Course Catalog

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Course Catalog

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: NO LAB (SC1020N)

This course is intended to introduce non-scientists to key concepts and approaches in the study of the environment. With a focus on the scientific method, we learn about natural systems using case studies of disruptions caused by human activity. Topics include global warming, deforestation, waste production and recycling, water pollution, environmental toxins and sustainable development. The relationships between science and policy, the media, and citizen action are also addressed. Please note that an additional fee will be charged for this course.
https://aupforms.formstack.com/workflows/science_without_lab_request

ENERGY & THE ENVIRONMENT (SC1040)

This is a conceptual physics course for non-scientists. It discusses the principles of physics involved in the production, distribution and consumption of energy using various types of fuel. It also considers the environmental issues related to the use of fossil fuels from a scientific viewpoint. Renewable sources of energy and the economic and political implications of their development as well as ways of conserving energy are also discussed.

*Lab required.

INTRODUCTION TO BIODIVERSITY (SC1055)

This science course explores what biodiversity is and how we can measure it. We look at concepts related to biodiversity widely used (and misused) in the media, the importance of biodiversity to sustain human life on Earth,and how biodiverstity is related to our economy, society and politics. Laboratory sessions include Saturday visits to the aquarium, museums or the zoo.

INTRODUCTION TO BIODIVERSITY: NO LAB (SC1055N)

This science course explores what biodiversity is and how we can measure it. We look at concepts related to biodiversity widely used (and misused) in the media, the importance of biodiversity to sustain human life on Earth, and how biodiversity is related to our economy, society and politics. Laboratory sessions include Saturday visits to the aquarium, museums or the zoo.

https://aupforms.formstack.com/workflows/science_without_lab_request

PHYSICS OF NATURAL & UNNATURAL DISASTERS (SC1060)

Managing risk associated with natural environmental disasters (volcanoes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, etc.) and unnatural disasters (oil spills, nuclear fallout, toxic spills, groundwater exhaustion, eutrophication, global warming) is a fundamental aspect of environmental policy. In this course, students will learn about the underlying physical processes of the most common and costly environmental disasters afflicting society today, and will examine historical landmark cases, discussing damage cost models (infrastructure, life, ecosystem) and risk minimization strategies (relocation, protection, resource or technology discontinuation).

*Lab required

PHYSICS OF NATURAL & UNNATURAL DISASTERS: NO LAB (SC1060N)

Managing risk associated with natural environmental disasters (volcanoes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, etc.) and unnatural disasters (oil spills, nuclear fallout, toxic spills, groundwater exhaustion, eutrophication, global warming) is a fundamental aspect of environmental policy. In this course, students will learn about the underlying physical processes of the most common and costly environmental disasters afflicting society today, and will examine historical landmark cases, discussing damage cost models (infrastructure, life, ecosystem) and risk minimization strategies (relocation, protection, resource or technology discontinuation).

https://aupforms.formstack.com/workflows/science_without_lab_request

THE OCEAN ENVIRONMENT (SC1070)

This course is an introduction of the science of oceanic environment, from submarine canyons to zooplankton, from global warming to the growing plastics problem in mid oceanic gyres, from acidification to wave dynamics. We will explain oceanography's most important concepts and debunk its widely (and wildly) held misconceptions.

*Lab required