Multidisciplinary research projects related to University or community environmental problems (e.g., energy, water conservation, solid waste, recycling).

An in-depth analysis course of a specific interdisciplinary environmental topic. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title.

An overview of the microbial world including a survey of the distribution, functioning, and diversity of microorganisms in natural systems. Discusses the crucial roles that microorganisms play in ecosystem function, biogeochemical cycles, and environmental quality.

Cross-listed course: BIOL 502, MSCI 503

This course will discuss the urgent need for deploying solar radiation and carbon dioxide removal approaches at scale, including potential benefits and risks of these options. It will also discuss regulatory and governance considerations at both the national and international level and strategizes to incentivize large-scale adoption of these approaches.

Cross-listed course: GEOL 504, MSCI 504

A discussion-based seminar course that examines nature-society relations in coastal regions globally. The course will use social theory to understand how uneven development processes shaped – and continue shaping – current coastlines. We will explore key topics including coastal capitalism, delta ecologies, and climate justice via several global case studies.

Integrated management system principles and advanced leadership strategies to create sustainable development initiatives.

Research, development and implementation of sustainability projects throughout the campus and community.

Interdisciplinary examination of the global policy challenge of ensuring equitable access to water and sanitation services for all.

Political, social, and cultural landscapes of food and farming around the world; issues of agricultural production, trade, consumption, and food security.

Critical examination of the ways ideas about nature and racial difference are conceptually and materially entwined with the production of social and environmental inequalities.

An analysis of the economics aspects of environmental decay, pollution control, and natural resource use. Analysis of the ability of the market system to allocate resources efficiently when economic activity is accompanied by environmental damage. Discussion of alternative public policy approaches to pollution control and natural resource conservation.

Principles of conservation biology. Importance of biodiversity, causes of decline and extinction, and restoration and conversation policy in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Quantitative study of the population, community and evolutionary ecology of freshwater habitats (lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, wetlands). Includes mandatory fieldtrips.

Current issues, policies, and regulations pertaining to environmental studies. Emphasizes integrated multidisciplinary approaches toward identification, evaluation, preservation, mitigation, and/or utilization of environmentally sensitive material and sites.

This course provides a hands-on, project-oriented investigation of current approaches for research in marine science, ecology and environmental science. Components of the course will include exploratory data analyses, statistics, graphics and the R programming language. Prior programming experience is beneficial, but not required.

International environmental management systems standards will be integrated with business planning to provide students with the best strategies for future growth in today’s environmentally sensitive global economy.

Directed research topics to be individually assigned.

Preparation and presentation of a capstone project plan for conduct of multidisciplinary environmental research addressing public/private/non-profit sector issues through an internship in government agencies, NGOs or private industry.

Environmental internship in government agencies, NGOs, or private industry, culminating in a project deliverable. Typically includes data analyses/metrics, resource management options, and/or internal outreach education, with final assessment. Restricted to graduate students in the MEERM program.

Thesis Preparation.

Examination of the effectiveness of environmental policies and methods relative to current issues and needs.

An examination of issues related to environmental policy making, implementation and management.

This seminar is designed to explore and develop practical advocacy skills in the area of environmental representation and to provide an understanding of advocacy in administrative, legislative, and litigation arenas.

Examination of the intellectual, cultural, and ethical frameworks within which environmental problems arise and are solved.