Global Environmental Issues List

ENSC101. Intro Integrated Environ Sci

This seminar-style course overviews contemporary global issues in environmental science, including species extinction, pollution, resource depletion, and waste. Students examine behavior leading to environmental degradation; consider the scientific, ethical, and economic aspects of the resulting problems; and study policies intended to provide solutions. Students learn to recognize the integration of multiple disciplines in environmental issues and the complexity involved in environmental problem solving. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.

ENSC201. Integrted Envirmntl Investigat

This course introduces an interdisciplinary and investigative approach to the science underlying environmental issues and the analysis of environmental problems. Students engage in the process of science through guided inquiry, experiments, and field work, and they will practice design of experiments, analysis and presentation of quantitative data, and written and oral communication. Prerequisites: ENSC 101 and MATH 171. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits.

ENSC295. SpTp in Environmental Science

Specialized courses on a variety of topics that may be offered periodically. 1-6 credits.

ENSC340. Global Environmental Issues

This course requires students to apply the varied perspectives from the social sciences and natural sciences to gain a more integrated and multifaceted understanding of environmental issues at the global scale. It will examine the effects of globalization on the environment and economy in different parts of the world. Within the context of human population dynamics, the course will examine both physical and social sustainability issues associated with natural resource consumption and environment change. Prerequisite: ENSC 201 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits. WR and SP.

ENSC380. Intro Environmental Law&Policy

This course provides an introduction to concepts, issues, and statutes in national and international environmental law. In addition to reviewing background constitutional provisions, students examine a representative selection of federal statutes, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act. The class explores the differences between "Dillon Rule" states (like Virginia) and "Home Rule" states. Students consider the expanding field of multi-nation treaties, laws, and politics governing the global environment as they relate to significant contemporary issues such as global climate change, sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and transboundary air and water pollution. Prerequisites: ENSC 101 or GNED 162 or permission of instructor. 3 lecture periods. 3 credits.

ENSC390. Directed or Independent Study

Must be approved by the head of the department. 1-8 credits.

ENSC395. SpTp in Environmental Science

ENSC401. Environmental Planning & Mgmt

This course utilizes a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to examine issues related to natural resource management and their impacts on the environment. Principles of land use planning are considered within a broad framework that includes topics such as urban and rural development, natural hazard mitigation, ecosystem and watershed management, edaphic and hydrologic features, forest and wildlife management, and marine and coastal planning. The course integrates knowledge from previous coursework to consider the associated social, legal, economic, and scientific aspects, as well as the applications of skills involved in environmental impact assessment, such as GIS and analytical methods. Emphasis is placed on understanding the collaborative nature of approaches, methods, and techniques for sustainability. Prerequisites: ENSC 201, ENSC 380, GEOG 275, MATH 301, and at least 75 credit hours. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits. WR.

ENSC402. Environmental Decision Making

In this interdisciplinary capstone experience, students develop an understanding of and identify potential solutions to current environmental problems. Through a collaborative approach to encourage synthesis and analysis from multiple perspectives, students will develop research, communication (both oral and written), and collaborative work skills. Exploration of focal problems requires the integration of knowledge and skills from students' work in the natural and social sciences and the consideration of ethical, social justice, and economic perspectives. Further, a civic engagement component provides useful information to the community and provides students with real experience interacting with stakeholders. Prerequisites: GEOG/ENSC 340, ENSC 401, and COMM 101. 3 lecture periods. 3 credits. SP.

ENSC490. Directed or Independent Study

A directed project administered by qualified specialists in the department. By permission of instructor and must be approved by the head of the department. 1-12 credits. *Fulfills General Education Goal 14.

ENSC492. Intern Environmental Science

A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of environmental science. May be repeated. 1-4 credits. Maximum of 4 hours total for ENSC 492 and/or ENSC 496. *Fulfills General Education Goal 14.

Global Environmental Issues Articles

Bolivia Environmental Issues

Local Environmental Issues Articles

Local environmental Problems