Please refer to the University Bulletin for complete course descriptions. Interdisciplinary holistic view of interaction of human populations with their physical environment. Alternative forms of human interaction with physical environment, human species as a viable long term proposition. Pollution case law, impact of economics and technology on environmental laws as fashioned by legislatures and interpreted by the courts. Discussion of past and present controls on the chemical composition of the atmosphere, freshwaters, oceans and groundwaters.
Topics change annually, more recently focusing on global environmental problems.
Recent publications serve as the catalyst for study and analysis of numerous interrelated global environmental problems. Students are expected to write term research paper and make oral presentation. Focus on major sources utilized today, including petroleum, natural gas and nuclear energy, as well as on alternative or renewable sources. Exploration of advantages and disadvantages of presently used energy types, distribution of generating and disposal facilities, and environmental impacts of choice of energy type or site. Review of alternate and renewable sources and impact of new technologies.