Course Descriptions

Multidisciplinary approach to study of relationships between environment and humans, from ecological perspective. Ecological principles, including material cycling, ecological relationships and succession. Scope and direction of human impact on biosphere, exemplified by population, agricultural practices, nutrition, forestry and wildlife. Consideration of environmental economics, policy and ethics. Fall 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

People live in places and imprint meaning on their environment. This can be a local process but is also inescapably tied to global dynamics. In our present time characterized by high mobility, how do we learn about a new place, and how does this understanding shape our ability to sustain ourselves and our environment? We will develop an approach to studying the place you are as a college student--Binghamton. You will practice a variety of research methods from environmental studies to demonstrate the need to integrate perspectives and approaches when studying the relationship among people, places, and the environment. Offered Fal only. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Examination of the major philosophical issues surrounding the environment and nature. Topics may include the value of nature; human obligations to the land, endangered species, non-human animals, ecosystems and future generations; vegetarianism; aesthetics and the environment; environmental racism; global warming; resource depletion; implications of environmental issues for ethical theory. Spring, 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

Interdisciplinary approach to the study of how humans interact with their environment, emphasizing environmental geology and environmental chemistry. Topics include: 1) human use of energy: sources, environmental consequences (including air pollution), socio-economic aspects; 2) natural hazards and their impact on human activities; 3) use of water, its contamination and waste disposal; 4) introduction to land use and environmental planning. Prerequisite: ENVI 101 or BIOL 117. Spring, 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

This course explores the interplay between the social, natural, and symbolic aspects of the places in which people inhabit. Students will be guided to design and conduct an independent research project, focusing on questions relevant to a specific locale, such as within the greater Binghamton area. The projects will be conducted using methods fundamental to social science research, with opportunity to use archival materials from the University’s Special Collections. Projects are intended for dissemination on publicfacing platforms. This course is the second part of a two‐semester sequence. Prerequisite ENVI 105. Offered in the spring. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

This is the first of two lecture‐lab courses of a two‐semester sequence of research stream Geospatial Remote Sensing for FRI students. Students will be introduced to the theory, methods and techniques in geospatial remote sensing research while gaining an understanding of research problems in particular areas of environmental studies, geology, and anthropology. Pre-requisite: HARP 170. Offered every spring. 4 credits. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

This course introduces the policy processes that have created the current system of environmental laws and regulations in the United States. In particular, the course identifies the key issues that necessitate environmental regulation, identifies the key actors involved in environmental policymaking, and examines various political-economic rationales for why some policies are implemented and others are not. The course primarily focuses on a positive examination of the policymaking process; however, it will necessarily also include discussion of important normative dilemmas including environmental justice and the role of science in the policymaking process. Each of the four areas of environmental policy-air, water, waste, and natural resources-will be discussed within the broader context of American federalism and the separation of powers .Spring, 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

This is the first of two lecture‐lab courses of a two‐semester sequence research stream in Biogeochemistry for FRI students. Students will be introduced to the theory, methods and techniques in biogeochemistry research while gaining an understanding of research problems in overlapping areas within the environmental science, geology, and biology disciplines. Pre-requisite: Admittance to the FRI Program, HARP 170. Offered eveery spring semester. 4 credits. This course satisfies the requirement of BIOL 115 Introductory Biology Laboratory. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

Introduction to environmental management and planning processes as they are addressed in public policy, with an emphasis on factors that influence decision-making, including politics, economics, public interest and legal requirements. Focus on difficulties associated with defining goals, with uncertainty in environmental impacts and with the balance between qualitative and quantitative factors in decision-making, using case studies. Fall, 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

Farm-to-table introduces students to the process by which food is produced, harvested and prepared. The course includes lectures but also frequent trips to the Binghamton University Acres site with hands-on training. The activities of the course will incorporate the planning and preparation of the Garden-to-Grill event held at Binghamton University Acres. Course topics include: seed starting, direct seeding, composting, harvesting, event preparation and planning, and garden winterization. Fall only. 2 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

This course uses hands-on exercise to address practical environmental and urban problems as it introduces students to the concepts and techniques at the heart of Geographic Information System (GIS). A central tool in such areas as environmental assessment, urban planning, health-care provision and population analysis. GI is a tool utilized through the social sciences and several of the physical sciences. The hands-on exercises encourage students to apply GIS techniques to address real-world issues. Offered regularly. 4 credits. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

TOPICS Levels: Undergraduate

TOPICS Levels: Undergraduate

TOPICS Levels: Undergraduate

Topics In Envirnm Studies Levels: Undergraduate

Topics In Envirnm Studies Levels: Undergraduate

TOPICS IN ENVIRNM STUDIES Levels: Undergraduate

Topics in ENVI. Subject matter varies by semester. 2 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Formerly ENVI 370. Examination of important environmental issues through geochemical investigation of Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. Discussion of past and present control on the chemical composition of the atmosphere, freshwater, oceans and groundwaters. Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or consent of instructor and either GEOL 211 or 311 or ENVI 201. Spring, 4 credits. Please note: students that have taken ENVI 370 will not receive credit for ENVI 304. Levels: Undergraduate

This is the second of two lecture‐lab courses of a two‐semester sequence research stream in Geospatial Remote Sensing for FRI students. Students will apply the theory and methods in geospatial remote sensing to a research problem in a particular area of environmental studies, geology, and anthropology. Pre-requisite: ENVI 206. Offered every fall semester. 4 credits. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

Environmental laws as perceived and dealt with by various judicial, legislative and administrative units. Pollution case law. Impact of economics and technology on environmental laws (as fashioned by legislatures and interpreted by the courts). Policy as well as legal doctrine. Prerequisite: ENVI 101 or ENVI 201. Spring, 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

The modern American urban environment is undergoing rapid transformation as people reevaluate their relationship with both natural and manmade environments. Living buildings and green rooftops are beginning to appear on the skylines of many major cities, and once-abandoned urban lots are being transformed into vibrant urban gardens. The phenomenon can be found in large cities, as well as smaller urban communities like Binghamton. This course presents an interdisciplinary examination of the ever-evolving concept of sustainable living as it applies to modern urban rejuvenation and revitalization. Concepts explored include urban gardening, sustainable development, brownfield redevelopment, and the relationship between a city and its natural resources. As part of the course, students will participate in a group project on an aspect of local sustainable development in the Binghamton region. Prerequsite: Introductory policy course, such as ENVI 230 or ENVI/Phil 149 or ENVI/GEOG 239. Offered every fall. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

A complex international policy regime emerged in the early 1900’s to coordinate national level climate change mitigation policies. We will examine the institutional structure and policy outcomes of the United Nations framework convention on climate change, through the lens of the incentive facing individual member countries. Student projects will focus on chosen nations and how the adapt to international policy agreements.Pre-requisite: Introductory policy course such as ENVI 230, ENVI/PHIL 149, or ENVI/GEOG 239. Offered summer only. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Urban ecology, which focuses on interactions between organisms and their environments in urban or urbanizing communities, is an emerging discipline. Urban ecosystems are becoming more commonplace worldwide, as over 50% of the human population now lives in urbanized areas. In this course, students will learn basic ecological principles, and how these apply to organisms adapting to life in human‐modified landscapes. Students will also develop their own independent projects studying the impacts of urbanization on natural communities in the Greater Binghamton Area. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Pre‐requisites: ENVI 101/201 Offered regularly. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Agricultural systems in Western and non-Western societies in relationship to ecological principles; factors affecting long-term stability. Plant-soil relationships as dynamic system. Ecologically based agricultural techniques in garden situation. Prerequisite: ENVI 101. Spring, 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

Outdoor class taught mainly in the Nature Preserve. Students will learn specific features such as flora, fauna and land-use history of the Binghamton University Nature Preserve and then participate in guiding Nature Preserve educational hikes for community and school groups. This is a frontloaded course ending in mid-November. Prerequisites: ENVI 101 or BIOL 117, and consent of instructor. Fall, 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

In this course, students will learn about the ecological relationships between soil organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments, with emphasis on the role of soil organisms in biogeochemical cycling, ecosystem structure and function, long‐term ecosystem sustainability, and global environmental change. Specific objectives are to examine (1) the physical processes of soil formation and development; (2) the biodiversity of soil ecosystems; (3) the biotic and abiotic factors controlling soil community diversity and structure; (4) the linkages between soil communities, soil physical properties, soil organic matter, and nutrient cycling; and (5) several contemporary topics in soil ecology such as aboveground‐belowground dynamics, global environmental change, and invasive species. Prerequisite: ENVI 101/201. Offered regularly. 4 credits. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

This is the second of two lecture‐lab courses of a two‐semester sequence research stream in Biogeochemistry for FRI students. Students will apply the theory and methods in biogeochemistry to a research problem in overlapping areas within the environmental science, geology, and biology disciplines. Pre-requisite: Admittance to the FRI Program, ENVI 234. Offered every fall semester. 4 credits. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

Introduction to environmental hydrology. Topics include global and local hydrologic budgets; the process by which water moves through the environment; an introduction to the chemistry of natural and polluted waters; and field-based studies of surface and subsurface water. Prerequisites: ENVI 101 and 201. Fall, 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

Basic biology of birds, focusing on characteristics affecting their ecological role. Conservation issues involving birds. Six to eight field trips and two field projects emphasizing identification, behavior and ecology. Two of the field trips are on weekends. Prerequisite: BIOL 114. 4 credits. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

Structure and function of various freshwater wetland types, including swamps, marshes, fens and bogs. Use of indicator plants to identify wetland types. Laboratory time will involve field trips to different wetland types, learning to identify wetland plants and making a collection. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 117. Fall, 2 credits Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

SPEC TOP IN ENVIRONMENTAL STDS Levels: Undergraduate

Intensive study of a particular topic determined in advance. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. Levels: Undergraduate

Intensive study of a particular topic determined in advance. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. Levels: Undergraduate

Intensive study of a particular topic determined in advance. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. Levels: Undergraduate

Intensive study of a particular topic determined in advance. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. Levels: Undergraduate

Intensive study of a particular topic determined in advance. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. Levels: Undergraduate

Intensive study of a particular topic determined in advance. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. Levels: Undergraduate

Intensive study of a particular topic determined in advance. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. Levels: Undergraduate

SPEC TOP IN ENVIRONMENTAL STDS Levels: Undergraduate

Intensive study of a particular topic determined in advance. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. Levels: Undergraduate

Intensive study of a particular topic determined in advance. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. Levels: Undergraduate

Intensive study of a particular topic determined in advance. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. Levels: Undergraduate

Intensive study of a particular topic determined in advance. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

Independent study under guidance of faculty member. Prior to registration, student must consult with the faculty supervisor and receive approval of problem to be studied and amount of credit to be received. Levels: Undergraduate

National Environmental Policy Act and its requirements. Environmental impact statements: what they are, how they came into being, their role in environmental decision making. Techniques of making environmental impact assessments, with emphasis on methods. Analysis of actual impact statements and group preparation of an impact statement. Prerequisites: ENVI 101, 201 and either 149 or 239. Restricted to senior Environmental Studies majors and minors. Spring, 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

Environmental considerations of planning process. Past and present planning programs examined; emphasis on techniques and methods used to integrate environmental knowledge with other aspects of planning process. Land use controls, planning for and protecting resource use and allocation alternatives, use of regions as management units. Preparation and analysis of plans. Prerequisites: ENVI 101, 201 and either 149 or 239. Restricted to senior Environmental Studies majors and minors. Fall and spring, 4 credits Levels: Undergraduate

Water is second only to air as a requirement for human survival, yet the demand for water has increased exponentially while the available water resources remain fixed. This course is an introduction to hydrological science that focuses on alleviating these problems. Topics include the exploration of the processes that govern the occurrence, movement, and distribution of water at the Earth’s surface, in the atmosphere, and underground. We explore the use of geospatial analyses, remote sensing, and GIS as a means for describing the processes of precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, soil moisture, and groundwater. Prerequisite: Junior, Senior or Graduate standing. Offered annually in the fall. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Morphological properties of soils as natural bodies, factors in processes of development, role in natural ecosystems; and systems of classification at topographic, regional and global scales. Soil fertility and its role in land use. Prerequisite: GEOG 121 or equivalent. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Fungi and Sustainability will consist of selected topics concerning the systematics, ecology, and applications of fungi. The lectures are designed to complement the laboratory portion of the course, which emphasizes identification of mushrooms of the Northeast. In addition to taxa identification, this course will facilitate student understanding of the ecological relationships of fungi, including impacts of fungi on biodiversity and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, we will consider the historical and present value of fungi towards creating sustainable human societies (e.g., ethnomycology, food production, bioremediation). Prerequisites: ENVI 101 or BIOL 114. Restriction: No freshman. Offered fall only. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Plant ecology is the scientific study of interactions that determine the distribution, abundance, and co‐occurrence of plants within the environment. This course will introduce students to major conceptual issues and areas of current research in plant ecology. Topics will include: plant environment relations, plant life histories, plant‐animal interactions, the role of plants in ecosystem processes, and current global issues in plant ecology (e.g., climate change, invasive species, etc.). Offered spring only. 4 credits. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

This course addresses the problems facing our current agricultural systems and considers alternative approaches to food production by adopting alternative agricultural systems. It provides a theoretical background for topics in sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Topics covered throughout the course include: perennial based agricultural systems, urban agriculture and social justice in the food system, “nature as measure”, permaculture, and the problem of agriculture. There will be guest lecturers throughout the semester, as well as field trips to Binghamton University Acres Farm and other regional farms, weather permitting. Prerequisites: ENVI 101/201. Offerered Spring only. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Human‐induced climate change is the most challenging scientific and (arguably) social environmental problem facing humanity in this century and beyond. Understanding the science of climate change and approaches at international, national, regional, and local levels to mitigate climate change are critical elements of an environmental education. This course will explore the scientific evidence of climate change, the uncertainties in modeling projections of current and future climate, and the policy and voluntary approaches that are evolving at the government, business and non‐profit levels to address current and future challenges. Pre‐requisites: ENVI 201 and one of ENVI 149, 230, or 239. Offered Spring only. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offers powerful new tools for Investigating environmental and natural science data. This course introduces students to spatial thinking and GIS applications through combination of lectures, discussion, and hands‐on tutorials. Students will learn how to find, display, and query spatial data and produce map products. Students will then explore the application of spatial analytical tools to solve problems and address questions, using examples with ecological, biological, geological, Archaeological, anthropological, planning, and sustainability relevance. Restriction: Junior or Senior Standing. Offered annually in the fall. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Levels: Undergraduate

Effective environmental policy requires the application of a policy tool that incorporates the social and ecological particularities of a specific problem. For example, a reliance on permits that specify exact limits on waste generation may work on point-source pollution problems, but may be less effective on non-point source pollution problems. This seminar will review several key approaches to environmental policy, including the use of mandates, tax incentives, tradeable permits, and community-based management. We will explore these approaches within local, national, and international environmental policy regimes, paying particular attention to how the characteristics of the environmental or resource problem influence the effectiveness of alternative policies. Pre-requisite: Introductory policy course, such as ENVI 230 or ENVI/Phil 149 or ENVI/GEOG 239. Offered every fall. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes. Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Levels: Undergraduate

TOPICS Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Levels: Undergraduate

TOPICS Levels: Undergraduate

TOPICS Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Levels: Undergraduate

Seminar-style investigation of a particular topic area, such as environmental policy or environmental ethics. May be repeated for credit if different topic is offered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; other prerequisites specified for particular topics. Levels: Undergraduate

TOPICS Levels: Undergraduate

Topics in ENVI. Subject matter varies by semester. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

Independent study by assisting in the teaching of ENVI courses, particularly ENVI 101 or 201. Assignments include leading discussion sections, maintaining office hours, reading papers. Closely directed by instructor. Generally open only to seniors. Pass/Fail option only. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Levels: Undergraduate

Internship in public agency or consulting firms dealing with environmental research, planning and management issues. Prerequisites: consent of Environmental Studies advisor, junior or senior standing. Pass/Fail option only. Students who wish to participate in an internship and who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that they will be asked about their prior criminal history. This may impede your ability to participate in certain internships. Students who have concerns about such matters, or are looking for additional information, are advised to contact the dean's office of their intended academic program. Levels: Undergraduate

Independent in-depth research under supervision of a faculty member. May be taken as a one-semester project, or as a precursor to the Honors Thesis (ENVI 499). Prerequisite: approval of the faculty supervisor. Levels: Undergraduate

Preparation and defense of an honors thesis. Usually an extension of the work undertaken in ENVI 498. Prerequisites: ENVI 498 and approval of faculty supervisor. Levels: Undergraduate

Evaluation and application of methods and procedures in environmental impact analysis. Consideration of requirements locally, nationally and internationally. Students write environmental impact statements (EIS) on local projects and critique an EIS written by a federal agency. Spring, 4 credits Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course will provide studetns with an in-depth overview of the field of environmental planning from an interdisciplinary perspective. By the end of the course studetns should be able to grasp the role and limitations of government in the planning process, understand a variety of complex environmental issues that confront urban planners and learn how to apply components of sustainability to local planning. Course topics will be supplemented by case studies and readings. Students will also participate in a semester long group project on an environmental issue in the Greater Binghamton region. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

Water is second only to air as a requirement for human survival, yet the demand for water has increased exponentially while the available water resources remain fixed. This course is an introduction to hydrological science that focuses on alleviating these problems. Topics include the exploration of the processes that govern the occurrence, movement, and distribution of water at the Earth’s surface, in the atmosphere, and underground. We explore the use of geospatial analyses, remote sensing, and GIS as a means for describing the processes of precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, soil moisture, and groundwater. Prerequisite: Junior, Senior or Graduate standing. Offered annually in the fall. 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

d. Fungi and Sustainability will consist of selected topics concerning the systematics, ecology, and applications of fungi. The lectures are designed to complement the laboratory portion of the course, which emphasizes identification of mushrooms of the Northeast. In addition to taxa identification, this course will facilitate student understanding of the ecological relationships of fungi, including impacts of fungi on biodiversity and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, we will consider the historical and present value of fungi towards creating sustainable human societies (e.g., ethnomycology, food production, bioremediation). No pre-reqs for graduate students. This two credit course is offered in the fall. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

Plant ecology is the scientific study of interactions that determine the distribution, abundance, and co-occurrence of plants within the environment. This course will introduce students to major conceptual issues and areas of current research in plant ecology. Topics will include: plant-environment relations, plant life histories, plant-animal interactions, the role of plants in ecosystem processes, and current global issues in plant ecology (e.g., climate change, invasive species, etc.). Prerequisites: none. Spring Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

The development and commercialization of genetically engineered (GE) food or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has been a contentious issue since its introduction into the food system in the mid-1990’s. This course explores the historical development, policy change and social conflicts surrounding agricultural biotechnology with particular focus science, policy and technology. Students examine environmental, social, political, and ethical implications of applied biotechnology using real-world examples including the non-browning apple in the U.S., Golden Rice in India, and the Bt eggplant in Bangladesh. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate