300

ENSP 300 Environmental Geoscience

Prerequisites: ENSP 101 and ENSP-102 or permission of instructor. This course investigates earth processes and their effects on or control of the natural and anthropogenic surroundings. The course elaborates on many of the topics of physical geology including natural and human-induced geologic hazards such as: earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and land subsidence; as well as environmental issues such as disposal and management of solid, chemical, and radioactive waste, acid mine drainage, and the environmental impact of mineral extraction and water resource utilization.

Credits

4.0

Offered

Fall Semester (As Needed)

ENSP 307 The Chesapeake Bay: Human Impact on a Natural System

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in ENSP 210 and ENSP 212 or permission of instructor. The natural history of the Chesapeake Bay region will be examined in the context of society’s exploitation of a natural system. Scientific topics will be combined with historical, sociological, and economic perspectives to form a coherent portrait of the interplay between society and the environment.

Credits

3.0

Cross Listed Courses

Also offered as HON 307

Offered

As Needed

ENSP 370 Coastal Studies Practicum

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in ENSP 212 and ENSP 210 or permission of instructor. The origins and answers to coastal environmental problems are found by studying the interplay among science, technology, society, and culture of the region. Working as a team, students will work collaboratively to define a coastal issue facing mid-Atlantic communities. Past topics include the sources and impact of untreated sewage effluent, the effects of marine debris on public beaches, and the importance of abandoned fishing gear. They will design a multidisciplinary study that addresses that issue from several perspectives. Working in teams, students will collect information, synthesize the material and provide their results and interpretations in both a written report and oral presentation. This course is offered as part of the Coastal Studies Semester.

Credits

2.0

Offered

Fall Semester

ENSP 375 Independent Study

Laboratory, library or field investigation of an environmental problem. Selection of topic, preparation of research plan and evaluation of results are guided by means of weekly conferences with the instructor.

Credits

1.0 - 3.0

Offered

Both Semesters and Summer

ENSP 380 Coastal Studies Field Experience

Prerequisites: ENSP 210, ENSP 212, or permission of instructor. Through travel to distant field sites, students will be immersed in the environmental issues of a particular coastal location. Environmental topics will be studied within the framework of the natural, historical, social, and cultural milieu found in the locale visited. Students will be involved in fieldwork, readings and discussions with local constituencies to develop a holistic view of the development, impacts and possible avenues of resolution for contemporary coastal environmental issues. This course is offered as part of the Coastal Studies minor.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

ENSP 397 Special Topics

An upper-level special topics course offered at the discretion of the department. The content and methods vary with the interest of students and faculty members

Credits

3.0

Offered

As needed

ENSP 399 Internship

Students work at off-campus sites with environmentally concerned government agencies; legislators; or nongovernmental organizations at local, state, regional and national levels. Grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Credits

3.0 - 15.0

Offered

Both Semesters and Summer