Environmental Science Courses
099. Environmental Science Colloquium Series. (0 sem hrs.) Each semester beginning in the sophomore year, students must attend three evening colloquia sponsored by the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. This course must be completed a total of six times. For transfer students, completion of this series is pro-rated to student status at the time of transfer into Heidelberg College (students transferring in with 56-87 credit hours must complete the course four times; students transferring in with at least 88 credit hours must complete two 099 courses). Please see the Biological and Environmental Sciences Department Chair for any questions about the colloquium series.
101. Introduction to Environmental Science (3 sem. hrs.) An introduction to the relationships between air, soil, water, rock, and life, with emphasis of human interactions in these systems, and how society deals with the major environmental concerns: population growth, air and water pollution, wastes, loss of wildlife, fuel and mineral resources, climate change. Students will develop skills in observation, scientific method, and critical scientific inquiry. (Fall and Spring)
101L. Environmental Science Laboratory (1 sem. hr.) This course is the laboratory complement to ENS 101 Introduction to Environmental Science. The weekly exercises allow students to more fully explore some of the important concepts discussed in the lecture. The laboratory must be taken concurrently with ENS 101. One 2-hour lab each week. (Fall and Spring)
205. Environmental Sampling and Analysis (4 sem. hrs.) Students will examine environmental matrices, such as surface water, groundwater, and sediment samples, using contemporary sampling and analytical equipment and methods. In addition, students will employ appropriate documentation and quality control procedures, interpret data and learn to assess and communicate environmental quality information suitable for research and governmental agency use. Prerequisites: CHM 111 and CHM 112. (Spring only)
300. Issues in Environmental Science (3 sem. hrs.) Students will improve their written and oral communication skills by investigating topical and current issues in environmental science. Instructors will emphasize relationships between traditional academic fields for concerns related to population growth, natural hazards, and pollution and waste in the bio-, hydro-, litho-, and atmospheres. Topics will focus on areas of student interest in preparation for research and internship experiences. This course satisfies the junior level discipline specific communication requirement for all ENS majors. Prerequisites: ENS 101, BIO 124, GEO 101, CHM 111, PHY 101. (Fall only)
323. Limnology (4 sem. hrs.). Study of the interrelations among the physical, chemical and biological components of aquatic ecosystems within continental boundaries. In this course students investigate the ecology of streams, lakes and wetlands. Laboratory and field sessions include techniques for measuring water and habitat quality and an introduction to biological diversity, with a broad taxonomic survey of aquatic biota. Information gathered on field trips and from student research is integrated into written reports which draw on concepts presented in lecture. One required Saturday field trip. Two 3-hour sessions per week. Prerequisites: BIO 124; CHM 111 and 112. (Fall only)
361. Environmental Law and Regulations (3 sem. hrs.) It is through law that our society makes its values functional. This course explores the relationship between ecological science, social and economic policy, and the American legal system. It uses the broad field of environmental science as a way to explore the entire legal system. We begin with an examination of the common law concepts of liability and remedies, and proceed with a consideration of public law statues and regulations addressing the nation’s environmental concerns. (Spring of even-odd years)
370. Internship in Environmental Science (1-4 sem. hrs.) This course gives junior and senior Environmental Science majors an opportunity for academic related work experience outside the usual college environment. The internship should enhance the student’s intellectual development through the application of knowledge. The program may not be totally observational. Supervised site and schedule must be determined by the student with ENS committee approval. Prerequisites: ENS 392 or approval of the ENS committee (Fall and Spring)
392. Training in Environmental Science (1 sem. hr.) Preparation for research and internship experience to be completed in ENS 370 or 393. This course involves investigation of scientific literature, writing and communication in environmental science, preparation of budgets, experimental design, and types of field work. During this course students will arrange an internship or project and choose a mentor for the following semester in either ENS 370 or 393. Students meet once a week to review progress. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing. (Spring)
393. Environmental Science Research (3 sem. hrs.) Continuation of Research I. Experiments and/or field observations will be completed and results analyzed and graphically portrayed. A technical report will be written. Students will meet regularly with their faculty mentor to review progress. It is expected that students will spend a minimum of nine hours a week on this course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of ENS 392, Junior or Senior standing (Fall)
422. Environmental Science Seminar (1 sem. hr.) Series of discussions related to both (1) contemporary research literature, and (2) student internship and research experiences in Environmental Science. Students will present the results of their experiences in class, and, optimally, at the Student Research Conference and off-campus symposia. Satisfies capstone requirement for all ENS tracks. Prerequisites: ENS 370 or 393, Senior standing. (Spring)