University of Maine at Farmington 2021-2022 Catalog

 
The University
Academic Organization, Faculty Listing
Academic Programs
Courses
Admission, Costs, Financial Aid
Academic Policies
Personnel
Notices
UMF Logo
 
Context

Environmental Science
Print This Page

  ENV 110N - Introductory Environmental Science

An introduction to the content, methods, and philosophy of science with an emphasis on the principles of environmental science and their application to topics in research or current issues in science. Each instructor will focus on a specific area of environmental science and use inquiry in the field and laboratory to allow more in-depth study of a particular sub-discipline or interdisciplinary topic. Topics of focus may include such areas as Lessons from the Wild, Understanding the Ecological Footprint, or Recognition of Gaia (students should check course listings for current offerings). Cannot be used as elective credit towards the Environmental Science track of the Earth and Environmental Sciences major. This course may be repeated for General Elective credit when the topic differs. Every semester.



Credit: 4

  ENV 130N - Tropical Nature: Exploring Costa Rica

For two weeks, we will explore the astonishing diversity of many of Costa Rica's ecosystems, including rain forests, cloud forests, mangrove swamps, and beach ecosystems.  The course will emphasize natural history, field studies of ecological patterns, tropical conservation, and reflecting on and writing about your experiences. Cross-listed with BIO 130N. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Pass/Fail only. Winter term, in odd years.



Credit: 4

  ENV 232 - Landscape Ecology

Habitat fragmentation and degradation is one of the driving forces of global biodiversity loss – as well as one of the drivers of naturally occurring biodiversity patterns. Landscape ecology investigates the influence of landscape heterogeneity, habitat fragmentation, and landscape permeability on species richness, community composition, dispersal, and functional connectivity. In addition, landscape ecologists provide practical solutions for mediating the effects of habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity in an increasingly altered natural world. In this course, we will explore the fundamental concepts that inform landscape ecology, review the application of landscape ecology to contemporary conservation challenges such as reserve design, corridor identification and protection, and assess the role of landscape ecology in studying population and community adaptation to climate change and continued habitat loss. Course content is delivered via a combination of lecture, in-class discussion of scientific articles, guest speakers who will present their experience(s) applying landscape ecology to conservation projects, and a combination of field-based and computer labs. Students will engage in some of the standard analytical tools used by landscape ecologists, such as ArcGIS, Circuitscape, and R. Cross-listed with BIO 232. Students may receive credit for only one the courses. Prerequisites:  BIO 141, BIO 142, BIO 212 or permission of instructor. Every 2 to 3 years.



Credit: 4

  ENV 257 - Soil Science

Study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. The influence of these properties on soil quality, use, and management will be examined as well as their role in soil classification. The importance of soils as a determinant of environmental quality and modern approaches to soil conservation will be emphasized. Prerequisite(s): One 100-level geology course and CHY 142. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  ENV 265 - Ecological Restoration

Ecological restoration seeks to aid ecosystems and their associated species in recovery after human-caused disturbance or degradation. While the process of ecological restoration is often focused on the recovery of degraded ecosystems, in this class we will broaden the scope to include species-specific restoration. Students will explore the biological and ecological foundations of restoration as well as the practical considerations of planning and implementing restoration projects, and what makes restoration projects succeed or fail. Special attention will be granted to ecological restoration in the context of sustainability and climate change. Students will also engage with the political and social aspects of restoration project development and implementation. Class content includes lecture, peer-to-peer teaching, review and discussion of scientific literature and restoration project planning documents, field trips to local restoration projects, guest speakers involved in ecological restoration programs, and team development of restoration planning documents. Limited (1-3) day-long field trips are required. Cross-listed with BIO 265. Students may receive credit for only one the courses. Prerequisites:  BIO 141, BIO 142, BIO 212 or permission of instructor. Every 2 to 3 years.



Credit: 4

  ENV 277 - Special Topics

Covers specialized topics not covered in the environmental science curriculum.  May be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite(s): Determined by topic. Varies.



Credit: 2-4

  ENV 294 - Forest Ecology and Conservation

A study of the ecology, management, and conservation of plant species and forest ecosystems. Focus on ecological principles and their application to sustaining biological diversity in exploited and pristine habitats. Field work and examples will emphasize Maine forests and controversies. Field trips, writing, oral presentations, and group and independent inquiry are required. Overnight weekend field trip possible. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141 and BIO 142 or permission of instructor. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  ENV 377 - Special Topics

Designed to cover topics that would not normally be covered in the environmental science curriculum. Course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141/142; CHY 141/142; GEY 101N Varies.



Credit: 2-4

  ENV 383 - Aquatic Ecology

Study of freshwater lakes and streams emphasizing the interrelationships of biological, chemical, and physical factors. Includes practical experience in taking and evaluating samples from aquatic environments. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141 and BIO 142. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  ENV 390 - Environmental Science Internship

Experiential learning situation where the student can earn credit for appropriate activities. The experience should involve the gathering and manipulation of environmental data. Proposals should be developed in conjunction with environmental science faculty member and must be approved by the program faculty. Prerequisite(s): Environmental science majors with at least 16 program credits or permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail only) Every semester.



Credit: 4-16

  ENV 397 - Independent Study in Environmental Science

An opportunity for students majoring in environmental science to initiate and conduct an environmental study in accordance with scientific procedures under the supervision of an appropriate staff member. Prerequisite(s): Junior and senior environmental science majors or permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Varies.



Credit: 2-4

  ENV 477 - Special Topics

The study of a specialized topic not offered in the usual curriculum. Varies. 



Credit: 2-4

  ENV 482 - Theory and Methods of Scientific Inquiry

This course guides students in developing and practicing critical thinking and communication skills required in scientific disciplines. Students will choose a focused topic in modern biological or environmental research, and will approach the topic with the CREATE framework (consider, read, elucidate the hypotheses, analyze and interpret data, and think of next experiment) to generate a thoroughly-researched review paper. This course will enhance skills in developing, implementing, and communicating scientific inquiry, and also provides students the opportunity to practice preparing a resume/CV, personal statement, and oral and poster presentations. Prerequisites:  Biology or environmental science major with senior standing, or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with BIO 482. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Offered every Spring.



Credit: 4

  ENV 497 - Independent Study in Environmental Science

An opportunity for students majoring in environmental science to initiate and conduct an environmental study in accordance with scientific procedures under the supervision of an appropriate staff member. Prerequisite(s): Junior and senior environmental science majors or permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Varies. 



Credit: 2-4

See other years' Catalogs