this course. (General Education Code(s): SI, IN.) J. Washburn
25. Environmental Policy and Economics. W
Introduces basic concepts from policy studies and economics that help explain environmental challenges. Provides an overview of how government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector are dealing with major environmental challenges. (General Education Code(s): PE-E, IS.) J. Barsimantov
42. Student-Directed Seminar. F,W,S
Seminars taught by upper-division students under faculty supervision. (See course 192.) The Staff
80A. The Future of Rain Forests. *
A broad overview of both ecological and social aspects related to tropical rain forests drawing on case studies worldwide. Topics include the biology and distribution of rain forests, causes and effects of their destruction, and management options to facilitate their conservation. (General Education Code(s): PE-E, T7-Natural Sciences or Social Sciences.) (S) The Staff
80B. The Ecological Forecast for Global Warming. F
A broad overview of the impacts of human activities on the global climate system. Topics include how climate affects the distribution of ecosystems, the influence of global climate change on biodiversity, ecosystem function, and consequences for the human enterprise. (General Education Code(s): PE-E, T7-Natural Sciences or Social Sciences.) M. Loik
83. Environmental Studies Internship. F,W,S
A supervised off-campus learning experience related to environmental problem solving. Focuses on initial experiences in applied work and specific skill development. Students may be placed individually or with a team in government agencies, private organizations, citizen action groups. May be repeated for credit. (General Education Code(s): PR-S.) The Staff
91F. Community and Agroecology (2 credits). F,W,S
Interdisciplinary two-credit seminar designed to introduce students to concepts of community and agroecology in the context of sustainability. Course can serve as a gateway to or as a continuing basis for participation in PICA (Program in Community and Agroecology). Specific topics and readings change each quarter. May be repeated for credit. S. Gliessman, The Staff
99. Tutorial. F,W,S
Directed reading, supervised research, and organized projects relating to environmental problems. May be repeated for credit with consent of the chairperson of Environmental Studies Department. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
99F. Tutorial (2 credits). F,W,S
Provides for department-sponsored directed reading, supervised research, or organized project for lower-division students under the direct supervision of a faculty sponsor. May not be counted toward major requirements. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
Upper-Division Courses
100. Ecology and Society. F
Introduction to environmental issues in an interdisciplinary matrix. Focuses on three issues at the intersection of ecological questions and social institutions: agroecology and sustainable agriculture; population growth, economic growth, and environmental degradation; and biodiversity conservation and land management. Reviews the important roles of disciplinary abstraction and of the application of that knowledge to context-dependent explanations of environmental problems. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies, environmental studies/biology, environmental studies/economics, and environmental studies/Earth sciences majors. Prerequisite(s): course 23 or CHEM 1A; course 24 or BIOE 20C; course 25; and AMS 7/L or ECON 113; and one from: ANTH 2, SOCY 1,10,15, PHIL 21,22,24,28, or 80G. Concurrent enrollment in 100L is required. Z. Tzankova, E. Zavaleta
100L. Ecology and Society Writing Laboratory (2 credits). F
Required writing lab accompanying course 100. Students are introduced to writing in different styles and for different audiences typical of the ecosystem-society interface. Course 100 writing assignments are developed, written, and revised in conjunction with the lab. W credit is granted only upon successful completion of course 100. Prerequisite(s): Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Concurrent enrollment in 100 is required. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.) Z. Tzankova, E. Zavaleta
104A. Introduction to Environmental Field Methods.
A course in the process of field research and monitoring, with emphasis on use of the scientific method; experimental design, data handling, statistical analysis and presentation; and basic field methodologies. Application of basic field skills, including habitat description; methods for sampling plants, animals, soils, water, and microclimate; and observational and manipulative techniques to address ecological, conservation, and management questions. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; concurrent enrollment in course 104L and previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100/L required, or by permission of instructor. (General Education Code(s): W.) E. Zavaleta
104L. Field Methods Laboratory (2 credits). *
Students directly observe elements of natural history and ecological process; design and implement field studies based on lectures; deploy the methods discussed in lectures; and collect data to analyze, interpret, and report in written and oral forms. Concurrent enrollment in course 104A is required. E. Zavaleta
107A. Natural History Field Quarter. S
A 15-unit field course that uses California wild lands to develop skills of natural history observation and interpretation. Students gain the ability to identify plants, animals, vegetation types, and landscapes, as well as address the complex issues of preservation and management of these resources. Enrollment by interview. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L; concurrent enrollment in courses 107B and 107C required. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors with biology, Earth sciences and economics. Students are billed a materials fee. S. Gliessman
107B. Natural History Field Quarter. S
A 15-unit field course that uses California wild lands to develop skills of natural history observation and interpretation. Students gain the ability to identify plants, animals, vegetation types, and landscapes, as well as address the complex issues of preservation and management of these resources. Enrollment by interview. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L; concurrent enrollment in courses 107A and 107C required. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors with biology, Earth sciences and economics. The Staff
107C. Natural History Field Quarter. S
A 15-unit field course that uses California wild lands to develop skills of natural history observation and interpretation. Students gain the ability to identify plants, animals, vegetation types, and landscapes, as well as address the complex issues of preservation and management of these resources. Enrollment by interview. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L; concurrent enrollment in courses 107A and 107B required. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors with biology, Earth sciences and economics. S. Gliessman
108. General Entomology. S
Introduction to entomology including anatomy, physiology, systematics, evolution, behavior, and reproduction of the world's most diverse group of organisms. These topics are illustrated in several contexts, from the importance of insects as disease vectors to the historical and contemporary uses of insects by humans. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors with biology, Earth sciences and economics. Offered in alternate academic years. D. Letourneau
108L. General Entomology Laboratory (3 credits). S
Laboratory sections are devoted to the identification of insects. Individual collections representing 15 orders, sight identification of 60 families, and use of taxonomic keys for positive designations required. Concurrent enrollment in course 108 is required. Offered in alternate academic years. D. Letourneau
109A. Ecology and Conservation in Practice Supercourse: Ecological Field Methods. S
An intensive, on-site learning experience in terrestrial field ecology and conservation, using the University of California Natural Reserves. Students study advance concepts in ecology, conservation, and field methods for four weeks, then experience total immersion in field research at the UC Natural Reserves. Lectures, field experiments, and computer exercises familiarize students with research methods, study design, statistical approaches, and analytical tools for ecological research. Enrollment by application. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C or ENVS 23, 24, 100; and AMS 7 and 7L. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 151B-C-D or ENVS 109B-C-D is required. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 107, 107L, ENVS 104A or 196A. (Also offered as Biology:Ecology & Evolutionary 151A. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) D. Croll, E. Zavaleta
109B. Ecology and Conservation in Practice Supercourse: Ecological Field Methods Laboratory. S
Field-oriented course in ecological research. Combines overview of methodologies and approaches to field research with practical field studies. Students complete field projects in ecology and also learn the natural history of the flora and fauna of California. Students are billed a materials fee. Enrollment by application. Prerequisite(s): Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C or ENVS 23, 24, 100; and AMS 7 and 7L. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 151A-C-D or ENVS 109A-C-D is required. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 150, 150L, ENVS 104A or 196A. (Also offered as Biology:Ecology & Evolutionary 151B. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) (General Education Code(s): W.) D. Croll, E. Zavaleta
109C. Ecology and Conservation in Practice Supercourse: Functions and Processes of Terrestrial Ecosystems. S
From lectures and discussion of terrestrial community and ecosystem ecology, students work individually or in small groups to present an idea for a project, review relevant literature, develop a research question/hypothesis, design and perform an experiment, collect and analyze data, and write a report. The instructor evaluates the feasibility of each student's project before it begins. Enrollment by application. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C or ENVS 23, 24, 100; and AMS 7 and 7L. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 151A-B-D or ENVS 109A-B-D is required. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 150, 150L, ENVS 104A or 196A. (Also offered as Biology:Ecology & Evolutionary 151C. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) D. Croll, E. Zavaleta
109D. Ecology and Conservation in Practice Supercourse: Conservation in Practice. *
Focuses on current issues in environmental and conservation biology and the emerging field methods used to address them. From field-oriented lectures about current issues in environmental and conservation biology, students pursue research project as individuals and small groups to develop hands-on experience with field skills in conservation research and resource management. Enrollment by application. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C or ENVS 23, 24, 100; and AMS 7 and 7L. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 151A-B-C or ENVS 109A-B-C is required. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 150, 150L, ENVS 104A or 196A. (Also offered as Biology:Ecology & Evolutionary 151D. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) D. Croll, E. Zavaleta
110. Institutions, the Environment, and Economic Systems. *
Debate about environmental policy is often couched in economic terms. Environmental issues have become questions of political economy, as they influence international and domestic policy and reflect on the functioning of the market system. Examines the assumptions and implications of alternative approaches to political economy, as these pertain to questions of environmental policy and political institutions. Prerequisite(s): previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors with biology, Earth sciences and economics. (S) M. Fitzsimmons
115A. Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Applications. F
Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) as the technology of processing spatial data, including input, storage and retrieval; manipulation and analysis; reporting and interpretation. Emphasizes GIS as a decision support system for environmental and social problem solving, using basic model building, experimental design, and database management. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 215A. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in course 115L, 100/L, or permission of instructor. Course in computer science, Earth science, math, or geography recommended. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. B. Nickel
115L. Exercises in Geographic Information Systems (2 credits). F
Exercises in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing that demonstrate the development of digital geographic data. Students gain hands-on experience with developing datasets, using imagery to create GIS layers, performing spatial analysis, and utilizing GPS technology. Emphasis placed on environmental applications. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 215L. Students are billed a materials fee. Concurrent enrollment in course 115A is required. W. Nickell
120. Conservation Biology. W
Introduces biological and anthropogenic influences on the diversity and scarcity of organisms. Explores the basic ecological models and research tools that provide the foundation for many conservation and management decisions regarding endangered and/or declining species. Topics explored in the context of various examples of conservation decision-making in the real world. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. C. Wilmers
122. Tropical Ecology and Conservation. S
An introduction to the ecological processes, principles, and players of tropical ecosystems, and to conservation issues facing tropical American forests. We will look at how tropical ecosystems work, roles of humans in shaping them, and current conservation opportunities and dilemmas. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L is required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. G. Gilbert
123. Animal Ecology and Conservation. S
Advanced course in animal ecology and conservation focusing on the ecology, behavior, biogeography, and evolution of vertebrates. Prerequisite(s): course 120. Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required; or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. C. Wilmers
129. Integrated Pest Management. *
Provides an extensive coverage of applied ecology, pest control technology, and the social, political, and economic factors regulating the ideologies and practice of pest management. Topics include agroecosystem design and population regulation of insects, weeds, vertebrates, and pathogens; field monitoring, chemical and biological control; economic thresholds, decision-making processes, and the role of agribusiness. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. D. Letourneau
129L. Integrated Pest Management Laboratory (2 credits). *
Field trips and field exercises that demonstrate the practice of integrated pest management techniques. Individual and group projects provide hands-on experience with field sampling techniques, pest identification, recognition of biological control agents, experimental design, interview techniques, data interpretation and field report writing. Prerequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in course 129. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. The Staff
130A. Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture. F
Ecological concepts and principles are applied to the design and management of sustainable agroecosystems. Alternatives for agriculture are discussed in terms of ecosystem structure and function. A weekly three-hour lab is required. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in course 130L and previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. S. Gliessman
130B. Principles of Sustainable Agriculture. W
Agricultural sustainability is examined as a complex set of interactions between ecological, social, and economic components of an agroecosystem. Case studies are drawn from issues facing current U.S. agriculture and a basis for formulating policy for change that ensures sustainability is developed. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. M. Fitzsimmons
130L. Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Laboratory (2 credits). F
Laboratory and field exercises to train in the analysis of ecological processes in agricultural systems, with a focus on the quantification of ecological sustainability. Experimental design, analysis, and data interpretation are emphasized. Concurrent enrollment in course 130A is required. S. Gliessman
131. Insect Ecology. F
Advanced course in ecology featuring insect-plant interactions such as herbivory, pollination, and the effects of plants on insect population dynamics. Lectures emphasize current controversies in ecological theory and relate theory to application. Prerequisite(s): previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. Offered in alternate academic years. The Staff
133. Agroecology Practicum. *
Lectures and demonstrations are combined with field applications to give students direct experience and knowledge of sustainable agriculture and horticulture practices and principles. UCSC Farm and Garden are the living laboratories for testing agroecological principles. Emphasis is placed on small-farm systems. May be applied to major only once. Prerequisite(s): courses 130A and 130L and previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. Offered in alternate academic years. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
138. Field Ethnobotany. *
Lectures, laboratory, and fieldwork examine field botany from a human ecology perspective. Students have the opportunity to learn the skills of field botany and plant identification through the study of plants that are of major significance for human cultures. The emphasis of field skills is on applications to sustainable management of natural resources. Prerequisite(s): courses 130A and 130L, or by permission of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in course 138L required. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. Offered in alternate academic years. S. Gliessman
138L. Ethnobotany Laboratory (2 credits). *
Laboratory and field studies allow students to learn the taxonomy of important useful plant families, carry out field studies on local plant use and management practices, and investigate in detail home garden agroecosystems and model systems. Prerequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in course 138 required. S. Gliessman
140. National Environmental Policy. W
An overview of all major federal environmental policy domains. Analyzes political, social, economic, and other forces influencing federal (and some state) public policy responses to land use, natural resources, pollution, and conservation dilemmas. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. D. Press
140L. National Environmental Policy Field Studies Laboratory (2 credits).
Students travel to waste-management facilities and environmental agencies around the San Francisco and Monterey Bay regions. Laboratory assignments include: facility profiles and policy-options memos related to each facility. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors, and environmental studies/economics, environmental studies/biology, or environmental studies/Earth sciences combined majors. Concurrent enrollment in course 140 is required. Enrollment limited to 24. D. Press
141. Ecological Economics. F
Application of economic analysis to natural resource policy and management. Topics include welfare economics, property rights and externalities, natural resource valuation, exhaustible and renewable resources, and sustainable development. Prerequisite(s): Economics 1 is strongly recommended as preparation. Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L is required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. J. Barsimantov
142. Energy Politics and Policy. W
Explores the social and environmental dimensions of energy production and consumption. Provides an overview of the tools to evaluate a new clean-energy economy and its wider political and economic implications. Students study assessment tools, such as risk assessment, material energy balances, and life-cycle assessment. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. The Staff
142L. Energy Politics and Policy Laboratory (2 credits). *
Trains students in the concepts and skills required to make decisions about energy production. Concurrent enrollment in course 142 required. Enrollment limited to 24. T. Duane
143. Sustainable Development: Economy, Policy, and Environment. W
Considers whether and how global poverty can be alleviated without irreparably damaging the environment. Examines interactions among population, economic growth, poverty, global consumption ethos, property rights systems, global economy, state capacity, and environmental damage. Scrutinizes impact of various developmental strategies adopted during the past 50 years on poverty, governance, and the environment. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. J. Bury
145. Green Building Design. S
Promotes an ecological approach to design with an understanding of the environmental opportunities and constraints at play on the site and situation; works with the environment to maximize human comfort and energy efficiency. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor; enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. The Staff
149. Environmental Law and Policy. S
Surveys a wide range of topics in environmental law, including population control, state and federal jurisdiction, land and resources control, public land management, pollution control, and private rights and remedies. Students read a large number of judicial cases and other legal documents. (Also offered as Legal Studies 149. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. The Staff
150. Coastal and Marine Policy. S
Introduces and analyzes the history, design, implementation, and effectiveness of key legal and institutional frameworks that govern the use and stewardship of coastal and marine areas and resources. Primary focus is on the U.S., although attention is also devoted to international laws and institutions targeting major transboundary issues like marine pollution and management of migratory fish stocks. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. The Staff
151. Environmental Assessment. S
Introduction to California land use planning law and practice, and the theory, practice, and public policy aspects of environmental assessment, using the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a model. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental and planning legislation also considered. Covers elements of State law and regulations, environmental impact assessment requirements, and practical procedures for preparing and evaluating CEQA documents, with case studies that exemplify legal, regulatory and public policy and practice aspects of the assessment process. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. A. Schiffrin
156. Environmental Action through Writing. S
Guided practice in writing skills useful to environmental activists. Assignments emphasize thinking quickly, revising adeptly, researching resourcefully, and tempering powerful passions with careful arguments. Toward the development of effective individual voices, students read each other's drafts as well as the published work of established writers. Enrollment priority will be given to students who have not taken course 157. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. Prerequisite(s):satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. (General Education Code(s): W.) S. Rabkin
157. Writing in the Natural Sciences. * *
Guided practice in writing effectively about science and natural history for a variety of audiences. Assignments emphasize reporting first-hand observations, explaining processes and phenomena, understanding scientific papers, and writing about scientific and technical subjects for a general audience. Enrollment priority will be given to students who have not taken course 156. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100/L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies and combined majors (General Education Code(s): W.) S. Rabkin
158. Political Ecology and Social Change. S
The object is to provide a rigorous grounding in the method of political ecology and to demonstrate how this approach has been used in environmental analysis and problem solving by environmental social movements. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L is required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. J. Bury
159. Nature Literature. *
Introduction to 19th- and 20th-century American writers who have influenced our understanding of humans' place in the natural world. Readings include original works as well as biographical and critical texts. Discussions, field trips, and writing assignments emphasize active learning. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. S. Rabkin
160. Restoration Ecology. W
A multidisciplinary overview of restoring degraded ecosystems. Among the topics addressed are linkages between ecological principles and restoration, planning and implementing restoration projects, evaluating restoration success, and case studies of restoration of specific ecosystem types. Participation in one work day is required. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L is required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. K. Holl
161A. Soils and Plant Nutrition. W
Provides fundamentals of soils and plant nutrition. The physical, biological, and chemical components of soils are investigated in relation to their ecological functions, fertility to plants, and sustainable management. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. W. Cheng
161L. Soils and Plant Nutrition Laboratory (2 credits). W
Practice analytical techniques for evaluation of physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Grow plants to observe some typical symptoms of plant nutrient deficiencies. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in course 161A is required. W. Cheng
162. Plant Physiological Ecology. S
Introduces the theory of plant interactions with the physical environment. Emphasizes influence of abiotic stresses on the recruitment, survival, growth, productivity, and reproduction of plants. Prior course work in ecology and/or plant physiology is recommended. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. M. Loik
162L. Plant Physiological Ecology Laboratory (2 credits). S
Introduces techniques for the study of plant interactions with the physical environment. Examines the role of stress on energy budgets, water relations, photosynthesis, and reproductive allocation. Emphasizes experimental design, field techniques, and instrumentation during field trips to local chaparral and grassland ecosystems. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. M. Loik
163. Plant Disease Ecology. *
Introduction to ecological roles of plant diseases, including their importance in regulating plant population dynamics, community diversity, and system function in natural ecosystems; considerations of plant diseases in conservation ecology; and ecological approaches to managing diseases in agroecosystems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 263. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. G. Gilbert
163L. Plant Disease Ecology Lab (2 credits). *
Introduction to techniques for studying plant diseases, including detection, isolation, cultivation, and identification of important groups of plant pathogens, completing Koch's postulates; diseases assessment techniques; experimental manipulation of plant-pathogen systems; and basic epidemiological tools. One field trip required. Prerequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in course 163 required. G. Gilbert
165. Freshwater Issues and Policy. F
Concepts, vocabulary, and skills necessary to the analysis of freshwater issues are introduced from hydrology, ecology, law, economics, engineering, and other disciplines. The skills are then applied to case studies involving local, state, and international freshwater conflicts and crises. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L is required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. B. Haddad
166. Agroecosystem Analysis and Watershed Management. F
Explores a range of approaches to examine agroecosystem function, watershed management, and concepts of sustainability. Uses a combination of lecture, demonstration, field work, and field trips to illustrate approaches to analysis of managed ecosystems behavior and the integration of biophysical and socio-political knowledge to aid in watershed management. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor; and course 130A or 130B or 129 or 133 or 160 or 167. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. C. Shennan
167. Freshwater and Wetland Ecology. W
Field and lecture course teaches the physical and biological patterns and processes in freshwater and wetland systems, primarily focusing on Central Coast systems from headwaters to coastal marshes. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. C. Shennan
167L. Freshwater and Wetland Ecology Lab (2 credits). *
Provides basic skills to assess chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of freshwater creeks, rivers, and wetlands. These skills are needed in environmental consulting, municipal agencies engaging in water management or impacts on water, and regulatory agencies. Relies on methods in geomorphology, biogeochemistry, hydrology, and field biology. Concurrent enrollment in course 167 is required. The Staff
168. Biogeochemistry and the Global Environment. *
Studies biogeochemical cycles and related environmental issues such as global environmental change, eutrophication, ecosystem degradation, and agricultural sustainability. Discusses transformation and movement of major nutrient elements in context of watershed ecology and societal implications. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 268. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. W. Cheng
169. Climate Change Ecology. *
Advanced topics in atmospheric science and ecological theory. Topics include impacts on biodiversity, carbon sequestration, sustainable agriculture, and innovative solutions. Prerequisite(s): courses 100 and 100L. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. Enrollment limited to 40. M. Loik
172. Science, Policy, and the Environment. *
Introduces students to the dilemmas of science-based environmental policy and discusses their underlying philosophical underpinnings. Explores emergent alternatives, such as the precautionary principle and alternatives assessment, and examines the relationship between experts and the lay public in public controversies. Prerequisite(s): previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. (General Education Code(s): W.) S. Rajan
173. An Introduction to World Environmental History. W
Introduces students to some of the central issues in world environmental history such as: human attitudes toward the natural environment; the role of human societies, their institutions and technologies in changing the face of the earth; and the historical impact of environmental and developmental policies on race, class, and gender differences in a variety of human communities across the world. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. K. Worthy
175. Biotechnology: Social and Environmental Dimensions. *
Surveys the rapid development of genetic engineering science and biotechnology-based industries and examines the economic, health, environmental, legal, and social justice dimensions of new biotechnology applications: genetic screening, cloning, transgenic animals and crops, genetically engineered food, and biodiversity prospecting. Readings, lectures, World Wide Web site reviews, student presentations, and papers will address controversial choices faced now by scientists, farmers, doctors, consumers, public officials, and global governance agencies. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. The Staff
177. Teaching Environmental Education. F
Designed for environmental studies majors interested in teaching environmental education in the K-12 school system. Students investigate incorporation of environmental education in the classroom; design an environmental education school project; and are placed in a school where they observe environmental education in practice. Prerequisite(s): course 91F or 191F, and previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L required, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors. R. Jaffe
179. Environmental Interpretation. S
A field course in theory and practice of environmental interpretation in parks, museums, and school programs with special attention to local natural history and children. Students will work to define their own interpretive philosophy, skills, and style. Background in natural history and/or experience working with children recommended. Prerequisite(s): course 100. Concurrent enrollment in course 184 required. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and combined majors with economics, Earth sciences, and biological sciences. Enrollment by instructor interview only. C. Lay
183. Environmental Studies Internship. F,W,S
A supervised off-campus learning experience related to environmental problem solving. Students may work with government agencies, private organizations, citizen action groups, or in specialized apprenticeships on an individual or team basis. A significant, independently researched project is required. Internship intended for environmental studies majors. Prerequisite(s): previous or concurrent enrollment in courses 100 and 100L and by permission of instructor. Students submit petition to course sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
183A. Senior Internship. F,W,S
First quarter of two-quarter senior internship exit requirement. Supervised off-campus learning experience related to environmental problem-solving. Students may work with government agencies, private organizations, citizen action groups, or in specialized apprenticeships on an individual or team basis. Students submit petition to course-sponsoring agency. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and the combined majors with Earth science, biology, and economics. Enrollment by permission of instructor. The Staff
183B. Senior Internship. F,W,S
This course combines fieldwork at an off-campus agency and a comprehensive analytical paper produced for the agency. Equivalent to a thesis in terms of the depth and quality of the work expected. Prerequisite(s): course 183A. Students submit petition to course-sponsoring agency. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies majors and the combined majors with Earth sciences, biology, and economics. The Staff
184. Environmental Studies Internship (2 credits). F,W,S
Supervised learning experience related to environmental problem solving. Students may work with government agencies, private organizations, citizen action groups, or in specialized apprenticeships on an individual or team basis. This 2-credit internship puts students in the field and offers them the experience of practicing environmental problem solving. This internship experience focuses on specific skill development. May be repeated for credit. (General Education Code(s): PR-S.) The Staff
189. Environmental Studies Research Seminar (1 credit). F,W,S
Research seminars presented weekly throughout the year by environmental studies faculty, visiting scholars, and graduate students. Students discuss content and methodology of research presented following each seminar. Students write critiques of some seminars. May be repeated for credit. K. Holl, E. Zavaleta
190. Capstone Course: Environmental Problem Solving. W
A synthetic course that draws on the knowledge and skills students bring from other courses in the major. Focuses on written and oral individual and group projects in which students must take the initiative. Emphasizes developing skills critical for students in their future careers. Prerequisite(s): course 100; Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to senior environmental studies majors and the combined majors with Earth sciences, biology, and economics. D. Letourneau
191F. Community and Agroecology Seminar (2 credits). F,W,S
Interdisciplinary two-credit seminar designed for upper-division students who want to become involved in PICA (Program in Community and Agroecology) and to explore concepts of community and agroecology as they relate to sustainability. Also emphasizes development of leadership skills. Specific topics and readings change each quarter. Prerequisite(s): course 91F, 130A, 130B, 133, or equivalent experience. Enrollment limited to 25. May be repeated for credit. S. Gliessman, The Staff
192. Directed Student Teaching. F,W,S
Teaching a lower-division seminar. (See course 42.) Prerequisite(s): upper-division standing; permission of environmental studies faculty member and chairperson of department. The Staff
194. Teaching Environmental Studies. F,W,S
This provides an opportunity to participate in the preparation and teaching of introductory environmental studies courses. Students will have significant responsibility in leading discussion sections. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff
195A. Senior Research. F,W,S
An individually supervised course, with emphasis on independent research that either results in a thesis or project or is done in conjunction with a senior internship. In order to receive credit, students must turn in an electronic copy of the final write-up. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. Prerequisite(s): Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. The Staff
195B. Senior Thesis Group. S
Students involved in group or individual research that results in a senior thesis or project or done in conjunction with an internship meet regularly with their faculty sponsor to discuss the progress of their work, to receive academic and technical guidance, and to critique one another's written work. To receive credit the student must submit two bound copies of the completed research and write-up. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Students must discuss details with faculty sponsor. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. Prerequisite(s):Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. J. Bury, K. Holl
196. Senior Seminar. F,W,S
Readings and discussions of primary literature on a current environmental studies topic. Field or literature-based research projects (individual or group) writing multiple drafts resulting in a final paper. Topics vary yearly; consult current course listings. Enrollment by application with selection based on appropriate background and academic performance. Satisfies senior comprehensive requirement. Enrollment restricted to senior environmental studies majors; senior environmental studies/biology combined majors; senior environmental studies / Earth sciences combined majors; and senior environmental studies /economics combined majors. Prerequisite(s): Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. R. Jaffe, S. Rabkin, M. Fitzsimmons, B. Nickel, D. Press, S. Kamieniecki, C. Shennan, W. Cheng
199. Tutorial. F,W,S
Advanced directed reading, supervised research, and organized projects relating to environmental problems. May be repeated for credit with consent of the chair of environmental studies. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
199F. Tutorial (2 credits). F,W,S
Provides for department-sponsored directed reading, supervised research, or organized project under the direct supervision of a faculty sponsor. May not be counted toward major requirements. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
Graduate Courses
201A. Keywords and Concepts. F
Two-quarter course introduces keywords and concepts that underlie interdisciplinary work in environmental studies through lectures, directed readings, and discussion. Modules include resonant concepts in ecology and society; ecology and evolution; environment and development; the global environment and society; agroecology and conservation biology; and public policy, economics, and law. Final grade for both courses assigned at the end of the second quarter. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. G. Gilbert, M. Fitzsimmons
201B. Keywords and Concepts. W
Two-quarter course introduces keywords and concepts that underlie interdisciplinary work in environmental studies through lectures, directed readings, and discussion. Modules include resonant concepts in ecology and society; ecology and evolution; environment and development; the global environment and society; agroecology and conservation biology; and public policy, economics, and law. Final grade for both courses assigned at the end of the second quarter. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Z. Tzankova, M. Loik
201M. Developing Research Proposals (2 credits). F
Offers graduate students the opportunity to become familiar with the research expertise of the faculty in the Environmental Studies department. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. G. Gilbert
201N. Interdisciplinary Research Design in Environmental Studies. S
Provides students with opportunities to learn research protocols, practices, and methods used in environmental studies. Combination of lectures, reading, practical exercises, and short projects used to explore how these methods can best be incorporated into interdisciplinary research designs. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. D. Letourneau
210. Political Ecological Thought and Environment. *
Provides an introduction to social scientific analyses of the relationships between capitalistic development and the environment in the late 20th century. It has a dual purpose: First, to develop a contemporary historical understanding and sensibility of how economic change, new institutional configurations, and world scale processes are shaping interactions with the environment. Second, to examine some recent political social theoretical perspectives on nature-society relations and radical environmental and social movements. Enrollment restricted to graduate students in environmental studies. S. Rajan
215A. Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Applications. F
Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) as the technology of processing spatial data, including input, storage and retrieval; manipulation and analysis; reporting and interpretation. Emphasizes GIS as a decision support system for environmental and social problem solving, using basic model building, experimental design, and database management. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 115A. Concurrent enrollment in course 215L is required. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies graduates students. B. Nickel
215L. Exercises in Geographic Information Systems (2 credits). F
Exercises in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing that demonstrate the development of digital geographic data. Students gain hands-on experience with developing datasets, using imagery to create GIS layers, performing spatial analysis, and utilizing GPS technology. Emphasis placed on environmental applications. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course course 115L. Students are billed a materials fee. Concurrent enrollment in course 215A is required. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies graduate students. B. Nickel
220. Conservation Biology. *
The principles of conservation biology, including a review of the core disciplines of demography, population genetics, island biogeography, and community ecology and discussion of area and edge effects, population viability, and ecosystem issues related to the maintenance of biological diversity, especially in fragmented landscapes. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies graduate students. C. Wilmers
230. Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture. S
The application of ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of agricultural systems. The long-term goal of sustainable agroecosystems is examined in economic, social, and ecological contexts. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies graduate students. C. Shennan
235. Social Theories of Nature. *
Intensive reading and discussion seminar on the treatment of nature in social theory. Focuses on major recent works which examine nature in social theory, in themselves, and in the context of the intellectual history of development of disciplinary discourses about nature. Students write critical reviews of assigned books and a research paper situating a particular book within its intellectual tradition. Prerequisite(s): interview with instructor to determine preparedness. May be repeated for credit. M. Fitzsimmons
240. Public Policy and Conservation. *
Introduction to political and economic approaches to policy analysis, with particular reference to natural resource scarcity, property rights, and environmental conservation. Case studies apply economic and policy process concepts to the management of public lands, biodiversity, and renewable resources. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies graduate students. D. Press
247. Regional Approaches to Environmental Policy. *
A research seminar combining theoretical issues in democratic theory, political economy, and planning with emerging concepts of bioregionalism. The focus is on institutional, scientific, and political innovations in managing the environment. Students evaluate current and historical proposals to regionalize environmental policy in the U.S. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies graduate students. The Staff
263. Plant Disease Ecology. *
Introduction to ecological roles of plant diseases, including their importance in regulating plant populations dynamics, community diversity and system function in natural ecosystems, considerations of plant diseases in conservation ecology, and ecological approaches to managing diseases in agroecosystems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 163. Prerequisite(s): one ecology. course. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. G. Gilbert
268. Biogeochemistry and the Global Environment. *
Studies biogeochemical cycles and related environmental issues such as global environmental change, eutrophication, ecosystem degradation, and agricultural sustainabilty. Discusses transformation and movement of major nutrient elements in context of watershed ecology and societal implications. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 168. Enrollment restricted to environmental studies graduate students. W. Cheng
271. Valuing the Environment. *
Intensive seminar examining the normative underpinnings of environmental values. Draws on tools from analytical, ethical, and political philosophy to develop normative arguments concerning environmental inequality and justice, environmental preservation, and risk evaluation. Involves team projects in which students develop cases on controversial contemporary issues such as biotechnology. Prerequisite(s): interview only. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. S. Rajan
280. Advanced Topics in Environmental Studies. *
Intensive research seminar, including reading and critique of primary research literature and research in progress. Topics vary and are announced in advance; students should consult with faculty prior to enrolling. Enrollment by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. J. Bury
283. Environmental Studies Internship. F,W,S
Graduate level internship focuses on integrating interdisciplinary academic theory with practical, specialized experience in a professional setting. Course intended for environmental studies graduate students; students must complete paperwork and meet with coordinator prior to first day of instruction. The Staff
290. Interdisciplinary Research Seminar (2 credits). F,W,S
Research seminars presented weekly throughout the year by environmental studies and affiliated faculty, by visiting scholars, and by graduate students. Students discuss the content and methodology of research presented following each seminar. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. E. Zavaleta
290L. Graduate Research Seminar (2 credits). F,W,S
Graduate student presentations of doctoral research proposals, dissertation work-in-progress, grant applications, and conference papers. This weekly laboratory meeting seeks to develop professional skills, teach constructive criticism, and foster effective discussion among peers. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. B. Haddad, C. Wilmers, K. Holl
291. Advanced Readings in Environmental Studies (3 credits). F
Focusing on a recently published volume or on a topic of current interest, this seminar requires a rigorous analysis of the principles and methods employed in the four core areas of the program: sustainable agriculture and agro-ecology; conservation biology; environmental policy analysis; and political economy. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. G. Gilbert
291C. Advanced Readings in Risk and Public Policy (3 credits). *
Advanced readings and research on environmental risk and public policy. Explores environmental decision making given the question of the burden of proof and scientific uncertainty and grapples, in an advanced manner, with emergent policy alternatives, such as the precautionary principle. Also offered as course 281C for 5 credits. Prerequisite(s): course 172 or equivalent work demonstrated by an interview. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. S. Rajan
291D. Advanced Readings in Tropical Ecology, Agriculture, and Development (3 credits). S
Analyzes recent publications in ecology, conservation, agroecology, and development in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly Latin America. Discussions place special emphasis on integration across natural and social science disciplines to address issues of sustainability in tropical regions. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. G. Gilbert, K. Holl
291M. Advanced Readings in Biogeochemistry (3 credits). *
Course consists of three parts: fundamental biogeochemistry of the Earth, global cycles of nutrient elements, and societal and scientific issues of global change. Class activities include (1) presentation of summary statements based on reading assignments; (2) discussion of theories, concepts, methodologies, and applications; (3) computer simulation and modeling of elemental cycles using STELLA; and (4) integration of scientific information on global change with social issues by writing. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. W. Cheng
291P. Advanced Readings in Environmental History and Anthropology (3 credits). *
Course of readings systematically surveying the theoretical contributions of the disciplines of environmental history, historical ecology, environmental anthropology, and geography. After an overview of the evolution of 20th-century thought on the relationship between environment and culture as seen through the lenses of these disciplines, explores emerging research hybrids and new research frontiers. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. S. Rajan
292. Topics in Research in Environmental Studies (2 credits). F,W,S
Seminar in which students give critically evaluated presentations regarding current research in environmental studies and issues in research design. Students should consult with faculty prior to enrolling. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
297. Independent Study. F,W,S
Independent study and research under faculty supervision. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
299. Thesis Research. F,W,S
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
Revised: 8/13/12
