Environmental Systems
Courses
For course descriptions not found in the 2005-2006 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 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. The Living Earth (4) This
course will survey the basic biochemical and physiological processes
governing the relationship between organisms and their environments.
Fundamentals of molecular biology, enzyme reactions, photosynthesis,
and central metabolic processes, mechanisms underlying homeostasis
at cellular and organismal levels will be discussed with a view
toward understanding the adaptations and sensitivity of biological
systems to environmental perturbations. Prerequisite: none.
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. 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.
Environmental Systems Courses
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