Fall 2009 Courses

For a full list of courses being offered at UI, click here.

Introduction to Environmental Science, EnvS 101 (CRN 26767) (3 cr.) Introduction to basic principles in the biological, physical, and social science areas of environmental science.(www)

Ecology, REM 221 (CRN 32502) (see advisor for technological requirements) (3 cr.) Principles of plant and animal ecology. Major topics covered by the course include the physical environment, how organisms interact with each other and their environment, evolutionary processes, population dynamics, communities, energy flow and ecosystems, conservation biology, and human influences on ecosystems.(www)

Technical Writing, Engl 317 (CRN 15840) (3 cr) Principles of clear writing related to technical style; problems such as technical description, proposal, formal reports, and technical correspondence.  Prereq: Engl 102 or Equivalent; Junior standing or permission. (www)

Engineering Risk Assessment/Hazardous Waste, ChE 480/580 (CRN 28112/28113) (3 cr.) Quantitative and qualitative approaches to assessing risks to public health and environment from chemical contaminants; toxicology, exposure assessment, risk characterization, and environmental modeling; critical reviews of specific toxins and actual waste site studies.  Additional projects/assignments reqd for grad cr. Prereq: Sr or grad standing in science or engineering; Biol 201 or 100 and Stat 251 or perm; ChE J470/J570 recommended.(www)

Restoring the West, CSS 501 (CRN 33057) (1-2 cr.) Major philosophy, management, and research problems of wildlands; presentation of individual studies on assigned topics. (www)

Planning and Decision Making for Watershed Management, CSS 573 (CRN 29670) (3 cr.) Focus on ecological and human factors in process-oriented approaches to watershed analysis and planning for effective decision-making; emphasis on practical applications of current tools and approached, e.g., GIS, MAU Theory, collaborative management. (www)

Special Topics: Energy Sustainability and Modeling, ENVS 404/504 (CRN 33539/33540) (3 cr.) This course offered only at UI Idaho Falls campus.

Principles of Environmental Toxicology, EnvS 409/509 (CRN 27549/27550) (3 cr.) Fundamental toxicological concepts including dose-response relationships, absorption of toxicants, distribution and storage of toxicants, biotransformation and elimination of toxicants, target organ toxicity and teratogenesis, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis; chemodynamics of environmental contaminants including transport, fate, and receptors; chemicals of environmental interest and how they are tested and regulated; risk assessment fundamentals. Registration for 509 requires preparation of an additional in-depth report. Prereq: Biol 100 or 201, Chem 111, 275; Chem 113 and Stat 251 recommended. (www)

Pollution Prevention, EnvS 428 (CRN 30896) (3cr.) Basic concepts of pollution prevention and waste minimization; pollution prevention strategies and case studies for solid waste, hazardous waste, water and energy use, and air pollution. (www)

Introduction to Environmental Regulations, ENVS 479/579 (CRN 17055/17056) (3 cr.) Interpretation and implementation of local, state, and federal environmental rules; introduction to environmental regulatory process; topics include regulatory aspects of environmental impact assessment, water pollution control, air pollution control, solid and hazardous waste, resource recovery and reuse, toxic substances, pesticides, occupational safety and health, radiation, facility siting, environmental auditing and liability. Additional projects/assignments reqd for grad cr. (Fall only)

Wetland Restoration, Fish 540 (CRN 30715) (3 cr.) This web-based course contains modules covering wetland science, restoration ecology, freshwater restoration, coastal restoration, and monitoring/maintenance. The emphasis is on the science of wetland ecosystems and the applied ecology/practice of restoration, with additional consideration of cultural and socio-political contexts. Extensive readings, an assignment, and a study guide are required for each module. Students apply their learning in and contribute relevant professional experience to weekly online discussions. Students are also responsible for obtaining documentation of at least one wetland restoration site in their region and conducting a site visit in order to evaluate the success of the restoration project. A final exam (re-design of a failed restoration project) is administered online, with partial credit earned through discussion with an interdisciplinary team of classmates and the remaining credit earned through individual analysis and synthesis. (Fall only)
Prereq: Biol 115 and 116; and For 221 or Biol 314 or Permission (www)

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management, For 426 (CRN 31107) (3 cr.) Integrated fire-related ecological effects of fire on vegetation, soils, and air quality; natural and changing role of fire in forests, woodlands, shrublands and rangelands; influence of global change including climate and invasive species; fire as a management tool; application to current issues. Prereq: For 221 or REM 221. (www)

Food Toxicology, FS 464/564 (CRN 33420/33432) (3 cr.) General principles of toxicologic evaluation of chemicals, which intentionally or unintentionally enter the food chain. Toxicology of food additives, colors, preservatives, drugs, pesticides and natural toxins in foods and risk characterization. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Prereq: MMBB 300 or MMBB 380. (www)

Ground Water-Surface Water Interactions, HYDR 414/514 (CRN 33705/33707) (3 cr.) Physical and chemical ramifications of interactions between ground water flow systems and surface water bodies. Particular emphasis will be placed on water supply and surface water/ground water contamination issues. Graduate credit requires completion of an additional, separate research paper on a selected topic. (Alt/yrs) Prereq: Geol 309 or Hydr 409. This course offered on ground in Idaho Falls only.

GIS Applications in Natural Resources, NR 402 (CRN 24444) (1 cr.) Application of GIS principles to natural resource problems. Topics include GIS/GPS integration, habitat inventory, site suitability studies, risk assessment, sources of spatial data, map accuracy, etc. ArcView software and extensions will be used in hands on exercises. Prereq: Geog 385 or Permission. (www)

Directed Study: GIS Applications in Natural Resources, NR 502 (CRN 33170) (1 cr.) (www)

Rangeland Ecology, REM 459 (CRN 32523) (2 cr.) Application of ecological principles in rangeland management; stressing response and behavior of range ecosystems to various kinds and intensity of disturbance and management practice. Web only [www.uidaho.edu/range459/]. Recommended Preparation: a course in general ecology or Permission (Fall only) (www)

Plant Ecophysiology, REM 560 (CRN 32511) (3 cr.)  Adaptations of individual plant species to their environment, emphasizing morphological and physiological mechanisms that influence plant establishment, the physical environment, below- and above-ground productivity, and plant interactions such as competition, herbivory, and allelopathy.  Prereq:  Course in general ecology, botany or plant physiology, or perm. (www)

Spring 2009 Courses

For a full list of courses being offered at UI, click here.

Natural Resource Policy and Law, ENVS 482, (CRN 60260) (3 cr.) (live in Idaho Falls). Examination of U.S. natural resource policy and law including historical contexts and current policies and laws. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Recommended preparation: an undergraduate course in political science.

Environmental Psychology, PSYC 404, (CRN 56808) (3 cr.) (www).

Geochemistry of Natural Waters,  Geol 464/564, (CRN 56419/56420) (3 cr.) (www)  Basic principles of aqueous geochemistry applied to natural waters (groundwaters, lake and river waters, seawater), presented at an intermediate level; carbonate equilibria and alkalinity, solubility of minerals, sorption processes and surface reactions, redox reactions and Eh-pH diagrams, organic geochemistry, etc.  For graduate credit, student are required to prepare two in-depth term papers and demonstrate through exam work and papers a more in-depth understanding of the material.  Prereq: Chem 111-112.  Suggested preparation: Geol 423

GIS Application in Fire Ecology & Management, REM 407, (CRN 63154) (1 cr.) (www)  Introduces applications of GIS in fire ecology, research and management including incident mapping, fire progression mapping, GIS overlay analysis, remote sensing fire severity assessments, fire atlas analysis and the role of GIS in the Fire Regime Condition Class concept and the National Fire plan.  Prereq:  NR 402 or GIS Primer 

Human Dimensions of Restoration Ecology, CSS 572, (CRN 56637)(3 cr.)(www) An in-depth investigation of multi-dimensional human considerations, including economic, social, and cultural values and the role they play in maintaining, restoring, or sustaining ecosystems. Explores the major premise that projects designed for the restoration and sustainable management ecosystems and associated resources must be ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially desirable to be successful.

Western US Water Resource Policy & Environmental Equity, AgEc 404/504, (CRN 63058/58699) (3 cr.)  (www)  Western US Water Resource Policy & Environmental Equity uses an environmental equity conceptual framework to focus on the struggle over water resources management in the western United States. The course examines cases of institutional control of water, rural-urban conflicts over water distribution, and the cultural impacts on disenfranchised groups who lose access to water. Our primary goal in the course is to think critically about providing equity and water for the future of a growing region.

Wildland Restoration Ecology, REM 440, (CRN 52952)(3 cr.) (www) Ecological principles and management practices involved in restoring and rehabilitating wildland ecosystems after disturbance or alteration to return damaged ecosystems to a productive and stable state. Recommended Preparation: a course in general ecology.

Fall 2008 Courses

Introduction to Environmental Science, EnvS 101 (CRN 26767) (www) (3 cr.) Introduction to basic principles in the biological, physical, and social science areas of environmental science.

Ecology, Range 221 (CRN 32502) (www; see advisor for technological requirements) (3 cr.) Principles of plant and animal ecology. Major topics covered by the course include the physical environment, how organisms interact with each other and their environment, evolutionary processes, population dynamics, communities, energy flow and ecosystems, conservation biology, and human influences on ecosystems.

Planning and Decision Making for Watershed Management, CSS 573 (CRN 29670) (www) (3 cr.) Focus on ecological and human factors in process-oriented approaches to watershed analysis and planning for effective decision-making; emphasis on practical applications of current tools and approached, e.g., GIS, MAU Theory, collaborative management.

Pollution Prevention, EnvS 428 (CRN 30896) (www) (3cr.) Basic concepts of pollution prevention and waste minimization; pollution prevention strategies and case studies for solid waste, hazardous waste, water and energy use, and air pollution

Principles of Environmental Toxicology, EnvS 409/509 (CRN 27549/27550) (www) (3 cr.) Fundamental toxicological concepts including dose-response relationships, absorption of toxicants, distribution and storage of toxicants, biotransformation and elimination of toxicants, target organ toxicity and teratogenesis, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis; chemodynamics of environmental contaminants including transport, fate, and receptors; chemicals of environmental interest and how they are tested and regulated; risk assessment fundamentals. Registration for 509 requires preparation of an additional in-depth report. Prereq: Biol 100 or 201, Chem 111, 275; Chem 113 and Stat 251 recommended.

Seminar: Hazardous Waste Management, EnvS 501 (CRN 26644) (live) (1 cr.)

Seminar: Hydrology, WR 501 (CRN 32236) (live) (1 cr.)

Watershed Science Management, For 462 (CRN 27989) (www)   (3 cr.)  Influence of land management practices on hydrologic processes, water quality, and riparian habitat w/emphasis on wildland watersheds. Prereq: Math 143 or 160, high school physics or Phys 100 or 111, or perm.

Wetland Restoration, Fish 540 (CRN 30715) (www) (3 cr.)

Summer 2008 Courses

Advanced Technical Writing, Engl 319, (CRN 78794, CRN 80292) (3 cr.) (www) Prereq:  Engl 102

Environmental Philosophy, EnvS 552 (CRN 77909) (3 cr.) (www)

International Environmental Issues, EnvS 225 (CRN 79823) (3 cr.) (www) This course is designed for individuals who have an interest in understanding environmental issues from a global perspective.The course focuses on various social and physical issues related to the environment and natural resources using human population dynamics as a backdrop. In general, the goals of the course are: (1) to gain insight into a specific country's environmental problem area of: air, water, biodiversity, energy, waste management, soil, and marine and coastal resources; (2) to consider the relationship and impacts of economy, politics, history, culture, demographics, and religion on an environmental issue in a given country; (3) to understand the various approaches that have been attempted toward mitigating these issues; and (4) to propose viable alternatives and sound arguments for adopting the alternatives.

Spring 2008 Courses

Advanced Geochemistry of Natural Waters, Geol 478/578, (CRN 60511)(3 cr.)(www) Detailed application of aqueous geochemistry to natural waters at an advanced level; advanced treatment of subjects introduced in Geol J468/J568, plus computer modeling of aqueous equilibria; accompanying lab will stress familiarity with analytical techniques including those adaptable for field use. Students must complete an in-depth term project involving design, execution, and interpretation of analyses of contaminated water. Prereq: Geol J468/J568 or perm.

Environmental Hydrology, BAE 450, (CRN 60589)(3 cr.)(www)  This course is designed for non-engineers in the fields of environmental science, natural resources, geography, soil science, and other related sciences. The overall objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of hydrologic processes associated with environmental processes and to develop initial conceptual evaluations that are part of most assessments.

Human Dimensions of Restoration Ecology, CSS 572, (CRN 56637)(3 cr.)(www) An in-depth investigation of multi-dimensional human considerations, including economic, social, and cultural values and the role they play in maintaining, restoring, or sustaining ecosystems. Explores the major premise that projects designed for the restoration and sustainable management ecosystems and associated resources must be ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially desirable to be successful.

Sampling and Analysis of Environmental Contaminants, EnvS 541, (CRN 61355)(3 cr.)(www) Monitoring system design, sampling procedures, RCRA/CERCLA sampling, quality assurance data quality objectives. Prereq: Stats 251.

SEM: Hazardous Waste Management Seminar, EnvS 400/501 (CRN 291460/291500)(400 = credit arranged, 501 = 1 cr.)(live) Tuesdays 6:00 - 6:50 p.m.

Wildland Restoration Ecology, Rnge 440, (CRN 52952)(3 cr.)(www) Ecological principles and management practices involved in restoring and rehabilitating wildland ecosystems after disturbance or alteration to return damaged ecosystems to a productive and stable state. Recommended Preparation: a course in general ecology.

Fall 2007 Courses

For a full list of courses at UI Center, Idaho Falls, press here.

Introduction to Environmental Science, EnvS 101 (CRN 26767)(3 cr.) (www) Introduction to basic principles in the biological, physical, and social science areas of environmental science.

Ecology, Range 221 (CRN 21489)(www;see advisor for technological requirements)(3 cr). Principles of plant and animal ecology. Major topics covered by the course include the physical environment, how organisms interact with each other and their environment, evolutionary processes, population dynamics, communities, energy flow and ecosystems, conservation biology, and human influences on ecosystems.

SEM: Hazardous Waste Management Seminar, EnvS 400/501 (CRN 191650/191760)(1 cr.)

SEM: Hydrology, EnvS 400/501 (CRN 193535) (credit tba)

Principles of Environmental Toxicology, EnvS 409/509 (CRN 27549/27550)(www)(3 cr.) Fundamental toxicological concepts including dose-response relationships, absorption of toxicants, distribution and storage of toxicants, biotransformation and elimination of toxicants, target organ toxicity and teratogenesis, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis; chemodynamics of environmental contaminants including transport, fate, and receptors; chemicals of environmental interest and how they are tested and regulated; risk assessment fundamentals. Registration for 509 requires preparation of an additional in-depth report. Prereq: Biol 100 or 201, Chem 111, 275; Chem 113 and Stat 251 recommended.

Pollution Prevention, EnvS 428 (CRN 30896)(www)(3cr.) Basic concepts of pollution prevention and waste minimization; pollution prevention strategies and case studies for solid waste, hazardous waste, water and energy use, and air pollution

Environmental Audit, EnvS 429 (CRN 191680)(3 cr.)

Introduction to Environmental Regulations, EnvS 479/579 (CRN 191670/191800)(3 cr.)

Seminar, EnvS 501 (CRN 191770)

Engineering Risk Assessment/Hazardous Waste, ChE 480/580 (CRN 28112/28113)(www)(3 cr.) Quantitative and qualitative approaches to assessing risks to public health and environment from chemical contaminants; toxicology, exposure assessment, risk characterization, and environmental modeling; critical reviews of specific toxins and actual waste site studies. Additional projects/assignments reqd for grad cr. Prereq: Sr or grad standing in science or engineering; Biol 201 or 100 and Stat 251 or perm; ChE J470/J570 recommended.

Hydrologic Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing, Geog 424/524 (CRN 27840/27841)(www)(3 cr.)  Concepts of area-based hydrologic modeling and assessment and the various types of spatially distributed information commonly used in these activities, such as topographic data, types of data sets for hydrologic capplations. Recommended Preparation: Geog 385, For 462 or BAE 351

Plant Ecophysiology, RNGE 560 (CRN 28529)(www)(3 cr.)  Adaptations of individual plant species to their environment, emphasizing morphological and physiological mechanisms that influence plant establishment, the physical environment, below- and above-ground productivity, and plant interactions such as competition, herbivory, and allelopathy. Prereq: Course in general ecology, botany or plant physiology, or perm.

Planning and Decision Making for Watershed Management, CSS 573 (CRN 29670)(www)(3 cr.) Focus on ecological and human factors in process-oriented approaches to watershed analysis and planning for effective decision-making; emphasis on practical applications of current tools and approached, e.g., GIS, MAU Theory, collaborative management.

Watershed Science Management, For 462 (CRN 27989)(www)(3 cr.) Influence of land management practices on hydrologic processes, water quality, and riparian habitat w/emphasis on wildland watersheds. Prereq:  Math 143 or 160, high school physics or Phys 100 or 111, or perm.

Wetland Restoration, Fish 540 (CRN 30715)(www)(3 cr.)

Spring 2007 Courses

Advanced Technical Writing, Engl 404, (CRN 57539) (3 cr.) (www) Prereq:  Engl 102

Human Dimensions of Restoration Ecology, CSS 572 (www) (3 cr.) (CRN 56637)  An in-depth investigation of multi-dimensional human considerations, including economic, social, and cultural values and the role they play in maintaining, restoring, or sustaining ecosystems.  Explores the major premise that projects designed for the restoration and sustainable management ecosystems and associated resources must be ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially desirable to be successful.

Restoration Ecology Practicum, CSS 580 (www) (2 cr.) (CRN 292945)  Capstone experience in the Restoration Ecology Certificate Program. Students work independently to develop plan for implementing and assessing the success of ecological restoration; plan must synthesize literature, concepts, and challenges; plan shall be written with graphics and electronic submission for possible internet publication. Prereq: For 526 and Rnge 440 or perm.

Geochemistry of Natural Waters, Geol 464/564 (www) (3 cr.) (CRN 56419/56420)  Basic principles of aqueous geochemistry applied to natural waters (groundwaters, lake and river waters, seawater), presented at an intermediate level; carbonate equilibria and alkalinity, solubility of minerals, sorption processes and surface reactions, redox reactions and Eh-pH diagrams, organic geochemistry, etc.  For graduate credit, student are required to prepare two in-depth term papers and demonstrate through exam work and papers a more in-depth understanding of the material.  Prereq: Chem 111-112.  Suggested preparation: Geol 423

Sampling and Analysis of Environmental Contaminants, EnvS 541 (CRN 22831) (www) (3 cr.)  Monitoring system design, sampling procedures, RCRA/CERCLA sampling, quality assurance data quality objectives. Prereq: Stats 251.

Western US Water Resource Policy & Environmental Equity, AgEc 404/504 (www) (3 cr.) (CRN 58698/58699)  Western US Water Resource Policy & Environmental Equity uses an environmental equity conceptual framework to focus on the struggle over water resources management in the western United States. The course examines cases of institutional control of water, rural-urban conflicts over water distribution, and the cultural impacts on disenfranchised groups who lose access to water. Our primary goal in the course is to think critically about providing equity and water for the future of a growing region.

GIS Applications in Natural Resources, NR 402 (www) (1 cr.) (CRN 297445)  Application of GIS principles to natural resource problems. Topics include GIS/GPS integration, habitat inventory, site suitability studies, risk assessment, sources of spatial data, map accuracy, etc.  ArcView software and extension will be used in hands-on exercises.  Four hrs/week for six weeks. Prereq: Geog 385 or perm.

Remote Sensing of Active Fire and Post-fire Effects, For 435 (www) (2 cr.) (CRN295083)  Application, potential and limitations of methods for the remote sensing of active fire and post-fire effects, and interpretation of the results. Clarification of definitions of fire descriptors (fire intensity, fire severity, and burn severity) and relative merits of remote sensing tools for addressing them.  How to identify an appropriate mapping approach applicable to different types of imagery (depending on the specific questions to be addressed) and provide decision support for the user community.  Critically review and synthesize relevant scientific literature.  Field trips. Prereq: For 426.

Fall 2006 Courses

Introduction to Environmental Science, EnvS 101 (CRN 26767) (3 cr.) (www)  Introduction to basic principles in the biological, physical, and social science areas of environmental science.

Ecology, Range 221 (CRN 21489) Section 40.  (www; see advisor for technological requirements) (3 cr). Principles of plant and animal ecology. Major topics covered by the course include the physical environment, how organisms interact with each other and their environment, evolutionary processes, population dynamics, communities, energy flow and ecosystems, conservation biology, and human influences on ecosystems.

Hydrologic Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing, Geog 424/524 (CRN 27840/27841) (www) (3 cr.)  Concepts of area-based hydrologic modeling and assessment and the various types of spatially distributed information commonly used in these activities, such as topographic data, types of data sets for hydrologic capplations.  Recommended Preparation:  Geog 385, For 462 or BAE 351

Plant Ecophysiology, RNGE 560 (CRN 28529 (www) )3 cr.)  Adaptations of individual plant species to their environment, emphasizing morphological and physiological mechanisms that influence plant establishment, the physical environment, below- and above-ground productivity, and plant interactions such as competition, herbivory, and allelopathy.  Prereq:  Course in general ecology, botany or plant physiology, or perm.

Planning and Decision Making for Watershed Management, CSS 573 (CRN 29670) (www) (3 cr.)  Focus on ecological and human factors in process-oriented approaches to watershed analysis and planning for effective decision-making; emphasis on practical applications of current tools and approached, e.g., GIS, MAU Theory, collaborative management.

Pollution Prevention, EnvS 428 (www) (3cr.) (CRN 30896)  Basic concepts of pollution prevention and waste minimization; pollution prevention strategies and case studies for solid waste, hazardous waste, water and energy use, and air pollution

Principles of Environmental Toxicology, EnvS 409/509 (CRN 27549/27550) (www) (3 cr.) Fundamental toxicological concepts including dose-response relationships, absorption of toxicants, distribution and storage of toxicants, biotransformation and elimination of toxicants, target organ toxicity and teratogenesis, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis; chemodynamics of environmental contaminants including transport, fate, and receptors; chemicals of environmental interest and how they are tested and regulated; risk assessment fundamentals. Registration for 509 requires preparation of an additional in-depth report. Prereq: Biol 100 or 201, Chem 111, 275; Chem 113 and Stat 251 recommended.

Watershed Science Management, For 462 (CRN 27989) (www) (3 cr.)  Influence of land management practices on hydrologic processes, water quality, and riparian habitat w/emphasis on wildland watersheds.  Prereq:  Math 143 or 160, high school physics or Phys 100 or 111, or perm.

Spring 2006 Courses

Water and Wastewater Operations Management, ASM 430, (CRN 56747) (3 cr.) (www)  Concepts for drinking water operations, including basic chemistry, sampling, basic water treatment methods such as softening, taste and odor control, etc.  Some sampling, disinfection, chemical and biological processes.  Introduction to State certification process.  Prereq:  Chem. 101 or Chem. 111

Environmental Hydrology, BAE 404, (CRN 60589) (3 cr.) (www)  This course is designed for non-engineers in the fields of environmental science, natural resources, geography, soil science, and other related sciences. The overall objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of hydrologic processes associated with environmental processes and to develop initial conceptual evaluations that are part of most assessments.

Advanced Geochemistry of Natural Waters, Geol 578,(CRN60511)  (3 cr.) (www)  Detailed application of aqueous geochemistry to natural waters at an advanced level; advanced treatment of subjects introduced in Geol J468/J568, plus computer modeling of aqueous equilibria; accompanying lab will stress familiarity with analytical techniques including those adaptable for field use.  Students must complete an in-depth term project involving design, execution, and interpretation of analyses of contaminated water.  Prereq:  Geol J468/J568 or perm.

Advanced Technical Writing, Engl 404, (CRN 57539) (3 cr.) (www) Prereq:  Engl 102

Wildland Restoration Ecology, Rnge 440, (CRN 52952) (3 cr.) (www)  Ecological principles and management practices involved in restoring and rehabilitating wildland ecosystems after disturbance or alteration to return damaged ecosystems to a productive and stable state.  Recommended Preparation: a course in general ecology.

Fall 2005 Classes