Course Descriptions
Bioenvironmental Sciences
(faculty, see Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology)
(BESC)
201. Introduction to Bioenvironmental Sciences. (3-0). Credit 3.
An introduction to the biological components of environmental sciences, with emphasis on the impact of the world’s population on global resources; lectures by research scientists reflecting their disciplinary perspective in relevant areas.
204. Molds and Mushrooms: The Impact of Fungi on Society and the Environment. (3-0). Credit 3.
Introduction to the fungi and the impact these organisms have on society and the environment; topics discussed will include: life cycles of fungi; classification schemes, pathogens of plants, animals and humans, fungi in food production; toxic fungi and the law, and others.
285. Directed Studies. Credit 1 to 4.
Individually supervised research or advanced studies for lower-division undergraduate students to independently investigate special problems not available in existing courses. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor in consultation with departmental advisor.
291. Research. Credit 1 to 4.
Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in bioenvironmental sciences. May be repeated 3 times for credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.
314. Pathogens, the Environment and Society. (3-0). Credit 3.
The impact of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses) on the development of modern culture and society; the role pathogens played in the history of mankind and the influence of the changing environment on emerging diseases. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
320. Water and the Bioenvironmental Sciences. (3-0). Credit 3.
Critical understanding of salient issues relating to fresh water as a limited and important bioenvironmental resource. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
367. U.S. Environmental Regulations. (3-0). Credit 3.
Investigation of the legal infrastructure of the U.S. associated with regulating environmental impacts; examination of major U.S. environmental statutes associated with air and water quality, toxic substances, waste and hazardous substance release, energy and natural resources; review the relationship between U.S. policy and international environmental regulations. May be taken 2 times for credit. Prerequisites: BESC 201 and junior or senior classification.
401. Bioenvironmental Microbiology. (3-0). Credit 3.
The interactions of microorganism in diverse environments; applied aspects of microbial interactions in the environment, their effects on the environment, and potential use to solve environmental problems. Prerequisites: SCSC 405 and 3 hours of organic chemistry, or equivalents; or approval of instructor.
402. Microbial Processes in Bioremediation. (3-0). Credit 3.
Metabolic pathways of microbes involved in the biodegradation of hazardous materials will be presented; ecological requirements for biotreatability of contaminated sites will be discussed emphasizing factors affecting microbial growth; strategies for in situ bioaugmentation will be presented. Prerequisite: One semester of organic chemistry.
403. Sampling and Environmental Monitoring. (2-3). Credit 3.
Introduction to environmental sampling and methodology; strategies and analyses of sampling data; overview of current applications of sampling and monitoring in the environmental sciences; emphasis on practical aspects of sampling from air, soil and water; detection and quantification of microbial and chemical unknowns in environmental media. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
484. Field Experience. Credit 1 to 4.
An on-the-job supervised experience program conducted in the area of the student’s specialization. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of department head.
485. Directed Studies. Credit 1 to 4.
Special problems for advanced undergraduates to permit study of subject matter not available in existing courses. Prerequisite: BESC 201 or approval of instructor.
489. Special Topics in… Credit 1 to 4.
Selected topics in an identified area of bioenvironmental sciences. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: BESC 201 or approval of instructor.
491. Research. Credit 1 to 4.
Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in bioenvironmental sciences. May be repeated 3 times for credit. Registration in multiple sections of this course are possible within a given semester provided that the per semester credit hour limit is not exceeded. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.