Environmental Science MS - Curriculum

This multidisciplinary course will provide students with diverse perspectives on global climate change issues, providing a survey of important aspects of the problem augmented by readings in the primary literature. Topics include atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, ecological impacts and feedbacks, economics of climate change, international climate policies, and social and environmental justice. The course will include a variety of instructors and guest lecturers, providing an overview of the complex and inter-related nature of global climate change. The course will culminate in a project based on finding solutions to the real-world problem of climate change. Students will be required to take a leadership role in bridging the multiple disciplines presented (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

Technological innovation, the incremental and revolutionary improvements in technology, has been a major driver in economic, social, military, and political change. This course will introduce generic models of innovation that span multiple sectors including: energy, environment, health, and bio- and information-technologies. The course will then analyze how governments choose policies, such as patents, to spur and shape innovation and its impacts on the economy and society. Students will be introduced to a global perspective on innovation policy including economic competitiveness, technology transfer and appropriate technology. Lecture 3 (Spring).

This course provides an overview of energy resources, technologies, and policies designed to ensure clean, stable supplies of energy for the future. The course evaluates the impacts of fossil fuel, renewable energy, and hydrogen technologies on society and how public policies can be used to influence their development. The development of U.S. energy policy is of particular concern, although a global perspective will be integrated throughout the course. Lecture 3 (Spring).

This multidisciplinary course will provide students with diverse perspectives on global climate change issues, providing a survey of important aspects of the problem augmented by readings in the primary literature. Topics include atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, ecological impacts and feedbacks, economics of climate change, international climate policies, and social and environmental justice. The course will include a variety of instructors and guest lecturers, providing an overview of the complex and interrelated nature of global climate change. The course will culminate in a project based on finding solutions to the real-world problem of climate change. Students will be required to take a leadership role in bridging the multiple disciplines presented. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

An in-depth inquiry into key contemporary public policy issues. Students will be exposed to a wide range of important public policy texts, and will learn how to write a literature review in a policy area of their choosing. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Seminar (Fall).

This course provides graduate students with necessary tools to help them become effective policy analysts. The course places particular emphasis on understanding the policy process, the different approaches to policy analysis, and the application of quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating public policies. Students will apply these tools to contemporary public policy decision making at the local, state, federal, and international levels. Lecture 3 (Fall).

This course provides students with an introduction to decision science and analysis. The course focuses on several important tools for making good decisions, including decision trees, including forecasting, risk analysis, and multi-attribute decision making. Students will apply these tools to contemporary public policy decision making at the local, state, federal, and international levels. Lecture 3 (Spring).

The focus of this course is on evaluation of program outcomes and research design. Students will explore the questions and methodologies associated with meeting programmatic outcomes, secondary or unanticipated effects, and an analysis of alternative means for achieving program outcomes. Critique of evaluation research methodologies will also be considered. Seminar (Spring).

This course introduces students to public policy and its role in building a sustainable society. The course places particular emphasis on the policy process; the relationship among technology, policy, and the environment; and policy mechanisms for addressing market and government failures that threaten sustainability. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

Biodiversity, the diversity of life on earth from genes to ecosystems, is on the decline worldwide and considered one of the most pressing issues facing humanity. This interdisciplinary course explores the wide-ranging challenges and opportunities to understand biodiversity loss and address biodiversity conservation, with a focus on human wellbeing, cultural values, social science dimensions, and other humanistic discipline contributions. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Biannual).

STP examines how local, state, federal and international policies are developed to influence innovation, the transfer of technology and industrial productivity in the United States and other selected nations. It provides a framework for considering the mechanisms of policy as a form of promotion and control for science and technology, even once those innovations are democratized and effectively uncontrollable. Further focus is dedicated to the structure of governance inherent in U.S. domestic policy, limits of that approach, the influences of international actors, and utilizing case studies to demonstrate the challenges inherent in managing differing types of technology. This seminar is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from the instructor. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Seminar (Biannual).

The concept of sustainability has driven many national and international policies. More recently, we have become aware that unless we physically build and rebuild our communities in ways that contribute to sustainability, making progress toward that goal is unlikely. It is equally important to recognize the social/cultural context of sustainability. In addition, it is at the local level that the goals of equity (a key consideration in community sustainability), most often achieved through citizen participation and collaborative processes are most easily realized. This course will broaden students understanding of the concept of sustainability, particularly the concept of social sustainability. This course focuses on sustainability as a way to bring light to the connections between natural and human communities, between nature and culture, and among environmental, economic, and social systems. Working closely with local organizations, students will explore the applicability of theoretical concepts. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

This course allows students to explore different research questions and methods within the life sciences through attending and reflecting on weekly departmental seminars. Students will write weekly assignments to summarize the research methods and findings. Students will evaluate different scientific presentation styles, which will influence their own presentation skills. Students will make connections between the main ideas presented in the seminars to their own graduate research project or to the broader scientific community. Students will read one of the speaker’s papers and discuss how the paper extends the information discussed in the seminar. During weeks with no seminar scheduled, students will meet with the faculty leader to discuss the seminars and the written assignments. (This course is restricted to Graduate students.) Seminar 1 (Fall, Spring).

This course is the study of the distribution of biodiversity on the earth. Patterns of past and present animal and plant distributions are used to help understand the mechanisms of basic biological processes including speciation, dispersal, divergence and extinction. This course will cover the character and history of the science of biogeography, as well as its basic principles and applications. We will also examine the assumptions, methods and conclusions of historically significant biogeographic studies. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-265 or graduate student standing in the ENVS-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

Students will learn to create and maintain efficient relational databases for use in modeling and analysis in the sciences. Topics will include an introduction to relational algebra, SQL, and advanced relational designs. (Graduate Science) Lecture 2, Studio 2 (Spring).

This course will introduce traditional multivariate statistical methods and multi-model inference, as well as iterative computational algorithms (i.e. Bayesian methods and machine learning) appropriate for graduate students conducting or planning to conduct a graduate research project. The course will focus on the proper application of methods to a sample data sets using statistical programming software and graphics and will forego the more in-depth analytical mathematical exposition that you might see in a math course, so that we can cover a larger variety of methods and spend more time implementing them in code. Practical examples will often derive from the fields of biology, environmental science, or medicine, however the statistical methods we cover will also have much broader application within modern data science. The ultimate goal will be to learn when and where to correctly apply a given method to real questions about real data. Class time will be devoted to introductory lecture, programming language demonstrations with a common dataset, and open discussions of potential applications, including in-class studio hours to help with homework. Students should be prepared to learn to write code scripts that will manipulate statistical tests and graphical output. However, no background experience with programming is assumed. All software used in the course is open-source and students will be required to set up and run weekly assignments on their own laptop computer or on a computer borrowed from the library or RIT’s computer lab. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or equivalent course or graduate student standing.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Fall).

This course explores marine biology by focusing on the diversity of life and influence of oceanographic phenomena on the various ecosystems. Morphological and physiological adaptations along with environmental threats will also be investigated. The course will explore marine conservation issues, in depth. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course or graduate student standing in the ENVS-MS program.) Lecture 4 (Fall).

This course focuses on the application of ecological principles to conservation issues. Human impact on species diversity will be emphasized as it relates to agricultural, forest, coastal and wetland ecosystems. Case studies of management practices used to manage and restore disturbed ecosystems will be included. Students will explore a topic in depth through writing a review paper of published literature. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course or graduate student standing in the ENVS-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

This course is a faculty-directed, graduate level tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Ind Study (Fall, Spring, Summer).

An examination of strategies and technologies to move an organization toward environmental sustainability, including resource use reduction, material substitution, process and product modification, and waste minimization; and for handling and managing wastes including treatment, storage, transport, and disposal storing solid and hazardous waste. Associated environmental impacts, regulatory concerns, technical feasibility, and costs are considered. (Students who have completed ESHS-310 Solid and Hazardous Waste Management may not receive credit for this course.) (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

This course investigates characteristics and sources of industrial wastewaters, related environmental impacts, regulatory implications, and technical considerations of current treatment and disposal methodologies. Students learn to identify appropriate methods, technologies, and sequences for source reduction, treatment and pretreatment, direct discharge, and management of treatment residuals. (Students who have completed ESHS-330 Industrial Wastewater may not receive credit for this course.) (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

This course will present an overview of industrial air pollution management: its sources, methods of reduction, control, and management. Students will become familiar with the history of air pollution, the chemistry and effects of pollutants, regulations and standards, and control technologies as well as developing analytical and quantitative skills necessary in air emissions management decision-making. By the end of the course, students will be able develop a comprehensive facility air emissions management plan. This course maybe co-listed with ESHS-525; students may receive credit for ESHS-525 or ESHS-615, not both. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor. Students cannot take and receive credit for this course if they have taken ESHS-525.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

This course will introduce social responsibility concepts and approaches presented in key documents like the ISO 26000 Social Responsibility Standard, and will explore strategies for assisting an organization to identify and implement socially responsible initiatives appropriate to the nature and scope of its activities, products, and services. (This course is restricted to students in the EHSM-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

This graduate seminar course in aquatic ecology will focus on reading and critical evaluation of the peer-reviewed literature, formal and informal communication skills, and discussion of ongoing research in aquatic ecology. This discussion-based course is student lead, and may be retaken for credit. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).

This multidisciplinary course will provide students with diverse perspectives on global climate change issues, providing a survey of important aspects of the problem augmented by readings in the primary literature. Topics include atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, ecological impacts and feedbacks, economics of climate change, international climate policies, and social and environmental justice. The course will include a variety of instructors and guest lecturers, providing an overview of the complex and inter-related nature of global climate change. The course will culminate in a project based on finding solutions to the real-world problem of climate change. Students will be required to take a leadership role in bridging the multiple disciplines presented (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

This course will introduce students to different types of ecological and environmental models, spatial problem solving analyses, and decision analysis methods used in the fields of ecology, conservation planning, and environmental science. The course will utilize the IDRISI TerrSet software to explore case studies and applications in Land Change, Habitat and Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Climate Change. These will be supplemented by analyses using ArcGIS Pro and InVest software. Students will adapt one or more models for a final project and present their project in a Storymap format. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-575 or ENVS-531 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring).

Aerial photography, satellite imagery, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are extremely useful tools in hydrologic modeling and environmental applications such as rainfall runoff modeling, pollution loading, landscape change analyses, and terrain modeling. This course will: 1) introduce students to spatial analysis theories, techniques and issues associated with hydrologic and environmental applications; 2) provide hands-on training in the use of these spatial tools and models while addressing a real problem; 3) provide experience linking GIS and model results to field assessments and monitoring activities; 4) enable students to solve a variety of spatial and temporal hydrologic and environmental problems; and 5) provide tools useful for addressing environmental problems related to the graduate thesis or project. (Prerequisites: ENVS-250 or equivalent course or graduate standing in the ENVS-MS program.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring).

This course will build on previous chemistry courses to expand knowledge of biogeochemical cycles, environmental toxicology and applied methods of environmental analysis. The course will be conducted in a workshop format at the graduate level. (Prerequisites: CHMO-231 and CHMO-235 or CHMO-331 and CHMO-335 or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 3 (Spring).

This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in the Environmental Science graduate program. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Ind Study (Fall, Spring, Summer).

This online course introduces students to the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Course lectures, reading assignments, and practical lab experiences will cover a mix of conceptual, practical and technical GIS topics. Topics include GIS data models, basic cartography, geodatabases, spatial analysis, GIS software, and theory and concepts from the Geographic Information Science and Technology domain. Lec/Lab 3 (Fall).

This course introduces students to the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Course lectures, reading assignments, and practical lab experiences will cover a mix of conceptual, practical and technical GIS topics. Topics include GIS data models, basic cartography, geodatabases, spatial analysis, GIS software, and theory and concepts from the Geographic Information Science and Technology domain. Lec/Lab 3 (Spring).

Industrial ecology is the study of the interaction between industrial and ecological systems. Students in this course learn to assess the impact and interrelations of production systems on the natural environment by mastering fundamental concepts of ecology as a metaphor for industrial systems and the resultant tools from industrial ecology, including life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, and energy and greenhouse gas accounting. This is a core course within the Sustainability Ph.D. program. (This class is restricted to students in the SUSTSY-MS and SUST-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

Statistical tools for modern data analysis can be used across a range of industries to help you guide organizational, societal and scientific advances. This course is designed to provide an introduction to the tools and techniques to accomplish this. Topics covered will include continuous and discrete distributions, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, power, estimation, confidence intervals, regression, one-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

A course that studies how a response variable is related to a set of predictor variables. Regression techniques provide a foundation for the analysis of observational data and provide insight into the analysis of data from designed experiments. Topics include happenstance data versus designed experiments, simple linear regression, the matrix approach to simple and multiple linear regression, analysis of residuals, transformations, weighted least squares, polynomial models, influence diagnostics, dummy variables, selection of best linear models, nonlinear estimation, and model building. (This class is restricted to students in the APPSTAT-MS, SMPPI-ACT, or APPSTAT-U programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

How to design and analyze experiments, with an emphasis on applications in engineering and the physical sciences. Topics include the role of statistics in scientific experimentation; general principles of design, including randomization, replication, and blocking; replicated and unreplicated two-level factorial designs; two-level fractional-factorial designs; response surface designs. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).