Course Descriptions
Environmental Science course descriptions are listed below for the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science. Core courses and other requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science are listed elsewhere on this website. Please go to the main UIW homepage for all other information on degree programs in the Sciences and Engineering, course enrollment at UIW, financial aid, and advising.
1410 Environmental Science and Laboratory
Environmental Science is an integrated lecture and laboratory course involving the study of the physical and biological systems of the Earth, their complex connections and patterns, and human interactions with the environment. The course includes an examination of the challenges of preserving the productivity and diversity of biological systems for the continued maintenance of life on Earth. Fee.
2315 Environmental Chemistry
This course examines inorganic, organic, physical, and biochemical principles related to environmental chemistry. Topics include photochemical smog, water and soil pollutants, and environmental ethics. Prerequisite: CHEM 1301, 1101, 1302, and 1102. Fee.
2410 Stream Hydrology and Ecology and Laboratory
This introductory course covers a broad range of topics that include the hydrologic cycle, watershed hydrology, runoff generation, precipitation, evapotranspiration, infiltration, stream processes, and interactions of plants and animals within the stream environment. Case studies, short field trips, and laboratories foster an understanding of hydrological and ecological concepts, applications, and principles. Prerequisite: BIOL 1401, 1402. Fee.
3410 Research in Soil Conservation and Laboratory
This course is a study of the social, environmental and economic value of soil, and the processes related to soil degradation. It includes an examination of the basic principles of soil management and soil conservation and associated use of best management practices, and a study of the technological advances that can be utilized to keep our soil resources sustainable. Prerequisite: BIOL 1401, 1402. Fee.
4203 Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
This course applies the diverse methods of chemical analysis to study the composition of water, soil, and atmosphere. Particular attention is paid to the movement and fate of pollutants in our biosphere. A limited scope field study will be performed to familiarize the students with the sampling and analysis of environmental samples. Prerequisite: CHEM 2311, 3421, ENSC 4302, 4303. Fee.
4301 Aquatic Environmental Chemistry
This course provides environmental understanding of the principles of aquatic chemistry and equilibria as they apply to environmental systems including natural waters, wastewater and treated waters. Prerequisite: CHEM 2311, 2111, and 3421. Fee.
4302 Atmospheric Environmental Chemistry
This course investigates the structure and chemical composition of, and the chemical processes occurring in the Earth's atmosphere, including interactions with solar radiation, the stratospheric ozone layer, greenhouse effect, changes in the oxidation capacity of the troposphere, photochemical smog and acid rain. Prerequisite: CHEM 2311, 2111, and 3421. Fee.
4305 Environmental Science Internship
Students participate in on-the-job training at local environmental companies or governmental agencies approved by the program director. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and junior or senior standing in the Environmental Science program. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
4415 Geographic Information Systems in Biology
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Biology is a computer assemblage that has the capability to create a comprehensive database with many layers of information. The assemblage provides visualization of spatial patterns by cross-referencing different layers of information. This course will concentrate on GIS application in Biology. Prerequisite: BIOL 1401, 1402. Cross-listed with BIOL 4415. Fee.
4460 Research in Water Quality
This course includes applied biological and hydrological studies of the stream and associated floodplain environment including plant and macroinvertebrate survey, stream flow analysis, water chemistry, and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for accurate mapping and detailed field data recording. Prerequisite: Senior level Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science majors. Other students must have permission of the instructor. Fee.
4499 Independent Study in Environmental Science
This course includes a specific research project on a biology or chemistry topic with approval from the student's advisor. Prerequisite: Senior level Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science majors. Other students must have permission of the instructor. Fee.
