Synoptic meteorology is the study of the weather systems (high- and low-pressure systems, waves in the jet stream, fronts) that impact day-to-day weather. This class will introduce the foundational theories of synoptic meteorology and allow students to practically apply them to case studies of past and current significant weather events, with a particular focus on North American weather systems.

This course introduces students to research topics in air pollution, including the ozone hole, tropospheric ozone, aerosol chemistry and physics, atmosphere-biosphere interactions, air pollution regulation and control, health impacts, environmental justice, cook stove emissions, and air toxics. Readings are primarily taken from the recent literature. There is an emphasis on understanding the fundamental chemistry and physics of air pollution.

This seminar treats topics in the physical processes that shape landscapes. Topics will rotate with each semester, and will initially focus on the Appalachian Mountains and Chesapeake Bay as natural laboratories for studying interrelationships between mountain building, erosion, climate, and sea-level. Lectures & discussions of scientific literature will introduce geologic context, physics and chemistry relevant to particular geomorphic processes.

This class will explore methods in the analysis and provision of water resources systems, building on principles of hydrologic science, global change, and equity. Our understanding of water as an integral component of human society and environment is rapidly changing with climate and land use change, and the increasing recognition of current and past inequity in water access, and exposure to hazard. Prerequisite: EVSC 3600.

This lecture course focuses on the occurrence and distribution of chemical elements and the processes influencing that distribution among the various reservoirs of the Earth-surface environment, including rocks, soil, water, and air. Prerequisite: CHEM 1410 or CHEM 1420 (one semester of college-level chemistry) and EVSC 2800 (one semester of college-level geology)

Reviews wave generation, wave prediction, wave refraction, transformation, shoaling, and associated inshore currents. Topics include the generation of littoral drift and shallow water surge; beach and barrier island geomorphology and problems of erosion. Includes the historical development of research in coastal processes and a quantitative analysis of spatial patterns along sandy coasts. Prerequisite: EVSC 2800; corequisite: EVSC 4851.

Optional laboratory for EVSC 4890 students that will expose students to sources and types of information about processes and materials on planetary bodies as well as techniques for interpreting and mapping the surface features and geologic history of planetary objects.

Specialized topics in ecology, atmosphere, hydrology, environmental geology, or environmental systems not normally covered in formal classes under the direction of the faculty. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Original research usually involving a field or laboratory problem in the environmental sciences under the direction of one or more faculty members. The results may form the basis of an undergraduate thesis which is required to partially fulfill the Distinguished Majors Program in environmental sciences. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Provides credit for doing work in pursuit of the undergraduate thesis option for majors in Environmental Science