Environmental Sciences (ES) Courses
ES 1003. Survey Topics in Environmental Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A broad-based survey course intended to provide a comprehensive introduction to the multidisciplinary field of environmental studies. This course examines the ecological, social, political, and economic aspects of contemporary environmental issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum Component Area Requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fee: LRS1 $46.20; STSI $21.60; IUS1 $15.
ES 1111. Environmental Botany Laboratory. (0-3) 1 Credit Hour. (TCCN = BIOL 1111)
Corequisites: ES 1113. Laboratory studies to accompany ES 1113 Environmental Botany Lecture. Selected laboratories pertaining to the structure and function of plants. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; L001 $20; LRS1 $15.40; STSI $7.20.
ES 1113. Environmental Botany. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = BIOL 1311)
Study of structure and function of plant cells, tissues, and organs. Includes an evolutionary survey and life histories of the following representative groups: algae, fungi, mosses, liverworts, ferns, and seed producing organisms. Plant reproductive and functional interactions with their environment and with humans. May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Internet. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; LRC1 $12; LRS1 $46.20; STSI $21.60.
ES 1121. Environmental Zoology Laboratory. (0-3) 1 Credit Hour. (TCCN = BIOL 1113)
Laboratory studies to accompany ES 1123 Environmental Zoology Lecture. Selected laboratories pertaining to animal taxonomy, genetics, anatomy, physiology, and ecology. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; L001 $30; LRS1 $15.40; STSI $7.20.
ES 1123. Environmental Zoology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = BIOL 1313)
An introduction to basic concepts in biology through the study of the major lineages of invertebrate and vertebrate animals, with emphasis on the structure and function of organ systems in an evolutionary context. Topics covered will include basic cell structure and function, genetics, systematics, evolution, animal groups, and selected body systems. Functional interactions of animals with humans and the environment will also be studied. May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Internet. Course Fee: LRC1 $12; LRS1 $46.20; STSI $21.60; DL01 $75.
ES 1211. Environmental Geology Laboratory. (0-3) 1 Credit Hour. (TCCN = GEOL 1105)
Laboratory studies to accompany Environmental Geology Lecture. Selected laboratories pertaining to geologic principles, examining minerals and rocks, and geologic processes. Generally Offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; L001 $30; LRS1 $15.40; STSI $7.20.
ES 1213. Environmental Geology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = GEOL 1305)
This course explores the geological principles needed to interpret Earth's history, structure, and processes. Students will examine Earth's composition, identify rocks and minerals, and analyze geological formations. Understanding geologic processes such as plate tectonics, erosion, and sedimentation, the students will be able to discuss how these processes impact the environment. May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fee: LRC1 $12; LRS1 $46.20; STSI $21.60; IUS1 $15.
ES 1314. Environmental Statistics. (3-3) 4 Credit Hours. (TCCN = MATH 1442)
Collection, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of environmental data, and probability. Analysis includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Use of appropriate technology, including statistical software. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fees: IUS1 $15; LRS1 $61.60; STSI $28.80.
ES 2003. Environmental Science Research Initiative (CURE) I. (1-6) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 1113, ES 1111, ES 1123, and ES 1121 with a grade of at least a 'C-'; Restricted to students who have completed 30 or more hours. The organizing principles of environmental science are used to train students in modern laboratory or field techniques, bioinformatics, experimental design, and interpretation of results. This is the first semester of a year-long course-based research experience (CURE) in which students complete an original research project and present results to stakeholders outside of the classroom. (Same as BIO 2073. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 2073 and ES 2033.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fee: LRS1 $46.20; STSI $21.60; L001 $30; IUS1 $15.
ES 2013. Introduction to Environmental Science I. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = ENVR 1301)
An introduction to environmental science, including scientific principles, concepts, and methods needed to understand the interactions of the biotic (living) components in the natural world. Topics covered include environmental and scientific literacy, ecology, evolution and biodiversity, human populations and environmental health, and resource management and environmental policies. Core Curriculum skills, including critical thinking, quantitative skills, teamwork, and communication, are emphasized. (TCCN = ENVR 1301). May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Online/Internet. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRS1 $46.20; STSI $21.60; IUS1 $15.
ES 2021. Introduction to Environmental Science I Laboratory. (0-3) 1 Credit Hour. (TCCN = ENVR 1101)
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in ES 2013 is recommended. Qualitative and quantitative methods in the study of biotic environmental systems. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; L001 $30; LRS1 $15.40; STSI $7.20.
ES 2023. Introduction to Environmental Science II. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = ENVR 1302)
An introduction to environmental science, including scientific principles, concepts, and methods needed to understand the interactions of the abiotic (non-living) components of the natural world. Topics covered include waste and water resources, land and food resources, conventional energy and alternatives, and air quality and climate change. Core Curriculum skills, including critical thinking, quantitative skills, teamwork, and communication, are emphasized. (TCCN = ENVR 1302). May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Online/Internet. Course Fee: LRC1 $12; LRS1 $46.20; STSI $21.60; DL01 $75; IUS1 $15.
ES 2031. Introduction to Environmental Science II Laboratory. (0-3) 1 Credit Hour. (TCCN = ENVR 1102)
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in ES 2023 is recommended. Qualitative and quantitative methods in the study of abiotic environmental systems. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; L001 $30; LRS1 $15.40; STSI $7.20.
ES 2113. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course will be a basic introduction to the concepts and techniques of utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS) to study and model environmental issues. This course will be taught hands-on using Windows-based industry-standard software. By completion of the course, students will have the competency of entry-level position skills. The theory and skills will include but are not limited to map-making best practices, data management, editing layers, features, databases, basic geoprocessing, GPS theory, and other GIS components. (Same as GEO 2113. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 2113 and GEO 2113.) Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; LRS1 $46.20; STSI $21.60.
ES 3003. Environmental Science Research Initiative (CURE II). (1-6) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 2003 with a grade of at least a 'C-'. The organizing principles of environmental science are used to train students in modern laboratory or field techniques, bioinformatics, experimental design, and interpretation of results. This is the second semester of a year-long course-based research experience (CURE) in which students complete an original research project and present results to stakeholders outside of the classroom. (Same as BIO 3053. Credit can be earned for both ES 3003 and BIO 3053.) Generally offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; L001 $30.
ES 3033. Ecology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 2013 and ES 2023, or equivalents. Examination of the interactions of biotic and abiotic systems, including interactions of plants, animals, and the environment. (Same as BIO 3283. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3033 and BIO 3283.) Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 3042. Ecology Laboratory. (0-6) 2 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 2021 and ES 2031, or equivalents; concurrent enrollment in ES 3033 is recommended. A laboratory and field-oriented course emphasizing modern ecological techniques, including examining plant and animal populations and measuring selected chemical and physical parameters. (Same as BIO 3292. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3042 and BIO 3292.) Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; L001 $30; STFE $40.
ES 3053. Environmental Remediation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: CHE 1083, CHE 1093, ES 2013, and ES 2023, or equivalents.
This course will focus on the fundamentals associated with environmental remediation in relation to the overall environmental quality and protection. Topics covered include contaminant fate and transport; physical, chemical, and biological processes/characteristics of the air, soil, and water; remediation/restoration methods; environmental monitoring; environmental assessments; environmental regulations; and water/wastewater treatment. (Formerly ES 3054. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3053 and ES 3054.)
Generally offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 3073. Environmental Rhetoric and Technical Communication. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ENG 2413. Restricted to students who have completed 60 or more hours. This course focuses on rhetoric, ecology, and technical/scientific communication in order to develop interdisciplinary, team-based, and applied research projects. This advanced professional writing and rhetoric course will examine ecological communications as an archetypal example of specialized technical communication. (Same as ES 3083, BIO 3073, and BIO 3223. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: ES 3073, ES 3083, BIO 3073, and BIO 3223.) Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 3083. Rhetoric and Communication Abroad. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ENG 2413 and approval of instructor. This course focuses on environmental rhetoric and technical/scientific communication in order to develop and effectively communicate interdisciplinary individual and team-based experiences and research projects. This advanced writing and rhetoric course will examine science communications as examples of specialized storytelling and technical communication. (Credit can only be earned for one of the following: ES 3083, BIO 3223, ES 3073, and BIO 3073.) This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: SAHF $240; SARF $75; SAAF $150.
ES 3093. Sustainability and the Environment Abroad. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor. Topics and locations may vary. This is a survey of regional issues and case studies focusing on biological and environmental approaches to sustainability. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: SARF $150; SAAF $75; SAHF $240.
ES 3103. Environmental Microbiology. (2-3) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: CHE 1083, CHE 1093, ES 2013, and ES 2023, or equivalents; or consent of instructor. This course will survey environmental microbiology and emphasize microbial interactions in terrestrial and aquatic environments as well as the fate of microbial pathogens. Topics covered include microbial environments, detection of bacteria and their activities in the environment, microbial biogeochemical cycling, bioremediation of organic and inorganic pollutants, and water quality. (Formerly ES 3104. Credit can only be earned for one of the following: ES 3103, ES 3104, or BIO 3713.) Generally offered: Fall. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 3113. Ichthyology. (2-3) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 1113 and ES 1123, or equivalents. Study of fishes, and includes a wide range of topics, including taxonomy, systematics, biogeography, anatomy and physiology, and behavior and ecology. This course will focus on form and function, behavior, life history, ecology, and key taxonomic characteristics of most orders of fishes. Field trips may be required. (Same as BIO 3113 and BIO 5763. Credit can only be earned for one of the following: BIO 3113, BIO 5763, or ES 3113.) Generally offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: STFE $40; L001 $15; IUS1 $15.
ES 3121. Introduction to Soils Laboratory. (0-3) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: CHE 1083 and CHE 1093, or equivalents. Laboratory and field exercises designed to develop student proficiency in soil description, analysis, and assessment. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; L001 $30.
ES 3123. Introduction to Soils. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: CHE 1083 and CHE 1093, or equivalents. A study of soil properties and processes and their relationships to agriculture, land use, and environmental quality. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 3133. Oceanography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Description of the oceans. Emphasis on relations of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics in marine environments. Examination of relationships and interactions at macro and micro scales in the ocean. Field trips may be required. (Same as GEO 3163. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3133 and GEO 3163.) Generally Offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 3141. Watershed Processes Laboratory. (0-3) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: ES 2013, ES 2023, ES 1213, and ES 2113, or equivalents. Laboratory exercises and field trips to local waterways designed to practice application of concepts, including watershed assessment and watershed management. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; L001 $30; STFE $40.
ES 3143. Watershed Processes. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 2013, ES 2023, ES 1213, and ES 2113, or equivalents. This course focuses on watershed processes concepts and application of concepts, including aquatic ecosystem management and restoration. (Same as ES 5523. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 5523 and ES 3143.) Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 3153. Environmental Chemistry. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: CHE 1083, CHE 1093, ES 2013, and ES 2023, or equivalents. This course focuses on organic and inorganic chemical processes in the air, water, and soil. Human impacts, including chemical pollutants, will be evaluated in these areas of the environment. (Same as CE 4613. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3153 and CE 4613.) Generally offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 3163. Ornithology. (2-3) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 1113 and ES 1123 or equivalents with a grade of at least a 'C-'. A course covering various aspects of the biology of birds, including anatomy, physiology, systematics, evolution, behavior, ecology, and biogeography. Field trips may be required. (Same as BIO 4063. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3163 and BIO 4063.) Generally offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: STFE $40; L001 $10; IUS1 $15.
ES 3173. Mammalogy. (2-3) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 1113 and ES 1123 with a grade of at least a C-. A course covering various aspects of the biology of mammals, including anatomy, physiology, systematics, evolution, behavior, ecology, and biogeography. Field trips may be required. (Same as BIO 3293. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3173 and BIO 3293.) Generally offered: Fall. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: STFE $40; L001 $10; IUS1 $15.
ES 3183. Entomology. (2-3) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 1113 and ES 1123 with a grade of at least a C-. A course covering various aspects of the biology of insects, including systematics, anatomy, physiology, evolution, behavior, ecology, and biogeography. (Same as BIO 3303. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 3303 and ES 3183.) Generally offered: Spring even years. Field trips may be required. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: L001 $10; STFE $40; IUS1 $15.
ES 3193. Herpetology. (2-3) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 1113 and ES 1123 with a grade of at least a C-. A course covering various aspects of the biology of amphibians and reptiles, including anatomy, physiology, systematics, evolution, behavior, ecology, and biogeography. Field trips may be required. (Same as BIO 3353. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3193 and BIO 3353.) Generally offered: Fall. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: L001 $10; STFE $10; IUS1 $15.
ES 3203. Environmental Law. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Present-day environmental enabling acts and regulations will be covered, with emphasis on federal acts, such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and associated regulations. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 3213. Wildflower Identification. (1-6) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior status; a minimum of 60 semester credit hours. A study of the spring forbs emphasizing identification of the more common wildflowers of Texas. Family characteristics, flower anatomy, plant morphology, and plant-collecting techniques will be included. Lecture, laboratory, and fieldwork will be included in the course. (Same as BIO 3273. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3213 and BIO 3273.) Generally offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: STFE $40; IUS1 $15; L001 $10.
ES 3223. Woody Plant Identification. (1-6) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior status; a minimum of 60 semester credit hours. A study of the woody plants emphasizing identification of the more common woody plants of Texas. Family characteristics, flower anatomy, plant morphology, and plant-collecting techniques will be included. Lecture, laboratory, and fieldwork will be included in the course. (Same as BIO 3263. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3223 and BIO 3263.) Generally offered: Fall. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: STFE $40; IUS1 $15; L001 $10.
ES 3243. Animal Behavior. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 1113 and ES 1123 or equivalents with a grade of 'C-' or better; restricted to students who have completed 60 or more semester credit hours. This course will introduce various approaches to the study of animals and their behavior in natural habitats. The course will examine basic principles derived from studying the evolution, ecology, and development of animals, and use these principles to explain how and why animals behave as they do in particular situations. (Formerly NDRB 3213. Same as BIO 3213. Credit can only be earned for one of the following: NDRB 3213, BIO 3213, or ES 3243.) Generally offered: Spring, Summer. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; DL01 $75.
ES 3253. R Coding in Environmental Science and Ecology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 2113. Restricted to students who have completed 60 or more hours.
This course will teach the management of environmental and ecological data using Program R. The focus will be on the structure and linguistics of data in R and how to integrate R into a data science workflow. (Same as BIO 3253. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 3253 and BIO 3253.) Generally offered: Spring even years. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 3263. Evolution. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 1113, ES 1123, BIO 2313 with a grade of C- or better. This course is an introduction to the theories and mechanisms of evolution, focusing on evolutionary change of molecular, developmental, morphological, and behavioral traits. Topics include molecular evolution, natural selection and microevolution, phylogenetics, systematics, speciation, macroevolution, biogeography, and the fossil record. This course includes a diverse taxonomic focus, from prokaryotes to plants to animals. Discussion of the importance of evolutionary theory for diverse biological fields (from medicine to conservation) is included. (Same as BIO 3323. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 3323 and ES 3263.) This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; DL01 $75.
ES 3313. Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS). (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 1314 and ES 2113 or equivalents. This course will expand on student GIS skills from merely ‘making maps’ to geospatial data analysis and using GIS as a problem-solving tool. Introductory skills such as data management, layer editing, layout creation, and knowledge of map design, projections, and error will be assumed. This course will cover advanced analysis tools focusing on advanced spatial and 3D analysis and other geoprocessing techniques. Generally offered: Fall of odd years. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 3382. Environmental Science Research Initiative Peer Mentor. (0-6) 2 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3003, completion of Environmental Science Research Initiative, and consent of instructor. Students enrolled in this course will serve as peer mentors for students in the Environmental Science Research Initiative in a laboratory in which they were previously enrolled and completed with a grade of "A" or "B". Students will work under the guidance of a graduate teaching assistant or laboratory coordinator. In addition to assisting in the laboratory, students will be expected to attend group meetings, help set up the laboratories, and complete a written assignment at the end of the semester. Students will not have any student grading responsibility. Can be repeated once for credit. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; L001 $30.
ES 3931. Pre-Internship Preparation for Students in Environmental Sciences and Studies. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status, in Academic Good Standing, restricted to BS Environmental Science and BA Environmental Studies majors. Students participate in a series of workshops focused on career exploration, resume and LinkedIn development, internship search strategies, interview skills, professional communication, and workplace readiness. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 3953. Topics in Environmental Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Field trips may be required. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4023. Aquatic Ecology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3033, or equivalent. This course focuses on the physical, chemical, and biological processes in groundwater, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Anthropogenic impacts will be discussed and evaluated. Students should have prior knowledge of basic ecology and chemistry. Students will learn about the physical and chemical aspects of aquatic systems and the life cycles and adaptations of aquatic organisms. After completion of the course, students will have a basic understanding of aquatic systems and the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. (Same as BIO 5383, BIO 4303, ES 5513. Credit may only be earned for one of the following: BIO 5383, BIO 4303, ES 4023, and ES 5513.) Generally offered: Fall. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: STFE $40; IUS1 $15.
ES 4033. Plant Physiological Ecology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3033 and ES 3042, or equivalents.
A survey of physiological approaches to understanding plant-environment interactions from the functional perspective. (Same as BIO 4313. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 4033 and BIO 4313.) Generally offered: Fall of even years. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4073. Social Science Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: A minimum of 60 semester credit hours, or consent of instructor. The objective of this course is to introduce social science research methods which are (a) commonly used in biological research (e.g., human dimensions research, public lands management, medical research) and (b) essential for research directly engaging stakeholders and the public (e.g., citizen science or community-based research). The course engages ethical and legal obligations related to human-subjects research. It introduces 5 different data collection methods: surveys, interviews, focus groups, ethnographic and community-based research methods, as well as audiovisual/textual artifact analysis (e.g., photographs, etc.). Assignments emphasize writing skills specific to these methods and provide opportunities to actively engage different data collection methods (e.g., via field observations). Generally offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4103. Global Change. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3033 or equivalent. This course will cover the large-scale physical mechanisms by which the climate is regulated through time as well as the probable future changes to global systems. The potential impacts on the abiotic and biotic systems will be discussed and considered. Past, current, and future efforts of local, national, and international entities to mitigate and adapt to future climate change scenarios will also be evaluated and assessed. (Formerly ES 4104. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 4103 and ES 4104.) Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4111. Field Biology Laboratory. (0-3) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior status: a minimum of 60 semester credit hours, or consent of instructor; concurrent enrollment in ES 4113 and ES 4123 is recommended. A field-oriented course offering the opportunity for practical experience observing, collecting, and identifying Texas plants and animals. (Same as BIO 4241. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 4111 and BIO 4241.) Generally offered: Summer. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4113. Field Biology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior status: a minimum of 60 semester credit hours, or consent of instructor; concurrent enrollment in ES 4111 and ES 4123 is recommended. A multi-week, off-campus, field-oriented course offering the opportunity for practical experience observing, collecting, and identifying plants and animals of the American Southwest. (Same as BIO 4233. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 4113 and BIO 4233.) Special fee to cover transportation and campsite costs. Generally offered: Summer. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; L001 $30.
ES 4123. Desert Biology. (2-3) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior status: a minimum of 60 semester credit hours, or consent of instructor; concurrent enrollment in ES 4113 and ES 4111 is recommended. A multi-week, off-campus, field-oriented course focused on the study of the deserts of the world, emphasizing the deserts of the American Southwest. Adaptations of plants and animals and their responses to desert conditions, as well as examinations of desert climatic patterns, geology, and natural history. (Same as BIO 4043. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 4123 and BIO 4043.) Special fee to cover transportation and campsite costs. Generally offered: Summer. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4133. Natural Resource Policy and Administration. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A course designed to introduce students to the evolution of forest, range, wildlife, and related natural resources policies and administration in the United States. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act will be examined in detail. This course will expand upon ES 3203 (Environmental Law) and provide a historical perspective of natural resource conservation and the federal and state agencies that manage and oversee natural resources in the United States. The last part of this course will focus on non-governmental agencies, stakeholders, public relations, budgeting, and planning. This course is required for some tracks in the Integrative Biology program. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4153. Introduction to Sustainability. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: ES 2023 and junior or senior status: a minimum of 60 semester credit hours, or consent of instructor.
This course will examine the major environmental issues and trends happening in modern society from a scientific and practical perspective, including biodiversity, population, food and water resources, climate change, energy, public health, and the overall forecast for the environment for the next several decades. This course has Differential Tuition. Course fee: DL01 $75; IUS1 $15.
ES 4163. Renewable Energy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 2023 and a minimum of 60 semester credit hours, or consent of instructor. This course is an introduction to sustainable energy systems and resources. This class examines the practical and economic potential of the current sustainable energy sources as well as investigates newer technologies on the energy horizon. By the end of this class, students should have an understanding of the fundamentals of thermal solar, photovoltaic, biomass, hydro, wind, wave, tidal, and geothermal energy sources, including their environmental impacts, economics, and future prospects. Generally offered: Fall of even years. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4173. Waste Water Treatment. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of water pollution and wastewater treatment. Students will be introduced to sources of pollution and control measures with a focus on streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Soil and atmospheric interactions that can affect water resources will also be emphasized. A major focus of the course will be on ground and surface water pollution. Toxicology, risk assessment, remediation, and sampling methods will be discussed. The wastewater treatment process will be introduced. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4183. Environmental Toxicology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: CHE 1083, ES 2013, and ES 2023 or equivalents. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of environmental toxicology, covering fundamental principles, toxicant behavior, and risk assessment. Topics include biological toxicity testing, environmental epidemiology, remediation methods, major pollutant classes, their mechanisms of toxicity, and their regulation, with a focus on assessing their effects in biological and environmental systems. Real-world applications are integrated to enhance critical analysis and practical understanding. (Same as BIO 4183. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 4183 and ES 4183.) Generally offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4193. Planning and Response to Environmental Disasters. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: CHE 1083, CHE 1093, ES 2013, and ES 2023, or equivalents.
Mitigation of preparation for, response to, and recovery from environmental disasters. (Same as ES 5533. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 5533 and ES 4193.) Generally offered: Fall of even years. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4203. Environmental Assessment. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: ES 2013 and ES 2023, or equivalents.
This course evaluates the framework of an impact assessment and details regarding the environment (air, water, soil), its pollutants (atmospheric, noise, water, solid waste), their impacts (physical, social, economic), relevant regulations, and pollution minimization or management strategies. Students use this information to review and comment on an existing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4212. Professional Development for Environmental Science Careers. (2-0) 2 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: A minimum of 60 semester credit hours. This course is a broad-based professionalization course in which students have the opportunity to participate in their own professional development; identify and define their skills and competencies; create a comprehensive resume and/or CV; navigate employment websites and social media; create, present and defend a professional portfolio virtually and in person, and participate in public speaking. (Formerly ES 4211. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 4212 and ES 4211. Formerly titled "Senior Seminar".) Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4213. Conservation Biology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: BIO 3283 or ES 3033 or equivalents. Class topics will include identifying and/or explaining biological and ecological principles central to conservation biology; critically evaluating reasons for conserving ecosystems and ecosystem services; explaining how the human dimension (human behavior, economics, land use, and others) affects the conservation of species; evaluating strategies and tools used to conserve species or habitat at risk of extinction or destruction; demonstrating skills in science communication: articulate and communicate a breadth of knowledge of conservation biology, conservation challenges, policies, and programs. (Same as BIO 4033, ES 4313, and BIO 4213. Credit can only be earned for one of the following: ES 4313, ES 4213, BIO 4213, and BIO 4033.) Generally offered: Fall. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4223. Urban Wildlife Ecology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3033 and ES 3042. This course will introduce students to the ecology of wildlife in urban areas. The first section of the course will focus on the fundamental components of urban ecosystems that define urban wildlife ecology and explore urban wildlife ecology in a Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS) framework. The second section of this course will introduce students to the population and community-level responses of wildlife to urbanization. Lastly, the course will discuss the management of wildlife in urban areas. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4233. Restoration Ecology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3033 or BIO 3283, or equivalents. This course explores the science and practice of ecological restoration, focusing on the principles and techniques used to restore degraded ecosystems across various landscapes. Students will examine restoration projects and the social and environmental impacts of restoration efforts. (Same as BIO 4323. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 4233 and BIO 4323.) Generally offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15; STFE $40.
ES 4243. Wildlife Ecology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3033.
Major environmental factors affecting wildlife; structure, and behavior of wildlife populations; regional wildlife communities and their conservation. (Same as BIO 4053. Credit cannot be earned for both ES 4243 and BIO 4053.) Generally offered: Fall. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4253. Sources, Fate, and Transport of Chemicals in the Environment. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 2013, ES 2023, and MAT 1093, or equivalents.
Sources of chemicals in the environment will be explored, along with processes regulating fate and transport of metals, organics, nutrients, salts, pathogens, and radionuclides in the environment. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4263. River Ecosystems. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3033 with a grade of at least a 'C-'.
This course examines the physical, chemical, and biological factors that determine biodiversity and the structure and function of aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Key ecological and hydrogeomorphology concepts and their application to environmental concerns are covered. (Same as BIO 4263. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 4263 and ES 4263.) Generally offered: Spring of even years. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4273. Fish Ecology. (2-3) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3033 with a grade of at least a 'C-'.
A study of the biotic and abiotic factors affecting the diversity and distribution of fishes, with a focus on North American freshwater fishes. This course will include (1) lectures and discussions covering patterns and processes in fish ecology; and (2) a collaborative research project covering computational techniques used in fish ecology. (Same as BIO 4273. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 4273 and ES 4273.) Generally offered: Fall of even years. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4283. Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3033 with a grade of at least a 'C-'. Restricted to students who have completed 60 or more hours.
This course focuses on the microbial groups which live in soils and among plant species and methodologies used to understand their interaction. (Same as BIO 4283. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 4283 and ES 4283.) Generally offered: Spring of odd years. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4293. Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 1113 and ES 1123 with a grade of at least a C-. This course will introduce students to the role that humans play in the management of wildlife and how people's knowledge, values, and behaviors influence conservation decisions. Students taking this course will develop an understanding of the social, political, and economical drivers of wildlife management and explore ways to engage stakeholders in wildlife management through conservation tools and effective communication that considers human dimensions. An emphasis will be placed on working with private landowners to train students to work in private landscapes where culture, society, politics, and economics often provide the context for management decisions. This is highly relevant in Texas, where private lands comprise around 95% of the state. Generally offered: Spring in even years. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4303. Principles of Wildlife Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 4243.
Ways of conserving desired numbers of animals for the overall best interests of society, be they aesthetic, ecological, economic, commercial, or recreational; includes management of endangered species, exploited species, wildlife communities in nature reserves, and wildlife pests. Generally offered: Spring even years. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4313. Conservation Abroad. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. This course focuses on identifying and explaining biological and ecological principles central to conservation and sustainability, including human impacts and conservation strategies. Written, oral, and visual communication skills will be incorporated throughout the course. (Same as ES 4213, BIO 4213, and BIO 4033. Credit can only be earned for one of the following: ES 4313, ES 4213, BIO 4213, and BIO 4033.) This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: SAAF $75; SAHF $240; SARF $150.
ES 4323. Impacts of Environmental Disasters Abroad. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor. The course is aimed at providing the basic tools for the socio-economic assessment of environmental disasters. Regional focus may vary. (Same as BIO 4223. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 4223 and ES 4323.) This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: SAAF $150; SAHF $240; SARF $75.
ES 4333. Advanced Soils. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: CHE 1113 and CHE 2603 with a grade of "C-" or better. An examination of the chemical and mineralogical properties of soils, including inorganic soil colloid behavior, acidic/basic soils, solid/solution phase interactions, redox behavior, nutrient cycles (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus), and the formation and role of organic matter. Topics will be applied to agriculture, gardening, engineering, and remediation management methodologies to evaluate strategies to promote soil and water quality. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4503. Introduction to Environmental Risk Assessment. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 4183 with a grade of "C-" or better.
This course will offer hands-on training in the primary areas of risk assessment (i.e., hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization). Generally offered: Fall. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4513. Advanced Environmental Risk Assessment. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 4503 with a grade of at least a 'C-'.
This course will offer hands-on training in the advanced areas of risk assessment (i.e., hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization). Generally offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4893. Grant Writing and Research Design for Competitive Fellowships. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. This course guides students through the process of developing a competitive research proposal suitable for submission to external funding organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), Fulbright, or comparable agencies. Students learn the principles of research design, proposal structure, and effective scientific communication while refining their ability to articulate research questions, justify methodological approaches, and situate their work within broader scholarly and societal contexts. (Same as BIO 4893. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 4893 and ES 4893.) This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: LRS1 $46.20; STSI $21.60.
ES 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for up to 6 semester credit hours. Not more than 6 semester credit hours, in combination, of ES Independent Study, Internship, and Directed Research may apply to the Environmental Studies or Environmental Science degrees. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4912. Independent Study. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for up to 6 semester credit hours. Not more than 6 semester credit hours, in combination, of ES Independent Study, Internship, and Directed Research may apply to the Environmental Studies or Environmental Science degrees. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for up to 6 semester credit hours. Not more than 6 semester credit hours, in combination, of ES Independent Study, Internship, and Directed Research may apply to the Environmental Studies or Environmental Science degrees. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4931. Internship in the Environmental Sciences. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: ES 3931; Junior or Senior status, in Academic Good Standing, restricted to BS Environmental Science and BA Environmental Studies majors, approval from the employer, the instructor, the Department Chair, and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies. The opportunity for a semester-long work experience in a private business or public agency in a position related to the student’s field of study. May be repeated for up to 6 semester credit hours. Not more than 6 semester credit hours, in combination, of ES Independent Study, Internship, and Directed Research may apply to the Environmental Studies or Environmental Science degrees. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4932. Internship in the Environmental Sciences. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3931; Junior or Senior status, in Academic Good Standing, restricted to BS Environmental Science and BA Environmental Studies majors, approval from the employer, the instructor, the Department Chair, and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies. The opportunity for a semester-long work experience in a private business or public agency in a position related to the student’s field of study. May be repeated for up to 6 semester credit hours. Not more than 6 semester credit hours, in combination, of ES Independent Study, Internship, and Directed Research may apply to the Environmental Studies or Environmental Science degrees. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4933. Internship in the Environmental Sciences. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: ES 3931; Junior or Senior status, in Academic Good Standing, restricted to BS Environmental Science and BA Environmental Studies majors, approval from the employer, the instructor, the Department Chair, and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies. The opportunity for a semester-long work experience in a private business or public agency in a position related to the student’s field of study. May be repeated for up to 6 semester credit hours. Not more than 6 semester credit hours, in combination, of ES Independent Study, Internship, and Directed Research may apply to the Environmental Studies or Environmental Science degrees. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4953. Special Studies in Environmental Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Generally offered: variable. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: IUS1 $15.
ES 4991. Directed Research. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Approval from the instructor, the Department Chair, and the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the College for which this course is offered; form available on the College of Sciences website. Supervised research mentored by a faculty member engaged in active research within the student’s designated area of concentration. The directed research course may involve either a laboratory or a theoretical problem. Students may produce a thesis in addition to active research. This course can also be used for students pursuing the COS Undergraduate Thesis Option. May be repeated for up to 6 semester credit hours. Not more than 6 semester credit hours, in combination, of ES Independent Study, Internship, and Directed Research may apply to the Environmental Studies or Environmental Science degrees. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4992. Directed Research. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Approval from the instructor, the Department Chair, and the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the College for which this course is offered; form available on the College of Sciences website. Supervised research mentored by a faculty member engaged in active research within the student’s designated area of concentration. The directed research course may involve either a laboratory or a theoretical problem. Students may produce a thesis in addition to active research. This course can also be used for students pursuing the COS Undergraduate Thesis Option. May be repeated for up to 6 semester credit hours. Not more than 6 semester credit hours, in combination, of ES Independent Study, Internship, and Directed Research may apply to the Environmental Studies or Environmental Science degrees. This course has Differential Tuition.
ES 4993. Directed Research. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Approval from the instructor, the Department Chair, and the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the College for which this course is offered; form available on the College of Sciences website. Supervised research mentored by a faculty member engaged in active research within the student’s designated area of concentration. The directed research course may involve either a laboratory or a theoretical problem. Students may produce a thesis in addition to active research. This course can also be used for students pursuing the COS Undergraduate Thesis Option. May be repeated for up to 6 semester credit hours. Not more than 6 semester credit hours, in combination, of ES Independent Study, Internship, and Directed Research may apply to the Environmental Studies or Environmental Science degrees. This course has Differential Tuition.
