UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents

Environmental Studies (ENVR)

Associate Professor Moorhead (Chair); Professors Maas, G. Miller, J.W. Miller; Associate Professor Rossell; Assistant Professors Reynolds, Eggers

Participating Faculty: Petranka, Stuart (Biology); Matthews (Economics); Yearout (Management); Weber (Psychology)

The B.S. in Environmental Studies prepares students for graduate school or employment in environmental pollution control, resource management, ecology, earth science and numerous other careers. The curriculum purposely approaches environmental issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. The diverse fields of economics, psychology, biology, sociology, chemistry, earth science, public policy, physics and management are integral to the basic understanding and resolution of the complex nature of many environmental problems facing modern society. In addition to university faculty, community professionals assist in offering the program.

The department offers a chance to focus advanced study in one of four specialty concentrations: Pollution Control, Ecology and Environmental Biology, Environmental Management and Policy, and Earth Science. In addition to these concentrations, individualized options can be developed for students interested in other areas of environmental studies.

Integral to all degree concentrations is a required on-the-job internship. The internship adds greatly to career preparation and possible job placement. Many internship opportunities are available with various federal, state, local and private agencies located in Western North Carolina.

Environmental Studies majors must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Required courses in the major--19-22 hours: ENVR 130, 241, 330, 490; and select two of three from: ECON 337 (prerequisite ECON 102); ENVR 234, 334.
2. Required courses outside the major--11-16 hours: CHEM 132 or satisfactory score on Chemistry Placement Examination; CHEM 111, 144; two courses selected from MATH 167, 191, 192; STAT 185.
3. Special departmental requirements--25-38 hours: completion of one of the concentrations outlined below. The senior demonstration of competency is satisfied by the completion of ENVR 330 and 490 with a C or better. Completion of ENVR 330 fulfills the all-university oral competency requirement. Completion of ENVR 241, 330 and 490 fulfills the all-university computer competency requirement.

Concentration in Pollution Control

30-31 hours distributed as follows: CHEM 145, 234; three courses from ENVR 331, 338, 354, 362; two courses from CHEM 235, 332, or ENVR 321; PHYS 131 and 231, or PHYS 221and 222. Students must take MATH 191 and 192 for their math requirement.

Concentration in Ecology and Environmental Biology

29-37 hours distributed as follows: BIOL 105 or its equivalent, BIOL 210 or 211; one course from ATMS 103; ENVR 105, 338, 385; CHEM 234; PHYS 131; one advanced ENVR elective; 19 hours of Ecology and Biology electives chosen from BIOL 210 or 211 (whichever is not selected above), 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 337, 348, 350, 360; or ENVR 321, 340, 341, 346, 350, 390, 442, 443, 444. At least 11 of the 19 hours must be in ENVR.

Concentration in Environmental Management and Policy

33-36 hours distributed as follows: ENVR 332, 334; two courses in ENVR at the 300 level or above; ACCT 215 or one addditional course in ENVR; ECON 101, 102, 337, 345; 6 additional hours of environmental policy and management-relevant coursework as approved by the department advisor.

Concentration in Earth Science

26-30 hours distributed as follows: ENVR 105, 320, 385; two courses from ENVR 338, 381, 382; one course from ENVR 354, 383, 384; and either PHYS 131 or CHEM 234.

Earth Science with Teacher Licensure

All Earth Science licensure students must complete the following program:

1. Required courses in the major--19-22 hours: ENVR 130, 234, 241, 330, 334, 490. ENVR 330 requirement can be met by EDUC 396 and 496. ENVR 490 requirement can be met by EDUC 455.
2. Required courses in Earth Science Core--28-29 hours: ENVR 105, 320, 385, and ASTR 105; Two courses from ENVR 338, 381, 382; one course from ENVR 354, 383, 384.
3. Required courses outside the major--19-22 hours: CHEM 132 or satisfactory score on Chemistry Placement Examination; CHEM 111, 144; ATMS 103; MATH 167 or 191; STAT 185; SOC 240; and those requirements indicated under the Education section of the catalog.
4. The senior demonstration of competency is satisfied by the completion of ENVR 330 and 490 with a C or better. The competency also can be satisfied by the completion of EDUC 396 and 496 with a C or better and satisfactory completion of EDUC 455. Completion of ENVR 330 or EDUC 396 and 496 fulfills the all-university oral competency requirement. Completion of 241, 330 and 490 fulfills the all-university computer competency requirement.

Students who wish to be licensed in Comprehensive Secondary Science (as distinct from Earth Science) must also complete BIOL 105, PHYS 131 and PHYS 231. Students seeking middle school licensure should review requirements found in the Education section of the catalog and see the appropriate licensure advisor for additional information.

Individual Concentration in Environmental Studies

In consultation with his or her academic advisor, a student may select an individual course of study of at least 25 credit hours in preparation for careers in such areas as Environmental Journalism, Environmental Planning or Human Ecology. Students choosing an Individualized Concentration must file an application with the department chair. The application must contain a letter of justi-fication and a complete listing of courses in the proposed concentration. It must be submitted at the time the major is declared. The Individualized Concentration requires the completion of I, II and III above.

Declaration of Major in Environmental Studies

Declaring a major in Environmental Studies requires the student to complete a Declaration of Major form that must be signed by the program director. Before declaring a major, students must satisfy the LANG 102 requirement.

Minor in Environmental Studies

22 hours in Environmental Studies consisting of ENVR 130, 234, 241, 330, 334, one advanced ENVR elective; ECON 337.

105 Physical Geology (5)

An introduction to the study of the origin of minerals, rocks and the formative processes controlling the earth's structure and natural resources. Three hours of lecture, one hour recitation, three hours of laboratory. Laboratory will include required field trips to areas of local geological interest. Fall.

130 Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

The biological, chemical, physical and societal implications of human impact on the environment with consideration of selected contemporary problems such as population issues, acid rain, energy supply, water pollution, etc. Fall and Spring.

234 Energy and Society (3)

Study of energy production technologies, use patterns and their environmental impact. Prerequisite: ENVR 130. Fall and Spring and even years Fall.

235 Environmental Psychology (PSYC 235) (3)

Survey of interrelationships of environment and behavior. Theory and field observations of environmental perception, ecological issues, personal space, territoriality, crowding, city planning, design and architecture. Prerequisites: ENVR 130; PSYC 101 or 102. See Psychology Department chair.

241 Principles of Ecology and Field Biology (4)

Fundamental principles and concepts related to populations, communities and ecosystems with emphasis on the Southern Appalachians. Prerequisite: ENVR 130. Fall.

320 Mineralogy and Petrology (4)

Fundamental crystallography and crystal chemistry and systematic study of minerals; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, including classification, textures, formation and graphical representation. Prerequisites: ENVR 105; CHEM 132 is recommended. Odd years Spring.

321 Limnology (BIOL 321) (4)

Study of the physical, biological and especially chemical processes in fresh waters. (Includes laboratory and field work.) Prerequisites: CHEM 144; ENVR 241. Fall.

330 Seminar on Environmental Issues (3)

In-depth coverage of a selected environmental problem based on oral and written student reports. May be repeated once. Prerequisites: ENVR 130; senior standing in an approved concentration. Fall and Spring.

331 Principles of Air Pollution (ATMS 331) (3)

Sources, sinks and controls of air pollution, legal aspects, meteorological factors which influence air pollution, analytical techniques for quantifying air pollution. Prerequisites: CHEM 132 and one of the following: ATMS 103 or 105; or ENVR 130. Even years Fall.

332 Environmental Management (3)

The principles, practices and problems of managing the environment at the federal, state and local levels. The course will focus on the complexities of environmental administration of renewable and nonrenewable resources, pollution control and global problems. Prerequisite: ENVR 130. Spring.

333 Environment, Design and Solar Energy (3)

Conventional and alternative energy systems and the interrelationships between renewable energy resources and the built environment; lectures, field trips and demonstrations. Prerequisite: ENVR 130; or permission of instructor. Even years Spring.

334 Environmental Policy (3)

Environmental legislation and regulation, policy tools, enforcement, current issues and evolution of U.S. environmental policy. Prerequisite: ENVR 130. Fall and Spring.

335 Environmental Analysis and Design (PSYC 335) (3)

Study of interrelationship of environment and behavior, with special emphasis on application of theories in the analysis and possible design or re-design of specific environmental settings. Includes fieldwork. (Student may not earn credit for both ENVR 235 and 335.) Prerequisites: ENVR 130; PSYC 101 or 102, 201. See Psychology Department chair.

336 Environmental Health (3)

Introduction to toxicology and problems associated with the generation, detection and disposal of hazardous chemicals, industrial and municipal wastes, pesticides, food pollutants and radioactive wastes and the occupational setting. Prerequisite: ENVR 130; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

338 Principles of Hydrology and Ground Water Pollution (ATMS 338) (3)

Study of the hydrologic cycle: precipitation, evaporation, transpiration, run-off, stream flow and ground water recharge. Emphasis will be on the occurrence of ground water contamination and methods for cleanup and protection. Prerequisite: ATMS 105 or ENVR 130. Even years Spring.

340 Ornithology (BIOL 340) (4)

Introduction to the evolution, behavior, and ecology of birds. Laboratory will focus on the field identification of native species. At least one weekend field trip is required. Students may not receive credit for both ENVR 340 and 348. Prerequisite: BIOL 210. Odd years Spring.

341 Aquatic Ecosystems and Wetlands (4)

Structural and functional characteristics of freshwater and marine ecosystems and their associated wetlands; one extended coastal field trip. Prerequisite: ENVR 241. Odd years Fall.

346 Plant Ecology (4)

An exploration of the factors responsible for the distribution and abundance of plants. Laboratory will emphasize field work. Prerequisite: ENVR 241. Even years Spring.

348 Avian Ecology and Conservation (BIOL 348) (4)

An introduction to the identification, ecology and conservation of birds, particularly those of the Southern Appalachians. Laboratory will include several early morning field trips. At least one weekend field trip is required. Students may not receive credit for both ENVR 340 and 348. Prerequisite: ENVR 130; or permission of instructor. Even years Spring.

350 Dendrology (4)

Identification, ecological and taxonomic relationship, and geographic distributions of im-portant woody plants of North America, concentrating on native species of the Southeast. Prerequisites: ENVR 130; or permission of instructor. Summer.

354 Management of Hazardous, Municipal and Solid Wastes (3)

Study of the biogeochemical system for the classification of wastes and appropriate control technologies, regulatory policies and management strategies available for their disposal. Prerequisite: ENVR 130; or permission of instructor. Odd years Spring.

360 Environmental Restoration (3)

The planning, implementation and assessment of ecosystem restoration with an emphasis on aquatic habitats. Topics include goals, objectives and design of restoration projects and selecting the criteria used to assess the structural and functional attributes of a restored ecosystem. Prerequisite: ENVR 130. Odd years Spring.

362 Principles of Water Pollution Control and Watershed Management (4)

Survey of techniques and management strategies for controlling and preventing water pollution from point and non-point pollution sources. Prerequisites: CHEM 132; ENVR 130. Odd years Spring.

381 Structural and Field Geology (4)

Field methods, deformation of rocks, including kinematic and dynamic analysis, primary structures, fold and fault classifications, stereographic projections, geologic maps and working with three-dimensional data. Prerequisite: ENVR 105. See department chair.

382 Environmental Geology (4)

Study of earth processes that affect humans and ecosystems. Fundamentals of groundwater hydrology and mineral resources will be emphasized; other topics will include rivers and flooding, volcanoes, gravity processes and earthquakes. Laboratory will include field projects. Prerequisite: ENVR 105. Odd years Fall.

383 Environmental Planning (3)

A focus on environmental problems associated with land planning, landscape design and land use. Student exercises using various techniques and methods of landscape analysis are included with application to planning issues. Prerequisite: ENVR 130. Even years fall.

384 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4)

Introduction to landscape analysis through computer-based, geographically referenced information systems. Data acquisition, processing, analysis and presentation will be emphasized in both lecture and laboratory. Some prior experience with computers is assumed. Prerequisites: ENVR 130. Odd years Fall.

385 Soils (4)

Introduction to soils including physical and chemical properties, the role of water in soil processes, microbial activity and other aspects of soil ecology, biogeochemical cycles as they relate to plant productivity, soil acidity, soil formation, soil classification, and soil degradation. Laboratory will include several field trips. Prerequisites: ENVR 130; CHEM 111, 132, 144. Spring.

390 Wildlife Ecology and Management (4)

An introduction to the principles and practices of wildlife ecology and management, emphasizing wildlife species and habitat of the Southern Appalachians. Prerequisite: ENVR 241. Odd years Spring.

442 Forest Ecology (BIOL 442) (4)

Study of the principles governing forest plant/animal populations and communities and management policies and practices at the federal, state and local levels. Prerequisite: ENVR 241. Even years Fall.

443 Tropical Ecosystems (3)

Study of the important organisms, habitats and ecosystems characteristic of the tropical world. Emphasis will be on management practices, rates of destruction and need for species/habitat conservation. Prerequisite: ENVR 130. Odd years Spring.

444 Tropical Ecosystems Field Experience (1-4)

Field trip (one to three weeks) to study tropical organisms and ecosystems in Puerto Rico or another tropical country. Expenses paid by the students. Corequisite: ENVR 443. Spring break.

490 Internship (3-6)

A field work experience in a public agency, public interest group or industry. Participant's experience is under the supervision of the UNCA ENVR internship director and on-site work cooperator. Written paper and oral seminar are required upon completion of the project. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, declared major in one of the program concentrations and permission of the ENVR internship director. Three hours of internship credit are required for graduation. (An IP grade may be awarded at the discretion of the internship director.) Internship Handbooks are available from the director. Internships may be conducted throughout the United States or foreign countries. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit. Fall and Spring.

499 Undergraduate Research in Environmental Studies (1-6)

Independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. An IP grade may be awarded at discretion of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. Fall and Spring.

171-6, 271-6, 371-6, 471-6 Special Topics in Environmental Studies (1-6)

Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special needs. May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. See department chair.

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