This department prepares students to work in professions with an environmental focus. The Bachelor of Science degree emphasizes the chemical and ecological aspects of environmental analysis. The Bachelor of Arts degree is broader, with an emphasis on the political, social and economic aspects of environmental issues. This is an interdisciplinary program and faculty represent disciplines from chemistry to anthropology. It also relies upon affiliated faculty in other departments for some courses.

Upper Division Program    

Recommended Courses

Two of the following four courses:

2 Additional Environmental Courses (6 credits)

Students are urged to develop an area of specialization of 12 to 15 credits, or a minor, in consultation with an advisor. An approved list of such courses are published prior to each semester.

Degree Program Hours: 120

Lower Division Program
Recommended Courses

  To qualify for admission to the program, FIU undergraduates must have met all the lower division requirements including CLAST, completed 60 semester hours, and must be otherwise acceptable into the program.

  To qualify for admission to the program, FIU undergraduates must have met all the lower division requirements including CLAST, completed 60 semester hours, and must be otherwise acceptable into the program.

 
Upper Division Program

Recommended Courses

Required Courses:

Area of Specialization Courses: (12)
  The student must take at least twelve additional credits in an approved area of specialization, such as resource management/policy, international environmental issues, agroecology, human ecology/environmental values, environmental education or environmental biology. Six of the 12 credits must be from EVR courses. Note: Minors may be substituted for an area of specialization.

Admission Requirements

General Requirements

Required Courses

1.  Four of the following approved courses, including at least two of the first four.

2.   One of the following courses:

Grades of ‘C’ or better required for all courses. A list of additional approved environmental science courses, subject to change, is available in the Department of Environmental Studies. 

Cooperative Education
Students seeking the baccalaureate degree in environmental studies may also take part in the Cooperative Education Program conducted in conjunction with the Department of Cooperative Education in the Division of Student Affairs. The student spends one or two semesters fully employed in industry or a governmental agency. For further information consult the Department of Cooperative Education.

Environmental Internships
Students interested in job-related academic internships should enroll in the Environmental Studies office. For details on compensation, benefits, and academic credit, contact Dr. Raymond Scattone.

(Course descriptions are also found in catalog sections of all participating departments. For assistance see an advisor.)

Definition of Prefixes
EVR-Environmental Studies.
F-Fall semester offering; S-Spring semester offering; SS-Summer semester offering.

EVR 1001 Introduction to Environmental Sciences (3). A physical science course for non-science majors, emphasizing air and water pollution, water resources, solid waste management, and energy resources. (F,S, SS)

EVR 1001L Introduction to Environment Sciences Lab (1). Laboratory analysis and field trips on topics and concepts covered in Introduction to Environmental Sciences. (F,S,SS)

EVR 1017 The Global Environment and Society (3). A broad introduction to the impact of social and economic processes on the global environment, including historical and comparative dimension. (F, S, SS)

EVR 3010 Energy Flow in Natural and Man-made Systems (3). A course for non-science majors, examining energy use and efficiency, nuclear and renewable energy sources (including solar energy), and their environmental impacts. Prerequisites: College algebra or equivalent. (S)

EVR 3011 Environmental Resources and Pollution (3). A course for non-science majors, focusing on dynamics of pollution and environmental toxicology with emphasis on energy consumption and production, solid wastes, and air and water resources. (F)

EVR 3011L Environmental Science: Pollution Lab (1). Laboratory and field analysis of topics and concepts covered in EVR 3011. Corequisite: EVR 3011. (F)

EVR 3013 Ecology of South Florida (3) EVR 3013L Ecology of South Florida Lab (1). A course for non-science majors, offering an introduction to the ecology of South Florida through lectures and a series of field trips into several unique ecosystems, such as the Everglades, hardwood hammocks, and coastal regions. The course also deals with natural resource conservation, wildlife management, endangered species, and wilderness issues. (F,S,SS)

EVR 3029 The Everglades (3). An interdisciplinary examination of the Everglades system, including natural history, human history, esthetics, and politics/policy of restoration.

EVR 3402 Asian Environmental Issues (3). An overview of emerging environmental issues in Asian countries. Discussion of cultural, economic, and political systems of the region and their influence on the environment.

EVR 3931 Topics in Environmental Studies (3). An intensive analysis of a current environmental topic. Course may be repeated with change in content.

EVR 3949/EVR 4949 Cooperative Education in Environmental Studies (1-3). One semester of full-time supervised work in an outside laboratory taking part in the University Co-op Program. Limited to students admitted to the Co-op Program. A written report and supervisor evaluations will be required of each student. (F,S,SS)

EVR 4026 Ecology of Biotic Resources (3). The study of renewable natural resources of the earth’s biomes, particularly those of tropical forests, the factors influencing their productivity, conservation, and human use. Prerequisites: BSC 1010 and BSC 1011.

EVR 4211 Water Resources (3). A seminar dealing with various aspects of water use, water pollution problems, chemistry and ecology of South Florida’s waters. Ecology is recommended. Prerequisites: CHM 1045 and CHM 1046 or equivalent and general biology. (S)

EVR 4211L Water Resources Lab (1). Laboratory course on procedures currently suitable and widely accepted for physical, chemical, and biological methods in the examination of water. Prerequisites: CHM 1045 and CHM 1046 or equivalent and General Biology. (S)

EVR 4231 Air Resources (3). Common air pollutants -their sources and methods of control. Different legislative and administrative approaches will be studied. Prerequisites: CHM 1045 and CHM 1046 or equivalent.

EVR 4272 Agroecology (3). Application of ecological principles to modern farming systems to achieve goals of long term food production without depleting Earth’s resources. Prereqsuisites: EVR 3013 or equivalent or permission of the instructor. (F)

EVR 4274 Sustainable Agriculture (3). Analysis of sustainablility of modern agricultural systems under a variety of ecological economic and cultural settings. Familiarizes students with socioeconomic, urban policy, sustainable agriculture. Prerequisites: EVR 3013 or equivalent or permission of the instructor. (S)

EVR 4310 Energy Resources (3). Seminar dealing with power and energy production in modern society, fundamental energy relationships of industrial and domestic processes. Prerequisites: EVR 3010 or PHY 2023 or equivalent. (S)

EVR 4321 Sustainable Resource Development (3). An overview of social, economic and ecological approaches to sustainable resource development. Examines various policies for harmonizing economic growth and environmental sustainability.

EVR 4323 Restoration Ecology (3). Principles and practices of environmental restoration, recreation and enhancement. Examines ecological theory that relates to restoration through case studies from southern Florida. Prerequisites: EVR 3013 or PCB 3043 or permission of the instructor.

EVR 4351 U.S. Energy Policy (3). Policies governing the utilization of energy in the U.S. Focuses on the physical, political and social constraints that shape energy policy in this country. Prerequisites: EVR 3010 or permission of the instructor.  

EVR 4352 U.S. Environmental Policy (3). Introduction to U.S. environmental policy. Reviews primary U.S. environmental legislation and the role of regulation. Prerequisites: EVR 3011 or permission of the instructor. (F, SS)

EVR 4401 Conservation Biology (3). Applies modern theory from ecology and population genetics to conservation issues. Topics include population viability studies, reserve design, forms of rarity, and policy issues. Prerequisites: BSC 1010 and BSC 1011.

EVR 4411 Human Organizations and Ecosystem Management (3). Environmental aspects of organizational theory and strategic management in indigenous and other local communities, non-governmental organizations, governments, and the provate sector are discussed. Prerequisite: An introductory Environmental Studies course. (F)

EVR 4415 Population and Environment Issues (3). Examines the history, current status and projected growth of the human population in relation to environmental issues. Prerequisites: College algebra, STA 3111 (or equivalent), EVR 3011 or permission of the instructor. (S)

EVR 4592 Soils and Ecosystems (3). A review of basic soil science concepts; analyses of basic physical and chemical properties of soils, emphasizing soils in South Florida ecosystems. Prerequisites: BSC 1010 and CHM 1045, or permission of the instructor.

EVR 4592L Soils and Ecosystems Lab (1). Laboratory exercises provide soil characterization techniques used in soil science and complement the lectures by carrying out experiments illustrating soil science concepts, soil formation, soil properties, and soil nutrients cycling. Prerequisites: CHM 1046, BSC 1011, CHM 3120 and their corresponding labs. Corequisite: EVR 4592.

EVR 4594 Analysis of South Florida Ecosystems (3). In-depth study, using case study approach of the major ecosystems of South Florida, the environmental issues facing them, and the management strategies employed to sustain their natural resources. Prerequisites: BSC 1011, BSC 1011L, EVR 3011. (S)

EVR 4596L Applied Field Ecology (2). Introduction to basic methodologies of applied field ecological research; builds ability to identify major plant and animal species and community assemblages in South Florida. Prerequisites: BSC 1011, BSC 1011L, EVR 3011. (S)

EVR 4869L Environmental Problem Solving Lab (2). Provides first-hand experience in solving environmental problems (problem definition, study design, data collection, analysis & reporting). Includes use of case study, social survey, computer modeling and GIS techniques. Prerequisities: STA 3111, ECO 2023, EVR 3010, and EVR 3011, or permission of the instructor. (F)

EVR 4905 Research and Independent Study (Var). Student develops and carries out research project with guidance from professor. Permission of the instructor.
 
EVR 4920 Environmental Studies Senior Seminar (1). Series of talks by FIU and external experts addressing both development of professional skills and current environmental topics. Students prepare short presentations. For seniors only.

EVR 4934 Special Topics (1-3). Advanced undergraduate level course dealing with selected environmental topics. Course may be repeated with change in content.

EVR 5005 Environmental Science and Sustainability (3). Introductory environmental science course for graduate students in environmental studies and other disciplines. Emphasizes physical sciences and applications to environmental issues. (F)

EVR 5044 Advanced GIS and Environmental Data Analysis (3). Explores project planning, geospatial database design and implementation of analytical and display methods in GIS for organizing, querying, analyzing and presenting spatial data. Prerequisites: One of the following: EVR 5050, CGN 4321, CGN 5320, INR 4931, URS 6930.

EVR 5061 South Florida Ecology: Field Studies (3). Introduction to ecology of South Florida. Series of field trips to unique ecosystems (Everglades, hard-wood hammocks, coastal regions). No science background required. Intended for teachers. Not intended for Environmental Studies graduate students.

EVR 5065 Ecology of Costa Rican Rainforest (3). Intensive study of Central American tropical forest ecosystems conducted for two weeks in Costa Rica in sites ranging from lowland to high mountains. Primarily for teachers. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor.

EVR 5066 Ecology of the Amazon Flooded Forest (3). Study of the ecology of the flooded forest with emphasis on the relationships between plants and animals and the annual flooding cycle. The course includes a two-week field study at river camp in Peru. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor.

EVR 5215 Water Resources Assessment (3). Elements of hydrological cycle, hydrological processes and water resources assessment with emphasis on surface and groundwater water quantity and quality evaluation is central to the course.

EVR 5236 Air Pollution Dynamics (3). A course designed to give an understanding of the fates of atmospheric pollutants. Scavenging processes in the atmosphere; radiation, residence times, chemical reactions, global transport process, point source dispersion and modeling calculations. Prerequisites: EVS 3360 or EVR 4231.
 
EVR 5313 Renewable Energy Sources (3). An analysis of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency including wind, biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, solid waste, solar heating, solar cooling, and solar electricity. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

EVR 5315 Energy Resources and Systems Analysis (3). Detailed analysis of energy flows in natural and man-made systems. Energy systems analysis. Energy use patterns. Conventional and alternate sources of energy.   

EVR 5320 Environmental Resource Management (3). The scientific and philosophical basis for the management of renewable and non-renewable energy, mineral, air, water, and biotic resources. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor. (S)

EVR 5332 Integrated Solutions for Water in Environment and Development (3). Examines the theory and practice of integrated water resources management, focusing on science, policy, and socioeconomic themes evaluated through case studies from different regions of the world. Emphasis given to environmental elements.

EVR 5350 International Organizations & Environmental Politics (3). The role of international organizations in environmental politics and the process of their formation and change in response to environmental problems. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor.

EVR 5353 International Energy Policy (3). Focuses on the distribution of global energy resources and related issues. A comparison of the energy policies of various countries serves as the basis for exploring alternative energy policy approaches. Prerequisites: EVR 5355 or permission of the instructor.

EVR 5355 Environmental Resource Policy (3). A survey of international and national environmental policy and the legal, economic, and administrative dimensions of international accords and selected U.S. law. Prerequisites: EVR 5320 or permission of the instructor. (F)

EVR 5410 The Human Population and Earth’s Ecosystems (3). Explores the impact of the human population of Earth’s ecosystems. Reviews current population data at global, regional, and local scales. Includes study of specific South Florida carrying capacity issues.

EVR 5907 Research and Independent Study (VAR). The student works with a professor on a research project. Variable credit.

EVR 5935 Special Topics (VAR). A graduate-level course dealing with selected environmental topics. The content will not necessarily be the same each time the course is offered.

EVR 5936 Topics in Environmental Studies (3). An analysis of several current environmental topics. Recommended for primary and secondary school teachers.

GIS 5050 Environmental GIS (3). Concepts of GIS, database design and management, advanced spatial analysis and modeling, uncertainty, error, and sensitivity in GIS. Focus on GIS project design, execution and presentation using AroGIS. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.