Current Courses
MES 130 – Introduction to Environmental Science
Fall and Spring semesters, 3 credits
Exploration of the multidisciplinary science of the environment. Examination of contemporary issues such as air and water pollution, global climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, hazardous and solid waste, alternative energy resources, soils, deforestation, overfishing, biodiversity, and endangered species, and their ecological, economical, and human health impacts and sustainability. Majors and non-majors sections.
MES 131 – Laboratory Techniques in Environmental Science.
Fall semester, 1 credit
A field and laboratory course for exploring the basic themes of environmental science. Data collection and quantitative analyses conducted in the local terrestrial and aquatic environment. Includes sampling techniques, microscopy, instrumentation and technology training.. Co-requisite: MES 130.
MES 201 – Mid-Atlantic Watershed Biodiversity
Fall semester, 4 credits
Co-taught with Drs. Shawn T. Dash and Deidre Gibson
Experiential survey of structure, function, and diversity of flora, fauna, and ecosystems in the Chesapeake Bay in the context of global biodiversity and human interactions. Interwoven into this course are examinations of the role of evolution in shaping organismal diversity and how both evolution and anthropogenic interactions affect structural and functional aspects of organisms and habitats. Involves field collection and laboratory study of plants and animals along the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including weekends of discovery across the Commonwealth’s physiographic provinces. Prerequisites: MES 110, MES 130 and MES 131.
MES 210 – Biometry
Spring Semester, 3 credits
Application of parametric and non-parametric statistics to data generated in various areas of biology and environmental science. Special emphasis on data presentation and decision-making. Extensive use of technology, spreadsheets, and analytical software.
UNV 290 H7 – Global Climate Change (Honors)
Offered as needed, 1 credit
From atmosphere and ocean to organisms and economics, this interdisciplinary seminar introduces students to the basics of the Earth‟s climate system, documents its change over time, and investigates the ecological and economic implications of climate change for future generations. The seminar is open to students from all disciplines.
UNV290 HX Scientific Ethics
Starting Fall 2020, 1 credit
Specifically augments the Responsible Conduct of Research Course (CITI Program) that every student engaged in research will be required to complete. Topics covered in the course include: (1) Research Misconduct, (2) Data Management (3) Authorship, (4) Peer Review, (5) Mentor-Mentee Relationships, (6) Federal Compliance on Animals and Humans as Research Subjects, (7) Conflicts of Interest, and (8) Collaborative Research. Case studies of professional ethics scenarios.
MES 518 and BIO 618 – Ichthyology: Fish and Fisheries
Alternating years, 4 credits
Explores the evolutionary history of the most diverse group of vertebrates, investigates form-function-environment relationships underlying fish ecology, and examines the interactions of fishes and humans via the prosecution of fisheries and their management. Lectures are thus divided into five broad themes: (1) systematic and evolutionary review of the major groups of fishes and their distribution; (2) ecomorphology, ecology, and life history strategies of fishes; (3) overview of fisheries gear and description of world fisheries; (4) the theory of fishing and methods used by fisheries scientists; and (5) fisheries economics, management, and aquaculture. Graduate and undergraduate sections.
Previously Offered Courses
MES 101 – First Year Seminar
Fall semester, 1 credit
A seminar course that familiarizes first year students with careers in marine and environmental science and prepares students to apply for research internships. Helps students adjust to the major, understand opportunities, and prepare professional documents required for applications for internships and employment in the field.
BIO 525 – Conservation Biology
Fall semester, 3 credits
Literature-driven study of the importance of biodiversity in the major ecosystems of the world. Examination of endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species. Details of conservation and preservation techniques. Greenhouses, botanical gardens, zoos, national parks and habitat protection. Watershed management. Application of modern technology to conservation.