Environmental Technology

A study of environmental interactions and the impact of humans on the environment. The use of natural resources, including land, air, water, mineral and biological resources, is examined. Local and global examples are presented to enable students to better understand and evaluate contemporary environmental problems and the application of science to their solution. The corresponding laboratory component provides students with the practical experience of measuring, recording and interpreting environmental data. Interdisciplinary knowledge is used to understand environmental problems. (3 class hours/2 laboratory hours)

A study of environmental interactions and the impact of humans on the environment. The use of natural resources, including land, air, water, mineral and biological resources, is examined. Local and global examples are presented to enable students to better understand and evaluate contemporary environmental problems and the application of science to their solution. Interdisciplinary knowledge is used to understand environmental problems. (3 class hours).

This is a one-semester, liberal arts and sciences course with a laboratory, designed to introduce the concept that planet Earth represents a dynamic, integrated system. The nature and characteristics of the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere are considered. (3 class hours/2 laboratory hours)

This course is a general introduction to the scientific study of the ocean environment including the physical, chemical, geological and biological properties of the sea. Some field trips may be required. This course is intended for non-science majors. (3 class hours/2 laboratory hours)

GIS I focuses on the designing and building of a map using a relational database. GIS is a computer science designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data, in the form of a map. In everyday use, it appears in forms such as Google Maps, GPS, weather forecasts, etc. Students are trained in using the computer programs ArcMap and ArcCatalog with an introduction to ArcGIS Online, in order to utilize spatial data to its fullest.

The implications of the energy enterprise, from global to individual perspectives, are explored by investigating basic energy/electricity concepts and the effects of technologies, policies, markets, and behaviors on the Earth’s climate system, the environment, and national and personal security. First principles and practical potentials of renewable energy sources and low-carbon technologies are examined, as are career pathways supporting sustainable energy solutions. Case studies and experiments reinforce basic concepts, develop analytical skills, and provide system-level understanding.

This course provides students with the information to identify and explain all of the energy efficiency/conservation methods available for energy use reduction. Energy-consuming facilities, both domestic and commercial, are analyzed by the students for energy efficiency opportunities. The students calculate energy savings and environmental impacts for most energy efficiency methods in order to identify and assess energy conservation opportunities. In addition, the students demonstrate the appropriate usage of energy monitoring and measuring equipment commonly used by energy specialists and energy auditors.

Students in this course gain an understanding of our solar energy resource and how it can be utilized for a variety of energy demand applications in residential, commercial, and municipal buildings. The benefits and limitations of various solar energy technologies that are commonly used to produce heat, hot water, and electricity are examined. Students learn how to properly site, size, design, and specify solar hot water and solar electric systems. Students also learn how to perform an economic and environmental analysis of proposed systems.

This course provides an in-depth introduction to wind power as a sustainable form of energy. It examines the history, current applications, and future of wind power. Students gain a basic understanding of the fundamental science behind harnessing useable energy from the wind. The course looks at the process for siting, developing, constructing, operating, and maintaining wind energy projects of different scales – from home and small commercial to municipal and utility scale.

This course exposes the student to a variety of analytical techniques and instruments utilized in environmental chemical analysis. It is designed to couple theory of equipment operation with a basic understanding of the chemical principles involved. The laboratory time is divided between practical hands-on bench work and field experiences. (1 class hour/4 laboratory hours)

This course involves a range of hours of monitored field experience that is consistent with the student's career goals. Students keep journals and write proscribed "analysis" papers as they progress during the course of the semester. Time commitment is based on the number of credits (70 hours per credit).