An interdisciplinary study of how the natural environment works and how things and events in nature are interconnected. A major focus of the course will be on issues such as sustainability, the preservation of natural capital (living and non-living) and solutions to major environmental problems such as pollution, energy resource shortages and global warming. Taught at the freshman level and open to both majors and non-majors.
3.0 Credits

Introduction to Environmental Law is a survey course designed to introduce students to the major concepts of environmental law. Because environmental law is grounded in both federal and state statutes, the course will expose students to the major components of statutory law at both levels and will also explore the federal/state relationship using Pennsylvania as a model. Although a basic understanding of the American legal system and administrative law would be of great benefit, it is not a prerequisite for the course.
3.0 Credits

Primarily lab-based, hands-on course. Geographic Information Systems will introduce students to the most up-to-date GIS software from ESRI Corporation, and the techniques of resolving complex spatial questions related to environmental science, land-use planning, biogeography and business location decisions. Though designed primarily for environmental science majors, this course should be of interest to computer science majors, business majors, biology majors and social scientists interested in the analysis of spatially related variables.
3.0 Credits

An introduction to the fundamentals of atmospheric science with the primary goal of demonstrating how scientific principles govern the circulation of the atmosphere, the day-to-day sequence of weather events, the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants and inadvertent climate modification. Though intended for the environmental science major, the course should be of value to anyone interested in the science of weather forecasting, long-term climatic change and the meteorology of air pollution. (P: ENSC 111 or GEOL 150 or permission of the instructor)
4.0 Credits

Urban and Regional Land Use Planning is an overview of present and past land-use policy in the United States. Since the goal of land-use planning is to decide on the best present and future uses for each parcel of land in a particular area, students will be introduced to the basic elements of comprehensive strategies and special area plans, techniques of developing each of these types of plans and mechanisms of zoning that are used to implement plans. Students will also be introduced to the state and federal regulatory environments and the political structures that influence the planning process. Participants will be expected to attend public hearings conducted by local planning agencies. (P: ENSC 111 or permission of instructor)
3.0 Credits

An introduction to environmental science research methodology, data gathering techniques and portable field-testing equipment. A particular emphasis will be placed on the procedures for Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments using ASTM Standards. (P: ENSC 111, GEOL 150, CHEM 140 or permission of instructor)
3.0 Credits

Variable CH available. A capstone experience for the student to obtain work in a governmental agency, business or other institution in roles that relate to environmental concerns. Methods of assessment will include an evaluation by a supervisor at the cooperating agency or institution, the construction of a detailed daily log, a comprehensive report by the student and examination of each student’s work to be conducted by the department chair.
1.0 Credits

Variable CH available up to 3CH. Individual research project in environmental science for students who have achieved a 3.0 GPA in the overall environmental science major. May be supervised by any appropriate faculty member, but must have approval of chair of supervisor’s department. Arrangements must be completed prior to pre-registration period.
1.0 Credits

This course introduces the student to safety and health hazards found in the three top industries of western Pennsylvania construction, oil and gas development and manufacturing. Hazard awareness is open to majors and non-majors. Fee: $200
1.0 Credits

This course introduces important facets of the management of workplace safety including EHS compliance, management, employee engagement and training, hazard identification and assessment, hazard prevention and control, and EHS program evaluation and improvement. It identifies current trends and stresses the latest thinking in the health, safety and environmental field. While the course provides a foundation for required ESM course, it also addresses topics relevant to the future safety professional. The business activities that have an influence on the success of safety management are discussed. This includes recognized consensus standards that drive quality, environmental management, occupational health and safety management, sustainability and risk management. The course promotes safety beyond compliance since regulations represent minimum requirements. Introduction to Safety is open to majors and non-manors.
3.0 Credits

The student will complete safety training in one field. Course may be repeated for credit to complete training in a different field. Opportunities to shadow safety professionals in their selected industry will be included. Students will develop and conduct short training sessions related to a selected safety or health hazard. Fee: $150
1.0 Credits

This course will discuss the planning and mitigation needed to effectively prepare, prevent and respond to emergencies in the workplace. Planning for fires, natural disasters, workplace security and business continuity will be covered.
3.0 Credits

This course will identify key regulations, important industry standards and safety responsibilities in the construction industry. Some of the topics that will be covered include electrical safe work practices, fleet safety, rigging, excavations and working at heights.
3.0 Credits

This course will cover the overall responsibilities an organization has for complying with OSHA and other regulatory authorities such as DOT, EPA and State agencies. Different strategies used for safety management will be discussed including safety programs and management systems, ISO 45001 in particular.
3.0 Credits

This course will address the management and use of hazardous materials in the workplace. Topics will include hazard communication, process safety, safe transportation and environmental management. Discussions will focus on best management practices including management systems such as ISO 14001.
3.0 Credits

This course concentrates on the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of employee exposure to workplace health hazards. Topics will include chemical hazards (dusts, fumes, mists, gases, and vapors), ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, noise, temperature, and biological hazards.
3.0 Credits

A study of the Earth from the systems’ perspective showing how the four spheres (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere) are interrelated and how humans interact with and modify Earth systems. A particular emphasis will be placed on weather, climate, hydrology and geological processes.
4.0 Credits

Fundamental principles and processes governing the depletion and replenishment of water resources of the land areas of the Earth. Principles governing the sources, occurrence and movement of ground water will be covered, as well as, thorough investigation of surface and subsurface water pollution and the forecasting and control of floods. (P: GEOL 150).
3.0 Credits

A course dealing with relationships between humans and their geological habitat, the problems that human beings face in using the earth, and the reactions of the earth to that use; earth processes, earth resources, and engineering properties of rocks and surficial deposits that in some way affect human activity and environment. (P: GEOL 150 or permission of instructor).
4.0 Credits

Variable credit (1-4 CH) available.
1.0 Credits