Course Catalog Environmental Sciences (ENV SCI)


ENV SCI  101 - Introduction to Becoming a Scientist
Learn about the challenges and rewards of a science major. Acquire essential professional skills using electronic databases and spread sheets that are needed by science majors. Learn about current science and the culture of scientists.
P: Fr or So status only.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
1 units min / 1 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  102 - Introduction to Environmental Sciences
Examines the interrelationships between people and their biophysical environment, including the atmosphere, water, rocks and soil, and other living organisms. The scientific analysis of nature and the social and political issues of natural resource use.
No Prerequisites
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
General Education: Environmental Sciences 1
General Education: Natural & Physical Sciences 1
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  141 - Astronomy
A study of the solar system, stars, galaxies and universe.
No Prerequisites
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
General Education: Environmental Sciences 1
General Education: Natural & Physical Sciences 1
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  142 - Exploration of the Universe
Economic, educational, social and cultural impact of space exploration and of our knowledge of the universe. Major periods in human history affecting our knowledge of the cosmos; impacts of various scientific developments such as the Copernican heliocentric model and Darwinian evolution.
P: Env Sci 141 or Physics 103 or 201 or 141 or Chem 211.
Typically offered in Fall Even
General Education: Natural & Physical Sciences 1
General Education: Natural Sciences 2
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  188 - Issues in Biological Conservation
Current problems and controversies of nature conservation; scientific and political issues surrounding endangered species preservation, hunting and fishing, forest management, land use, animal rights, biotechnology and similar topics.
P: Env Sci 102 or Biology 203.
Typically offered in Spring
General Education: Natural & Physical Sciences 2
General Education: Natural Sciences 2
Writing Emphasis: Writing Emphasis
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  207 - Laboratory Safety
This course examines safety within the science laboratory with emphasis on practical application. Topics include current safety regulations, identification of hazards, chemical labeling and storage, waste management, personal protective equipment, ventilation, spill response, and biosafety.
P: Biology 202 or 203 or Chem 108, 211 or 212 or Hum Biol 204.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
1 units min / 1 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  260 - Energy and Society
The issues relating energy and society rather than energy technology per se: global energy flows; sources of energy; energy-related problems, policy and conservation; energy growth; future scenarios.
P: Env Sci 102 or Physics 103 or Chem 211.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
General Education: Natural & Physical Sciences 2
General Education: Natural Sciences 2
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  301 - Radioactivity: Past, Present, and Future
Radioactive isotopes play a significant role in many aspects of the natural and human environments. People are affected throughout their lives by natural and anthropogenic isotopes at local, national, and global scales. From radon in houses and radium in local drinking water supplies to fallout from Chernobyl, humans are directly impacted through health, economic, and technological pathways.
REC: HS chemistry or earth science, or Earth Sci 102
Typically offered in Fall
General Education: Natural & Physical Sciences 2
General Education: Natural Sciences 2
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  302 - Principles of Ecology
Ecological principles governing interactions of plants and animals in their physical and biotic environments. Focuses on organisms and their environment, populations, communities, ecosystems, and global dimensions.
P: Math 104 or Math Placement of Math 202 or greater; Math 260 and Biology 203.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
Writing Emphasis: Writing Emphasis
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  303 - Conservation of Natural Resources
Principles of conservation: the nature and extent of our natural resources; exploitation and conservation of our resource system; natural chemical, physical and biological processes which affect and influence conservation and management practices; politics and economics of resource conservation.
P: Env Sci 102 or Biology 203 or Earth Sc 202.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
General Education: Natural & Physical Sciences 2
General Education: Natural Sciences 2
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  305 - Environmental Systems
Physical and chemical aspects of natural environmental processes. The movement, transformation, and fate of materials and contaminants.
P: Chem 212 and Earth Sc 202 and Math 104 and Biology 202.
Typically offered in Fall
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  318 - Pollution Control
Government regulations, manufacturing processes, waste minimization, pollution prevention methods and pollution control techniques of major industries.
P: Chem 212.
Typically offered in Fall
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  320 - The Soil Environment
The physical, chemical and biological properties and principals of soils; formation, classification and distribution of major soil orders; function and management of soils in natural, agricultural and urban environments. Includes field and laboratory experiences.
P: Chem 108 or 212; REC: Earth Sc 202.
Typically offered in Fall
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  323 - Pollution Prevention
Emphasizes principles of pollution prevention and environmentally conscious products, processes and manufacturing systems. Also addresses post-use product disposal, life cycle analysis, and pollution prevention economics.
P: Env Sci 318.
Typically offered in Spring Odd
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  325 - Regional Climatology
The elements, controls, and classification of climates; the distribution of climate types over the earth; world patterns of climate.
P: Earth Sc 222 or Geog 222; REC: Earth Sc 202.
Typically offered in Fall
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  330 - Hydrology
Qualitative study of the principal elements of the water cycle, including precipitation, runoff, infiltration, evapotranspiration and ground water; applications to water resource projects such as low flow augmentation, flow reregulation, irrigation, public and industrial water supply and flood control.
P: Earth Sc 202.
Typically offered in Fall
Writing Emphasis: Writing Emphasis
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  335 - Water and Waste Water Treatment
Water and waste water treatment systems, including both sewage and potable water treatment plants and their associated collection and distribution systems. Study of the unit operations, physical, chemical and biological, used in both systems.
P: Earth Sc 202 or Chem 211 or Biology 202.
Typically offered in Spring
Writing Emphasis: Writing Emphasis
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  342 - Environmental Geology
Applications of fundamental geologic concepts in the interpretation of environmental problems resulting from the exploitation of crustal resources. Environmental impact of construction, mining, waste disposal, natural geologic hazards and the tapping of crustal energy sources.
P: Earth Sc 202.
Typically offered in Spring
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
General Education: Natural Sciences 2
Writing Emphasis: Writing Emphasis
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  353 - Air Photo Interpretation
Techniques for the interpretation of human and natural land use. Wide variety of aerial photo formats and scales are used. Vertical and oblique photos, satellite images, and Internet web sites incorporated into course material.
P: so st.
Typically offered in Fall
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  363 - Plant and Forest Pathology
Important diseases of forest, shade and orchard trees and diseases of representative economic plants; fungus deterioration in wood storage, its economic importance and methods of control.
P: Biology 203 or transfer cse Biology 003.
Typically offered in Fall
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  370 - Emergence of Western Technology
History of the shift in the technological balance of power from 16th century China, India and the Islamic world to western Europe and later to North America.
P: Chem 108 or 211 or Earth Sc 102 or 202 or 222 or Env Sci 102 or 141 or Geog 222 or Physics 141 or 103 or 180 or 201 and Hum Stud 101 or 201.
Typically offered in Fall Odd
General Education: Natural & Physical Sciences 2
General Education: Natural Sciences 2
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  405 - Aquatic Ecology
An introduction to a diversity of freshwater systems, including streams, wetlands, reservoirs and lakes. The lab involves sampling of lakes and streams in eastern Wisconsin for biological and chemical analysis.
P: Biology 203, Chem 212, Env Sci 302 and Math 260.
Typically offered in Fall
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  407 - Modeling of Environmental Systems
Creation and analysis of deterministic and stochastic mathematical models describing material and energy flows in environmental systems. Measurements needed for parameter estimation and model validation. Ethics in modeling.
P: Math 260 and Env Sci 302 or 305.
Typically offered in Spring
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  415 - Solar and Alternate Energy Systems
Study of alternate energy systems which may be the important energy sources in the future, such as solar, wind, biomass, fusion, ocean thermal, fuel cells and magneto hydrodynamics.
P: Physics 104 or 202.
Typically offered in Spring Even
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  421 - Soils and Geology of Wisconsin Field Trip
Intensive three-day field study tour of the properties, origins and uses of major soils and landscapes of Wisconsin, with follow-up discussions. Cost of tour bus, guidebook, meals and lodging borne by student.
P: Earth Sc 202.
Typically offered in Fall Odd
Course is repeatable to 9 credits.
Course Fees: $125 course fee
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
1 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  432 - Hydrogeology
Introduction to the geological and physical principles governing ground water flow. Description of aquifer properties, chemical processes, equation of flow, well hydraulics, and environmental concerns.
P: Earth Sc 202 and Env Sci 330; REC: Math 202.
Typically offered in Spring
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  434 - Environmental Chemistry
Physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting the composition of air and water. Chemical reactions in polluted, and unpolluted environments; dispersal processes and methods of control for various pollutants.
P: Chem 311 with at least a C grade and 300 with at least a C grade; or Chem 311 with at least a C grade and 302 with at least a C grade and 303 with at least a C grade.
Typically offered in Fall
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  435 - Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
Basic measurement techniques used by environmental scientists to evaluate air and water quality; field methods, continuous monitoring techniques, and in-laboratory analysis techniques. Experiments demonstrate reaction kinetics, stoichiometry, thermodynamics instrumentation, and wet chemical methods.
P: Chem 434 or conc enr, or Env Sci 434 or conc enr, or Chem 311.
Typically offered in Fall
1 units min / 1 units max, Laboratory


ENV SCI  454 - Remote Sensing and GIS
Large area, small scale analysis of earth surface features by satellite imagery and data. Manual and computer-assisted manipulation of multispectral images with respect to vegetation, geology, soils, water resources and land use.
P: Earth Sc 202 or Geog 250.
Typically offered in Spring
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  460 - Resource Management Strategy
Application of the principles of systems analysis to the sustainable use of material and energy resources. Emphasis on use of analytical tools of economics (e.g. costs-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and risk-benefit analysis) and the process of public policy making and implementation.
REC: background in econ and conservation.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
General Education: Natural & Physical Sciences 2
General Education: Natural Sciences 2
Writing Emphasis: Writing Emphasis
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  467 - Ecological and Environmental Methods and Analysis
Overview of current theory and practices of ecological sampling and analysis for terrestrial systems with field and laboratory experiences in these methods.
P: Env Sci 302 or 305, and Math 260. REC: Env Sci 302 and 305
Typically offered in Spring
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
Writing Emphasis: Writing Emphasis
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  469 - Conservation Biology
Overview of the major issues and ecological principles underlying the field of conservation of biology, including patterns and measurement of biological diversity from genetic to community scales.
P: Chem 212 and Env Sci 302.
Typically offered in Spring
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
General Education: Natural & Physical Sciences 2
General Education: Natural Sciences 2
Writing Emphasis: Writing Emphasis
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  491 - Senior Thesis/Research in Environmental Science
A project-based capstone experience where individual students address a specific aspect of the environmental sciences through the use of scientific and mathematical skills.
P: Env Sci 302 or 305; Math 260; instr consent. REC: Env Sci 302 and 305.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
3 units min / 4 units max, Independent Study


ENV SCI  492 - Practicum in Environmental Science
A project-based course in which students address a practical application of scientific and mathematics skills in the environmental sciences. Topics vary.
P: Env Sci 302 or 305, and Math 260. REC: Env Sci 302 and 305
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Course is repeatable for credit.
1 units min / 4 units max, Field Experience


ENV SCI  497 - Internship
Supervised practical experience in an organization or activity appropriate to a student's career and educational interests. Internships are supervised by faculty members and require periodic student/faculty meetings. All internships must be taken P-NC.
P: jr st and gpa > or = 2.75 and completion of 3 UL cses in maj or min.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Course is repeatable for credit.
1 units min / 12 units max, Field Experience


ENV SCI  498 - Independent Study
Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early inthe semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.
P: fr or so st with cum gpa > or = 2.50; or jr or sr st with cum gpa > or = 2.00.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Course is repeatable for credit.
1 units min / 4 units max, Independent Study


ENV SCI  505 - Environmental Systems
Physical and chemical aspects of natural environmental processes. The movement, transformation, and fate of materials and contaminants. P: gr st. (F)
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Fall
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  518 - Pollution Control
Government regulations, manufacturing processes, waste minimization, pollution prevention methods and pollution control techniques of major industries. P: gr st. (F) Field Trips Required.
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Fall
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  520 - The Soil Environment
The physical, chemical and biological properties and principals of soils; formation, classification and distribution of major soil orders; function and management of soils in natural, agricultural and urban environments. Includes field and laboratory experiences. P: gr st. (F) Field Trips Required.
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Fall
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  523 - Pollution Prevention
Emphasizes principles of pollution prevention and environmentally conscious products, processes and manufacturing systems. Also addresses post-use product disposal, life cycle analysis, and pollution prevention economics. P: gr st. (SO)
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Spring Odd
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  530 - Hydrology
Qualitative study of the principal elements of the water cycle, including precipitation, runoff, infiltration, evapotranspiration and ground water; applications to water resource projects such as low flow augmentation, flow reregulation, irrigation, public and industrial water supply and flood control. P: gr st. (F)
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Fall
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  535 - Water and Waste Water Treatment
Water and waste water treatment systems, including both sewage and potable water treatment plants and their associated collection and distribution systems. Study of the unit operations, physical, chemical and biological, used in both systems. P: gr st. (S)
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Spring
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  563 - Plants and Forest Pathology
Important diseases of forest, shade and orchard trees and diseases of representative economic plants; fungus deterioration in wood storage, its economic importance and methods of control. P: gr st. (F) Field Trips Required.
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Fall
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  605 - Aquatic Ecology
An introduction to a diversity of freshwater systems, including streams, wetlands, reservoirs and lakes. The lab involves sampling of lakes and streams in eastern Wisconsin for biological and chemical analysis. P: gr st. (F) Field Trips Required.
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Fall
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  615 - Solar and Alternate Energy Systems
Study of alternate energy systems which may be the important energy sources in the future, such as solar, wind, biomass, fusion, ocean thermal, fuel cells and magneto hydrodynamics. P: gr st. (SE)
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Spring Even
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  621 - Soils and Geology of Wisconsin Field Trip
Intensive three-day field study tour of the properties, origins and uses of major soils and landscapes of Wisconsin, with follow-up discussions. Cost of tour bus, guidebook, meals and lodging borne by student.
No Prerequisites
Typically offered in Fall Odd
Course is repeatable to 9 credits.
Course Fees: $125 course fee
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
1 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  632 - Hydrogeology
Introduction to the geological and physical principles governing ground water flow. Description of aquifer properties, chemical processes, equation of flow, well hydraulics, and environmental concerns.
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Spring
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  634 - Environmental Chemistry
Physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting the composition of air and water. Chemical reactions in polluted, and unpolluted environments; dispersal processes and methods of control for various pollutants. P: gr st. (F)
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Fall
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  635 - Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
Basic measurement techniques used by environmental scientists to evaluate air and water quality; field methods, continuous monitoring techniques, and in-laboratory analysis techniques. Experiments demonstrate reaction kinetics, stoichiometry, thermodynamics instrumentation, and wet chemical methods.
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Fall
1 units min / 1 units max, Laboratory


ENV SCI  654 - Remote Sensing and GIS
Large area, small scale analysis of earth surface features by satellite imagery and data. Manual and computer-assisted manipulation of multispectral images with respect to vegetation, geology, soils, water resources and land use.
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Spring
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  660 - Resource Management Strategy
Application of the principles of systems analysis to the sustainable use of material and energy resources. Emphasis on use of analytical tools of economics (e.g. costs-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and risk-benefit analysis) and the process of public policy making and implementation. P: gr st. (F,S)
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  667 - Ecological Methods and Analysis
Overview of current theory and practices of ecological sampling and analysis for terrestrial systems with field and laboratory experiences in these methods. P: gr st. (S) Field Trips Required.
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Spring
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  668 - Ecological Applications
Application of ecological knowledge to the management of natural and human dominated environments, including consideration of agroecosystems, forest, wetland and riparian ecosystems. Attention given to ecology and management of harvestable species, endangered species, non-indigenous species and indigenous pest species. Introduction to the fields of ecotoxicology, ecological risk assessment and ecological economics as they relate to ecosystem management. P: gr st. (F) Field Trips Required.
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Fall
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture


ENV SCI  669 - Conservation Biology
Overview of the major issues and ecological principles underlying the field of conservation of biology, including patterns and measurement of biological diversity from genetic to community scales. P: gr st. (S) Field Trips Required.
P: gr st.
Typically offered in Spring
Field Trip: Field Trip(s) Required
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture