Acopian Center for the Environment Course Descriptions

ENV105

Numbers, Responsibility and the Environment

The course is a practical introduction to basic quantitative and statistical techniques that can be applied to environmental studies. Students will learn techniques to identify, organize, verify, and understand data, including analyzing trends and tendencies. The course will emphasize the importance of ethical and responsible use of data and information. Each topic will begin with an introduction to a numerical or statistical concept followed by the application of that concept on a real world environmental challenge or opportunity. Students will use basic data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

ENV130

Plants and Society

This interdisciplinary course enables students to explore the relationship between plants and people and the role of plants in shaping human societies throughout millennia. The course will discuss current environmental challenges related to human relationship with plants, such as food security, forest ecosystem integrity, and more. Through focusing on plants’ impacts on human societies the course is specifically designed to increase students’ awareness and understanding of diverse regions, cultures, and societies within the   context of contemporary global challenges.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

 

ENV201

Environmental Field Studies

This environmental field studies course offers students a unique educational opportunity to practice methods of scientific inquiry, focusing on field-research methodology and techniques. It teaches students the necessary skills to observe, interpret, and analyze scientific information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts. Classroom learning, complemented by hands on learning activities, are designed to enable students to work in teams, to use methods of scientific field observation and data collection, and to develop analytical thinking necessary for addressing environmental challenges. This course consists of instructor-led in class time as well as outdoor activities.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

 

ENV202

Projects in Environmental Sciences

This course is designed for undergraduate students to gain competence in designing, implementing, and evaluating projects that address environmental issues. Students will work on semester-long group projects which would start from the design of project proposals, and culminate with round-table discussions on each of the implemented projects. The project topics could relate to issues such as: environmental education, resource management (such as waste, energy, soil, water, etc.), sustainable food systems, air quality, forest management or restoration, among other topics. The course includes several in-class simulations using case studies on environmental issues relevant globally and to Armenia. The course uses a project-based learning approach, where student evaluation will be based on their performance in their project, their participation during the in-class simulations and activities, as well as examinations.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

 

ENV204

Environmental Decision Tools

When a project (e.g., a hydro-power plant, a highway, or a mine) is built or a program/policy (e.g., promoting agriculture, regulating car emissions, or increasing waste disposal fees) is adopted, it could impact the natural environment (air, water, soil, flora, fauna, and ecosystems) and the human environment (resettlement of populations, noise, dust, odors, vibrations, obstruction of views, etc.). How do we understand these impacts and inform project design and policy formulation to minimize, mitigate, or eliminate negative impacts? This course will discuss the tools available and commonly used to do this: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA), Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), and economic cost-benefit analysis (CBA). The course will also highlight the role of ecosystem services valuation as a relatively new concept that can enhance the effectiveness of decision-making tools introduced in the course. Instructor-led discussions and written assignments.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

ENV210

Disasters

This course explores the history, fundamentals, principles, theories, and approaches to disaster management. Students study natural and manmade disasters and the planning and management tools available for preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Topical investigations include: an overview of disaster management, the range of physical and human impacts, the role of decision-makers and the general public, and structural and non-structural techniques in this quantitative science course. Armenia- specific cases and scenarios are also considered and discussed. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

ENV211

Sustainable Cities

The course will introduce the concept of sustainable cities—places where there is human prosperity, social equity, and environmental health. This will be examined within the larger context of urban aspirations including green or eco-cities, smart cities, creative cities, resilient cities, and more.] Special emphasis will be placed on the concepts and tools necessary to address the environmental sustainability of cities including its resource metabolism, ecology, and built environment impacts. Specific topics may include transportation, land use, energy, water, biodiversity and more.The course will also examine the role of integrated and inclusive urban planning and governance. Students are expected to collect, analyze and present data as well as assess the merits of analyses by others.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

 

ENV212

Mining

The course introduces the basic concepts of mineral exploration, ore extraction, mineral processing, and mine-waste management. The course will have a particular focus on related environmental, occupational safety, public health and social management issues and approaches. As a quantitative science course, emphasis will be placed on statistical, scientific, and engineering tools for understanding better management of mining operations. Additionally, the course will introduce some of the legal and policy topics related to good governance of the mining sector in a country. Both international and Armenia- specific cases will be used to highlight concepts and effective practices. Instructor-led discussion, along with reading, written, and practical assignments. When administered in the summer, this course may be taught in intensive format with a fieldwork component. Intensive could include meeting daily in a field location.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

 

ENV215

Urban Environment Mapping: Field Application of Sensing and Visualization Tools

The course is on spatio-temporal mapping of urban environments, with particular emphasis on field application of sensor and visualization technologies. The course will introduce the theoretical and technical framework of urban environmental data acquisition and visualization using readily available sensing kits and the state-of- the-art mapping platforms. The course promotes active student participation. Students will become familiar and apply the following software tools: ArcGIS or QGIS (open-source), Rhino3D, Grasshopper3D, Arduino Program, and Grasshopper plug-in for Arduino I/O. The course will culminate in composition and presentation of a 5-minute videos that will document the students’ works. These video documentations will be publicly exhibited.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

 

ENV250

Biodiversity: Conservation and Restoration

This course is designed for undergraduate students to develop basic quantitative skills for deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of the current worldwide loss of plant, animal and other species. The course will cover the theory and practice of managing endangered species and the conservation and restoration of habitats and species populations. The course will emphasize how to apply science and the scientific method in the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. Worldwide as well as Armenia-specific cases will reviewed. A key expected outcome of the course is students’ competence in measuring trends using statistics and computing useful measures and indices. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

 

ENV251

Forests

Students will use statistical and scientific tools to gain a deeper understanding of forests, forest-related processes, and management of this critical resource. The course will offer an introduction to the types of forests worldwide, the role of forests in ecosystem that protect the living environment, and their significance to human economies and well-being. Students will gain insights in the ecosystem services that forests provide—for instance, their importance in climate and water-cycle regulation as well as biodiversity and soil protection. Forest management techniques and the role of good forest governance will be highlighted throughout the course. Topics will be supplemented by Armenia and Caucasus-specific cases and problem sets. Instructor-led discussion, along with reading, written, and practical assignments. When administered in the summer, this course may be taught in intensive format with a fieldwork component. Intensive could include meeting daily in a field location.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

 

ENV299

Independent Study in ENVS

This course is designed to permit students to design and complete a research project or other academic or professional approved activity under the supervision of an instructor for credit. The course will address a special area of interest of the student and instructor outside the standard offerings of the program and have interdisciplinary or research components. The course must include a syllabus or a study plan and evidence of learning equivalent to respective credits. Independent study courses are subject to approval of the instructor and Program Chair.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

ENV300

Natural Environment and Humans

The course is designed for graduate students from disparate disciplines to gain an overview of environmental principals and current environmental issues. The course will cover four broad areas. First it will discuss what ecosystems are, how they function, and the main processes keeping them stable. Second, it will review key environmental issues including climate change, loss of biodiversity, nitrogen and phosphorous cycle disruptions, eutrophication, chemical pollution (including persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, particulate, etc.), degradation of natural habitats (deforestation, grasslands change and wetlands drainage), and so on. Third, basic environmental concepts, frameworks, and tools will be presented including sustainability, planetary boundary, ecological footprint, carbon footprint, and TRACI. Finally, the course will present broad review of regulatory and market-based policy directions employed to address environmental change. Topics will be supplemented by Armenia and Caucasus-specific cases.

Credits: 1

Prerequisite:

 

ENV320

Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Analysis

The course aims to introduce and develop introductory and intermediate skills in application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to visualize, analyze, and interpret relationships, patterns and trends in the fields of environmental management, public health, sustainable agriculture and transportation. GIS as a tool, however, is applicable to a wide variety of fields and industries, including marketing, logistics, urban development, and so on.  Students will also learn to use Global Positioning System (GPS) units to collect spatial data.

Credits: 2

Prerequisite:

 

ENV321

Remote Sensing and Environmental Analysis

The course aims to provide a basic understanding of land-use mapping with remote-sensing techniques. The focus will be on multispectral remote sensing and pixel based image classification. For land use mapping, freely available satellite data from the Landsat mission will be used. Processing will be done with ArcMap10 or similar software.

Credits: 1

Prerequisite:

 

ENV325

Urban Environment Mapping: Field Application of Sensing and Visualization Tools

The course is on spatio-temporal mapping of urban environments, with particular emphasis on field application of sensor and visualization technologies. The course will introduce the theoretical and technical framework of urban environmental data acquisition and visualization using readily available sensing kits and the state-of- the-art mapping platforms. The course promotes active student participation. Students will become familiar and apply the following software tools: ArcGIS or QGIS (open-source), Rhino3D, Grasshopper3D, Arduino Program, and Grasshopper plug-in for Arduino I/O. The course will culminate in composition and presentation of a 5-minute videos that will document the students’ works. These video documentations will be publicly exhibited. Instructor-led classes and fieldwork.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

 

ENV330

Business and Environmental Sustainability

The course is for graduate students with interest in business, management, and economics. It offers an overview of environmental challenges facing the planet today including climate change, loss of biodiversity, natural resource depletion, chemical pollution, and more. The course discusses corporate responses, political activist and governmental pressures on corporations, regulatory and market-based policy solutions, and technological innovations that are helping address these environmental challenges. Topics are supplemented by Armenia and Caucasus-specific cases.

Credits: 1

Prerequisite:

 

ENV399

Special Topics

Course Description tailored to course content when offered.

Credits: 1

Prerequisite:

 

ES333

Introduction to Biodiversity Management

 Credits: 3

Prerequisite:

 

ESC298

Environmental Ornithology

Credits: 2

Prerequisite: