Department of Environmental Sciences

EEES – 1010 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY [3 hours]
Introduction to classification and origins of rocks and minerals, surficial processes and landscape development, groundwater and other natural resources, geologic structures, earthquakes and the earth's interior, plate tectonics, and geologic time. No credit if EEES 2100 is taken. [Fall, Spring, Summer] General Education Natural Sciences core course.

EEES – 1020 INTRODUCTORY GEOLOGY LABORATORY [1 hour]
Identification of rocks and minerals. Study of the Earth's surface features through the use of topographic and geologic maps, and aerial photographs. [Fall, Spring, Summer] General Education Natural Sciences core course.

EEES – 1050 GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS AND THE ENVIRONMENT [3 hours]
Introduction to hazardous geological processes and materials : volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, ground subsidence and collapse, landslides, coastal flooding and erosion and others. Causes and risk mitigation are discussed. [Usually offered each semester]. General Education Natural Sciences core course. (Spring and Summer are offered in a Distance Learning format.)

EEES – 1130 DOWN TO EARTH ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE [3 hours]
Evaluation of environmental controversies using ecology, economics and human values. Issues range from global change, overpopulation, food production, pollution, disease, and endangered species to unique habitats including rainforests and coral reefs. (Not for credit in the major.) [Fall, Spring] General Education Natural Sciences core course.

EEES – 1140 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS LAB [1 hour]
Basic scientific methods are used to conduct laboratory and field studies of contemporary environmental problems. [Fall, Spring] General Education Natural Sciences core course.

EEES – 1150 MARINE BIOLOGY [3 hours]
An exploration of life in the world's oceans, emphasizing how marine organisms thrive in broadly diverse environments. Topics include the major ocean habitats and ecological relationships among associated flora/fauna. [Spring] Natural Sciences core course. (Offered in a Distance Learning format.)

EEES – 1170 MICROBES AND SOCIETY [3 hours]
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the fascinating and important roles of microbes in everyday life, including disease and public health, environmental science, agriculture, and bioterrorism. [Spring] General Education Natural Sciences core course.

EEES - 1180 MARINE BIOLOGY CORAL REEF LAB [1 hour]
A virtual laboratory-based exploration of the coral reef environment and the dynamics of the coral reef ecosystem. The web of life on reefs will be examined at multiple levels, including living and non-living components and specialized roles among species, with emphasis on the delicate balance of natural processes and impacts of various stressors. Online data labs will be enhanced with at-home activities including creating and manipulating a physical model of a reef ecosystem. This course fulfills the university requirement for a natural science laboratory. [Spring] (Offered in a Distance Learning format.)

EEES – 2010 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES [3 hours] 
Introduction to issues currently affecting environmental quality. Fundamental scientific concepts relating to those issues, and ethical, economic, legal and political considerations that affect the resolution of environmental problems. Intended for freshmen and sophomores. [Fall]

EEES – 2020 INTRODUCTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT: ENERGY AND CLIMATE [3 hours] 
Introduction to issues currently affecting affecting environmental quality associated with energy production and the impacts to climate change. Fundamental scientific concepts relating to those issues and ethical, economic, legal and political considerations that affect the resolution of environmental problems. [Spring, Fall]

EEES – 2100 FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOLOGY [4 hours]
Consideration of earth materials and the dynamic external and internal processes active on earth; the physical and biological history of the earth. Required overnight field trip [Fall, Spring] Prerequisite: CHEM 1090 or 1230.

EEES – 2150 BIODIVERSITY  [4 hours]
Examination of the diversity of life on earth and its evolution, systematics and behavior; the structure of ecosystems, and concepts of population and community ecology. [Fall, Spring]

EEES – 2160 BIODIVERSITY LAB [1 hour]
Laboratory exercises designed to complement the material covered in EEES 2150. [Fall, Spring] Corequisite: EEES 2150.

EEES – 2200 CLIMATE CHANGE [3 hours]
An overview of the understanding of climate change and role of human activities, including atmospheric processes, greenhouse effect, carbon cycling, physical evidence, impacts, and proposed global actions in response. [Fall OR Spring] (Offered in a Distance Learning format)

EEES – 2230 EARTH HISTORY: HISTORICAL GEOLOGY AND PALEONTOLOGY [3 hours]
The morphology and paleoecology of fossil taxa, significant strata, and tectonic events important to the interpretation of paleoenvironments and Earth history are stressed. Field trip(s) required. [Spring] Prerequisite: EEES 2100 (Taught as a writing intensive course—WAC)

EEES – 2400 OCEANOGRAPHY & WATER RESOURCES [3 hours]
Physical, chemical, geological and biological nature of oceans and ocean basins. Ocean resources, circulation, climate and the hydrologic cycle. Fresh water resources and resource management. [Fall]

EEES – 2500 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES [1 hour]
Desktop computer uses by scientists: word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, e-mail and WWW, table digitizer, processing GPS and data logger files, contour and mapping software. [Fall, Spring] Prerequisite: EEES 1010 or 2100; knowledge of algebra, plane geometry and basic trigonometry.

EEES – 2510 ADVANCED COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES [2 hours]
Team taught. Collecting and analyzing spatial data, digital elevation models, mathematical modeling of natural processes and introduction to matrix operations in Excel. [Spring] Prerequisites EEES 2500.

EEES – 2900 SEMINAR [1 hour]
Individual presentation and discussion of topics in the environmental sciences appropriate for students interested in environmental sciences but with little or no formal background in the discipline. [Taught when demand warrants] Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

EEES – 2980 SPECIAL TOPICS [1 - 4 hours] A lower division undergraduate course covering some aspect of environmental sciences not covered in the formal course offerings of the department. Students may repeat the course for different topics. [Taught when demand warrants] Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

EEES – 2990 INDEPENDENT STUDY [1-4 hours]
Student selects an appropriate approved subject for individualized study and prepares a report or gives equivalent evidence of mastery of the selected subject. [Taught when demand warrants] Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

EEES - 3050 GENERAL ECOLOGY [3 hours]
The structure, function and regulation of populations, communities and ecosystems, emphasizing human activities and their ecological consequences. [Fall]

EEES – 3060 GENERAL ECOLOGY LABORATORY [1 hour]
Laboratory and field exercises demonstrating ecological principles. [Fall] Corequisite: EEES 3050.

EEES – 3100 SURFICIAL PROCESSES [3 hours]
Description and study of the earth's surface features from the point of view of their origin including landforms created by volcanism, tectonics, and erosional/depositional processes. Field trip required. [Fall] Prerequisite: EEES 1010 or 2100.

EEES – 3210 MINERALOGY & PETROLOGY [3 hours] 
Mineralogy: Rock-forming mineral characteristics, identification and geologic environments of formation. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology: Igneous and metamorphic rock characteristics, origins, classification and interpretation of conditions of formation. [Offered every third semester, next is Spring 2020] Prerequisite: EEES 2100.

EEES – 3220 SEDIMENTARY PETROLOGY & STRATIGRAPHY [3 hours]
Megascopic description of sediments and sedimentary rocks, including their characteristics, classification and diagenesis; introduction to depositional processes and environments of sediments, and stratigraphic relationships of sedimentary rocks. (Taught as a writing intensive course—WAC). [Offered every third semester, next is Fall 2020] Prerequisite: EEES 2100.

EEES – 3250 ENGINEERING GEOLOGY [3 hours]
Application of geologic principles to engineering practices (dams, tunnels, drainage, foundations and water supply). Labs stress rock and mineral identification, quality control tests in engineering design and construction using rock. [Fall] Prerequisite: MATH 1750 or 1850.

EEES – 3310 FIELD METHODS: STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY & MAPPING [3 hours]
Rock deformation and its expression on maps; applying geometrical and trigonometric principles to solve problems involving dipping strata; stereonet applications, interpreting geological maps, constructing cross sections, geological GIS applications. [Offered every third semester, next is Fall 2019] Prerequisite: EEES 2100.

EEES – 3900 LITERATURE AND COMMUNICATIONS IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES [3 hours]
Includes discussions of environmental issues featuring guest experts from a variety of environmental-related occupations, readings in environmental literature and student reports on projects and internships. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. (Taught as a writing intensive course)

EEES – 4100 GLACIAL GEOLOGY [3 hours]
To understand glaciers and glacial landscapes. Topics include mass balance, ice flow, hydrology, erosion, deposition, landforms, glacial lakes and development of the Ohio glacial landscape. Field trip is mandatory. Odd Springs] Prerequisite: EEES 3100 or consent of instructor.

EEES – 4150 EVOLUTION [3 hours]
The modern theory of evolution presented within a framework of theoretical genetics and population biology; phylogeny and evolution of the vertebrates. [Spring] Prerequisite: EEES 2150 or BIOL 2150; CHEM 1230.

EEES – 4200 QUATERNARY GEOLOGY [3 hours]
To provide understanding of such cyclical events as climate change, sea level fluctuations, vegetation change and ice sheet paleogeography during the Quaternary Period and to explore future changes for planet Earth. [Even Springs] Prerequisite: EEES 3100 or consent of instructor.

EEES – 4220 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY [3 hours]
Chemical reactions of environmental concern. Water and soil chemistry related to contaminant fate and mobility. Petroleum formation, migration and accumulation in the subsurface. Computer software used. [Even Springs] Prerequisite: CHEM 1230.

EEES – 4240 SOIL SCIENCE [3 hours]
Basic principles of soil formation, physics, chemistry and biology with emphasis on their influence on fluid and chemical migration and preservation of soil quality from geological, agricultural and environmental perspectives. [Spring] Prerequisite: CHEM 1230.

EEES – 4250 SOIL ECOLOGY  [3 hours]
Underlying concepts and theory of modern soil ecology will be reviewed including spatial and temporal distributions, sampling methods, biogeochemical cycles and ecological functions of soil. [Next offered Fall2016] Prerequisite: EEES 3050 or EEES 4240.

EEES – 4260 SOIL ECOLOGY LAB  [1 hour]
Ecological significance of soil biotic and abiotic properties that mediate plant productivity, community composition, and ecosystem function. Specific goals are to examine the (1) relationships among the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and their influence on soil fertility; (2) linkages between soil microorganisms and their environment; and (3) impacts of human activities on soil function. [Next offered Fall2016]

EEES 4350 - ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS [3 hours]
The ecology, diversity, evolution, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Lectures will discuss natural history, trait diversity, evolutionary context, and ecological implications of amphibians and reptiles. Hands-on activities include taxonomy and identification of local species, survey and field methods, and discussions of scientific literature. Throughout this course, the biology of amphibians and reptiles will be emphasized in the context of conservation.[Odd Springs]

EEES 4355 - ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS LAB [1 hour]
Laboratory and field exercises relevant to the conservation and biology of reptiles and amphibians. This course includes field trips, data collection, and analysis of data and samples. Field trips will focus on standard methods of catching, handling, and marking reptiles and amphibians, along with field techniques relevant to studying the ecology and conservation of reptiles and amphibians. [Odd Springs]

EEES – 4410 HYDROGEOLOGY [3 hours]
Fundamentals of groundwater flow and geological controls including applications to water resource evaluation, utilization,, chemical characterization and contaminant transport. Basic groundwater course for environmental scientists, geologists and engineers. [Spring] Prerequisite: MATH 1750 or 1850, or 1830 or 1920.

EEES – 4450 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT [3 hours]
Environmental regulations concerning hazardous waste, characteristics of hazardous waste and disposal technologies, toxicology, characteristics of organic chemicals and heavy metals, biodegradation, soil science, groundwater contamination, risk assessment, site investigation. [Fall] Prerequisite: CHEM 1230.

EEES - 4480 GIS APPLICATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES [3 hours]
An applications course focused on using GIS techniques and applications in environmental problems and research. Prerequisite: EEES 2500 for level UG with minimum grade of D-.

EEES - 4490 REMOTE SENSING OF THE ENVIRONMENT [4 credit hours]
Introduction to theory, methods and techniques used to gather and analyze remote sensor data. Topics range from low altitude air photo interpretation through satellite image acquisition. Prerequisite: EEES 2100 for level UG with minimum grade of D-.

EEES – 4510 ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY [3 hours]
The diversity of microbial life and activities, the functioning of microbial ecosystems in energy and carbon flow and remediation of polluted environments, and the detection and control of pathogens. [Taught when demand warrants] Prerequisite: EEES 2150 and CHEM 1230 or consent of instructor.

EEES – 4520 BIOREMEDIATION [3 hours]
The environmental fate and transport of contaminants; their transformation and biodegradation by plants and microorganisms; bioremediation strategies, including solid phase, slurry phase, and vapor-phase treatments, and natural attenuation. [Taught when demand warrants] Corequisite: EEES 2150 and CHEM 1230 or consent of instructor.

EEES – 4530 PHYTOREMEDIATION PRINCIPLES [3 hours]
Course describes the process of phytoremediation with references to both physiological modes of uptake and transformation of contaminants to field applications. [Taught when demand warrants] Prerequisite: EEES 2150 and CHEM 1230 or consent of instructor.

EEES – 4540 MICROBIAL ECOLOGY [3 hours]
Students will learn the underlying processes that drive microbial population structure and function in the environment and become familiar with classical and current methodology used in microbial community analysis. [Taught when demand warrants] Prerequisite: EEES 2150 or BIOL 2170.

EEES – 4550 METHODS OF MICROBIAL INVESTIGATION [3 hours]
Student will learn the classical and current methodologies (biochemical and molecular) used in microbial community analysis while developing an understanding of experimental design sample handling and data analysis. [taught when demand warrants] Prerequisite: EEES 4540.

EEES – 4610 GEOPHYSICS [3 hours]
Survey of theory, field applications, interpretation principles of solid earth and exploration geophysics. Two hours lecture, three hours methods laboratory. [Taught when demand warrants] Prerequisite: MATH 1760 or 1860; PHYS 2020 or 2120. (Taught as a writing intensive course-WAC)

EEES – 4630 NUMERICAL METHODS IN GEOPHYSICS [3 hours]
Numerical filters and matrix operations used to process potential filed data and wave forms, isolating anomalies and signals of interest; derivative maps, upward and downward continuation; current interpretation software. Term project. [Taught when demand warrants] Prerequisite: EEES 4610.

EEES – 4640 APPLIED GEOLOGY [2 hours in Fall; 1 hour in Spring]
Weekly field experiments Friday mornings (10 weeks in fall; 5 weeks in spring) covering a variety of geology topics to simulate professional activity and strengthen concepts. Prerequisite: Junior standing required; permission of the Department. (Both Fall and Spring sections are required for the BS or BA in Geology)

EEES 4650 GEOLOGY FIELD STUDIES [1-4 credit hours]
Intensive field studies in various areas of geologic interest. Studies may involve various geologic field methods and descriptive techniques. Course may be repeated multiple times. [Fall and Spring] Prerequisite: EEES 1010 or EEES 2100.

EEES – 4730 AQUATIC ECOLOGY [3 hours]
The biology of population, communities and ecosystems with an emphasis on aquatic environments. Includes the application of principles and theory from aquatic ecology to help understand and solve management problems in aquatic systems. [Next offered Fall16] Prerequisite: EEES 3050 or consent of instructor.

EEES – 4740 AQUATIC ECOLOGY LABORATORY [1 hour]
Laboratory exercises on the biology of aquatic populations, communities and ecosystems. [Next offered Fall16] Corequisite: EEES 4730.

EEES – 4750 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY [3 hours]
The application of principles of ecology, biogeography, genetics, economics, philosophy, and other disciplines to the study and maintenance of biological diversity in temperate, subtropical, and tropical systems. [Spring, alternate years, even] Prerequisite: EEES 3050.

EEES – 4755 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY LAB [1 hour] 
Laboratory and field exercises relevant to the conservation biology of populations, communities and ecosystems.  This course includes field trips, sample analyses and computer‐based approaches to biodiversity inventories and reserve design. [Spring, alternate years, even] Prerequisite: EEES 2500, 3050.

EEES – 4760 LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY [3 hours]
Emphasis will be placed on ecological patterns, processes and management applications at multiple spatial and temporal scales. [Spring, alternate years, even] Prerequisite: EEES 3050.

EEES – 4790 ECOLOGY FIELD STUDY [2-4 hours]
Field study of globally significant ecosystem(s), including analysis of structural and functional relationships within and between ecosystems. Opportunities for individual student projects.  Prerequisite: EEES 3050 or equivalent.

EEES – 4900 SEMINAR: ADVANCED UNDERGRADUATE [1 hour]
Individual presentation and discussion of topics in the environmental sciences appropriate for juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

EEES – 4910 DIRECTED RESEARCH [1 - 5 hours]
Research under guidance of faculty member. An acceptable thesis is required for credit toward major. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

EEES – 4920 SENIOR GEOLOGY SEMINAR [2 hours]
Survey of geology at a senior level using readings, class discussions and some lectures. The final exam will be one of the assessment vehicles of the department. [Spring] Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

EEES – 4940 INTERNSHIP [1 - 4 hours]
Student gains up to 4 credits for relevant professional experience with an adviser-approved organization (Dr. Sigler). Student must enroll during the term service is performed. Prerequisite: Consent of undergraduate adviser.
 
EEES - 4970 ENVIRONMENTAL CAPSTONE [3 hours]
A theme-based capstone course focused on integration, synthesis and applications of course work students have taken in their program of study, including a comprehensive assessment of that program of study. Departmental majors with different academic backgrounds work in small teams to complete a practical, interdisciplinary project for a client culminating in a scope of work, team-presentation and project report. Clients might include a conservation organization, governmental agency, private industry, school, or other. Permission of instructor. [Spring]

 EEES – 4980 SPECIAL TOPICS: ADVANCED UNDERGRADUATE [1 - 4 hours]
An advanced undergraduate course covering some aspect of the environmental sciences not covered in the formal upper-division undergraduate curriculum. Student may repeat the course for different topics. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

EEES – 4990 INDEPENDENT STUDY: ADVANCED UNDERGRADUATE [1 - 4 hours]
Student selects an appropriate approved subject for individualized study and prepares a report or gives equivalent evidence of mastery of the selected subject. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.