Environmental Science

Seminars for the group study of selected topics not covered by regularly scheduled courses. Topic will vary from semester to semester.

Independent laboratory or field research in support of the required senior seminar project

Seminar and published research reports giving detailed attention to a specific, current environmental problem in the Bay Area.

The weather and climate, plants and animals, geology, landforms, and soils of the Bay Area, with an emphasis on the interaction of these physical elements, their modification by humans, and problems deriving from human use.

Introduction to basic methods used in environmental research by biological, physical, and social scientists. The course is designed to teach skills necessary for majors to conduct independent thesis research in the required senior seminar, 196A-196B/196L. Topics include development of research questions, sampling methods, experimental design, statistical analysis, scientific writing and graphics, and introductions to special techniques for characterizing environmental conditions and features. This course is the prerequisite to 196A, from which the senior thesis topic statement is determined.

Group studies of selected topics which vary from semester to semester.

Topics vary from semester to semester

Topics vary from semester to semester

Field and laboratory studies of Strawberry Creek throughout its course from the hills to the Bay are used to exemplify integration of the physical, biological, and social components of science-based approaches to environmental management.