Environmental Science and Policy

Using real-world data from local and global sites, students will explore the issues related to species conservation around the world. Issues of habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species, overhunting and human overpopulation will be investigated, as well as basic concepts of evolution, biogeography and human attitudes towards the environment. Students will examine trends in biodiversity, and learn how ecosystems can be preserved, managed and restored in order to save wild biodiversity and create a sustainable society. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Natural Sciences, Critical Thinking and Inquiry & Analysis. Note: ES103 is the first of a two-semester laboratory science sequence with ES104.

Using real-world data from local and global sites, students will explore the issues related to natural resource conservation around the world. Topics covered will include impacts of mining and processing natural resources, recycling and waste management, renewable and non-renewable energy resources, global climate change and management of water resources, as well as basic concepts of geology, energy and human attitudes towards the environment. Students will examine trends in global resource use, learn how natural resources can be used more wisely through problem solving, and take action through civic engagement to move towards creating a more a sustainable society. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Natural Sciences, Problem Solving and Technology Literacy. Note: ES104 is the second of a two-semester laboratory science sequence with ES103.

Provides a broad overview of the environmental impacts associated with resource extraction and use, with soil use, and with water use. Particular attention is paid to the roles of human population growth and growth in per capita consumption in these various environmental impacts. Prerequisite: GL101 or ES103.

This field study course runs in May as part of spring semester. It will explore New England coastal ecology, with special focus on outer Cape Cod. Course topics include coastal geomorphology; barrier island dynamics and estuarine ecology; plant succession on active dune systems; threatened and endangered coastal and marine species; human impacts to coastal ecosystems; and natural resource management issues in New England coastal systems. Prerequisite: BI101 or ES103 or GL115.

The interactions of individual organisms, populations, and communities with their environments. Lectures and laboratories emphasize principles and techniques of ecological investigations. Most lab sessions take place outdoors in the field, regardless of weather. Prerequisite: BI102 or ES104. Fall

The interactions of individual organisms, populations, and communities with their environments. Lectures and laboratories emphasize principles and techniques of ecological investigations. Most lab sessions take place outdoors in the field, regardless of weather. Prerequisite: BI102 or ES104. Fall

An introduction to the natural and cultural history of a place - using the campus and nearby Rindge as a laboratory. Students will learn to observe nature and culture first hand, "read" the landscape, link local history to larger regional patterns, and understand the sense of place. Prerequisite: GLE120.

This project course will connect the students with the individuals and resources needed to complete their Sustainability project successfully. The Coordinator will also make sure that the student demonstrates how he or she is applying the knowledge and skills from the Green Earth courses to the project. Prerequisite ES202

Provides an overview of administrative law, common law, federal and state environmental statutes and regulatory policy affecting the environment. Emphasis will be on management of wetland and pollution. Prerequisites: ES103 or BI101 or BI102 or by permission of the instructor.

Examines the plants, animals, soils, hydrology, and chemistry of different wetland types. The course will include the study of wetland-watershed interactions, and of the methods of wetland protection. Prerequisite: ES103 or BI218.

Examines the plants, animals, soils, hydrology, and chemistry of different wetland types. The course will include the study of wetland-watershed interactions, and of the methods of wetland protection. Prerequisite: ES103 or BI218.

Problems of protecting and managing game and non-game species, focusing on New Hampshire fisheries and wildlife and applicable state and federal laws. Laboratory will focus on management design, implementation, and relevant field skills. Prerequisite: BI101 or ES103 or ES104 or BI218.

Problems of protecting and managing game and non-game species, focusing on New Hampshire fisheries and wildlife and applicable state and federal laws. Laboratory will focus on management design, implementation, and relevant field skills. Prerequisite: BI101 or ES103 or ES104 or BI218.

This course addresses the science and policy of maintaining a healthy and adequate water supply in the US and other countries. We will consider the watershed connections, the geologic setting, and the impacts of development on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of surface water and groundwater bodies. We will also learn the field tools and techniques used to sample surface water and analyze its chemistry. Pre-requisite: ES104 or BI218 or permission of the instructor.

This course addresses the science and policy of maintaining a healthy and adequate water supply in the US and other countries. We will consider the watershed connections, the geologic setting, and the impacts of development on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of surface water and groundwater bodies. We will also learn the field tools and techniques used to sample surface water and analyze its chemistry. Pre-requisite: BI218 or permission of the instructor.

Examines the basic ecological processes that influence forest type and forest structure. Topics covered range from broad scale landscape patterns of natural and human disturbance to the specific habitat requirements of individual plant species. The laboratory section consists of weekly field trips to forests both on and off the campus, and will emphasize quantitative techniques for the collection and interpretation of field data, as well as basic natural history. Prerequisite: BI218 or permission of instructor.

Earth’s climate is changing very rapidly, as a result of human activities which produce heat-trapping gases. The science, while still continuing to evolve, has clearly established both the causes and the effects, and ever-growing evidence supports the dire predictions of climate models. These predictions indicate that without immediate, large-scale action, climate change will threaten human health, food and water supplies, building infrastructure, and the productivity and diversity of all of Earth’s ecosystems. The goal of this course is to help students understand the of climate change, and develop the skills and tools needed to understand and implement solutions to the crisis. Prerequisites: ES104 or PH102, and one math class at least MT151 or higher