Environmental Science BS

The first semester of the comprehensive first year course in biology. Covers the biochemistry and inner workings of cells, energy metabolism, genetics, cellular physiology, population genetics and evolutionary pattern and process. Laboratory topics include use of the microscope, biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, and evolution. Intended for students who are pursuing, or considering, the major in biology or life sciences teaching.

Full course description for General Biology I

The second semester of the comprehensive first year course in biology. Covers the evolution and diversity of life, plant biology, animal biology and ecology. Lab activities include use of the microscope, examination of organisms, and experiments in plant physiology and ecology; may include animal dissection. Intended for biology and life sciences teaching majors.

Full course description for General Biology II

The first semester of the comprehensive first year course in chemistry. Covers measurement, stoichiometry, solution chemistry, atomic structure, bonding, molecular structure, molecular visualization, and problem solving. Lab includes basic laboratory techniques, instrumentation, methodology, chemical analysis, and laboratory notebook procedures. The labs are also designed to engage students in critical thinking and concept building and are directly coordinated with the lecture part of the course. Intended for students who are pursuing, or considering, the biology or life sciences teaching major and/or chemistry minor, and qualified students seeking a general education science course with lab.

Full course description for General Chemistry I

The second semester of the comprehensive algebra-based first year course in chemistry. Covers acid/base theory, chemical equilibria, nuclear and electrochemistry, redox reactions, terminology, functional groups, reactivity of organic compounds and an introduction to biochemistry. Includes lab. Intended for students pursuing the biology or life sciences teaching major and/or chemistry minor.

Full course description for General Chemistry II

This course provides an overview of the differential calculus for single and multivariable functions and an introduction to the integral calculus and differential equations, with an emphasis on applications to the natural and physical sciences. Particular topics covered in the course include limits, ordinary and partial derivatives, applications of derivatives, definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus, applications of definite integrals, models involving differential equations, Eulers method, equilibrium solutions.

Full course description for Applied Calculus

This course covers the basic principles and methods of statistics. It emphasizes techniques and applications in real-world problem solving and decision making. Topics include frequency distributions, measures of location and variation, probability, sampling, design of experiments, sampling distributions, interval estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression.

Full course description for Statistics I

This course focuses on the interactions between the consumer and the producer. It begins with the theory of markets, supply and demand, and the price system. Then it covers demand elasticity, the costs of production including the various factor inputs, the four major market structures (pure competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly and monopoly), and ways to increase the competition in markets.

Full course description for Microeconomics

This course is an introduction to geology, meteorology and astronomy. Topics include measurement and the scientific method, rocks and minerals, weathering and erosion, earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, geologic time and the history of the Earth, structure and composition of the atmosphere, weather patterns, climate, a history of modern astronomy, the solar system, light and the sun, and stars beyond our solar system. Check the Class Schedule for the dates and times of required field trips. Includes Lab.

Full course description for Introduction to Earth Sciences

This course introduces the geological materials, processes and events of the earth's surface and crust that are most relevant to human populations. The phenomena studied include natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, floods, and hurricanes, as well as important resources such as water, soil, traditional and alternative energy resources, and pollution and remediation of water and air quality.

Full course description for Environmental Geology

This is an introductory course in physics covering one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion, forces, solids, fluids, heat, temperature, electricity, magnetism, waves and light. This course is focused on topics that are important in the environmental and life sciences, the development of quantitative problem-solving skills, and practical applications. Includes lab. This course meets the Physics course requirement of the Biology BA, Environmental Science BS, and Life Sciences Teaching BS programs, and the General Education Goal 3 Science requirement.

Full course description for Introduction to Physics

This is the first course of a two semester sequence covering the fundamental concepts of physics. This course covers Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, linear momentum, rotational motion, gravity, equilibrium and elasticity, periodic motion, fluid mechanics, temperature, heat, and the laws of thermodynamics. Laboratories emphasize application of physics concepts and quantitative problem solving skills. Intended for science majors and general education students with strong mathematical background.

Full course description for Calculus Based Physics I

This is the second course of a two semester sequence covering the fundamental concepts of physics. This course covers oscillatory motion, waves, superposition and interference of waves, diffraction, electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, light, mirrors and lenses. Laboratories emphasize application of physics concepts and quantitative problem solving skills. Intended for science majors.

Full course description for Calculus Based Physics II

This course covers the science of ecology, focusing on population and community ecology, the investigation of patterns in the distribution and abundance of organisms and the processes responsible. The content and methods of modern ecological research are emphasized. Students read ecological research papers and do field investigations, experiments and computer modeling. Most of the weekly labs take place outdoors. Intended for biology, environmental science and life sciences teaching majors.

Full course description for Ecology

This course covers the biology, chemistry and physics of aquatic habitats with an emphasis on the ecology of lakes in Minnesota. The content and methods of modern limnological research are emphasized. Labs focus on field and lab investigation of water bodies in the metropolitan area. Most of the weekly labs take place outdoors. Intended for biology, environmental science and life sciences teaching majors and other qualified students.

Full course description for Limnology

This course covers the science of animal behavioral ecology. The content and methods of modern ecological research are emphasized. Students read research papers in the field of animal behavior and conduct field investigations, experiments and computer modeling. Many of the weekly labs take place outdoors. Intended for biology majors.

Full course description for Behavioral Ecology

This course covers ecosystem theory, nutrient cycling, energy flow, and related global environmental topics including acid rain, greenhouse effect, climate change and mercury pollution. The content and methods of modern ecosystems research are emphasized. Lab activities may include field investigations, lab experiments, and computer modeling. Intended for biology, environmental science, and life sciences teaching majors and other qualified students.

Full course description for Ecosystem and Global Ecology

This course addresses the principles of atmospheric chemistry, the chemistry of climate change, water chemistry, and soil chemistry. During the course of the semester, students will learn the chemistry behind modern challenges to our environment. It will include an examination of the sources, reactions, transport, and fates of different chemical species in the environment. While a variety of topics will be covered during the semester, the following topics will be the main areas of focus: a) atmospheric chemistry and air pollution; b) the chemistry of climate change; c) water chemistry and water pollution; d) hazardous organic compounds; and e) soil chemistry.

Full course description for Environmental Chemistry

This two-credit laboratory course is intended for Chemistry and Environmental Science majors. This course contributes to the Category 2 Courses in the Chemistry major and Physical Science Core Courses in the Environmental Science major. CHEM 311L must be taken concurrently with CHEM 311 Environmental Chemistry. The specific areas of focus, where methods and techniques, specialized equipment, instrumental methods, and safety procedures, will be atmospheric chemistry and water chemistry. Students will gain experience with bench analytical techniques, such as titration, and instrumental analyses, such as atomic absorption and UV-VIS, which will result in acquiring skills that can be utilized in a career in environmental science and related fields.

Full course description for Environmental Chemistry Lab

This course develops topics in earth surface processes, including geomorphology and general hydrology. Studies of Late Cenozoic landscape change will focus on glacial and fluvial processes in the Upper Midwest. We will examine surface water and groundwater hydrology with an emphasis on the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota. The course will employ college algebra skills to develop a semi-quantitative approach to groundwater and surface water hydrology. Mandatory Saturday field trips are an essential component of this course.

Full course description for Earth Surface Environments

This course covers the composition, structure, optical and thermal properties, and behavior of the atmosphere, including the flows of energy to, from, and through the atmosphere, the resulting motion of the atmosphere at scales from local to planetary, the impact of human activity on the chemical composition and physical properties of the atmosphere, and the resultant effects of those anthropogenic changes on the built and natural environment (i.e. acid precipitation, ozone destruction, smog, greenhouse effect warming etc). The content and methods of modern atmospheric and environmental science are emphasized. Lab activities will include field investigations, lab experiments, and computer modeling. Intended for students majoring in environmental science and related fields. This course meets the Physical Science Core requirement of the Environmental Science major.

Full course description for Atmospheric Science

This course explores the economic aspects of environmental issues and regulations. Current incentives to degrade or preserve the environment are presented and the impact of present policies on those incentives are established. The tools of economic analysis are used to evaluate problems and suggest solutions.

Full course description for Economics of the Environment

This course examines the ecology of environmental pollution from biological, paleolimnological and international perspectives. Topics include acidification, eutrophication, metal and organic contamination, species introductions, and climate change. Students develop skill with structured decision making, risk assessment and public presentation. Intended for biology majors, environmental science and other qualified students.

Full course description for Pollution Ecology

BIOL 416 is intended to serve as an upper division elective within the Biology (B.A. and B.S.) and Environmental Science (B.S.) majors; as such, enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors within these majors. This advanced lecture course examines the biology of exotic organisms that cause ecological or economic harm upon establishment in a novel environment. Topics include the stages of biological invasion and the ecological processes that mediate them (e.g., propagule pressure, biotic interactions, disturbance), the impacts and management of invasive species, risk assessment and post-invasion evolution. Field trips to local ecosystems may be incorporated.

Full course description for Invasion Biology

This course examines current scientific understanding of the ecological effects of climate change. Topics include the global climate system, greenhouse effect warming, and the effects of climate change on plants and animals at the physiological, community, and ecosystem levels. Students read and discuss primary scientific literature. This course serves as an upper division elective in the Biology and Environmental Science majors.

Full course description for Climate Change Ecology

Biomechanics is the study of the physical aspects of life, the materials and structures made and used by living things of all kinds, plants, animals, fungi, protista and bacteria. Biomechanics unites the fields of physics, physiology, ecology and engineering in the investigation of biological materials and structures and the structural and functional roles that they play for the organisms that produce them. This includes chitin, cellulose, spider silk, feathers, tooth enamel, wood, bone, arteries, tree branches, porcupine quills and many more. This course is an upper division elective in the Biology major and meets the 400-level capstone course requirement of the major.

Full course description for Comparative Biomechanics

This course presents current advanced research in environmental science, connecting students to the wealth of the scientific resources available in the Metropolitan State area. By listening, reflecting, and writing, students learn about current research in environmental science and how scientists communicate it to other scientists. This course can, with instructor permission, be taken more than once for credit. Intended for environmental science majors in their junior or senior year.

Full course description for Seminars in Environmental Science

This course covers advanced topics in environmental science that vary from semester to semester. Because the content of each section of this course is different, students may take this course more than once for credit. Intended for Environmental Science majors in their senior year.

Full course description for Advanced Topics in Environmental Science

This course provides students with laboratory or field research experience under the supervision of a resident science faculty member. Students must complete a research proposal and it must be approved by the instructor before registering for the course. Prior successful completion of an upper division course with the instructor is generally required. Intended for Environmental Science majors in their senior year.

Full course description for Senior Research in Environmental Science

This course covers plant physiology across the range of organisms studied by botanists, including plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, including the structural and biochemical features that are characteristic of the different taxonomic groups and how these features affect the distribution and abundance of the organisms. The content and methods of current research in plant physiology are emphasized. Lab activities include laboratory and field investigations. Intended for biology majors.

Full course description for Plant Physiology

This course covers the science of evolutionary biology, including population genetics, microevolution, speciation, phylogenetics and macroevolution. The content and methods of modern research in evolutionary biology are emphasized; student read primary source scientific literature. Lab activities include field investigations, lab experiments, and computer modeling. Intended for biology, environmental science and life sciences teaching majors.

Full course description for Evolution

The biology of invertebrate animals, particularly insects and other terrestrial arthropods: their macroevolutionary history, taxonomy, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Topics may include their identification and roles as pollinators, herbivores, predators and disease vectors in natural, agricultural, and urban ecosystems. The course includes an integrated laboratory with field and laboratory activity. Course intended for biology majors.

Full course description for Invertebrate Biology

Internships offer students opportunities to gain deeper knowledge and skills in their chosen field. Students are responsible for locating their own internship. Metro faculty members serve as liaisons to the internship sites¿ supervisors and as evaluators to monitor student work and give academic credit for learning. Students are eligible to earn 1 credit for every 40 hours of work completed at their internship site. Students interested in internships within the Natural Sciences Department should work with their advisor and/or faculty internship coordinator to discuss the process for your specific major.

Full course description for Environmental Science Individualized Internship

This course covers the intermediate statistical methods in analyzing environmental and biological datasets. This course is built on the knowledge of an introductory statistics and hypothesis testing. The contents of the course include paired T-test, unpaired T-test, F-tests, one-way and two-way ANOVA, multivariate ANOVA, repeated measures, regression, principle component analysis and cluster analysis. Students will learn how to use statistical software to perform all the analyses.

Full course description for Environmental Statistics

This class focuses on the history and background of the social and environmental issues confronting racial and ethnic communities in the United States. Students learn about the practice and politics of ecological inequality, community initiatives which have developed to combat such inequality, and how environmental justice has emerged as a viable and powerful political movement. This course is useful to students interested in environment and public policy as well as racial and ethnic studies.

Full course description for Environmental Justice and Public Policy