University of Dubuque Environmental Science

Environmental Science is by nature an interdisciplinary area of study concerned with the biological, hydrological and geochemical processes and interactions that shape our natural environment. The increasing impact of human beings upon the natural world has resulted in a broad range of problems involving our natural resources and environmental quality. The solutions to these problems often require interdisciplinary understanding and problem solving abilities. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, the Environmental Science academic program is broader than most other science programs and is designed to provide a unique integration of chemistry, geology and biology. The Environmental Science program will offer coursework that leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree or a minor in Environmental Science.

Goals and Objectives of Program - The goal of the Environmental Science program is to provide students with a broad based contemporary program of study, which will provide them with the necessary technical and intellectual skills needed to work as an environmental professional or pursue graduate studies. Individual programs of study within the department can be structured to meet any of the following objectives:

Preparation for further graduate study within the sciences.
Development of a rigorous science background from which to pursue a career as an environmental science professional, or to prepare for graduate-level training in a professional program such as law, planning, medicine, business, education, or environmental engineering.
To provide a thorough grounding in a basic discipline as the principal component of a liberal arts education.

Program of Study - The Environmental Science major will consist of a minimum of 65 credit hours, which will include 20 credits of core requirements to be taken by all Environmental Science majors, a minimum of 21 credits to be selected from approved electives and 24 credit hours of supporting course work.The minor in Environmental Science will consist of 20 to 24 credit hours of Environmental Science coursework in a program chosen by the student and approved by the Faculty. The program must include EVS105 Introduction to Environmental Science and at least two core courses with laboratories and one advanced non-core course at the 300- or greater level.

Required core courses for the environmental science major will include: Under Revision

EVS105 - Introduction to Environmental Science

EVS230 - Applied Statistics and Research Methods

EVS246 - Ecology

EVS247 - Environmental Chemistry

EVS248 - Environmental Geology and Hydrology

EVS490 - Senior Seminar

Total 20 Hours

The Environmental Science program requires related work in math and science. The required related work includes "one semester of Calculus, Basic Physical Geology with laboratory and two semesters of college-level "Chemistry and Biology with laboratories." The courses required to fulfill this requirement include the following plus 21 credits of electives:

ESC115 - Physical Geology

BIO135 - General Zoology

BIO136 - General Botany

UDCM111/111L - General Chemistry 1

UDCM112/112L - General Chemistry 2

UDMA250 - Calculus 1

Students meet with their departmental adviser and design the remainder of their program of study. This allows the student to develop an individualized area of study, a specialization, which will reflect their interests and career goals. For those students considering graduate school, a senior research project in their area of specialization is strongly recommended.

Advanced Placement Credit
Three credit hours toward EVS105, Introduction to Environmental Science will be granted for achieving a 4 or 5 on the Environmental Sciences Advanced Placement exam. Advanced placement credit will also be given for introductory supporting courses for students achieving a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement exams.

EVS105 - Introduction to Environmental Science
An ecology-based introduction to the field of environmental science, this course provides an overview of the interactions of the soil, air, and water with plants and animals. It examines the various ways that these interactions have been affected by human activity, and the steps needed to achieve ecological sustainability. Laboratory portion of course serves as an introduction to techniques used in environmental science in the disciplines of biology, geology, and chemistry. Students gain familiarity with various types of sampling gear and instruments used in measuring environmental samples in both the aquatic and terrestrial environments.

EVS117 - Soil Science
Introduction to soils as an environmental component and resource. The origin, distribution and properties are emphasized, as well as the role of soil in nutrient cycling within various ecosystems. Topics include the fundamentals of soil chemistry, hydrology, soil biology and contaminant transport. Lecture and laboratory section.

EVS246 - Ecology
An advanced study of the evolutionary relationships of organisms with the environment and other organisms, including behaviors, population and community dynamics, intra- and inter-specific interactions, and ecosystem function. Prerequisites: BIO 135.

EVS247 - Environmental Chemistry
The study of chemical phenomena in the environment. Focus on natural chemical processes in water, air and soil systems; the role of chemical contaminants these systems; principles of chemical equilibria and solubility as applied to quantitative description of the chemistry of natural systems. Prerequisite: UDCM 111; 112.

EVS247L - Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
Methods of characterization of air, soil and water samples; data analysis and computer modeling of environmental systems. Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in EVS 247 Environmental Chemistry.

EVS248 - Environmental Geology and Hydrology
An intermediate course in geology and basic hydrology emphasizing the environmental implications of geologic materials and processes. Geological topics emphasized include characteristics and origins of soils, sediments and shallow bedrock. Hydrologic topics include basic stream behavior and principles of groundwater flow, including Darcy's Law. Prerequisites: UDCM 111, UDCM 112 and ESC 115.

EVS256 - Environmental Field Studies
A study of the environmental and ecological issues facing various regions of the United States. The ecological, geological and environmental history of the region will be covered in a 1-hour per week seminar. Seminar participants will present discussions on topics; the seminar is required to participate in the trip. An 5 to 8-day field study will be required for this course. Field study locations will vary yearly and may include: the Minnesota Boundary Waters; Pacific Northwest old growth forests; Ozark Mountains; Southwestern desert; Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and the North Carolina Outer Banks. A student fee is charged to cover the cost of transportation, food and lodging. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Course can be repeated for credit as study locations change.

EVS301 - Introduction to Environmental Engineering
Analysis of the theory and design of engineered systems used to modify various environmental mediums. Engineered systems to be studied will include potable water treatment systems, primary, secondary and tertiary waster water treatment and water quality modeling. Emphasis will be on the mass balance approach to unit processes whenever applicable. Prerequisite: EVS 247; UDMA 250 or permission of instructor.

EVS301L - Environmental Engineering Laboratory
Laboratory techniques for measuring water quality parameters such as pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, anions, turbidity and solids. Laboratory investigations utilizing batch reactors may include such processes as coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, chemical oxidation, biological oxidation and will examine the effect of these processes on select water quality parameters. Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in EVS 301, Introduction to Environmental Engineering.

EVS302 - Environmental Soil Chemistry
Chemistry of inorganic and organic soil components with emphasis on environmental significance of soil solution-solid phase equilibria, sorption phenomena, ion exchange processes, radioactivity, reaction kinetics, REDOX reactions, acidity and salinity processes in soils. Lecture and laboratory section. Prerequisite: EVS 247.

EVS305 - Environmental Policy & Regulation
The course will familiarize students will basic environmental laws and regulations. The course discusses the purpose of environmental policy, the role of environmental economics in policy decisions, and the policy instruments available to environmental regulators. Current federal and state statutes affecting waste disposal, air and water quality are discussed. Prerequisite: EVS 245;EVS 247; EVS 248.

EVS315 - Invertebrate Field Zoology
A survey of the invertebrate animal phyla from the protozoa to echinodermata. Representative organisms are studied from the various phyla in terms of their structure, function, mode of existence, and ecological requirements. Prerequisite: EVS 105 and BIO 112.

EVS320 - Vertebrate Field Zoology
A study of the biology, ecology, and life history of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Field studies emphasize the capture, observation, and identification of local species in prairie, forest, and riverine habitats. Habitat associations and demographic parameter estimation are also studied. Prerequisite: BIO 112.

EVS333 - Geographic Information Systems Applications
An introduction to GIS natural resource applications. ArcView and ArcInfo software will be used to perform spatial analyses. Global Positioning System (GPS) data collection and analyses will be conducted. Students will build a portfolio of maps and analyses that will include an individual project. Prerequisite: CIS 101.

EVS335 - Restoration Ecology
A study of the application of ecological techniques, particularly those regarding vegetation and hydrology, to the problem of restoring sites impacted by human activity to productive use. Prerequisite: BIO 223, EVS 248, EVS 117.

EVS340 - Limnology
This course will cover the natural chemistry, physics and biology of lakes and rivers, and the impact of human activities on these systems. Topics will include heat budgets; water circulation and dispersal; planktonic, benthic and other communities; light in water; oxygen and nutrient cycling. Prerequisite: EVS 245; EVS 247; EVS 248.

EVS346 - Applied Statistics and Research Methods
An introduction to the analysis of environmental data and experimental design. The course will provide a firm knowledge of hypothesis testing, study design, and the use of statistical methods of data analysis. The critical review of scientific literature and effective scientific writing will also be emphasized resulting in either a research or grant proposal. Prerequisites: EVS 105; UDMA 112.

EVS350 - Instrumental Methods of Environmental Analysis
Theory and practice of modern instrumental methods used in the analysis of environmental samples. Students will analyze environmental samples from various media using the following instrumentation: UV-VIS spectrophotometry, gas phase chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), ion chromatography (IC) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AA). Recitation and lecture twice weekly; laboratory, two-three hour sessions per week. Prerequisites: UDCM 112, EVS 247, EVS 247L.

EVS375 - Watershed Dynamics
An advanced course dealing with physical principles of surface and groundwater flow in drainage basins. Topics include water balances; hydraulic characteristics of surface and subsurface materials; surface water -groundwater interactions; and calculation of water and chemical flow rates in drainage basins. Issues of groundwater contamination are also considered with respect to policy, prevention, monitoring, and remediation. Prerequisite: EVS 115; EVS 248; UDMA 250

EVS377, 378 - Special Topics in Environmental Science
Current topics and research in environment science are examined in depth. Topics will vary and will be announced in the semester prior to its offering. Prerequisites: EVS 245, EVS 247, EVS 248.

EVS380 - Environmental Toxicology
A study of the effects upon plants and animals of inorganic and organic chemicals that are released into the air, soil or water. Effects are considered at various levels of biological organization from the cell to the ecosystem. Methods of performing chemical toxicity evaluations, and of developing toxicity predictions are covered. Prerequisites: EVS 247; BIO 112.

EVS385 - Internship in Environmental Science
Professional internship and field experience in a location removed from the University setting. This course allows the student to integrate theoretical concepts with practical applications, while working with environmental professionals. Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor.

EVS386 - Internship in Environmental Science
Professional internship and field experience in a location removed from the University setting. This course allows the student to integrate theoretical concepts with practical applications, while working with environmental professionals. Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor.

EVS387, 388 - Research Experience
Experiential learning opportunity aimed at preparing students for designing and completing an independent research project. Students will conduct laboratory or field research under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisites: sophomore standing and approval of supervising faculty.

EVS390 - Ecological Risk Assessment
A course that covers the requirements and methods for evaluating the actual or potential damage to the environment caused by human disturbances, such a pollution event or a construction activity. Both terrestrial and aquatic environments are considered. Prerequisites: EVS 105; EVS 245; EVS 247.

EVS401 - Geochemistry of Natural Waters
Introduction to the chemical equilbria and reactions important in natural water systems. The role of atmospheric, geologic and biological components on the chemical composition of streams, rivers, lakes and soil/groundwater will be examined. Topics covered include chemical thermodynamics, acid/base chemistry, open and closed carbonate systems, solubility relationships and REDOX reactions. Case studies will be used from both natural and impacted systems. Prerequisite: EVS 247; EVS 248.

EVS402 - Contaminant Fate and Transport
The environmental behavior of organic and inorganic chemicals in the water, air, sediment and soil will be examined. Emphasis will be on the persistence, reactivity, and partitioning behavior between various environmental components. Sources and characteristics of contaminants in the environment are discussed as broad categories, while using specific examples from various agricultural and industrial activities. Principles of contaminant transport in surface water, groundwater and air are also introduced. Basic conceptual and mathematical tools are emphasized to allow the student to predict the behavior of contaminants in the environment. Prerequisite: EVS 117; EVS 247; EVS 248.

EVS403 - Microclimate
The physical factors that create and influence the biological environment. Topics to be discussed include: Radiation and energy balances on terrestrial and marine surfaces; Temperature, humidity and wind regimes near the earth's surface; Control of the physical environment through irrigation, windbreaks, frost protection, manipulation of light and radiation. Instrumentation for measuring environmental conditions will be surveyed. Prerequisite: EVS 245;EVS 247; EVS 248; PHY 151 recommended.

EVS408 - Environmental Health and Monitoring
This course provides an introductory survey of the field of Industrial Hygiene. Chemical hazards are addressed, focusing on respiratory and dermal exposures, followed by physical hazards including sound, ergometric stress, radiation, air quality, and temperature. Case studies illustrating administrative and engineering controls will be utilized. Prerequisite: EVS 245; EVS 247; EVS 248.

EVS414 - Wetland Science
An advanced course dealing with wetland systems from an interdisciplinary perspective. Importance of wetland systems in terms of hydrological, geological and ecological processes that structure wetland ecosystems will be examined. Prerequisite: EVS 245; EVS 247; EVS 248.

EVS415 - Environmental Remediation
The course covers the theory and practice of remediating hazardous waste contaminated sites. Topics include site characteristics and conceptual model development, remedial action screening processes, technology principles and conceptual design. Institutional control, source isolation and contaminant, subsurface manipulation and in situ and ex situ treatment processes will be covered. Case studies will be used in this course. Prerequisite: EVS 245; EVS 247; EVS 248.

EVS440 - Senvironmental Sustainablity Seminar
Discusses diverse environmental issues related to assessing and maintaining environmental quality, and the relationship between scientific uncertainty and sustainable development. Questions related to social, cultural, environmental and political feasibility are addressed in a seminar format. Topics will vary. Prerequisite: EVS 245; EVS 247; EVS 248.

EVS476 - Fisheries and Wildlife Management and Conservation
A review of management strategies used for fisheries and wildlife populations. Students will assess how predation, competition, and habitat structures affect population dynamics. Field studies emphasize the critique of grassland, forest, and aquatic habitat for fisheries and wildlife; attention is given to both game and non-game species that inhabit northeast Iowa's Driftless Area. Students will also address viable conservation strategies for species of concern, as well as discuss ethical and political questions and viewpoints. Case studies and field trips will demonstrate how science and politics merge effectively to confront conservation concerns in the Midwest. Prerequisite: EVS 245.

EVS490 - Senior Seminar
A capstone course for seniors graduating in environmental science. Students will develop proficiency in areas related to post-undergraduate experiences. Topics may include presentation of research results or internships experiences, analysis of workplace ethics and interaction, and strategies for entering graduate school and pursuing professional employment. Prerequisites: EVS 385 or EVS 386, senior standing.

EVS491, 492 - Independent Research
Research for and writing of the senior thesis, under the direction of a faculty member. Guidelines for the thesis are published on the environmental science web page (http://www.dbq.edu/academics/envirosci/evs.cfm) or are available from faculty member. Prerequisites: Submission of written proposal and approval of faculty member supervising the research.

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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
UD Top News Stories more... Michael Josephson to Keynote Wendt Center for Character Education Fall Conference Department of Natural and Applied Sciences to Host Fall Seminar Series Davison Returns Home to University of Dubuque University Receives $134,500 Grant from Carver Trust UDTS prof sees unrest in South Africa UD English Professor to be Featured Poet at Milwaukee's Irish Fest UDTS Student Named 2008 Lydia Scholar Hayes Named Spartans Head Cross Country Coach Thompson Announced as Spartans Head Track & Field Coach UDTS Distance Learning Staff Spreading the News University of Dubuque Receives President's Honor Roll Award for Service UD Ranked Third in State for Largest Fundraising Efforts	Academics Environmental Science Environmental Science Curriculum Environmental Science is by nature an interdisciplinary area of study concerned with the biological, hydrological and geochemical processes and interactions that shape our natural environment. The increasing impact of human beings upon the natural world has resulted in a broad range of problems involving our natural resources and environmental quality. The solutions to these problems often require interdisciplinary understanding and problem solving abilities. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, the Environmental Science academic program is broader than most other science programs and is designed to provide a unique integration of chemistry, geology and biology. The Environmental Science program will offer coursework that leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree or a minor in Environmental Science. Goals and Objectives of Program - The goal of the Environmental Science program is to provide students with a broad based contemporary program of study, which will provide them with the necessary technical and intellectual skills needed to work as an environmental professional or pursue graduate studies. Individual programs of study within the department can be structured to meet any of the following objectives: Preparation for further graduate study within the sciences. Development of a rigorous science background from which to pursue a career as an environmental science professional, or to prepare for graduate-level training in a professional program such as law, planning, medicine, business, education, or environmental engineering. To provide a thorough grounding in a basic discipline as the principal component of a liberal arts education. Program of Study - The Environmental Science major will consist of a minimum of 65 credit hours, which will include 20 credits of core requirements to be taken by all Environmental Science majors, a minimum of 21 credits to be selected from approved electives and 24 credit hours of supporting course work.The minor in Environmental Science will consist of 20 to 24 credit hours of Environmental Science coursework in a program chosen by the student and approved by the Faculty. The program must include EVS105 Introduction to Environmental Science and at least two core courses with laboratories and one advanced non-core course at the 300- or greater level. Required core courses for the environmental science major will include: Under Revision EVS105 - Introduction to Environmental Science EVS230 - Applied Statistics and Research Methods EVS246 - Ecology EVS247 - Environmental Chemistry EVS248 - Environmental Geology and Hydrology EVS490 - Senior Seminar Total 20 Hours The Environmental Science program requires related work in math and science. The required related work includes "one semester of Calculus, Basic Physical Geology with laboratory and two semesters of college-level "Chemistry and Biology with laboratories." The courses required to fulfill this requirement include the following plus 21 credits of electives: ESC115 - Physical Geology BIO135 - General Zoology BIO136 - General Botany UDCM111/111L - General Chemistry 1 UDCM112/112L - General Chemistry 2 UDMA250 - Calculus 1 Students meet with their departmental adviser and design the remainder of their program of study. This allows the student to develop an individualized area of study, a specialization, which will reflect their interests and career goals. For those students considering graduate school, a senior research project in their area of specialization is strongly recommended. Advanced Placement Credit Three credit hours toward EVS105, Introduction to Environmental Science will be granted for achieving a 4 or 5 on the Environmental Sciences Advanced Placement exam. Advanced placement credit will also be given for introductory supporting courses for students achieving a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement exams. EVS105 - Introduction to Environmental Science An ecology-based introduction to the field of environmental science, this course provides an overview of the interactions of the soil, air, and water with plants and animals. It examines the various ways that these interactions have been affected by human activity, and the steps needed to achieve ecological sustainability. Laboratory portion of course serves as an introduction to techniques used in environmental science in the disciplines of biology, geology, and chemistry. Students gain familiarity with various types of sampling gear and instruments used in measuring environmental samples in both the aquatic and terrestrial environments. EVS117 - Soil Science Introduction to soils as an environmental component and resource. The origin, distribution and properties are emphasized, as well as the role of soil in nutrient cycling within various ecosystems. Topics include the fundamentals of soil chemistry, hydrology, soil biology and contaminant transport. Lecture and laboratory section. EVS246 - Ecology An advanced study of the evolutionary relationships of organisms with the environment and other organisms, including behaviors, population and community dynamics, intra- and inter-specific interactions, and ecosystem function. Prerequisites: BIO 135. EVS247 - Environmental Chemistry The study of chemical phenomena in the environment. Focus on natural chemical processes in water, air and soil systems; the role of chemical contaminants these systems; principles of chemical equilibria and solubility as applied to quantitative description of the chemistry of natural systems. Prerequisite: UDCM 111; 112. EVS247L - Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Methods of characterization of air, soil and water samples; data analysis and computer modeling of environmental systems. Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in EVS 247 Environmental Chemistry. EVS248 - Environmental Geology and Hydrology An intermediate course in geology and basic hydrology emphasizing the environmental implications of geologic materials and processes. Geological topics emphasized include characteristics and origins of soils, sediments and shallow bedrock. Hydrologic topics include basic stream behavior and principles of groundwater flow, including Darcy's Law. Prerequisites: UDCM 111, UDCM 112 and ESC 115. EVS256 - Environmental Field Studies A study of the environmental and ecological issues facing various regions of the United States. The ecological, geological and environmental history of the region will be covered in a 1-hour per week seminar. Seminar participants will present discussions on topics; the seminar is required to participate in the trip. An 5 to 8-day field study will be required for this course. Field study locations will vary yearly and may include: the Minnesota Boundary Waters; Pacific Northwest old growth forests; Ozark Mountains; Southwestern desert; Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and the North Carolina Outer Banks. A student fee is charged to cover the cost of transportation, food and lodging. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Course can be repeated for credit as study locations change. EVS301 - Introduction to Environmental Engineering Analysis of the theory and design of engineered systems used to modify various environmental mediums. Engineered systems to be studied will include potable water treatment systems, primary, secondary and tertiary waster water treatment and water quality modeling. Emphasis will be on the mass balance approach to unit processes whenever applicable. Prerequisite: EVS 247; UDMA 250 or permission of instructor. EVS301L - Environmental Engineering Laboratory Laboratory techniques for measuring water quality parameters such as pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, anions, turbidity and solids. Laboratory investigations utilizing batch reactors may include such processes as coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, chemical oxidation, biological oxidation and will examine the effect of these processes on select water quality parameters. Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in EVS 301, Introduction to Environmental Engineering. EVS302 - Environmental Soil Chemistry Chemistry of inorganic and organic soil components with emphasis on environmental significance of soil solution-solid phase equilibria, sorption phenomena, ion exchange processes, radioactivity, reaction kinetics, REDOX reactions, acidity and salinity processes in soils. Lecture and laboratory section. Prerequisite: EVS 247. EVS305 - Environmental Policy & Regulation The course will familiarize students will basic environmental laws and regulations. The course discusses the purpose of environmental policy, the role of environmental economics in policy decisions, and the policy instruments available to environmental regulators. Current federal and state statutes affecting waste disposal, air and water quality are discussed. Prerequisite: EVS 245;EVS 247; EVS 248. EVS315 - Invertebrate Field Zoology A survey of the invertebrate animal phyla from the protozoa to echinodermata. Representative organisms are studied from the various phyla in terms of their structure, function, mode of existence, and ecological requirements. Prerequisite: EVS 105 and BIO 112. EVS320 - Vertebrate Field Zoology A study of the biology, ecology, and life history of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Field studies emphasize the capture, observation, and identification of local species in prairie, forest, and riverine habitats. Habitat associations and demographic parameter estimation are also studied. Prerequisite: BIO 112. EVS333 - Geographic Information Systems Applications An introduction to GIS natural resource applications. ArcView and ArcInfo software will be used to perform spatial analyses. Global Positioning System (GPS) data collection and analyses will be conducted. Students will build a portfolio of maps and analyses that will include an individual project. Prerequisite: CIS 101. EVS335 - Restoration Ecology A study of the application of ecological techniques, particularly those regarding vegetation and hydrology, to the problem of restoring sites impacted by human activity to productive use. Prerequisite: BIO 223, EVS 248, EVS 117. EVS340 - Limnology This course will cover the natural chemistry, physics and biology of lakes and rivers, and the impact of human activities on these systems. Topics will include heat budgets; water circulation and dispersal; planktonic, benthic and other communities; light in water; oxygen and nutrient cycling. Prerequisite: EVS 245; EVS 247; EVS 248. EVS346 - Applied Statistics and Research Methods An introduction to the analysis of environmental data and experimental design. The course will provide a firm knowledge of hypothesis testing, study design, and the use of statistical methods of data analysis. The critical review of scientific literature and effective scientific writing will also be emphasized resulting in either a research or grant proposal. Prerequisites: EVS 105; UDMA 112. EVS350 - Instrumental Methods of Environmental Analysis Theory and practice of modern instrumental methods used in the analysis of environmental samples. Students will analyze environmental samples from various media using the following instrumentation: UV-VIS spectrophotometry, gas phase chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), ion chromatography (IC) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AA). Recitation and lecture twice weekly; laboratory, two-three hour sessions per week. Prerequisites: UDCM 112, EVS 247, EVS 247L. EVS375 - Watershed Dynamics An advanced course dealing with physical principles of surface and groundwater flow in drainage basins. Topics include water balances; hydraulic characteristics of surface and subsurface materials; surface water -groundwater interactions; and calculation of water and chemical flow rates in drainage basins. Issues of groundwater contamination are also considered with respect to policy, prevention, monitoring, and remediation. Prerequisite: EVS 115; EVS 248; UDMA 250 EVS377, 378 - Special Topics in Environmental Science Current topics and research in environment science are examined in depth. Topics will vary and will be announced in the semester prior to its offering. Prerequisites: EVS 245, EVS 247, EVS 248. EVS380 - Environmental Toxicology A study of the effects upon plants and animals of inorganic and organic chemicals that are released into the air, soil or water. Effects are considered at various levels of biological organization from the cell to the ecosystem. Methods of performing chemical toxicity evaluations, and of developing toxicity predictions are covered. Prerequisites: EVS 247; BIO 112. EVS385 - Internship in Environmental Science Professional internship and field experience in a location removed from the University setting. This course allows the student to integrate theoretical concepts with practical applications, while working with environmental professionals. Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor. EVS386 - Internship in Environmental Science Professional internship and field experience in a location removed from the University setting. This course allows the student to integrate theoretical concepts with practical applications, while working with environmental professionals. Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor. EVS387, 388 - Research Experience Experiential learning opportunity aimed at preparing students for designing and completing an independent research project. Students will conduct laboratory or field research under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisites: sophomore standing and approval of supervising faculty. EVS390 - Ecological Risk Assessment A course that covers the requirements and methods for evaluating the actual or potential damage to the environment caused by human disturbances, such a pollution event or a construction activity. Both terrestrial and aquatic environments are considered. Prerequisites: EVS 105; EVS 245; EVS 247. EVS401 - Geochemistry of Natural Waters Introduction to the chemical equilbria and reactions important in natural water systems. The role of atmospheric, geologic and biological components on the chemical composition of streams, rivers, lakes and soil/groundwater will be examined. Topics covered include chemical thermodynamics, acid/base chemistry, open and closed carbonate systems, solubility relationships and REDOX reactions. Case studies will be used from both natural and impacted systems. Prerequisite: EVS 247; EVS 248. EVS402 - Contaminant Fate and Transport The environmental behavior of organic and inorganic chemicals in the water, air, sediment and soil will be examined. Emphasis will be on the persistence, reactivity, and partitioning behavior between various environmental components. Sources and characteristics of contaminants in the environment are discussed as broad categories, while using specific examples from various agricultural and industrial activities. Principles of contaminant transport in surface water, groundwater and air are also introduced. Basic conceptual and mathematical tools are emphasized to allow the student to predict the behavior of contaminants in the environment. Prerequisite: EVS 117; EVS 247; EVS 248. EVS403 - Microclimate The physical factors that create and influence the biological environment. Topics to be discussed include: Radiation and energy balances on terrestrial and marine surfaces; Temperature, humidity and wind regimes near the earth's surface; Control of the physical environment through irrigation, windbreaks, frost protection, manipulation of light and radiation. Instrumentation for measuring environmental conditions will be surveyed. Prerequisite: EVS 245;EVS 247; EVS 248; PHY 151 recommended. EVS408 - Environmental Health and Monitoring This course provides an introductory survey of the field of Industrial Hygiene. Chemical hazards are addressed, focusing on respiratory and dermal exposures, followed by physical hazards including sound, ergometric stress, radiation, air quality, and temperature. Case studies illustrating administrative and engineering controls will be utilized. Prerequisite: EVS 245; EVS 247; EVS 248. EVS414 - Wetland Science An advanced course dealing with wetland systems from an interdisciplinary perspective. Importance of wetland systems in terms of hydrological, geological and ecological processes that structure wetland ecosystems will be examined. Prerequisite: EVS 245; EVS 247; EVS 248. EVS415 - Environmental Remediation The course covers the theory and practice of remediating hazardous waste contaminated sites. Topics include site characteristics and conceptual model development, remedial action screening processes, technology principles and conceptual design. Institutional control, source isolation and contaminant, subsurface manipulation and in situ and ex situ treatment processes will be covered. Case studies will be used in this course. Prerequisite: EVS 245; EVS 247; EVS 248. EVS440 - Senvironmental Sustainablity Seminar Discusses diverse environmental issues related to assessing and maintaining environmental quality, and the relationship between scientific uncertainty and sustainable development. Questions related to social, cultural, environmental and political feasibility are addressed in a seminar format. Topics will vary. Prerequisite: EVS 245; EVS 247; EVS 248. EVS476 - Fisheries and Wildlife Management and Conservation A review of management strategies used for fisheries and wildlife populations. Students will assess how predation, competition, and habitat structures affect population dynamics. Field studies emphasize the critique of grassland, forest, and aquatic habitat for fisheries and wildlife; attention is given to both game and non-game species that inhabit northeast Iowa's Driftless Area. Students will also address viable conservation strategies for species of concern, as well as discuss ethical and political questions and viewpoints. Case studies and field trips will demonstrate how science and politics merge effectively to confront conservation concerns in the Midwest. Prerequisite: EVS 245. EVS490 - Senior Seminar A capstone course for seniors graduating in environmental science. Students will develop proficiency in areas related to post-undergraduate experiences. Topics may include presentation of research results or internships experiences, analysis of workplace ethics and interaction, and strategies for entering graduate school and pursuing professional employment. Prerequisites: EVS 385 or EVS 386, senior standing. EVS491, 492 - Independent Research Research for and writing of the senior thesis, under the direction of a faculty member. Guidelines for the thesis are published on the environmental science web page (http://www.dbq.edu/academics/envirosci/evs.cfm) or are available from faculty member. Prerequisites: Submission of written proposal and approval of faculty member supervising the research. BioEco Track Checklist BioHealth Track Checklist Biology Yearly Schedule EVS Checklist EVS Yearly Schedule	UD Academics Environmental Science Home About Environmental Science Links for Prospective Students Environmental Science Curriculum Environmental Science Faculty