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.