Core Courses – Students must meet prerequisites prior to enrolling in these courses.

 

ECS 111: Introduction to the Earth's Ecosystem    

Introduction to the dynamics of our planet and the issues involved with its ability to support life and our civilization.  The course includes a broad overview of topics in ecology, environmental science and the basic science and policy topics involved with these fields.  Quantitative measures of the state of various components in the earth system are stressed along with the problems of making informed decisions based on available scientific knowledge.  Includes lifestyle research project and field trip.

ECS 112: Problems in Ecosystem Science and Policy    Prerequisite or Corequisite: ECS 111

Development of basic skills in ecosystem assessment and management including the use of charts and computer databases, simple statistics, demography, and the interpretation of laws and policies. The course is organized around four theme areas:  1) Water resources including wetlands and water supplies; 2) Wildlife in both the natural preserve and developed environment; 3) Urban environments including aspects of design and development; 4) Resource usage and pollution.  Class projects and case studies provide experience in identifying problems, quantifying scientific issues, and considering management options and outcomes. Extensive field experience. Team-taught.

ECS 113: Introduction to Environmental Policy        Prerequisite or Corequisite: ECS 111

Theories and case studies from various fields, including anthropology, economics, ethics, geography, political science and psychology, will be used to explore the multiple perspectives that influence group and individual perceptions of environmental issues. The following thematic and methodological areas are emphasized:

• Critical analysis of the concept of sustainable development
• Ethical considerations in human-environment relations
• Uses and limits of general theories driving environmental policy
• Approaches to valuation of natural resources
• Relation of values, attitudes, and behavior to policy formation
• Institutional configurations and environmental outcomes
• Implications of existing and emergent technologies for social and environmental justice
  

ECS 202: Seminar Series in Contemporary Environmental Issues II      

Discussions led by faculty members and distinguished guests on a variety of current environmental topics involving interaction of science and policy.

ECS 302: Perspectives in Environmental Decision-making      Prerequisite: ECS 111, 113

Course provides exposure to a suite of analytical techniques to assess human impacts on the environment.  These include qualitative and quantitative social science techniques, economic tools, environmental impact assessment, participatory approaches, conflict resolution, risk analysis, and environmental ethics.  Case studies are used to illustrate how these tools are applied to environmental decision-making. 

 

Additional environmentally-related courses taken for ECS credit are offered through Marine Science, Biology, Chemistry, Marine Affairs, Geological Sciences, Political Science, Economics, Geography and International Studies.  Courses listed below are usually offered spring semester (3 cr. each):

 

BIL 235 - Ecology
CAE 240 - Environmental Pollution 
CHM 401 - Environmental Chemistry
GSC 106 - Geological Influences on Society 

INS 375 - Economics of Development and the Environment   

INS 476 - Poverty and the Environment   .

LAS 302 - Latin America and the Environment

MAF 510 - Environmental Planning and the Environmental Impact Statement

MAF 516 - Ocean Policy Development and Analysis

MAF 520 - Environmental Law

MSC 314 - Ocean Law

MSC 340 - Ocean Policy

POL 322 - Environmental Politics and Policy

 

Field Courses:  Departments of Biology and Geological Sciences offer Spring Break field courses to a number of national and international destinations exploring environmental issues.

 

 

Environmental Student Organizations: Miami Semester students are invited to participate in the following student organizations

 

Earth Alert -  environmental community service and education

Emerging Green Builders – interfaces with the green building industry

GreenPeace UM – environmental political activism and education

Marine Mammal Stranding Team – marine mammal rescue/rehabilitation

SCUBA Club – diving, reef rehabilitation

Sustainable U – promoting sustainable business practices at UM and in the community

Surfrider – beach/ocean conservation, surfing