Courses

Courses

Spring 2005 Courses

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014. Weather, Climate and Culture
Anne Henshaw T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25

Explores anthropological approaches to understanding meteorological phenomenon in a variety of
cultural contexts. Drawing on ethnographic and archaeological case studies, emphasis will be placed
on the way humans have responded to weather and climatic variability as well as the symbolic and
cognitive dimensions associated with such phenomenon in everyday life. Examines the relationship
climate change science and how such change is experienced on scales relevant to human activity.
Case studies will be drawn from both pre-industrial and industrial societies in the New and Old World.
082. Conserving Biodiversity
Loraine Kohorn T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55
An introduction to biological conservation. Topics addressed include the diversity of life, the nature of
species, speciation, threats to biological diversity, and extinction. Examination of the biological principles
governing populations of plants and animals, how human actions can effect natural population dynamics,
the nature of habitat, how landscapes change over time, how we prioritize what places and species are
most important to conserve, and what tools we use to accomplish conservation. Discussions explore social
 implications and legal policies.
100. Environmental Geology and Hydrology
Christopher Gerbi M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25
An introduction to aspects of geology and hydrology that affect the environment and land use. Topics
include watersheds and surface-water quality, groundwater contamination, coastal erosion, and development
of landscapes. Weekly labs and field trips examine local environmental problems affecting Maine rivers,
lakes, and coast.
LAB
Joanne Urquhart Christopher Gerbi M 1:15 - 4:30
An introduction to aspects of geology and hydrology that affect the environment and land use. Topics
include watersheds and surface-water quality, groundwater contamination, coastal erosion, and development
of landscapes. Weekly labs and field trips examine local environmental problems affecting Maine rivers,
lakes, and coast.
LAB
Joanne Urquhart Christopher Gerbi T 1:15 - 4:30
An introduction to aspects of geology and hydrology that affect the environment and land use. Topics
include watersheds and surface-water quality, groundwater contamination, coastal erosion, and development
of landscapes. Weekly labs and field trips examine local environmental problems affecting Maine rivers,
lakes, and coast.
201. Perspectives in Environmental Science
John Lichter Dharanija Vasudevan T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
Functioning of the earth system is defined by the complex and fascinating interaction of processes within and
between four principal spheres: land, air, water, and life. Leverages key principles of environmental
chemistry and ecology to unravel the intricate connectedness of natural phenomena and ecosystem
function. Fundamental biological and chemical concepts are used to understand the science behind the
environmental dilemmas facing societies as a consequence of human activities. Laboratory sessions
consist of local field trips, laboratory experiments, group research, case study exercises, and discussions
of current and classic scientific literature.
LAB
John Lichter Dharanija Vasudevan Nancy Olmstead W 1:00 - 4:55
Functioning of the earth system is defined by the complex and fascinating interaction of processes within
and between four principal spheres: land, air, water, and life. Leverages key principles of environmental
chemistry and ecology to unravel the intricate connectedness of natural phenomena and ecosystem function.
Fundamental biological and chemical concepts are used to understand the science behind the environmental
dilemmas facing societies as a consequence of human activities. Laboratory sessions consist of local field
trips, laboratory experiments, group research, case study exercises, and discussions of current and classic
scientific literature.
LAB
John Lichter Dharanija Vasudevan Nancy Olmstead TH 1:00 - 4:55
Functioning of the earth system is defined by the complex and fascinating interaction of processes within and
between four principal spheres: land, air, water, and life. Leverages key principles of environmental chemistry
and ecology to unravel the intricate connectedness of natural phenomena and ecosystem function. Fundamental
biological and chemical concepts are used to understand the science behind the environmental dilemmas facing
 societies as a consequence of human activities. Laboratory sessions consist of local field trips, laboratory
experiments, group research, case study exercises, and discussions of current and classic scientific literature.
203. Environment and Culture in North American History
Matthew Klingle M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25
Explores relationships between ideas of nature, human transformations of the environment, and the effect
of the physical environment upon humans through time in North America. Topics include the “Columbian
exchange” and colonialism; links between ecological change and race, class, and gender relations; the role
of science and technology; literary and artistic perspectives of “nature”; agriculture, industrialization, and
urbanization; and the rise of modern environmentalism. Assignments include a research-based service
learning term project.
208. Marine Larval Ecology
Jon Allen M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
Advanced seminar focused on the evolution and ecology of marine invertebrate larvae. Lectures and
discussions of the primary literature examine the assumptions and predictions of current life-history
theory as applied to marine invertebrate animals and their offspring. Field trips introduce students to
the diverse assemblage of larvae along the coast of Maine. Student projects investigate the form and
function of larvae as it relates to their ecology and evolution.
210. Plant Physiology
Barry Logan M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25
An introduction to the physiological processes that enable plants to grow under the varied conditions
found in nature. General topics discussed include the acquisition, transport, and use of water and mineral
nutrients, photosynthetic carbon assimilation, and the influence of environmental and hormonal signals on
 development and morphology. Adaptation and acclimation to extreme environments and other
ecophysiological subjects are also discussed. Weekly laboratories reinforce principles discussed in lecture
and expose students to modern research techniques.
LAB
Barry Logan Jaret Reblin T 1:00 - 3:55
An introduction to the physiological processes that enable plants to grow under the varied conditions found
in nature. General topics discussed include the acquisition, transport, and use of water and mineral nutrients,
 photosynthetic carbon assimilation, and the influence of environmental and hormonal signals on development
and morphology. Adaptation and acclimation to extreme environments and other ecophysiological subjects are
also discussed. Weekly laboratories reinforce principles discussed in lecture and expose students to modern
research techniques.
LAB
Barry Logan Jaret Reblin TH 1:00 - 3:55
An introduction to the physiological processes that enable plants to grow under the varied conditions found
 in nature. General topics discussed include the acquisition, transport, and use of water and mineral nutrients,
 photosynthetic carbon assimilation, and the influence of environmental and hormonal signals on development
and morphology. Adaptation and acclimation to extreme environments and other ecophysiological subjects are
also discussed. Weekly laboratories reinforce principles discussed in lecture and expose students to modern
research techniques.
LAB
Barry Logan Jaret Reblin F 1:30 - 4:25
An introduction to the physiological processes that enable plants to grow under the varied conditions found
 in nature. General topics discussed include the acquisition, transport, and use of water and mineral nutrients,
 photosynthetic carbon assimilation, and the influence of environmental and hormonal signals on development
 and morphology. Adaptation and acclimation to extreme environments and other ecophysiological subjects
are also discussed. Weekly laboratories reinforce principles discussed in lecture and expose students to modern
research techniques.
218. Environmental Economics and Policy
David Vail W 9:30 - 10:55, F 9:30 - 10:55
An exploration of environmental degradation and public policy responses in industrial economies. Market
failures, property rights, and materialistic values are investigated as causes of pollution and deteriorating
ecosystem functions. Guidelines for equitable and cost-effective environmental policy are explored, with
an emphasis on the roles and limitations of cost-benefit analysis and techniques for estimating
non-monetary values. Three core themes are the transition from “command and control” to incentive-based
policies; the evolution from piecemeal regulation to comprehensive “green plans” (as in the Netherlands);
and the connections among air pollution, energy systems, and global warming.
LAB
David Vail M 9:00 - 9:55
An exploration of environmental degradation and public policy responses in industrial economies. Market
failures, property rights, and materialistic values are investigated as causes of pollution and deteriorating
ecosystem functions. Guidelines for equitable and cost-effective environmental policy are explored, with an
emphasis on the roles and limitations of cost-benefit analysis and techniques for estimating non-monetary
 values. Three core themes are the transition from “command and control” to incentive-based policies; the
evolution from piecemeal regulation to comprehensive “green plans” (as in the Netherlands); and the
connections among air pollution, energy systems, and global warming.
LAB
David Vail M 10:00 - 10:55
An exploration of environmental degradation and public policy responses in industrial economies. Market
failures, property rights, and materialistic values are investigated as causes of pollution and deteriorating
 ecosystem functions. Guidelines for equitable and cost-effective environmental policy are explored, with an
emphasis on the roles and limitations of cost-benefit analysis and techniques for estimating non-monetary
 values. Three core themes are the transition from “command and control” to incentive-based policies; the
 evolution from piecemeal regulation to comprehensive “green plans” (as in the Netherlands); and the
connections among air pollution, energy systems, and global warming.
224. Science and Technology in the United States, 1800 to the Present
David Hecht M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
Focuses on 19th & 20th century science and technology in United States history. This course examines U.S.
history, particularly the challenges and opportunities of "progress," using as touchstones a number of seminal
events in the interaction between science and society, including the Industrial Revolution, military technology,
 scientific attempts to justify racism, the atomic bomb, the eugenics movement and changing public health
concerns. Few of the many changes that science has wrought have been embraced unequivocally, and this
course uses this sometimes chaotic mix of acceptance and suspicion of scientific advance to explore how
Americans felt about their rapidly developing and modernizing society.
230. Geometrics
Edward Laine T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55
An introduction to the solution of geological and environmental problems through making and analyzing
maps. The basics of surveying, geographic information systems, and the Global Positioning System are
covered. A problem-based service-learning course, involving work on projects in support of community
partners. Extensive field work expected after spring break.
LAB
Edward Laine TH 1:00 - 3:55
An introduction to the solution of geological and environmental problems through making and analyzing
maps. The basics of surveying, geographic information systems, and the Global Positioning System are
covered. A problem-based service-learning course, involving work on projects in support of community
partners. Extensive field work expected after spring break.
233. Architecture and Sustainability
None None Wiebke Theodore T 9:00 - 11:25, TH 9:00 - 11:25
Explores the critical components, principles, and tools of good sustainable design. Using design exercises,
readings, class discussion, field visits, and case studies, students investigate why and how buildings can
 be designed in ways that are environmentally responsive and responsible. Issues include the relationship
 between sustainability and creative architectural form, as well as the importance of place and community
 in design.
391. Troubled Waters: Fishing in the Gulf of Maine
Anne Hayden M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
Around the world and in the Gulf of Maine, overfishing and threats to habitat are putting marine ecosystems
and coastal communities under great stress. An interdisciplinary senior seminar exploring the causes and
scope of pressures on the marine environment; the potential for restoring ecosystems and fisheries; political
 conflicts over fisheries and related issues; federal, state, and community-based approaches to managing
marine ecosystems; and strategies for coping with scientific and management uncertainties.