ENV 175

Fall 2005

First Year Seminar in Environmental Science

Course Outline and Assignments

Catalog Description

Introduces students to the multidisciplinary nature of environmental science and the solution of environmental problems.

 

Course Objectives

The course is designed to prepare students for the two Co-Majors in Environmental Science and Environmental Principles & Practice and to enhance the first-year experience of residents in the Environmental Awareness Program Living Learning Community by introducing:

·        Unique multidisciplinary approaches used by environmental scientists.

·        Basic procedures and techniques used by environmental scientists in the context of specific biological and physical science issues.

·        The breadth of activities involved in understanding complex Earth systems and in preventing and solving environmental problems.

·        The social implications of environmental research and solutions.

 

Course Instructors

William H. Renwick, Department of Geography, 216 Shideler, 529-5010, renwicwh@muohio.edu. Office hours: by appointment. Phone me, email me, or contact Debbi White (216 Shideler; 529-5910; whitedm@muohio.edu)

James M. Rubenstein, Department of Geography, Chief Advisor for Undergraduate Environmental Programs and for Urban & Regional Planning, rubensjm@muohio.edu
Office hours:   9-11 MWF in 211 Shideler (529-5025), 1.30-3.30 TR in 102 Boyd (529-5254)

 

Course requirements

1.   Paper and poster due in class October 18.

2.   Participation in class discussion and small-group projects.

All grades are credit / no credit (“pass/fail”), no letter grades in this class.

 

Detailed Syllabus

Readings will be assigned by individual guests one meeting in advance.

 

Session 1. August 23. Introduction to the course and to Miami’s Co-Majors in Environmental Science and Environmental Principles & Practice

Bill Renwick and Jim Rubenstein.

 

Session 2. August 25. Environmental resources at Miami / environmental hazards in Haiti.
Mark Boardman, Director of Institute of Environmental Sciences, 102 Boyd, 529-5811, boardman@muohio.edu.

 

Session 3. August 30. Primate field studies in national parks of developing countries.
Linda Marchant, Department of Anthropology, 360 Upham, 529-1594, marchalf@muohio.edu

 

Session 4. September 1. Human modifications of the hydrologic and carbon cycles.
Bill Renwick.

 

No class Tuesday September 6. Monday/Tuesday exchange day.

 

Session 5. September 8. Habitat fragmentation effects on animal populations.
Doug Meikle, Department of Zoology, 212 Pearson, 529-3100, meikled@muohio.edu.

 

Session 6. September 13. Preparation for small group field work + high gas prices—so what?
Jim Rubenstein.

 

Session 7. September 15. Sustainable technology.
James Williamson, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (National Risk Management Research Laboratory Sustainable Environments Branch), 26 West Martin Luther King Dr., Mail Stop 498, Cincinnati, OH 45268. (513) 569-7501. williamson.james@epamail.epa.gov.

 

Session 8. September 20. Sustainable Design in the Built Environment
Scott Johnston, Department of Architecture & Interior Design, 100B Alumni, 529-7041, johnstsa@muohio.edu.

 

Session 9. September 22. Climate change.

Hays Cummins, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, 222 Boyd, 529-1338, cumminrh@muohio.edu.

 

Session 10. September 27. Tropical forest conservation and sustainable development: the role of botany.
David Gorchov, Department of Botany, 336 Pearson, 529-4205, gorchodl@muohio.edu.

 

Session 11. September 29. Sustainability: scientific and economic perspectives.
Jonathan Levy, Department of Geology, 108 Shideler, 529-1947, levyj@muohio.edu and
Glenn Platt, Department of Marketing and Director of Interactive Media, 210B Laws, 529-6666, plattgj@muohio.edu

 

Sessions 12-14. October 4 through 13. Small group work.

Students will be divided into 5 groups of approx. eight, each assigned to an environmental scientist. The environmental scientist will introduce the group to a particular aspect of the practice of environmental science of concern to the individual. A four-hour block of time will be identified that fits with individual schedules. Class does not meet as a large group.

 

Session 15. October 18. Poster presentations by small groups and final discussions.