Environmental Science Course Descriptions

This course introduces the mechanisms of biological evolution that have resulted in earth’s rich diversity of life. We will explore the ways in which populations change, species interact, communities are structured and ecosystems function through an evolutionary lens. Connections to global crises related to human-driven processes, such as climate change, land use change, and disease spread will make these basic concepts germane to our lives, and underscore the interdependence of human and environmental health. A weekly laboratory will provide opportunities to practice field ecology research and run evolutionary lab experiments.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.

This hands-on course develops essential analytical skills for environmental science through lab work and project-based learning. Students explore experimental design, method validation, pollutant quantification, and error characterization. The course culminates in a project where students select and implement a standard method (e.g., EPA Method 351.2, ASTM D2974), gaining practical experience in data collection and evaluating each method's strengths and limitations for diverse applications. PREREQUISITES: CHEM 116 and sophomore standing

This course explores the ecology happening all around us in urban spaces. Students will work learn foundational ecological principles and observe how these impact natural resource management and sustainability in cities. Students will have multiple field-trips to observe ecology and sustainability initiatives in action around the Fox Cities. They will also work closely in reviewing sustainability planning and projects on campus and in the community. PREREQUISITES: BIOL135 or ENST 150

This advanced hands-on course immerses students in Standard Environmental Analysis Methods, emphasizing implementation, evaluation, and skill development in troubleshooting and problem-solving with chemical instrumentation. Through a primary project, students independently select and conduct an analysis method (e.g., EPA Method 351.2, ASTM D2974), gaining practical experience in data collection and critically assessing each method's strengths and limitations. The course emphasizes growth as an independent researcher in diverse environmental contexts. PREREQUISITES: PREREQUISITES: CHEM 116, CHEM 210 or instructor approval

This course will dive into the fundamentals of Forest Ecology, building off foundational knowledge in Earth and Environmental sciences. We will begin the course with discussions and intensive readings mixed in with primary scientific literature and talking with experts in forest ecology, including practitioners in the Department of Natural Resources and the Northeast Wisconsin and Door County land trusts. Students will build advanced practical skills of nature resource management in forest environments, while honing their speaking and written communication skills. A Bjorklunden trip to assess and design a forest ecological management plan is an essential part of this course (mandatory), will be complemented by field trips to local State Parks, Forests, and Conservation Organizations. Each student will present their final component of a forest ecology management plan, as a final term project. PREREQUISITES: PREREQUISITES: GEOS 110, GEOS 150 or BIOL 135 in addition to a 200-level course, or permission of instructor

Students will build upon their understanding of the field of environmental science. A majority of the term will be devoted to exploring and discussing the scientific literature base, as students prepare for their senior capstone projects. By the end of the term students will have proposed a research topic, written a research proposal (including a literature review), and selected a research mentor for their senior projects. PREREQUISITES: Declared major in Environmental Science and junior standing.

Students will refine their understanding and appreciation for the filed of environmental science. A majority of the term will be devoted to discussion of literature relevant to student research interests and supporting students as they build on their junior seminar and subsequent work, ultimately producing a final paper and oral presentation. PREREQUISITES: Declared major in Environmental Science and senior standing.