Introduces students to the range of natural species and communities occurring on the UCSC campus. All class time is spent outside, and each week a different area of campus is visited. Course 24 is recommended.
Instructor
Christopher Lay
Introduction and training in the skills needed to create, manage, and exhibit natural history collections, including plants, insects, fungi, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Students gain proficiency in illustration media, and acquire training in the essential skills needed to create natural-history inspired illustrations. Students create illustrations and paintings by studying organisms in the Norris Center for Natural History collections, as well as those living on and around campus. Some experience in basic drawing and/or natural-history sketching is recommended.
Instructor
Emily Underwood
General Education Code
PR-C
Students learn the fundamentals of organismal biology and ecology through observations in the field, museum specimens, and field journaling. Class focuses on a particular taxonomic group or natural community, such as reptiles, fungi, insects, coastal prairie, or chaparral. Enrollment by application. Please email envsadvi@ucsc.edu for applications.
Instructor
Sean Reilly, Christian Schwarz
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Provides an overview of the physical and chemical environment of planet Earth. Fundamental chemistry and physics is introduced in the process of learning about Earth in a holistic way. The influence of human societies on the global environment is one focus of discussion. Earth's many spheres are explored first: the lithosphere; the atmosphere; the hydrosphere, and the ecosphere. Then global cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and several other elements are studied in the context of basic sciences and societal issues.
Covers principles of ecology including limits to species abundances, evolutionary ecology, population dynamics, community interactions and patterns, and ecosystem patterns and dynamics.
General Education Code
SI
Introduces the policy and economic dimensions of some pressing environmental challenges. Case studies may include, biodiversity conservation, waste, water, climate change, and other topics to examine the drivers and policy responses to environmental problems and the trade-offs in different policy solutions.
General Education Code
PE-E
Quarter offered
Winter, Summer
Introduction to freshwater resources from multiple scientific and policy perspectives. After a review of basic concepts, water issues affecting cities, farms, open space, and multiple-use landscapes are studied. Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have previously received credit for
ENVS 165.
General Education Code
PE-E
A broad overview of the impacts of human activities on the global climate system. Topics include how climate affects the distribution of ecosystems, the influence of global climate change on biodiversity, ecosystem function, and consequences for the human enterprise.
Instructor
Elliott Campbell
General Education Code
PE-E
An interdisciplinary overview of the science and policy of global climate change. Topics include Earth system science, climate change impacts on the environment, climate change policy, and the future of climate change politics from the local to the global.
General Education Code
PE-E
Our current food system is unsustainable for the environment and unjust for the farmers, farmworkers, and consumers who depend on it. Course provides an interdisciplinary, experiential, and systems-focused introduction to agroecology and other approaches to advancing a more just and ecologically sustainable food system. Students will come to understand agroecology as a science for understanding agricultural ecosystems, as a farming practice, and as a social movement to change the way we produce and distribute/access food. Course examines many topics—including biological fertility and pest management, seeds, livestock raising, and aquaculture—from the perspective of both the natural and social sciences, leaving students with a perspective that transcends any particular academic discipline. Students gain hands-on experience with farming research, production, and food distribution happening across the UCSC campus farm and food system.
General Education Code
PE-E
A supervised off-campus learning experience related to environmental problem solving. Focuses on initial experiences in applied work and specific skill development. Students may be placed individually or with a team in government agencies, private organizations, citizen action groups.
General Education Code
PR-S
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Directed reading, supervised research, and organized projects relating to environmental problems. May be repeated for credit with consent of the chairperson of Environmental Studies Department. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Provides for department-sponsored directed reading, supervised research, or organized project for lower-division students under the direct supervision of a faculty sponsor. May not be counted toward major requirements. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Introduction to environmental issues in an interdisciplinary matrix. Focuses on three issues at the intersection of ecological questions and social institutions: agroecology and sustainable agriculture; population growth, economic growth, and environmental degradation; and biodiversity conservation and land management. Reviews the important roles of disciplinary abstraction and of the application of that knowledge to context-dependent explanations of environmental problems.
Instructor
Gregory Gilbert, Madeleine Fairbairn
Quarter offered
Winter, Spring
Required writing lab accompanying course 100. Students are introduced to writing in different styles and for different audiences typical of the ecosystem-society interface. Course 100 writing assignments are developed, written, and revised in conjunction with the lab. W credit is granted only upon successful completion of ENVS 100.
Instructor
Gregory Gilbert, Madeleine Fairbairn, Murai Emily
General Education Code
PR-E
Quarter offered
Winter, Spring
A course in the process of field research and monitoring, with emphasis on use of the scientific method; experimental design, data handling, statistical analysis and presentation; and basic field methodologies. Application of basic field skills, including habitat description; methods for sampling plants, animals, soils, water, and microclimate; and observational and manipulative techniques to address ecological, conservation, and management questions.
Instructor
Gregory Gilbert
Students directly observe elements of natural history and ecological process; design and implement field studies based on lectures; deploy the methods discussed in lectures; and collect data to analyze, interpret, and report in written and oral forms.
Instructor
Gregory Gilbert
The evolution, taxonomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, and management of birds. Lecture, discussion, field format. Birds observed in habitats including bay, marsh, meadow, and forest. Evaluations based on a field journal and examinations.
Instructor
Ryan Carle, Breck Tyler
A field course designed to complement ENVS 106A by providing students with the opportunity to gain direct experience in bird study. This includes participation in field exercises and trips to off-campus sites in the region.
Instructor
Ryan Carle, Breck Tyler
A 15-unit field course that uses California wild lands to develop skills of natural history observation and interpretation. Students gain the ability to identify plants, animals, vegetation types, and landscapes, as well as address the complex issues of preservation and management of these resources. Enrollment by interview. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in ENVS 100 and
ENVS 100L; concurrent enrollment in ENVS 107B and
ENVS 107C required. Students are billed a materials fee.
Instructor
Christopher Lay, Ryan Carle
A 15-unit field course that uses California wild lands to develop skills of natural history observation and interpretation. Students gain the ability to identify plants, animals, vegetation types, and landscapes, as well as address the complex issues of preservation and management of these resources. Enrollment by interview. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in
ENVS 100 and
ENVS 100L; concurrent enrollment in courses
ENVS 107A and
ENVS 107C required.
Instructor
Christopher Lay, Ryan Carle
A 15-unit field course that uses California wild lands to develop skills of natural history observation and interpretation. Students gain the ability to identify plants, animals, vegetation types, and landscapes, as well as address the complex issues of preservation and management of these resources. Enrollment by interview. Prerequisite(s): Previous or concurrent enrollment in
ENVS 100 and
ENVS 100L; concurrent enrollment in courses
ENVS 107A and
ENVS 107B required.
Instructor
Christopher Lay, Ryan Carle
Introduction to entomology including anatomy, physiology, systematics, evolution, behavior, and reproduction of the world's most diverse group of organisms. These topics are illustrated in several contexts, from the importance of insects as disease vectors to the historical and contemporary uses of insects by humans.
Instructor
Andy Kulikowski
Laboratory sections are devoted to the identification of insects. Individual collections representing 15 orders, sight identification of 60 families, and use of taxonomic keys for positive designations required.
Debate about environmental policy is often couched in economic terms. Environmental issues have become questions of political economy, as they influence international and domestic policy and reflect on the functioning of the market system. Examines the assumptions and implications of alternative approaches to political economy, as these pertain to questions of environmental policy and political institutions.
Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) as the technology of processing spatial data, including input, storage and retrieval; manipulation and analysis; reporting and interpretation. Emphasizes GIS as a decision support system for environmental and social problem solving, using basic model building, experimental design, and database management. Taught in conjunction with
ENVS 215A. Students cannot receive credit for this course and
ENVS 215A.
Evaluates advanced technologies of processing spatial data, spatial theory, and application to unique geographic problems, data manipulation and analysis, and reporting and interpretation. Emphasizes GIS as a decision-support system for environmental and social problem solving, using basic model building, experimental design, and database management. Taught in conjunction with
ENVS 215B. Students cannot receive credit for this course and
ENVS 215B.
Explores more advanced training in spatial theory and methods and their application to unique geographic problems. Emphasis given to advanced aspects of spatial data analysis and building custom GIS solutions.
Exercises in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing that demonstrate the development of digital geographic data. Students gain hands-on experience with developing datasets, using imagery to create GIS layers, performing spatial analysis, and utilizing GPS technology. Emphasis placed on environmental applications. Students cannot receive credit for this course and
ENVS 215L.
Introduces biological and anthropogenic influences on the diversity and scarcity of organisms. Explores the mathematical models and research tools that provide the foundation for many conservation and management decisions regarding endangered and/or declining species. Topics explored in the context of various examples of conservation decision-making in the real world.
Instructor
Natalia Ocampo-Peñuela
Investigates topics about the causes and consequences of spatial heterogeneity and pattern in natural- and human-dominated systems. This course provides a foundational understanding of how landscape pattern is generated and relates to populations, communities, and ecosystem processes.
An introduction to the ecological processes, principles, and players of tropical ecosystems, and to conservation issues facing tropical American forests. We will look at how tropical ecosystems work, roles of humans in shaping them, and current conservation opportunities and dilemmas.
Advanced course in animal ecology and conservation focusing on the ecology, behavior, biogeography, and evolution of vertebrates.
Instructor
Myra Finkelstein
Provides an extensive coverage of applied ecology, pest control technology, and the social, political, and economic factors regulating the ideologies and practice of pest management. Topics include agroecosystem design and population regulation of insects, weeds, vertebrates, and pathogens; field monitoring, chemical and biological control; economic thresholds, decision-making processes, and the role of agribusiness.
Field trips and field exercises that demonstrate the practice of integrated pest management techniques. Individual and group projects provide hands-on experience with field sampling techniques, pest identification, recognition of biological control agents, experimental design, interview techniques, data interpretation and field report writing.
Ecological concepts and principles are applied to the design and management of sustainable agroecosystems. Alternatives for agriculture are discussed in terms of ecosystem structure and function. A weekly three-hour lab is required.
Agricultural sustainability is examined as a complex set of interactions between ecological, social, and economic factors. Drawing case studies from U.S. agriculture, course examines the social justice implications of historical and current agri-food system dynamics. (Formerly Principles of Sustainable Agriculture.)
Instructor
Maywa Montenegro
Research and practice in agroecology and sustainable food systems. Students gain multidimensional understanding of agroecology through study at the UCSC farm, guest speakers, field trips, and interdisciplinary readings. Students participate in research projects and learn about methods, and study design and statistical analysis. Students are billed a materials fee.
Instructor
Stacy The Staff
Laboratory and field exercises to train in the analysis of ecological processes in agricultural systems, with a focus on the quantification of ecological sustainability. Experimental design, analysis, and data interpretation are emphasized. Students are billed a materials fee.
Advanced course in ecology featuring insect-plant interactions such as herbivory, pollination, and the effects of plants on insect population dynamics. Lectures emphasize current controversies in ecological theory and relate theory to application.
Lectures and demonstrations are combined with field applications to give students direct experience and knowledge of sustainable agriculture and horticulture practices and principles. UCSC Farm and Garden are the living laboratories for testing agroecological principles. Emphasis is placed on small-farm systems. May be applied to major only once. Students are billed a materials fee.
Instructor
Katie Monsen, Damian Parr
Quarter offered
Winter, Spring
Current international and local aquaculture systems and science and practices needed to steer them toward sustainability. Critically looks at practices, analyzes environmental, social, economic, and human health effects of sustainable systems. Includes UCSC Aquaculture lab, farm visits, private sector, guests.
Lectures, laboratory, and fieldwork examine field botany from a human ecology perspective. Students have the opportunity to learn the skills of field botany and plant identification through the study of plants that are of major significance for human cultures. The emphasis of field skills is on applications to sustainable management of natural resources.
An overview of all major federal environmental policy domains. Analyzes political, social, economic, and other forces influencing federal (and some state) public policy responses to land use, natural resources, pollution, and conservation dilemmas.
Instructor
Pamela Rittelmeyer
Application of economic analysis to natural resource policy and management. Topics include welfare economics, property rights and externalities, natural resource valuation, exhaustible and renewable resources, and sustainable development.
Instructor
Adam Millard-Ball
Explores the renewable and fossil fuel energy resources, with an emphasis on interactions with food and water systems. Explores opportunities for improving efficiency, reducing pollution, and increasing access through technology advances, policy, and consumer decisions. (Formerly Energy Politics and Policy.)
Instructor
Elliott Campbell
Considers whether and how global poverty can be alleviated without irreparably damaging the environment. Examines interactions among population, economic growth, poverty, global consumption ethos, property rights systems, global economy, state capacity, and environmental damage. Scrutinizes impact of various developmental strategies adopted during the past 50 years on poverty, governance, and the environment.
Explores the central political questions surrounding global governance of climate change. Focuses on how climate change is governed within the United Nations system, and, in particular, explores issues of equity and justice in terms of how we address climate change.
Cross Listed Courses
POLI 179
Are cities an environmental savior or an engine of pollution? This course considers what makes a truly green city and analyzes innovative urban policies in areas such as energy, transportation, buildings, and waste management.
Building on prior preparation, the course provides an in-depth examination of American water-quality policy, regulation and management. In addition to a detailed understanding of pollutant-discharge permitting, students learn about nonpoint source water pollution and its regulatory remedies.
General Education Code
PE-E
Reviews research on race, class, and differential exposure to environmental hazards. Shows how environmental inequality has, from the start, been an essential feature of modernity. Situates the environmental-justice movement in the history of American environmentalism.
General Education Code
ER
Surveys a wide range of topics in environmental law, including state and federal jurisdiction, administrative law, separation of powers, state and local land use regulation, public land and resource management, pollution control, and private rights and remedies. Students read a large number of judicial cases and other legal documents.
Cross Listed Courses
LGST 149
Instructor
Douglas Bushey
Examines key legal, policy, and institutional frameworks that govern the use and stewardship of coastal and marine areas and resources. Primary focus is on the U.S., although attention is also devoted to international laws and institutions.
Instructor
Katherine Seto
Introduction to California land use planning law and practice, and the theory, practice, and public policy aspects of environmental assessment, using the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a model. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental and planning legislation also considered. Covers elements of State law and regulations, environmental impact assessment requirements, and practical procedures for preparing and evaluating CEQA documents, with case studies that exemplify legal, regulatory and public policy and practice aspects of the assessment process.
Instructor
Andrew Schiffrin
Examines international law and politics through the lens of cooperation on transboundary environmental problems, ranging from acid rain to toxic chemicals to biodiversity loss and climate change, which have become pressing political concerns in our increasingly globalized economy.
Cross Listed Courses
POLI 170
Explores the relationship between international trade and environmental protection. Centrally, we will consider the question: are trade liberalization and environment protection antithetical or conducive? We will use the theoretical literature on regime overlap to help us better consider this question.
Cross Listed Courses
POLI 162
Overview of human societies in the Amazon from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Topics include indigenous resource management, deforestation, conservation politics, culture, and economic change.
General Education Code
CC
Guided practice in writing skills useful to environmental activists. Assignments emphasize thinking quickly, revising adeptly, researching resourcefully, and tempering powerful passions with careful arguments. Toward the development of effective individual voices, students read each other's drafts as well as the published work of established writers. Enrollment priority will be given to students who have not taken course 157.
Guided practice in writing effectively about science and natural history for a variety of audiences. Assignments emphasize reporting first-hand observations, explaining processes and phenomena, understanding scientific papers, and writing about scientific and technical subjects for a general audience. Enrollment priority will be given to students who have not taken course 156.
The object is to provide a rigorous grounding in the method of political ecology and to demonstrate how this approach has been used in environmental analysis and problem solving by environmental social movements.
Instructor
Madeleine Fairbairn
Introduction to 19th- and 20th-century American writers who have influenced our understanding of humans' place in the natural world. Readings include original works as well as biographical and critical texts. Discussions, field trips, and writing assignments emphasize active learning.
A multidisciplinary overview of restoring degraded ecosystems. Among the topics addressed are linkages between ecological principles and restoration, planning and implementing restoration projects, evaluating restoration success, and case studies of restoration of specific ecosystem types. Participation in one work day is required.
Provides fundamentals of soils and plant nutrition. The physical, biological, and chemical components of soils are investigated in relation to their ecological functions, fertility to plants, and sustainable management.
Describes how the environment affects plants through the linkages between water, energy, nutrients, photosynthesis, and plant growth. Demonstrates how plant recruitment, survival, and reproduction affect conservation and agriculture. Prior coursework in ecology and/or plant physiology is recommended.
Introduces techniques for the study of plant interactions with the physical environment. Examines the role of stress on energy budgets, water relations, photosynthesis, and reproductive allocation. Emphasizes experimental design, field techniques, and instrumentation during field trips to local chaparral and grassland ecosystems.
Introduction to ecological roles of plant diseases, including their importance in regulating plant population dynamics, community diversity, and system function in natural ecosystems; considerations of plant diseases in conservation ecology; and ecological approaches to managing diseases in agroecosystems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and ENVS 263.
Instructor
Gregory Gilbert
Introduction to techniques for studying plant diseases, including detection, isolation, cultivation, and identification of important groups of plant pathogens, completing Koch's postulates; diseases assessment techniques; experimental manipulation of plant-pathogen systems; and basic epidemiological tools. One field trip required.
Instructor
Gregory Gilbert
Students learn soil ecological principles by carrying out inquiry-based projects and practices in land ecosystems (agroecosystems, forests and grasslands). UCSC reserves, farms, gardens, and greenhouses are the default living-laboratories for the course. The emphasis is on experiential learning of practical and technical skills in using soil methods.
Concepts, vocabulary, and skills necessary to the analysis of freshwater issues are introduced from hydrology, ecology, law, economics, engineering, and other disciplines. The skills are then applied to case studies involving local, state, and international freshwater conflicts and crises. (Formerly Freshwater Issues and Policy.)
Explores a range of approaches to examine agroecosystem function, watershed management, and concepts of sustainability. Uses a combination of lecture, demonstration, field work, and field trips to illustrate approaches to analysis of managed ecosystems behavior and the integration of biophysical and socio-political knowledge to aid in watershed management.
Field and lecture course teaches the physical and biological patterns and processes in freshwater and wetland systems, primarily focusing on Central Coast systems from headwaters to coastal marshes.
Provides basic skills to assess chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of freshwater creeks, rivers, and wetlands. These skills are needed in environmental consulting, municipal agencies engaging in water management or impacts on water, and regulatory agencies. Relies on methods in geomorphology, biogeochemistry, hydrology, and field biology.
Studies biogeochemical cycles and related environmental issues such as global environmental change, eutrophication, ecosystem degradation, and agricultural sustainability. Discusses transformation and movement of major nutrient elements in context of watershed ecology and societal implications. Students cannot receive credit for this course and ENVS 268.
Advanced topics in atmospheric science and ecological theory. Topics include impacts on biodiversity, carbon sequestration, sustainable agriculture, and innovative solutions.
Agriculture contributes to and is affected by climate change. Through lectures and field trips, this course covers the impacts on crops and livestock; climate adaptation strategies in the United States and internationally; and agricultural policy responses to climate change.
Readings and discussions of primary literature on a current environmental topic. Emphasizes experiential learning and research. The topics vary; consult current course listings.
Introduces students to the dilemmas in public policy relating to the management of environmental risks, and discusses their underlying philosophical underpinnings. Explores emergent alternatives, such as the precautionary principle and alternatives assessment, and examines the relationship between experts and the lay public in public controversies.
Introduces students to some of the central issues in world environmental history such as: human attitudes toward the natural environment; the role of human societies, their institutions and technologies in changing the face of the earth; and the historical impact of environmental and developmental policies on race, class, and gender differences in a variety of human communities across the world.
Introduces students to the research on the relationship between vulnerability and disasters, and on complex systems including hazardous technologies. Explores perspectives on disasters in the literature on political ecology. Also examines relevant work of organizational sociology, and related fields including normal accident and high reliability organizational theories.
General Education Code
PE-T
Designed for environmental studies majors interested in teaching environmental education in the K-12 school system. Students investigate incorporation of environmental education in the classroom; design an environmental education school project; and are placed in a school where they observe environmental education in practice.
A field course in theory and practice of environmental interpretation in parks, museums, and school programs with special attention to local natural history and children. Students work to define their own interpretive philosophy, skills, and style. A background in natural history and/or experience working with children is recommended.
A supervised off-campus learning experience related to environmental problem solving. Students may work with government agencies, private organizations, citizen action groups, or in specialized apprenticeships on an individual or team basis. A significant, independently researched project is required. Internship intended for environmental studies majors. Prerequisite(s): previous or concurrent enrollment in ENVS 100 and
ENVS 100L, and by permission of instructor. Students submit petition to course sponsoring agency.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
First quarter of two-quarter senior internship exit requirement. Supervised off-campus learning experience related to environmental problem-solving. Students may work with government agencies, private organizations, citizen action groups, or in specialized apprenticeships on an individual or team basis. Students submit petition to course-sponsoring agency. Enrollment is restricted to environmental studies majors and the combined majors with Earth science, biology, and economics. Enrollment is by permission of instructor.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
This course combines fieldwork at an off-campus agency and a comprehensive analytical paper produced for the agency. Equivalent to a thesis in terms of the depth and quality of the work expected. Prerequisite(s): ENVS 183A. Students submit petition to course-sponsoring agency. Enrollment is restricted to environmental studies majors and the combined majors with Earth sciences, biology, and economics.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Supervised learning experience related to environmental problem solving. Students may work with government agencies, private organizations, citizen action groups, or in specialized apprenticeships on an individual or team basis. This 2-credit internship puts students in the field and offers them the experience of practicing environmental problem solving. This internship experience focuses on specific skill development.
General Education Code
PR-S
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Research seminars presented weekly throughout the year by environmental studies faculty, visiting scholars, and graduate students. Students discuss content and methodology of research presented following each seminar. Students write critiques of some seminars.
Instructor
Elliott Campbell
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
A synthetic course that draws on the knowledge and skills students bring from other courses in the major. Focuses on written and oral individual and group projects in which students must take the initiative. Emphasizes developing skills critical for students in their future careers.
Interdisciplinary two-credit seminar designed for upper-division students who want to become involved in PICA (Program in Community and Agroecology) and to explore concepts of community and agroecology as they relate to sustainability. Also emphasizes development of leadership skills. Specific topics and readings change each quarter.
Teaching a lower-division seminar. (See ENVS 42.) Prerequisite(s): upper-division standing; permission of environmental studies faculty member and chairperson of department.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
This provides an opportunity to participate in the preparation and teaching of introductory environmental studies courses. Students will have significant responsibility in leading discussion sections. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Students facilitate discussions of course material in an introductory environmental studies course in conjunction with faculty and teaching assistants. May not count toward upper-division major requirements. Approval of the sponsoring agency and selection by the primary instructor of specific courses is required.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
First of a two-quarter senior thesis that results in drafting key thesis elements. Completion of this course does not satisfy the senior exit requirement. Continuation into 195B is contingent upon instructor approval after satisfactory completion of this course. Prerequisite(s): Completion of ENVS 100 and
ENVS 100L, and Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Individually supervised senior research that results in a senior thesis. Must meet regularly with faculty sponsor to discuss progress of the project, and to receive academic and technical guidance. Students must submit electronic copies of the completed research and write-up. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): Completion of ENVS 100 and
ENVS 100L and
ENVS 195A.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Readings and discussions of primary literature on a current environmental studies topic. Field or literature-based research projects (individual or group) writing multiple drafts resulting in a final paper. Topics vary yearly; consult current course listings. Enrollment by application with selection based on appropriate background and academic performance and by consent of instructor. Satisfies senior comprehensive requirement. Enrollment restricted to senior environmental studies majors; senior environmental studies/biology combined majors; senior environmental studies / Earth sciences combined majors; and senior environmental studies /economics combined majors. Prerequisite(s): Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements.
Instructor
Karen Holl, Michael Loik, Carol Shennan, Barry Nickel
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Advanced directed reading, supervised research, and organized projects relating to environmental problems. May be repeated for credit with consent of the chair of environmental studies. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. Prerequisite(s): prior or concurrent enrollment in ENVS 100 and
ENVS 100L.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Provides for department-sponsored directed reading, supervised research, or organized project under the direct supervision of a faculty sponsor. May not be counted toward major requirements. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
The first course of a two-quarter sequence that explores the range of scholarly traditions that inform the kinds of research common to the Environmental Studies Department at UCSC.
The second course in a two-quarter sequence that is designed for beginning graduate students in environmental studies and in any other related field. Introduces interdisciplinary approaches of environmental studies and is an experiential, hands-on class focused on a specific environmental problem.
Instructor
Elliott Campbell, Maywa Montenegro
Provides an introduction to social scientific analyses of the relationships between capitalistic development and the environment in the late 20th century. It has a dual purpose: First, to develop a contemporary historical understanding and sensibility of how economic change, new institutional configurations, and world scale processes are shaping interactions with the environment. Second, to examine some recent political social theoretical perspectives on nature-society relations and radical environmental and social movements.
Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) as the technology of processing spatial data, including input, storage and retrieval; manipulation and analysis; reporting and interpretation. Emphasizes GIS as a decision support system for environmental and social problem solving, using basic model building, experimental design, and database management. Students cannot receive credit for this course and
ENVS 115A.
Evaluates advanced technologies of processing spatial data, spatial theory, and application to unique geographic problems, data manipulation and analysis, and reporting and interpretation. Emphasizes GIS as a decision-support system for environmental and social problem solving, using basic model building, experimental design, and database management. Taught in conjunction with
ENVS 115B. Students cannot receive credit for this course and ENVS 115B.
Exercises in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing that demonstrate the development of digital geographic data. Students gain hands-on experience with developing datasets, using imagery to create GIS layers, performing spatial analysis, and utilizing GPS technology. Emphasis placed on environmental applications. Students cannot receive credit for this course and
ENVS 115L.
The principles of conservation biology, including a review of the core disciplines of demography, population genetics, island biogeography, and community ecology and discussion of area and edge effects, population viability, and ecosystem issues related to the maintenance of biological diversity, especially in fragmented landscapes.
The application of ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of agricultural systems. The long-term goal of sustainable agroecosystems is examined in economic, social, and ecological contexts.
Instructor
Stacy Philpott
Intensive reading and discussion seminar on the treatment of nature in social theory. Focuses on major recent works which examine nature in social theory, in themselves, and in the context of the intellectual history of development of disciplinary discourses about nature. Students write critical reviews of assigned books and a research paper situating a particular book within its intellectual tradition. Prerequisite(s): interview with instructor to determine preparedness.
Introduction to political and economic approaches to policy analysis, with particular reference to natural resource scarcity, property rights, and environmental conservation. Case studies apply economic and policy process concepts to the management of public lands, biodiversity, and renewable resources.
Cross Listed Courses
CSP 242
A research seminar combining theoretical issues in democratic theory, political economy, and planning with emerging concepts of bioregionalism. The focus is on institutional, scientific, and political innovations in managing the environment. Students evaluate current and historical proposals to regionalize environmental policy in the U.S.
Introduction to major theories of ocean and coastal governance, with emphasis on those that underlie current policy and management approaches. Students analyze local, state, national, and international laws and policies, considering interactions across scales, levels of social organization, and institutions.
Cross Listed Courses
CSP 243
Instructor
Katherine Seto
Introduction to ecological roles of plant diseases, including their importance in regulating plant populations dynamics, community diversity and system function in natural ecosystems, considerations of plant diseases in conservation ecology, and ecological approaches to managing diseases in agroecosystems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and ENVS 163.
Instructor
Gregory Gilbert
Data science is growing exponentially in size and quality, changing environmental scholarship and creating challenges of sifting, processing, and synthesizing large and diverse sources of information. In this course, students learn the fundamental practices of environmental informatics mainly using the R programming language. The workshop-style course is designed without requirement on prior experience in R. Includes environmental-related modules such as climate change, plant growth, animal predator-prey dynamics, overfishing and marine protected areas. Throughout the quarter, students use new hands-on skills to find an environmental-related topic, write a proposal, search for data, perform analyses, summarize results, and complete a final paper.
Studies biogeochemical cycles and related environmental issues such as global environmental change, eutrophication, ecosystem degradation, and agricultural sustainabilty. Discusses transformation and movement of major nutrient elements in context of watershed ecology and societal implications. Students cannot receive credit for this course and ENVS 168.
Intensive seminar examining the normative underpinnings of environmental values. Draws on tools from analytical, ethical, and political philosophy to develop normative arguments concerning environmental inequality and justice, environmental preservation, and risk evaluation. Involves team projects in which students develop cases on controversial contemporary issues such as biotechnology. Prerequisite(s): interview only. Enrollment restricted to graduate students.
Introduces qualitative research approaches in environmental studies. Focuses on philosophies of science, epistemological debates, and specific approaches to qualitative methods. Course components include: field safety, research ethics, human subjects, training, research design and sampling, field observation and ethnographies, key informants, field notes, focus groups, oral histories, narrative research, archival research, questionnaires, discourse analysis, participatory research, and qualitative data analysis techniques.
Intensive research seminar, including reading and critique of primary research literature and research in progress. Topics vary and are announced in advance; students should consult with faculty prior to enrolling. Enrollment by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students.
Graduate level internship focuses on integrating interdisciplinary academic theory with practical, specialized experience in a professional setting. Course intended for environmental studies graduate students; students must complete paperwork and meet with coordinator prior to first day of instruction.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Research seminars presented weekly throughout the year by environmental studies and affiliated faculty, by visiting scholars, and by graduate students. Students discuss the content and methodology of research presented following each seminar.
Instructor
Elliott Campbell
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Graduate student presentations of doctoral research proposals, dissertation work-in-progress, grant applications, and conference papers. This weekly laboratory meeting seeks to develop professional skills, teach constructive criticism, and foster effective discussion among peers.
Instructor
Jeff Bury, Kai Zhu
Quarter offered
Fall, Spring
Focusing on a recently published volume or on a topic of current interest, this seminar requires a rigorous analysis of the principles and methods employed in the four core areas of the program: sustainable agriculture and agro-ecology; conservation biology; environmental policy analysis; and political economy.
Instructor
Barry Nickel, Jeffrey Bury
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Advanced readings and research on environmental risk and public policy. Explores environmental decision making given the question of the burden of proof and scientific uncertainty and grapples, in an advanced manner, with emergent policy alternatives, such as the precautionary principle. Also offered as ENVS 281C for 5 credits.
Analyzes recent publications in ecology, conservation, agroecology, and development in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly Latin America. Discussions place special emphasis on integration across natural and social science disciplines to address issues of sustainability in tropical regions.
Course consists of three parts: fundamental biogeochemistry of the Earth, global cycles of nutrient elements, and societal and scientific issues of global change. Class activities include (1) presentation of summary statements based on reading assignments; (2) discussion of theories, concepts, methodologies, and applications; (3) computer simulation and modeling of elemental cycles using STELLA; and (4) integration of scientific information on global change with social issues by writing.
Course of readings systematically surveying the theoretical contributions of the disciplines of environmental history, historical ecology, environmental anthropology, and geography. After an overview of the evolution of 20th-century thought on the relationship between environment and culture as seen through the lenses of these disciplines, explores emerging research hybrids and new research frontiers.
Seminar in which students give critically evaluated presentations regarding current research in environmental studies and issues in research design. Students should consult with faculty prior to enrolling.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Independent study and research under faculty supervision. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.
Independent study and research under faculty supervision. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.
Independent study and research under faculty supervision. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.
Independent study and research under faculty supervision. Intended to be taken in conjunction with a 5-credit course. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.
Quarter offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.
Cross-listed Courses
A survey of the diversity, structure, and functioning of California's ecosystems through time and the ways they have influenced and responded to human activities and stewardship. Topics include: ecosystem drivers such as climate, soils, and land-use history; human and ecological prehistory; comparative marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics; and managed ecosystems such as range, fisheries, and agriculture.
Cross Listed Courses
ENVS 125
Instructor
The Staff, Erika Zavaleta
General Education Code
PE-E
Quarter offered
Winter, Summer
An intensive, on-site learning experience in terrestrial field ecology and conservation, using the University of California Natural Reserves and other natural areas. Students study advance concepts in ecology, conservation, and field methods for four weeks, then experience total immersion in field research at the UC Natural Reserves and other natural areas. Lectures, field experiments, writing assignments, and computer exercises familiarize students with research methods, study design, statistical approaches, and analytical tools for ecological research. Students complete and communicate the results of short field projects in ecology, learn the natural history of the flora and fauna of California, and plan and execute a significant, independent field-research study at the end of the quarter. Enrollment is by application. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A,
BIOE 20B,
BIOE 20C or
ENVS 23,
ENVS 24,
ENVS 100; and
STAT 7 &
STAT 7L (formerly AMS 7 & AMS 7L). Concurrent enrollment in
BIOE 151B-
BIOE 151C-
BIOE 151D or ENVS 109B-ENVS 109C-ENVS 109D is required. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and
BIOE 150,
BIOE 150L,
ENVS 104A or
ENVS 196A.
Cross Listed Courses
ENVS 109A
Instructor
Donald Croll, Gage Dayton
Field-oriented course in ecological research. Combines overview of methodologies and approaches to field research with practical field studies. Students complete field projects in ecology and also learn the natural history of the flora and fauna of California. Students are billed a materials fee. Enrollment is by application. Prerequisite(s):
BIOL 20A,
BIOE 20B,
BIOE 20C or
ENVS 23,
ENVS 24,
ENVS 100; and
STAT 7 &
STAT 7L (formerly AMS 7 & AMS 7L); satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Concurrent enrollment in
BIOE 151A-
BIOE 151C-
BIOE 151D or ENVS 109A-ENVS 109C-ENVS 109D is required. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and
BIOE 150,
BIOE 150L,
ENVS 104A or
ENVS 196A.
Cross Listed Courses
ENVS 109B
Instructor
Donald Croll, Gage Dayton
From lectures and discussion of terrestrial community and ecosystem ecology, students work individually or in small groups to present an idea for a project, review relevant literature, develop a research question/hypothesis, design and perform an experiment, collect and analyze data, and write a report. The instructor evaluates the feasibility of each student's project before it begins. Enrollment is by application. Prerequisite(s):
BIOL 20A,
BIOE 20B,
BIOE 20C or
ENVS 23,
ENVS 24,
ENVS 100; and
STAT 7 &
STAT 7L (formerly AMS 7 & AMS 7L). Concurrent enrollment in
BIOE 151A-
BIOE 151B-
BIOE 151D or ENVS 109A-ENVS 109B-ENVS 109D is required. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and
BIOE 150,
BIOE 150L,
ENVS 104A or
ENVS 196A.
Cross Listed Courses
ENVS 109C
Instructor
Donald Croll, Gage Dayton
Focuses on current issues in environmental and conservation biology and the emerging field methods used to address them. From field-oriented lectures about current issues in environmental and conservation biology, students pursue research project as individuals and small groups to develop hands-on experience with field skills in conservation research and resource management. Enrollment is by application. Prerequisite(s):
BIOL 20A,
BIOE 20B,
BIOE 20C or
ENVS 23,
ENVS 24,
ENVS 100; and
STAT 7 &
STAT 7L (formerly AMS 7 & AMS 7L). Concurrent enrollment in
BIOE 151A-B-C or ENVS 109A-B-C required. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and
BIOE 150,
BIOE 150L,
ENVS 104A or
ENVS 196A.
Cross Listed Courses
ENVS 109D
Instructor
Donald Croll, Gage Dayton
Investigates, imagines, and practices movement toward water justice in California using feminist, Indigenous, and critical race theory. The course includes collaborative projects with environmental justice organizers in the Central Valley, and offers new ways of thinking about water inequity and access through racial capitalism, settler colonialism, and critical theories of place.
Cross Listed Courses
CRES 136, ENVS 136
Instructor
Vivian Underhill
General Education Code
PR-E