Relationships among climate, hydrology, biogeochemical cycles and vegetation distribution in diverse landscapes and biomes. Emphasis on physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting ecosystems from the poles to the equator.
Professor Southard and Zasoski
The role of water as an essential natural resource in contemporary society. Aspects of the scientific method, including descriptions of natural phenomena, measurement techniques, and predictive models. Supply and use of water for municipalities, agriculture, industry, wildlife and recreation.
Professor Silk
Degradation of the atmospheric resource, historical aspects and effects of air pollution examined. Evaluation of primary gaseous and particulate pollutants and discussion of their impact.
Professor Flocchini
Biological structure and function of trees as organisms; understanding of forests as communities and as ecosystems; use of forests by humans; tree phenology, photosynthesis, respiration, soil processes, life histories, dormancy, forest biodiversity, and agroforestry.
Professor Barbour, Berry and Bledsoe
Soil as part of natural and managed ecosystems and landscapes. Solid, liquid, and gas phases and their interactions in the soil. Water, gas and heat movement in soil. Soil biology. Plant nutrient acquisition and use. Soil development, management and use.
Professor Singer
Application of physical and chemical principles, ecological concepts, and systems approach to policy analysis of atmospheric environments, freshwater and marine environments, land use, energy supplies and technology, and other resources.
Professor Richerson
Economic analysis of interactions among population, environment, natural resources and development of world agriculture. Introduces students to economic thinking about population growth, its causes and consequences for world food demand, and environmental and technological limits to increasing food supplies.
Natural resource use problems with emphasis on past and current policies and institutions affecting resource use; determinants, principles, and patterns of natural resource use; property rights; conservation; private and public resource use problems; and public issues.
Interaction between agriculture and the environment. Principles required to analyze conflict and develop solutions to complex problems facing society.
Professor Phillips
Hazardous substances, their effects on humans and their actions and movement in the environment. Emphasis on substances of current concern.
Professor Tjeerdema