Any experimental courses offered by ENSCI can be found at: registrar.iastate.edu/faculty-staff/courses/explistings/
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Freshman classification; major in Environmental Science
Overview of Environmental Science curriculum and discussion of professional opportunities.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with BIOL, ENV S). (2-0) Cr. 2. F.
Discussion of current and emerging environmental issues such as human population growth, energy use, loss of biodiversity, water resources, and climate change.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, ENV S, NREM). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
The distribution, origins and functions of the earth's physical systems and the spatial relationship between human activity and the natural world.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Principles of Biology from the level of macromolecules to the biosphere. Biological processes that affect environmental systems: including metabolism, energy pathways, biochemical reactions in cells, plant and microbial structure and function, element and water cycles.
(Cross-listed with AGRON). Cr. 3. S.
Concepts and tools for acquiring, managing, analyzing, and displaying geographic information, including GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and cartography. Focus on applications in biological, ecological, environmental, and agricultural sciences.
(Cross-listed with NREM). (3-3) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: BIOL 211; BIOL 211L; (FOR 201 or a second course in biology)
Effects of environmental factors on ecosystem structure and function using forest, prairie and agricultural ecosystems as models. Special emphasis is given to soil-forming factors and the role of soil in nutrient and water cycling and ecosystem dynamics. Additional emphasis is given to human influences on natural ecosystems and the role of perennial plant communities in agricultural landscapes.
(Cross-listed with A ECL, BIOL). (3-3) Cr. 4. F.SS.
Prereq: BIOL 211; (BIOL 212 or BIOL 251)
Fundamental concepts and principles of ecology dealing with organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Laboratory and field exercises examine ecological principles and methods as well as illustrate habitats.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, BIOL, NREM). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: 12 credits in A ECL, AGRON, BIOL, CHEM, FOR, GEOL, NREM
Biological and physical processes affecting material and energy flows in natural and managed ecosystems. Understanding and predicting climate and management impacts on ecosystem services and sustainability.
(Cross-listed with BIOL, ENV S). Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: ENSCI 312; Junior classification
Systems approach to the analysis and modeling of material and energy flows in natural and managed environmental systems and the primary environmental factors controlling these systems. Applications in hydrology, biogeochemistry, and population dynamics.
(Cross-listed with ENV S, GEOL, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: CHEM 163 or CHEM 167 or CHEM 177
Exploration of the origin of Earth’s energy resources and the environmental and climatic impacts of energy acquisition and consumption. Renewable and non-renewable energy resources within an Earth-system context. Various environmentally-relevant topics such as water quality and availability, habitat destruction, greenhouse-gas emissions, and health and safety hazards to wildlife and human communities.
(Cross-listed with NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Junior classification
Measurement and interpretation of aerial photos in resource management. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using ArcGIS including digitizing, development and query of attribute tables, georeferencing, and use of multiple GIS layers in simple spatial analyses.
(Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Application of soil science to contemporary environmental problems; comparison of the impacts that different management strategies have on short- and long-term environmental quality and land development. Emphasis on participatory learning activities. AGRON 182 or ENSCI 250 or GEOL 101 recommended.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). Cr. 1-6. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Six credits in biological and /or physical sciences, and permission of instructor.
Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) with emphasis on ecological and environmental applications. No prior GIS experience required. Guided, individualized study of topics based on student background and interest. For students with prior experience, topics and activities are selected to build upon any previous experience and minimize duplication to previous GIS coursework. Potential topics include: basic concepts of GIS, data structures, database management, spatial analysis, modeling and visualization of ecological and environmental data. Case studies in ecological and environmental applications using ArcGIS.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with A ECL, BIOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: BIOL 211
Overview of the ecological processes, ecosystems, and biodiversity in marine environments. Ever-changing dynamics caused by environmental disturbances, internal forces, or by human impacts on species and ecosystems.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Department Permission
Supervised off-campus work experience in the field of environmental science.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Department Permission
Practical experience in an approved setting such as a research laboratory, government office, or private office.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 502). (Cross-listed with GEOL, MTEOR, NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Examination of watersheds as systems, emphasizing the surface components of the hydrologic cycle. Combines qualitative understanding of hydrological processes and uncertainty with quantitative representation. Laboratory emphasizes field investigation and measurement of watershed processes.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 504). (Cross-listed with AGRON, ENV S, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Recent changes in global biogeochemical cycles and climate; models of future changes in the climate system; impacts of global change on agriculture, water resources and human health; ethical issues of global environmental change.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 505). (Cross-listed with AGRON, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 160 or MATH 165
The movement of energy and mass among the soil, vegetation, and atmosphere. The heat and water budget of humans, other animals, plants, and plant communities. Relevance to weather and climate, the effect of climate change on organisms, and remote sensing. Some exposure to computer programming (any language) recommended.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: AGRON 206 or MTEOR 206
Distribution and causes of different climates around the world. Effects of climate and climate variations on human activities including society, economy and agriculture. Current issues such as climate change and international efforts to assess and mitigate the consequences of a changing climate. Semester project and in-class presentation required.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 507). (Cross-listed with ENV S, NREM). (3-3) Cr. 4. S.
Prereq: 1 course in BIOL
Managing human impacts on the hydrologic cycle. Field and watershed level best management practices for modifying the impacts on water quality, quantity and timing are discussed. Field project includes developing a management plan using landscape buffers.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 509). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (0-4) Cr. 3. Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: GEOL 402 or ENSCI 402 or GEOL 411 or ENSCI 411 or C E 473
Introduction to field methods used in groundwater investigations. In-field implementation of pumping tests, slug tests, monitoring well installation and drilling techniques, geochemical and water quality sampling, seepage meters, minipiezometers, stream gaging, and electronic instrumentation for data collection. Field trips to investigate water resource, water quality, and remediation projects.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 511). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (3-2) Cr. 4. F.
Physical principles of groundwater flow, nature and origin of aquifers and confining units, well hydraulics, groundwater modeling, and contaminant transport. Lab emphasizes applied field and laboratory methods for hydrogeological investigations.
(Cross-listed with GEOL). Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: GEOL 102; GEOL 102L
Evolution, identification and utility of major microfossil groups from the Mesozoic to present. Focus on Cenozoic applications including biostratigraphy, paleoclimate, and paleothermometry using assemblages, stable isotopes, Mg/Ca, and molecular fossils. Laboratory includes processing and analysis of specific microfossils. Major groups covered include foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, sponge spicules, diatoms, radiolarians, and silicoflagellates.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 513). (Cross-listed with C E, GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Seismic, gravity, magnetic, resistivity, electromagnetic, and ground-penetrating radar techniques for shallow subsurface investigations and imaging. Data interpretation methods. Lab emphasizes computer interpretation packages. Field work with seismic - and resistivity-imaging systems and radar. Introductory geology, algebra, and trigonometry recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 514). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: (C E 473 or GEOL 411); MATH 165
Introduction to the principles of modeling groundwater flow systems. Finite-difference and analytic-element methods, spreadsheet models, boundary conditions, calibration, sensitivity analysis, parameter estimation, particle tracking, and post-audit analysis. Application of MODFLOW to regional flow-system analysis. Computer laboratory emphasizes assigned problems that illustrate topics discussed in the course.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 515). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Introduction to mechanisms that drive climate, including the interplay between oceanic and atmospheric circulation and fluctuation in Earth's orbital parameters. Examination and analysis of past climate records ranging from historical documentation to ecological and geochemical proxies (e.g. tree ring analysis; O and C isotopes of skeletal carbonates and soils). Dating methods used to constrain and correlate climatic periods; utility of computer models to reconstruct past climates and predict future climate change. Emphasis placed on paleoclimatology and paleoecology of the late Quaternary (last ~1 million years).
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 516). (Cross-listed with GEOL, MTEOR). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Study of the basic principles of hydrologic modeling, including rainfall-runoff analysis, lumped and distributed modeling, conceptual and physical models, parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis, input and validation data, uncertainty analysis, and the use of models in surface water hydrology. A range of common models are applied to study hydrologic topics such as flood forecasting and land use change impacts. Previous experience with Matlab or other programming language is needed.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 518). (Cross-listed with A ECL). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: A ECL 486
Biological, chemical, physical, and geological processes that determine the structure and function of flowing water ecosystems. Current ecological theories as well as applications to stream management for water quality and fisheries.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 519). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: CHEM 178; CHEM 178L; Junior classification
Geochemistry of natural waters and water-rock interactions. Acid-base equilibria, carbonate chemistry and buffer systems, mineral dissolution and precipitation, sorption, ion exchange, and redox reactions. Introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics. Laboratory emphasizes chemical analysis of waters and computer modeling.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 520). (Cross-listed with C E). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: C E 326; CHEM 178
Principles of chemical and physical phenomena applicable to the treatment of water and wastewater and natural waters; including chemical equilibria, reaction kinetics, acid-base equilibria, chemical precipitation, redox reactions, and mass transfer principles. Individual laboratory practicals and group projects required.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 526). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Introduction to the theory, methods and applications of stable isotopes. Primary focus on the origin, natural abundance, and fractionation of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen isotopes. Applications of isotopic occurrence for elucidation of physical, chemical, biological, and environmental processes. Effects of plant physiology, photosynthesis, trophic structure, diffusion, evaporation, chemical precipitation, soil and atmospheric processes, and environmental factors on isotope abundance.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 546). (Cross-listed with NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: 12 credits in student's major at 300 level or above
Emphasis on the use of GPS as a data collection tool for GIS. Basic theory of GPS. Use of Global Positioning System technology for spatial data collection and navigation. Post-processing and real-time correction of GPS data. GPS data transfer to GIS for mapping applications. Use of GIS to construct waypoints for use in GPS navigation.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 552). (Cross-listed with AGRON, GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S.
Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) using ArcGIS Pro with particular emphasis on geoscientific data. Teaches typical GIS operations and analyses in the geosciences to prepare students for practical use of GIS in industry and academia. Includes a class project for GEOL 552. Sophomore classification or above recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 559). (Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-3) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: 6 credit of CHEM; (AGRON 182 or AGRON 360); MATH 140
An introduction to the chemical properties of soils, chemical reactions and transformations in soils and surface waters, and their impact on the environment. Topics include solution chemistry in soils and surface waters, solid-phase composition of soils, reactions at the solid-solution interface, and applications to contemporary environmental issues. AGRON 354; GEOL 100 recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 563). (Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Relationships between soil formation, geomorphology, and environment. Soil description, classification, geography, mapping, and interpretation for land use. Two weekend field trips. AGRON 182 or ENSCI 250 recommended.
Credit for one of AGRON 463 or AGRON 463I may be applied for graduation.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 564). (Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: 15 credits in biological sciences.
Ecology, classification, creation and restoration, and management of wetlands. Emphasis on North American temperate wetlands.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 566). (Cross-listed with NREM). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 15 credits in A ECL, AGRON, BIOL, CHEM, FOR, GEOL, NREM
Ecosystem services are the societal benefits provided by natural and managed ecosystems. Benefits such as provision of food, purification of air and water, and regulation of climate are essential to human survival and prosperity, but rely upon maintenance of healthy ecosystems. This course will cover the science, policy, and practice of ecosystem services assessment and management, with a special focus on biodiversity, water quality, food production, and climate.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 568). (Cross-listed with GEOL, MTEOR). Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: C R P 351; C R P 452; GEOL 452; (NREM 345 or NREM 446)
Introduction to geospatial data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Geospatial techniques including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing (RS), and global positioning systems (GPS). Study of applied geostatistical analysis (e.g., interpolation and spatial regression).
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 577). (Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
The physical soil system: the soil components and their physical interactions; transport processes involving water, air, and heat. AGRON 182 recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 579). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
The study of physical processes that shape Earth's surface. Topics include weathering, sediment transport, and landform genesis with emphasis on fluvial, glacial, hillslope, eolian, and coastal processes. Applications to engineering and environmental problems. Laboratory includes topographic map interpretation and local field trips.
(Cross-listed with A B E, GLOBE). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: A B E 380 or Permission of Instructor
Systems-level quantitative analysis of various biological systems, including applications in foods, feeds, biofuels, bioenergy, and other bio-based systems. Introduction to techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment of these systems at multiple production scales. Applying these tools to evaluate and improve cost and sustainability performance. Students enrolled in ABE 580 will be required to conduct additional learning activities.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 583). (Cross-listed with BIOL, GEOL). Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 12 credits in BIOL, CHEM, PHYS
An exploration of biological, physical and geochemical impacts on the structure and function of ecosystems from local to global scales. Emphasis on the cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and metals, and how these have been impacted by human activity. Topics may include biological feedbacks to climate change, microbial physiology and redox reactions, plant/soil feedbacks, terrestrial/aquatic linkages, early Earth processes and the origins of life.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: Combined 12 credits in BIOL, CHEM, and PHYS
Introduction of the study of ecosystems and the biological and physical factors that influence their properties and dynamics. Conceptual foundations for ecosystem studies. Interactions among organisms, biological diversity, and ecosystem attributes. Quantitative analyses of accumulations, transformations, and fluxes of nutrients, water, and energy within and among ecosystems. Global change issues.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 585). (Cross-listed with AGRON, MICRO). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 182
The living organisms in the soil and what they do. Emphasis on soil biota composition, the carbon cycle and bioremediation, soil-plant-microbial relationships, and environmental issues. MICRO 201; MICRO 201L recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 586L). (Cross-listed with A ECL, BIOL). (0-3) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 486
Field trips and laboratory exercises to accompany 486. Hands-on experience with aquatic research and monitoring techniques and concepts.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 587). (Cross-listed with BIOL, GEOL, MICRO). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Six credits in biology and 6 credits in chemistry
Introduction to major functional groups of autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms and their roles in natural and environmental systems. Consequences of microbial activity on water chemistry, weathering, and precipitation/dissolution reactions will be emphasized.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 588). (Cross-listed with AGRON, GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
GIS course with focus on the spatial analysis and modeling of raster and triangulated irregular network (TIN) data using ArcGIS Pro. Includes practical exercises during lectures, lab exercises, homework assignments, and (for GEOL 588) a class project. Basic knowledge of ArcGIS Pro is a plus but not required. Course can be taken concurrently to any other Intro GIS course. Sophomore classification or above recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 589). (Cross-listed with E E, GEOL, MTEOR, NREM). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Electromagnetic-radiation principles, active and passive sensors, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, imaging radar, SAR, thermal imaging, lidar. Examples of applications. Also offered online S.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Department Permission
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Department Permission
Permission of instructor and approval of Environmental Science coordinator.
Cr. 1-3.
Prereq: Junior classification; major in Environmental Science; Permission of Instructor
Current topics and case studies related to the analysis and management of environmental systems. Individual and/or group projects.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Extended field trips to study environmental topics in varied locations. Location and duration of trips will vary. Trip expenses paid by students. Check with department for current offerings. A. International Tour B. Domestic Tour.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Extended field trips to study environmental topics in varied locations. Location and duration of trips will vary. Trip expenses paid by students. Check with department for current offerings.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Extended field trips to study environmental topics in varied locations. Location and duration of trips will vary. Trip expenses paid by students. Check with department for current offerings.
Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Department Permission
Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register prior to commencing each work period.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 402). (Cross-listed with GEOL, MTEOR, NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Examination of watersheds as systems, emphasizing the surface components of the hydrologic cycle. Combines qualitative understanding of hydrological processes and uncertainty with quantitative representation. Laboratory emphasizes field investigation and measurement of watershed processes.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 404). (Cross-listed with AGRON, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Recent changes in global biogeochemical cycles and climate; models of future changes in the climate system; impacts of global change on agriculture, water resources and human health; ethical issues of global environmental change.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 405). (Cross-listed with AGRON, MTEOR). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 160 or MATH 165
The movement of energy and mass among the soil, vegetation, and atmosphere. The heat and water budget of humans, other animals, plants, and plant communities. Relevance to weather and climate, the effect of climate change on organisms, and remote sensing. Some exposure to computer programming (any language) recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 409). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (0-4) Cr. 3. Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: GEOL 402 or ENSCI 402 or GEOL 411 or ENSCI 411 or C E 473
Introduction to field methods used in groundwater investigations. In-field implementation of pumping tests, slug tests, monitoring well installation and drilling techniques, geochemical and water quality sampling, seepage meters, minipiezometers, stream gaging, and electronic instrumentation for data collection. Field trips to investigate water resource, water quality, and remediation projects.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 411). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (3-2) Cr. 4. F.
Physical principles of groundwater flow, nature and origin of aquifers and confining units, well hydraulics, groundwater modeling, and contaminant transport. Lab emphasizes applied field and laboratory methods for hydrogeological investigations.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 413). (Cross-listed with C E, GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Seismic, gravity, magnetic, resistivity, electromagnetic, and ground-penetrating radar techniques for shallow subsurface investigations and imaging. Data interpretation methods. Lab emphasizes computer interpretation packages. Field work with seismic - and resistivity-imaging systems and radar. Introductory geology, algebra, and trigonometry recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 414). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: (C E 473 or GEOL 411); MATH 165
Introduction to the principles of modeling groundwater flow systems. Finite-difference and analytic-element methods, spreadsheet models, boundary conditions, calibration, sensitivity analysis, parameter estimation, particle tracking, and post-audit analysis. Application of MODFLOW to regional flow-system analysis. Computer laboratory emphasizes assigned problems that illustrate topics discussed in the course.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 415). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Introduction to mechanisms that drive climate, including the interplay between oceanic and atmospheric circulation and fluctuation in Earth's orbital parameters. Examination and analysis of past climate records ranging from historical documentation to ecological and geochemical proxies (e.g. tree ring analysis; O and C isotopes of skeletal carbonates and soils). Dating methods used to constrain and correlate climatic periods; utility of computer models to reconstruct past climates and predict future climate change. Emphasis placed on paleoclimatology and paleoecology of the late Quaternary (last ~1 million years).
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 516). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL, MTEOR, MTEOR). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Study of the basic principles of hydrologic modeling, including rainfall-runoff analysis, lumped and distributed modeling, conceptual and physical models, parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis, input and validation data, uncertainty analysis, and the use of models in surface water hydrology. A range of common models are applied to study hydrologic topics such as flood forecasting and land use change impacts. Previous experience with Matlab or other programming language is needed.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 418). (Cross-listed with A ECL). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: A ECL 486
Biological, chemical, physical, and geological processes that determine the structure and function of flowing water ecosystems. Current ecological theories as well as applications to stream management for water quality and fisheries.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 419). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: CHEM 178; CHEM 178L; Junior classification
Geochemistry of natural waters and water-rock interactions. Acid-base equilibria, carbonate chemistry and buffer systems, mineral dissolution and precipitation, sorption, ion exchange, and redox reactions. Introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics. Laboratory emphasizes chemical analysis of waters and computer modeling.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 420). (Cross-listed with C E). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: C E 326; CHEM 178
Principles of chemical and physical phenomena applicable to the treatment of water and wastewater and natural waters; including chemical equilibria, reaction kinetics, acid-base equilibria, chemical precipitation, redox reactions, and mass transfer principles. Individual laboratory practicals and group projects required.
(Cross-listed with C E). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: C E 326
Fundamentals of biochemical and microbial processes applied to environmental engineering processes, role of microorganisms in wastewater treatment and bioremediation, bioenergetics and kinetics, metabolism of xenobiotic compounds, waterborne pathogens and parasites, and disinfection. Term paper and oral presentation.
(Cross-listed with C E). (2-2) Cr. 3.
Prereq: C E 421 or C E 521
Fundamentals of biochemical processes, aerobic growth in a single CSTR, multiple events in complex systems, and techniques for evaluating kinetic parameters; unit processes of activated sludge system, attached growth systems, stabilization and aerated lagoon systems, biosolids digestion and disposal, nutrient removal, and anaerobic treatment systems.
(Cross-listed with C E). (2-2) Cr. 3.
Prereq: C E 520
Mass balances. Principles and design of physical-chemical unit processes including ideal and realistic reactors; heterogeneous process including gas transfer, sorption, precipitation, and dissolution; redox; flocculation/coagulation; gravity separations; filtration; and membrane processes, electrodialysis, fouling, and scaling. Emphasis on water and wastewater treatment for environmental, health, and aesthetic ends. Case studies in secondary industries.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 426). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Introduction to the theory, methods and applications of stable isotopes. Primary focus on the origin, natural abundance, and fractionation of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen isotopes. Applications of isotopic occurrence for elucidation of physical, chemical, biological, and environmental processes. Effects of plant physiology, photosynthesis, trophic structure, diffusion, evaporation, chemical precipitation, soil and atmospheric processes, and environmental factors on isotope abundance.
(Cross-listed with C E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: C E 326 or background courses in both environmental chemistry and microbiology; junior or higher standing
Evaluation, characterization, assessment, planning and design of solid and hazardous waste management systems, regulatory requirements, material characterization and collection, minimization and recycling, energy and materials recovery, composting, off-gas treatment, incineration, stabilization, and landfill design. Design of treatment and disposal systems, including physical, chemical, and biological treatment, solidification, incineration, secure landfill design, and final disposal site closure plus restoration.
(Cross-listed with A B E). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: A B E 378 or CH E 356
Hydrology and hydraulics in agricultural and urbanizing watersheds. Design and evaluation of systems for the conservation and quality preservation of soil and water resources. Use and analysis of hydrologic data in engineering design; relationship of topography, soils, crops, climate, and cultural practices in conservation and quality preservation of soil and water for agriculture. Small watershed hydrology, water movement and utilization in the soil-plant-atmosphere system, agricultural water management, best management practices, and agricultural water quality.
(Cross-listed with A B E). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered irregularly.
Prereq: A B E 431 or C E 372
Characteristics and mechanisms of non-point source (NPS) pollution in agricultural and urban watersheds, modeling of NPS pollution for terrestrial and aquatic systems, statistical tools to assess environmental datasets, strategies to control and manage NPS pollution of water bodies, and integrated watershed management. Graduate students are required to develop/deliver lecture models on assigned topics and/or complete additional assignments.
(Cross-listed with A B E, NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: C E 372 or GEOL/ENSCI/MTEOR 402, MATH 166 or equivalent
Soil erosion processes, soil loss equations and their application to conservation planning, sediment properties, initiation of sediment motion and over land flow, flow in alluvial channels and theory of sediment transport, channel stability, reservoir sedimentation, wind erosion, BMPs for controlling erosion.
(Cross-listed with EEOB, NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 366 or BIOL 474 or graduate standing
Theory and practice of restoring animal and plant diversity, structure and function of disturbed ecosystems. Restored freshwater wetlands, forests, prairies and reintroduced species populations will be used as case studies.
(Cross-listed with A B E). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered irregularly.
Prereq: C E 372
A project-based course on watershed-scale models for improving water quality. Legislative and judicial basis of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program; approaches to TMDL development; principles and techniques for implementation; stakeholder engagement strategies. Hands-on experiences with GIS-interfaced models, data sources, calibration/validation, statistical assessment of model results, and simulation using multiple tools. In addition to other assignments, graduate students will present case studies of TMDLs using different modeling tools.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 446). (Cross-listed with NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: 12 credits in student's major at 300 level or above
Emphasis on the use of GPS as a data collection tool for GIS. Basic theory of GPS. Use of Global Positioning System technology for spatial data collection and navigation. Post-processing and real-time correction of GPS data. GPS data transfer to GIS for mapping applications. Use of GIS to construct waypoints for use in GPS navigation.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 452). (Cross-listed with AGRON, GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S.
Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) using ArcGIS Pro with particular emphasis on geoscientific data. Teaches typical GIS operations and analyses in the geosciences to prepare students for practical use of GIS in industry and academia. Includes a class project for GEOL 552. Sophomore classification or above recommended.
(Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Composition and properties of soils in relation to the nutrition and growth of plants.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 459). (Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-3) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: 6 credit of CHEM; (AGRON 182 or AGRON 360); MATH 140
An introduction to the chemical properties of soils, chemical reactions and transformations in soils and surface waters, and their impact on the environment. Topics include solution chemistry in soils and surface waters, solid-phase composition of soils, reactions at the solid-solution interface, and applications to contemporary environmental issues. AGRON 354; GEOL 100 recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 463). (Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Relationships between soil formation, geomorphology, and environment. Soil description, classification, geography, mapping, and interpretation for land use. Two weekend field trips. AGRON 182 or ENSCI 250 recommended.
Credit for one of AGRON 463 or AGRON 463I may be applied for graduation.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 464). (Cross-listed with EEOB). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: 15 credits in biological sciences.
Ecology, classification, creation and restoration, and management of wetlands. Emphasis on North American temperate wetlands.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 466). (Cross-listed with NREM). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 15 credits in A ECL, AGRON, BIOL, CHEM, FOR, GEOL, NREM
Ecosystem services are the societal benefits provided by natural and managed ecosystems. Benefits such as provision of food, purification of air and water, and regulation of climate are essential to human survival and prosperity, but rely upon maintenance of healthy ecosystems. This course will cover the science, policy, and practice of ecosystem services assessment and management, with a special focus on biodiversity, water quality, food production, and climate.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 468). (Cross-listed with GEOL, MTEOR). Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: C R P 351; C R P 452; GEOL 452; (NREM 345 or NREM 446)
Introduction to geospatial data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Geospatial techniques including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing (RS), and global positioning systems (GPS). Study of applied geostatistical analysis (e.g., interpolation and spatial regression).
(Cross-listed with C E). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: C E 372
Analysis of hydrologic data including precipitation, infiltration, evapotranspiration, direct runoff and streamflow; theory and use of frequency analysis; theory of streamflow and reservoir routing; use of deterministic and statistical hydrologic models. Fundamentals of surface water quality modeling, point and non-point sources of contamination.
(Cross-listed with C E). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: C E 372
Principles of surface water flows and mixing. Introduction to hydrologic transport and water quality simulation in natural water systems. Advection, diffusion and dispersion, chemical and biologic kinetics, and water quality dynamics. Applications to temperature, dissolved oxygen, primary productivity, and other water quality problems in rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Deterministic vs. stochastic models.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: C E 372
Principles of groundwater flow, hydraulics of wells, superposition, slug and pumping tests, streamlines and flownets, and regional groundwater flow. Contaminant transport. Computer modeling. Design project. Extra assignments required for graduate students.
(Cross-listed with AGRON). (1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: AGRON 463 or equivalent
A one-week intensive field class examining the pedology of Iowa under natural and transformed con.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 477). (Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
The physical soil system: the soil components and their physical interactions; transport processes involving water, air, and heat. AGRON 182 recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 479). (Cross-listed with GEOL). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
The study of physical processes that shape Earth's surface. Topics include weathering, sediment transport, and landform genesis with emphasis on fluvial, glacial, hillslope, eolian, and coastal processes. Applications to engineering and environmental problems. Laboratory includes topographic map interpretation and local field trips.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 483). Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 12 credits in BIOL, CHEM, PHYS
An exploration of biological, physical and geochemical impacts on the structure and function of ecosystems from local to global scales. Emphasis on the cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and metals, and how these have been impacted by human activity. Topics may include biological feedbacks to climate change, microbial physiology and redox reactions, plant/soil feedbacks, terrestrial/aquatic linkages, early Earth processes and the origins of life.
(Cross-listed with EEOB). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Combined 12 credits in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Advanced studies of ecosystems and the biological and physical factors that influence their properties and dynamics. Conceptual foundations and modern approaches to ecosystem studies. Interactions among organisms, biological diversity, and ecosystem attributes. Quantitative analyses of accumulations, transformations, and fluxes of nutrients, water, and energy within and among ecosystems. Global change issues.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 485). (Cross-listed with AGRON, MICRO). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 182
The living organisms in the soil and what they do. Emphasis on soil biota composition, the carbon cycle and bioremediation, soil-plant-microbial relationships, and environmental issues. MICRO 201; MICRO 201L recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 486L). (Cross-listed with A ECL, EEOB). (0-3) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 486
Field trips and laboratory exercises to accompany 486. Hands-on experience with aquatic research and monitoring techniques and concepts.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 487). (Cross-listed with EEOB, GEOL, MICRO). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Six credits in biology and 6 credits in chemistry
Introduction to major functional groups of autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms and their roles in natural and environmental systems. Consequences of microbial activity on water chemistry, weathering, and precipitation/dissolution reactions will be emphasized.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 488). (Cross-listed with AGRON, GEOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
GIS course with focus on the spatial analysis and modeling of raster and triangulated irregular network (TIN) data using ArcGIS Pro. Includes practical exercises during lectures, lab exercises, homework assignments, and (for GEOL 588) a class project. Basic knowledge of ArcGIS Pro is a plus but not required. Course can be taken concurrently to any other Intro GIS course. Sophomore classification or above recommended.
(Dual-listed with ENSCI 489). (Cross-listed with E E, GEOL, MTEOR, NREM). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Electromagnetic-radiation principles, active and passive sensors, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, imaging radar, SAR, thermal imaging, lidar. Examples of applications. Also offered online S.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of major professor in Environmental Science faculty
Literature reviews and conference in accordance with needs and interest of the student.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of major professor in Environmental Science faculty
Creative component for nonthesis master of science degree.
Courses for graduate students:
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. S.
Reports and discussion of recent research and literature.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS.