Environmental Systems
Courses
For course descriptions not found in the 2007-2008 General Catalog, please contact the department for more information.
Many of the courses that are used to fulfill the requirements of the environmental systems major are offered by other departments and programs. Most of these courses are offered on a regular basis. Students should consult the Schedule of Classes or contact the Environmental Systems office in order to obtain current information. The courses below are offered directly through the Environmental Systems Program.
Lower-Division
ESYS 10. Introduction to Environmental Systems (4) This course explores the interdisciplinary character of environmental issues through an examination of a particular topic [climate change, for example] from numerous disciplinary perspectives [e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, political science, and economics]. Prerequisite: none. (W)
ESYS 87. Freshman Seminar (1) The Freshman Seminar Program is designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments and undergraduate college, and topics vary from quarter to quarter. Enrollment is limited to fifteen to twenty students with preference given to entering Freshmen.
ESYS 90. Perspectives on Environmental Issues (1) Provides an introduction to environmental systems. Faculty members from departments in the natural sciences, geosciences, and social sciences will offer perspectives in these areas. (F)
Upper-Division
ESYS 101. Environmental Biology (4) This course surveys biochemical and physiological processes governing the relationship between organisms and their environments, such as those involved in element cycling and cellular homeostasis. The course introduces biological perspectives on human activities ranging from antibiotic use to genetic engineering. Prerequisite: BILD 1 or 2 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. (F)
ESYS 102. The Solid and Fluid Earth (4) The physical Earth system can be divided into three components: the solid earth, the liquid earth, and the atmosphere. These components are all dynamic and interact in complex ways with profound impacts on our environment. We will examine the controls of natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, soil formation (and destruction), and changes in sea-level and climate. Prerequisites: Math. 10A, 10B, 10C, BILD 3, CHEM 6A-B-C, Physics 1A-B-C plus either Chem/Physics lab. (W)
ESYS 103/MAE 124. The Human Earth (4) This course explores the impacts of human, social, economic, and industrial activity on the environment. It highlights the central roles in ensuring sustainable development played by market forces, technological innovation, and governmental regulation on local, national, and global scales. Prerequisites: grade of C– or better in Math. 20B or Math. 10A-C; Physics 2B or Physics A-C; Chemistry 6B or by consent of instructor. In addition, ESYS majors, must take ESYS 101 and 102 or permission of instructor. (S)
ESYS 120. Science and Environmental Writing (4) Course designed to improve the written communication of science majors through frequent writing assignments that develop the practical skills needed to communicate science to lay audiences. Topics include news writing, news releases, grant writing, broadcast script writing, and editorial writing. Prerequisites: upper-division standing in science or mathematics major and completion of college composition requirement (or consent of instructor). (W)
ESYS 150. Environmental Perils (4) An advanced field-oriented course for engineering and science students stressing the geologic basis for environmental perils such as earthquakes, erosion, flooding, and waste disposal. Two one-hour lectures, and a two-hour lab/field trip each week. Prerequisites: Math. 10 A-B-C sequence and Physics 1A,AL; 1B,BL; 1C,1CL sequence or equivalent. (S)
ESYS 190A. Senior Project (8) All majors are required to complete an integrative Senior Project in their senior year. The Senior Project is designed by the student to focus on an interdisciplinary environmental problem or research topic and is developed either individually or as part of a team over two quarters. Appropriate topics could include biodiversity conservation, environmental health, and/or global change. An important component of the Senior Project is an off-campus or laboratory internship. Prerequisites: ESYS 103 and upper-division standing, departmental approval, majors only. (F,W)
ESYS 190A(W). Esys/UCDC Senior Project (4) ESYS majors may opt to complete the internship portion of their Senior Project through the UCDC Program. Students are expected to apply to the fall or winter quarter of UCDC Program and obtain an internship in a governmental agency, NGO, and/or research laboratory. Prerequisites: ESYS 103 and upper-division standing, departmental approval, majors only. (F,W)
ESYS 190B. Senior Seminar (2) The Senior Seminar provides a venue for the presentation and group evaluation of the ESYS Senior Projects. Prerequisite: ESYS 190A or 190A(W) (NOTE: After completing (1) quarter of ESYS 190A, ESYS 190B may be taken concurrently), senior standing. (S)
ESYS 199. Independent Study (2-4) Individually guided readings or projects in the area of environmental systems.