Environment & Sustainability Courses
CORE for all concentrations in the Environment and Sustainability major:
ENV 1401
Water & Land: Conserv & Ecolog
A study of the broad issues of environmental science and the interaction of humans and the environment with a focus on human connections to land and water from an ecological and management perspective, with particular emphasis on the need to use our understanding of land and water resources to solve real-world problems.
ENV 1402
Air, Energy, Dev & Climate Chg
A study of broad issues of environmental science and the interaction of humans and the environment with a focus on atmosphere, climate change, development and sustainable use of energy resources.
ENV 1403
Sustainability Sci & Envir Pol
An examination of the interface of science and policy surrounding land, water and air, focusing on how diverse scientific perspectives can inform methods and instruments for effective policy-making toward sustainable solutions.
ENV 1404
Environ Field & Skills Lab
A laboratory experience that provides students with an introduction to field and lab methods commonly used in the environmental sciences.
ENV 1405
Environmental Leadership Sem
An introduction to the theories and practices of leadership and organizational behaviors in the environmental field. Through a series of discussions as well as individual and collaborative activities, participants will begin to understand and appreciate the challenges faced by environmental leaders.
ENV 1406
Environmental Educ & Comm
A practical introduction to the strategies, methods, and tools of environmental education and communication. Students will investigate concepts that are foundational to environment literacy. Students will complete initial requirements for North Carolina Environmental Education Certification and explore national competencies for leadership development in the field. Social media platforms will be used to elevate opportunities for networking, education, and marketing.
ENV 4250
Experiential Learning Env
An integrative learning experience that blends academic work with a department-approved practical field experience. Formal evaluation, supervision, and direction of the in-field experience are provided by an outside agency in coordination with a faculty member. Formal evaluation, supervision, and direction of the academic work are provided by a faculty member. Cannot be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Major or minor in Environment & Sustainability, a department approved in-field experience, and permission of instructor.
ENV 4501
Capstone in Environ & Sustain.
A culminating experience for major and minor students in their senior year that draws upon the knowledge and training the students bring from their academic experience in the major. This course will examine leadership and the various approaches to achieve successful careers in environment and sustainability related work. The course will examine how alumni are now successfully applying the skills and knowledge they have gained while attending Catawba College to their roles in their work and community activities. Prerequisites: ENV 1401, ENV 1402, ENV 1403 and Senior Standing.
Select ONE of the following:
ENV 3590
Sel Topics in Integr Sys & Sol
An advanced study of an environmental topic with an emphasis on using an integrated systems approach to identifying solutions to environmental challenges. Topic as announced at Registration. Prerequisite: ENV 1401 OR ENV 1402 or 1403 and permission of instructor.
ENV 3594
Environ. Health & Toxicolology
A study of the intersection of environment and health to include the examination of the consequences of ecological alterations to human and environmental health, the biological and ecological effects of the production and use of toxic substances, new infectious disease threats, and the development of solutions to these environmental health challenges through integrative systems approaches. Prerequisite: BIOL 1502 or BIOL 1503 or ENV 1401 or ENV 1402.
In addition to the core, students must select ONE of the following concentrations:
Environmental Policy and Advocacy
ENV 2405
Socio-Ecological Systems
A comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of systems thinking, emphasizing complexity, emergent properties, and whole picture solutions as a means to understand socio-ecological systems. This course links advocacy to empowerment and policy discourse to visions of formalized change. Prerequisite: ENV 1403.
ENV 2415
Media, Culture & Environment
A study of current communications pertinent to environment and sustainability news and media; myriad mainstream and independent sources are critically examined in order to understand the role and influence of strategic communication on cultural change. Prerequisite: ENV 1401 or 1402 or 1403.
ENV 3580
International Policy Ag & Clim
A multidisciplinary and multi-faceted examination of the intersections of agricultural and climate-oriented policies; notions of climate preparedness and agricultural efficiency serve as integrative pillars from which to explore novel development approaches, good governance, policy reforms, and nascent institutional prospects. Prerequisites: ENV 1403 and ENV 1401 or ENV 1402.
ENV 3615
Env Justice & Advocacy
An advanced study of environmental justice, emphasizing strong correlation among ecological integrity, social equity, and economic solidarity. Case studies demonstrating persistent inegalitarianism converge to convey the importance of community resilience, and invite critical thinking pursuant to effective forms of advocacy. Prerequisites: ENV 1403 and ENV 2405.
ENV 3715
Ecological Law & Policy
A contextual, systemic, and integrative investigation into classic environmental law, contemporary policy, statute, and regulation. Blending environmental/biophysical sciences, behavioral/ecological economics, and civic/political ecologies, students acquire profound comprehension of the transdisciplinary challenge that is effectively-applied ecological law and policy. Prerequisites: ENV 1403 and ENV 2405 (ENV 3615 recommended).
Policy and Advocacy (3000 level or above - 6-7 hours)
ENV Departmental Electives (2000 level or above - 9 hours)
Inter-Departmental Electives (3 hours)
Environmental & Outdoor Education Concentration
BIOL 1503
Ecology & Evolution
An introduction to principles of ecology and evolution for natural science majors. This course will examine ecosystems, populations, biogeochemical cycles, biogeography, natural selection, and speciation. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1503.
ENV 2300
Intro to Geogr Inform Systems
This course will illuminate the increasing integration of spatial data and maps into our modern lives. The course will introduce the fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS) & global positioning systems (GPS), and cover a variety of uses for geographic data.
ENV 3601
Outdoor Design & Leadership
A study of diverse settings and integrated learning strategies for excellence in environmental education. Students will design and participate in a variety of environmental education learning experiences including expeditionary science, placed-based, and field immersion experiences. Successful completion of this course will partially satisfy requirements for North Carolina Environmental Education Certification. Prerequisite: ENV 1406.
ENV 3602
Environmental Prof Prac & Res
A study of the foundations and philosophical underpinnings of environmental education, as well as current trends and development of the field. Students will examine research methods in environmental education and evaluate professional resources using the national guidelines for environmental education materials.. Successful completion of this course will partially satisfy requirements for North Carolina Environmental Education Certification. Prerequisite: ENV 1406.
ENV 3603
Key Issues & Group Dynamics
A study of experiential learning theory and effective outdoor facilitation strategies. Students will explore experiential education, learning styles, group dynamics and focused reflection to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop capacity to lead a community partnership project. This project will partially satisfy requirements for the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification Program. Prerequisite: ENV 1406.
ENV 3604
Methods of Teaching Env Educ
A study of instructional strategies and teaching methods used in the development of age-appropriate activities for environmental education. Students will gain experience in program design and basic assessment strategies. Successful completion of this course will partially satisfy requirements for North Carolina Environmental Education Certification. Prerequisite: ENV 1406.
Botany Elective (2000 level or above - 3-4 hours)
Ecology Elective (2000 level or above - 3-4 hours)
ENV/BIOL Approved Electives (2000 level or above - 6 hours)
Policy Elective (2000 or above - 3 hours)
Environmental Science Concentration
BIOL 1503
Ecology & Evolution
An introduction to principles of ecology and evolution for natural science majors. This course will examine ecosystems, populations, biogeochemical cycles, biogeography, natural selection, and speciation. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1503.
BIOL 2503
Biological Research Methods
An introduction to biological research including experimental design, data analysis, statistics, literature review, scientific writing and scientific speaking. Prerequisite: BIOL 1501, BIOL 1502, or BIOL 1503.
CHEM 1501
General Chemistry I
A study of the fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gases, bonding, and periodicity. Lecture and Laboratory.
CHEM 1502
CHEM 1502 Lab
CHEM 2501
Chemical Analysis
Select ONE of the following:
BIOL 3505
Conservation Biology
A study of the biological principles that can be brought to bear upon species conservation. Principles will come from areas such as population biology, community ecology, human contributions to extinction, and strategies for reversing species declines. Lecture and some field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 1502 or 1503 (both recommended) or ENV 1401, ENV 1402, or ENV 1403 (ENV 1402 recommended).
ENV 3506
Natural Resource Ecology & Mgt
A study of renewable natural resources from a holistic and management viewpoint, with a particular emphasis on the economic, policy and ethical dimensions. Topics include history of natural resource conservation and environmentalism in the US; conservation and management of soil, land, landscapes, forests, wildlife, biodiversity, and other resources; and public lands policy and management. Lecture and some field trips. Prerequisite: ENV 1401 and 1404 (BIOL 1503 and ENV 1403 recommended); Junior or Senior standing in Environment & Sustainability major or minor.
Botany Elective (2000 level or above - 3-4 hours)
Lab Science Approved Elective (2000 level or above - 4 hours)
ENV/BIOL Approved Electives (2000 level or above - 7 hours)
Natural Resource Management Concentration
BIOL 1503
Ecology & Evolution
An introduction to principles of ecology and evolution for natural science majors. This course will examine ecosystems, populations, biogeochemical cycles, biogeography, natural selection, and speciation. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1503.
BIOL 3505
Conservation Biology
A study of the biological principles that can be brought to bear upon species conservation. Principles will come from areas such as population biology, community ecology, human contributions to extinction, and strategies for reversing species declines. Lecture and some field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 1502 or 1503 (both recommended) or ENV 1401, ENV 1402, or ENV 1403 (ENV 1402 recommended).
CHEM 1125
Chemistry & the Environment
Same as ENV 1125. A study of environmental chemistry to include discussions of basic chemistry, toxins, meteorology, air pollution, ozone depletion, global warming, water supply, water pollution, solid waste management, and hazardous waste management. Lecture and laboratory.
ENV 2300
Intro to Geogr Inform Systems
This course will illuminate the increasing integration of spatial data and maps into our modern lives. The course will introduce the fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS) & global positioning systems (GPS), and cover a variety of uses for geographic data.
ENV 3506
Natural Resource Ecology & Mgt
A study of renewable natural resources from a holistic and management viewpoint, with a particular emphasis on the economic, policy and ethical dimensions. Topics include history of natural resource conservation and environmentalism in the US; conservation and management of soil, land, landscapes, forests, wildlife, biodiversity, and other resources; and public lands policy and management. Lecture and some field trips. Prerequisite: ENV 1401 and 1404 (BIOL 1503 and ENV 1403 recommended); Junior or Senior standing in Environment & Sustainability major or minor.
ENV 3513
Wildlife Ecology
A study of how ecologists manage wild animals for the benefit of humans. Managed species include species that are hunted as well as species that are the target of non-consumptive uses. Topics include population dynamics, biodiversity, social and economic issues, and ecosystem management. In addition, the lab will emphasize field techniques and the data used to monitor and manage populations. Prerequisites: ENV 1401 and 1404 or BIOL 1503
Policy Elective (3 hours)
Botany Elective (2000 level or above - 3-4 hours)
ENV/BIOL Approved Electives (2000 level or above - 7 hours)
Sustainable Planning & Leadership Concentration
ENV 2300
Intro to Geogr Inform Systems
This course will illuminate the increasing integration of spatial data and maps into our modern lives. The course will introduce the fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS) & global positioning systems (GPS), and cover a variety of uses for geographic data.
ENV 3650
Sustainable Planning & Design
A study of how we design and plan where we live and work and the communities in which we live in ways that lower our ecological footprint while creating healthier places to live. Prerequisite: ENV 1112 or ENV 1401 or ENV 1402 or ENV 1403.
Policy Elective (3 hours)
ENV Electives (any course 2000 level or above - 6 hours)
Students earning a concentration in Sustainable Planning & Leadership must earn a minor in a different field of study approved by program faculty (if a student earns a double major, the second major will count in place of the requirement for a minor).
