Environmental Courses
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Rice offers a wide variety of environmental courses in a number of different departments. For more information on individual courses, consult the General Announcements, course schedules or the listing of course webpages. |
Courses of Special Interest for Fall 2009
Environmentally-related courses offered at Rice University. Fall 2009
(parenthesis indicates cross-listing)
ENST 113: Environmental Crisis Seminar, (BIOS 113 / ESCI 113)
ENST 204: Environmental Sustainability: The Design & Practice of Community Agriculture (BIOS 204)
ENST 302: Environmental Issues: Rice into the Future (SOCI 304)
ENST 313: Sustainable Design (ARCH 313)
ENST 314: Environmental Health
ENST 340: Global Biogeochemical cycles
ENST 350: Environmental Internship
ENST 367: Environmental Sociology (SOCI 367)
ENST 368: Literature and the Environment
ENST 400: Independent Study
ENST 437: Energy Economics (ECON 437)
ENST 480: Environmental Economics (ECON 480)
BIOS 113: Environmental Crisis Seminar (ENST 113 / ESCI 113)
BIOS 204: Environmental Sustainability: The Design & Practice of Community Agriculture (ENST 204)
BIOS 213: Intro Lab Mod Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
BIOS 316: Lab Module in Ecology
BIOS 325: Ecology
BIOS 327: Biological Diversity Laboratory
CEVE 101: Fundamentals of Civil and Environmental Engineering
CEVE 201: Urban and Environmental Systems
CEVE 203: Principles of Environmental Engineering
CEVE 315: Sustainable Technologies for Developing Countries
CEVE 401: Chemistry for Environmental Engineering and Science
CEVE 411: Atmospheric Processes
CEVE 415: Water Resources Planning
ESCI 101: The Earth
ESCI 107: Oceans and Global Change
ESCI 113: Environmental Crisis Seminar (ENST 113 / BIOS 113)
ESCI 321: Earth System Evolution and Cycles
ARCH 313: Sustainable Design (ENST 313)
SOCI 304: Environmental Issues: Rice into the Future (ENST 302)
SOCI 367: Environmental Sociology (ENST 367)
ECON 437: Energy Economics (ENST 437)
ECON 480: Environmental Economics
Expanded list of courses relevant to the Environment
ENST 113 ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS SEMINAR
Distribution: Group III
Cross-listed with: BIOS 113, ESCI 113
Faculty: Brandon E. Dugan
Meeting: 02:30PM – 03:30PM T
Credits: 1
CRN: 10102
Description: Discussion of environmental crises. Topics vary annually.
ENST 204 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: THE DESIGN & PRACTICE OF COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE ( COMMUNITY GARDEN)
Repeatable for credit
Cross-listed with: BIOS 204
Faculty: Jennifer A. Rudgers
Meeting: TBA
Credits: 1
CRN: 13270
Description: The course introduces the fundamentals of community garden design and practice. Responsibilities will center on developing and improving the Rice Community Garden. The semester will begin with a short series of lectures by successful growers from the Houston community. a strong emphasis will be on learning and applying ecological principles to the practice of community agriculture. 
ENST 302 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: RICE INTO THE FUTURE
Distribution: Group II and Group III
Cross-listed with: SOCI 304
Faculty: Elizabeth Long and Richard R. Johnson
Meeting: 02:30PM - 03:50PM TR
Credits: 3
CRN: 13915
Description: Students use the campus as a laboratory for learning about sustainability through group projects to reduce Rice's environmental impact or resolve environmental problems. In doing so, they learn about the science, technology, policy elements of environmental issues. 
ENST 313 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Cross-listed with: ARCH 313
Faculty: Rives T. Taylor
Meeting: 07:00PM - 09:45PM R
Credits: 3
CRN: 12787
Description: This course will explore sustainable design from initial sustainable facility concepts and team organizations, to enlisting community support and process assessment. The course will develop into details about sustainable design, lessons learned, processes and outcomes.
ENST 314 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Cross-listed with: SOSC 314
Pre-requisites: BIOS 201 AND BIOS 202 or permission of instructor
Faculty: Winifred J. Hamilton
Meeting: 01:00PM - 02:20PM TR
Credits: 3
CRN: 11642
Description: An overview of environmental health issues including discussion of epidemiologic methods; illnesses caused or exacerbated by environmental exposures; and the role of research in driving effective policies to protect and promote public health. The class will include visits by area researchers, physicians, promotores de salud and policy makers; a bus tour featuring disproportionately affected neighborhoods as well as cutting-edge "green" initiatives; an original student research on topical environmental health issues. The dynamic between research and action, i.e., "making a difference," will be stressed. 
ENST 340 GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
Distribution: III
Cross-listed with: BIOS 340, ESCI 340
Faculty: Caroline A. Masiello
Meeting: TBA
Credits: 3
CRN: 14253
Description: This course introduces students to the coupled nature of the biosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere using as focal points elemental cycles such as those of carbon and nitrogen.
ENST 350 ENVIRONMENTAL INTERNSHIP
Instructor permission required
Faculty: Mason B. Tomson
Meeting: TBA
Credits: 1 TO 6
CRN: 11374
Description: Provides enrollment credit for approved internships with environmental organizations or agencies. Students must seek approval prior to beginning the internship. Weekly progress reports and a final paper are required.
ENST 367 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY
Distribution: Group II
Cross-listed with: SOCI 367
Faculty: Stephen L. Klineberg
Meeting: 11:00AM - 11:50AM MWF
Credits: 3
CRN: 13675
Description: Applications of research and theory in the social sciences to an understanding of the attitudes and behaviors that contribute both to environmental problems and to their remediation; examination of the interactions between population pressures and human appetites, technological developments and ecological constraints as they combine to shape the human prospect.
ENST 368 LITERATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Distribution: Group I
Cross-listed with: ENGL 368
Faculty: Lisa A. Slappey
Meeting: 09:00AM - 09:50AM MWF
Credits: 3
CRN: 12671
Description: How does literature express or shape environmental values? In this class we will read American fiction and nonfiction exploring the relationship between human and nonhuman nature.
ENST 400 INDEPENDENT STUDY
Instructor permission required
Meeting: TBA
Credits: 3 TO 9
CRN: 10103
ENST 437 ENERGY ECONOMICS
Cross-listed with: ECON 437
Pre-requisites: ECON 370 and ECON 375
Faculty: Kenneth Medlock
Meeting: 9:00AM - 09:50AM MWF
Credits: 3
CRN: 13931
Description: Discussion of key aspects in the supply and demand of energy. Topics include optimal extraction of depletable resources, transportation, storage, end-use and efficiency, and the relationship between economic activity, energy, and the environment. 
ENST 480 ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY ECONOMICS
Distribution: Group II
Cross-listed with: ECON 480
Faculty: Peter Hartley
Meeting: 01:00PM - 01:50PM MWF
Credits: 3
CRN: 14294
Description: The economic theories of externalities and common property resources are used to analyze how markets, legal institutions, regulations, taxes and subsidies, and voluntary activity can affect the supply of environmental amenities, such as clean air, clean water, and wilderness areas. We also discuss methods for determining the demand for environmental amenities.
BIOS 113 ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS SEMINAR
Cross-listed with: ENST 113 (see for details), ESCI 113
BIOS 204 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: THE DESIGN & PRACTICE OF COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE ( COMMUNITY GARDEN)
Cross-listed with: ENST 204 (see for details)
BIOS 213 INTRO LAB MOD ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Faculty:
Meeting: 01:00PM - 05:00PM T, W, or R and 03:00PM - 03:50PM M
Credits: 1
CRN: 11030
Description: Experimental, laboratory, and field studies of natural history, ecology, evolution, and animal behavior. Computer simulations of population genetics. Course will begin after mid-semester break in the Fall semester and after mid-term recess in the Spring semester. Class has required meetings outside of regular class time.
BIOS 316 LAB MODULE IN ECOLOGY
Pre-requisites: BIOS 323 OR BIOS 325 or permission of instructor
Faculty: Julian N. Holland
Meeting: 01:00PM - 05:00PM F
Credits: 1
CRN: 11040
Description: Field and lab experiments in ecology. Class has required meetings outside of regular class time. http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~bios316/
BIOS 325 ECOLOGY
Distribution: Group III
Pre-requisites: BIOS 201 and BIOS 202 or permission of instructor
Faculty: Julian N. Holland
Meeting: 10:50AM - 12:05PM TR
Credits: 3
CRN: 11044
Description: Study of population dynamics, species interactions, plant and animal community organization, and ecosystem function. Group B
BIOS 327 BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY LABORATORY
Pre-requisites: BIOS 201 and BIOS 202 and BIOS 213
Faculty:
Meeting: 02:30PM - 03:30PM W
Credits: 1
CRN: 11045
Description: The course will examine (1) measures of biological diversity (taxic, molecular, and phylogenetic); (2) the ecological and evolutionary causes of biological diversity; (3) issues regarding the contribution of biological diversity to ecosystem function. A primary emphasis will be placed on experimental design and the measurement and estimation of biological diversity. Possible problems associated with the measurement and estimation of biological diversity will also be discussed. The course will take form of weekly preparatory meetings and culminate in a three-day exercise (taking place over fall break) at a field site in Texas where student will be responsible for designing and carrying out a study examining some aspect of biological diversity (taxic or functional group) with respect to such variables as habitat diversity, disturbance rate, or productivity. The course will emphasize oral presentations and written "publication" format papers. Class has required meetings outside of regular class time.
Civil & Environmental Engineering
CEVE 101 FUNDAMENTALS OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Faculty: Philip Bedient
Meeting: 10:00AM - 10:50AM MWF
Credits: 3
CRN: 11111
Description: This introduction will cover the essential topics and quantitative techniques in civil and environmental engineering. Fluid mechanics, hydrology, statistics, and mass balance techniques will be presented followed by applications to sustainable urban infrastructure, water quality and water treatment, bridge construction, air and water quality, and urban planning and management principles.
CEVE 201 URBAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
Distribution: Group III
Cross-listed with: HEAL 201
Faculty: Calvin Ward
Meeting: 10:50AM - 12:05PM TR and 02:00PM - 05:00PM W
Credits: 4
CRN: 13337
Description: The chemical, physical, and biological components of the environment as natural resources and the effects of pollution on their maintenance and utilization.
CEVE 203 PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Faculty: Pedro Alvarez
Meeting: 08:00AM - 08:50AM MWF
Credits: 3
CRN: 11113
Description: This course provides basic information on principles of water quality engineering, air pollution control and solid and hazardous waste management, growth population and resource. Elements of risk assessment, consumption forecasting, global atmospheric change, and pollution prevention are also addressed to contribute to bare-level competency in Environmental Engineering.
CEVE 315 SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Faculty: Robert Dawson
Meeting: TBA
Credits: 2
CRN: 11115
Description: This course is an introduction to the concept of sustainable technology with specific reference to rural communities in developing countries. The issue to be addressed is the application of appropriate technologies in the context of a lack of infrastructure and a specific focus on limited access to energy resources.
CEVE 401 CHEMISTRY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
Faculty: Mason B. Tomson
Meeting: 01:00PM - 01:50PM MWF
Credits: 3
CRN: 11118
Description: Principles and significance of measurements used to assess environmental quality. Hands-on measurements of both classical titrations and modern instrumental methods of measuring both bulk and trace level pollutant concentrations. Lecture and lab.
CEVE 401 001 CHEM FOR ENVI ENGINEERS 3
Faculty: Tomson, Mason B.
Meeting: TBA TBA
CEVE 411 ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES
Pre-requisites: CHEM 121 AND CHEM 122 AND MATH 101 AND MATH 102 AND (PHYS 101 OR PHYS 111 OR PHYS 125 OR PHYS 141)
Restriction(s): Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Undergraduate.
Faculty: Daniel S. Cohan
Meeting: 09:00AM - 09:50AM MWF
Credits: 3
CRN: 13350
Description: Study of the chemical and physical processes that govern the formation, transformation, and transport of gases and particles in the atmosphere. Overview of urban and regional air pollution, including tropospheric ozone formation and particulate matter; stratospheric chemistry; and global climate change.
CEVE 415 WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING AND PLANNING 
Faculty: Edmund P. Segner; Philip B. Bedient
Meeting: 11:00AM - 12:15PM MW
Credits: 3
CRN: 14564
Description: Managing water resources and the regional planning process will be covered along with the engineering topics of surface and groundwater systems for supply and transmission. Topics include water law, water resources economics, environmental, regulatory, and socio-political issues. Management issues of surface, groundwater, desalination, water reuse, and conversation will be explored. Field trips and semester projects are included. UG/GR Equivalent: CEVE 515.
ESCI 101 THE EARTH
Distribution: Group III
Faculty: Adrian Lenardic
Meeting: 09:00AM - 09:50AM MWF
Credits: 3
CRN: 11346
Description: Study of the nature of the Earth and its processes.
ESCI 107 OCEANS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
Distribution: Group III
Faculty: Gerald R. Dickens
Meeting: 09:25AM - 10:40AM TR
Credits: 3
CRN: 11347
Description: Overview of the impact of the ocean and ocean evolution on the Earth's climate. Includes geological, physical, chemical, and biological aspects of change.
ESCI 113 ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS SEMINAR
Cross-listed with: BIOS 113, ENST 113 (see for details)
ESCI 321 EARTH SYSTEM EVOLUTION AND CYCLES
Distribution: Group III
Recommended Pre-requisites: MATH 101, 102, PHYS 101 or 111, CHEM 121 or 151
Faculty: John Anderson and Gerald Dickens
Meeting: 11:00AM - 11:50AM MWF 01:00PM - 04:00PM R
Credits: 4
CRN: 11349
Description: This course introduces the systems and processes that shape Earth's surface including weathering, sediment transport, ocean and atmosphere circulation, accumulation of sedimentary material and organisms, including man. A particular emphasis is placed on how biogeochemical cycles and key interactions link and change systems and processes over space and time.
ARCH 313 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Cross-listed with: ENST 313 (see for details)
ECON 437 ENERGY ECONOMICS
Cross-listed with: ENST 437 (see for details)
ECON 480 ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
Cross-listed with: ENST 480 (see for details)
SOCI 304 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: RICE INTO THE FUTURE
Cross-listed with: ENST 302 (see for description)
SOCI 367 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY
Cross-listed with: ENST 367 (see for details)
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