Environmental Studies

This course examines forest classification and the application of silvics in forest management, including world forest classification systems, the Biogeoclimactic Ecosystem Classification system, and ecosystem diagnosis in the field.

This course explores animal diversity through specialized training in the methodologies required to identify different zoological groups. Students learn how to recognize the most representative species of fauna and create fauna inventories, measure and interpret animal variability and differentiate zoological groups, as well as how to prepare research studies and fauna inventories and catalogs aimed at characterizing animal communities, biogeographical studies, strategic environmental assessments, environmental impact assessments, and the delimitation of protected areas. 

Pre-requisites: It is recommended to have taken and passed Zoology 

This course provides a deep understanding of how geoscience can be used to support the overall sustainability of our planet. Topics include earth observations and sustainability; geothermal energy and energy storage; natural and anthropogenic carbon cycles; fluxes and budgets; carbon, capture, utilization and storage; geoengineering, including enhancement of geological processes for climate mitigation; ensuring access to clean water; pollution assessment and remediation.

This course examines research philosophies and the scientific method, with special emphasis on field research. 

This course examines main concepts and methods used in environmental land-use planning. It discusses the relationship between abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic elements of the environment, the supply and demand relationship, and its impact on essential resources such as air, water, and soil. This course analyzes planning and management of environmental resources, prevention of territorial imbalances, and maintenance of a population's quality of life.

Pre-requisites: Students must have completed and passed Natural Foundations of the Territory and Social Foundations of the Territory 

This course explores the consequences and crisis that biodiversity is facing under global change, with a focus on the effects of climate change on biodiversity and how it affects human societies. In particular, it addresses key questions such as: How do climate and climate change lead to changes in biodiversity on land and oceans at genetic, species and ecosystem levels? Does climate change interact with other global change drivers (e.g., invasive species, habitat alteration) to influence biodiversity? What are the effects of climate changes on species extinctions and interactions between species? Do changes in biodiversity affect human wellbeing and society? In order to address these questions, the course reads and discusses the primary literature, participate in lectures and discussions, and engages in a series of exercises and experiments.

This course examines anthropological engagements with "nature" and the more-than-human world. It explores how ideas about "nature" have been theorized and critiqued within anthropology, how such ideas are put to work in different world-making projects, and how rethinking human relations with the more-than-human world might offer insights into navigating uncertain ecological times.

This course covers the fundamentals of environmental biology/life science and importantly the relationship and connection between environment and life. It explores the various biological/ecological principles and concepts of environmental science which are needed for critical discussion and evaluation of current global environmental issues including human ecology, urbanization, ecological economics, and climate change. This course is a combination of lectures, group discussion/debate, field trips, and tutorials. It  explores the fundamental interactions between organisms and their environment. Then explores environmental constraints on life at various ecosystems (like marine, freshwater, and terrestrial). Students learn how factors such as urbanization, climate change, and anthropogenic impacts affect life at population and ecosystem levels. Similarly, it exposes the incredible interrelationships that are basic to ecological principles and the impact that human development has upon these interrelationships. Lastly, it stimulates thinking about current life science issues such as biodiversity loss, organisms adaptation to climate change, tragedy of commons (human ecology) and applied life science topics such as biomaterial science.

This course covers principles and methods in treatment and utilization of water and wastes, basic concepts of water and wastewater treatment, and treatment of wastes from food and beverage industries. Prerequisites: ICBI 121 Biology I.

This course teaches students how money and finance, and processes of global political economy more broadly, enable, shape, and condition development, environment, and conservation processes. It draws on economic geography, but also social, financial, and cultural geography, anthropology, development studies, and work on society and environment relations. The course includes examples of financialization, conservation, and eco-system services from the UK, Africa, and Asia.