Upper-Division

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.

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.

Explore the theoretical frameworks, benefits, and limitations of a range of methods used in environmental field research and monitoring used to address ecological, conservation, and management questions. Learn the basics of using the R statistical platform for data analysis and making figures for presentations. Readings, lectures, and tutorials provide the theoretical structure for methods used in experiential application of environmental field methods in ENVS 104L.

Provides hands-on grounding in the processes of environmental field research and monitoring used to address ecological, conservation, and management questions, while getting to know the diversity of habitats across the living laboratory of the UCSC campus. Students develop a broad range of field skills including natural history, habitat description, and sampling methods for plants, animals, soils, water, and microclimate. Students also become adept at observational and experimental study design, data handling, statistical analysis, interpretation, and presentation using the R statistical language. This is a field-based, experiential learning course but does not require overnight or weekend field trips.

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.

 

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.

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 of $1000.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of our biggest challenges as a society is to protect our planet and its biodiversity while we fulfill the demands of a growing human population. In this course, students learn about the importance of biodiversity, the threats it currently faces, and examples on how conservation biologists have tackled these challenges using methods that range from community-led conservation to global policy. Through development of a conservation grant project, students learn to identify conservation issues and propose tangible solutions based on the course materials.

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.

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.)

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.

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 undergraduate course in insect ecology designed to appeal to both people with a deep appreciation for insects and those experiencing insect knowledge for the first time. The course covers major areas of ecology (e.g., populations, community ecology, species interactions, biodiversity conservation) as applied to terrestrial insects. The course also focuses on natural history of insects, the roles insects play in ecosystems, and the importance of insects for culture and society, agriculture, conservation, and public health. The course includes lectures, discussions, greenhouse and museum activities, field days, and a research project.

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.

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.

Lectures and demonstrations are combined with field applications to give students direct experience and knowledge of sustainable agriculture and horticulture practices and principles. UCSC Center for Agroecology's Farm and Garden serves as the primary location for instruction. Field trips include UC Davis Student Farm, UC Berkeley Oxford Tract, UC ANR Kearney Agricultural Experiment Station, and regional farming operations. Together, these farms serve as living laboratories for testing agroecological principles. Emphasis is placed on small-farm systems. Prerequisite(s): previous or concurrent enrollment in ENVS 100 and ENVS 100L, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor and is restricted to sophomores, juniors and seniors. May be applied to major only once. Students are billed a materials fee of $2,740.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

Sustainable development emerged due to the environmental crises caused by development and as an attempt to reconcile development goals and environmental stewardship. This course is broadly concerned with the issue of sustainability and the future of development. The class is divided into thematic sections that examine the history of development theories and frameworks, environment and development challenges, and critiques of development. Topical areas of focus include environmental hazards, fair trade, sustainable food systems, extractive industries, climate change, conservation, ecotourism, and drugs and development. The course also highlights the dilemma that environmental justice poses for future sustainable development governance efforts. (Formerly Sustainable Development: Economy, Policy, and 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.

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.

Surveys topics in environmental justice and human rights around the world. Provides a comprehensive foundation for students interested in the global environmental justice concentration. The readings comprise survey articles on environmental justice and related fields, such as political ecology, gender studies, labor studies, science and technology studies, risk and disaster studies, and human rights, and span a number of disciplines, including history, geography, sociology, anthropology, politics, and law. Formerly offered as Environmental Inequality/Environmental Justice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Amazon rainforest in South America is one of the most biologically and culturally diverse biomes on the planet, playing a critical role in the global carbon cycle and hemispheric hydrological systems. Its survival is threatened by oil, mining, agribusiness, logging and other forms of extraction -- activities that perpetuate violence, dispossession and environmental injustice against Indigenous peoples. This course centers the cultural richness, ecological care, political advocacy, and complex livelihoods of Native Amazonian societies, focusing on the lessons they offer for more just and anti-colonial approaches to conservation.

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.

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. (Formerly Soils and Plant Nutrition.)

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.

Plant diseases do more than just harm plants we grow for food; they drive the evolution, population dynamics, ecosystem functioning, and diversity of plants in wild communities. This class looks at the biology of plant-microbe symbioses and the impacts of plant pathogens through the integrating lens of evolutionary ecology. Students explore the ecological basis for disease spread and management in agricultural, forest, and wild systems, and consider special challenges from emerging pathogens and climate change. Students focus on the diversity of voices and approaches to understanding plant diseases. Students cannot receive credit for this course and ENVS 263.

Hands-on introduction to important techniques used to study plant diseases. Teaches methods for detection, isolation, cultivation, and identification of important groups of plant pathogens, including fungi, oomycetes, and bacteria. Through genuine research projects, students complete Koch's proof of pathogenicity, develop skills for disease assessment, complete experiments to answer questions about the evolutionary ecology of plant diseases, and develop familiarity with basic tools in plant disease epidemiology. Class activities are held in both in the lab and in the field.

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.

As we collectively work to address environmental concerns—from climate change to wildfires to toxic pollution to distribution of land—gender is a critical social variable that must be addressed. Using the lens of gender, this course examines the linkages between environmental and social change. Beginning by conceptualizing sex, gender and the environment, this course explores key theoretical bodies including ecofeminism, feminist science studies, and queer ecologies. We also investigate the real-life applications of these concepts through consideration of how gender shapes environmental justice activism, rural livelihoods, and more. This course is highly reading and writing intensive.

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.

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.

Introduces students to the entangled forces of coloniality, racism, and capitalism as they shape global environments, and vice-versa. Drawing on sources that center the expertises of Indigenous, Black, and Brown communities, class explores how racialization occurs through imperial violence to ecologies and their inhabitants. Studies long arcs of colonial science and power to understand how nature has been normalized as an object of ownership, extraction, pollution, and control. Students explore whose knowledge shapes environmental discourse, how discourse shapes material realities, and under what conditions science resists colonial habits of thought or enables them to flourish. Prerequisite(s): previous or concurrent enrollment in ENVS 100 and ENVS 100L, or by permission of the instructor.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Satisfies senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): ENVS 100 and ENVS 100L; Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is by application with selection based on appropriate background and academic performance and by permission of instructor. Enrollment is restricted to senior environmental studies majors, agroecology majors, and the combined majors with Earth sciences, biology, and economics.

Readings and discussions of primary literature on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Lab-based research projects (individual or group) writing multiple drafts resulting in a final project. Enrollment by application with selection based on appropriate background and academic performance and by consent of instructor. Satisfies senior comprehensive requirement.

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.

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.