Environmental Technology

This course is an interdisciplinary science course that provides an overview of environmental processes, human impact on the global environment, and solutions to environmental problems. There will be a strong emphasis on environmentally sustainable environmental policies, and renewable versus nonrenewable energy and mineral resources. There are three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

The physical and chemical nature of soil, water, and air in a variety of geologic settings is the background for applying practical methods of site characterization. Topics include pollution sources and the fate of pollutants in the environment. Emphasis is placed on technologies for sampling environmental media, handling hazardous materials, pollution prevention and cleanup, and occupational health safety. Concepts are explored from the perspective of the environmental manager. Field methods and the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as tools used by environmental scientists, will be integrated into the course. There are three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

This course provides the student with an opportunity to discuss in depth a local environmental issue that is indicative of our region. The students will work together to analyze the environmental issue from all aspects. All public documents related to the issue will be reviewed and students will participate in any public hearing or forum related to the issue.