Prerequisite: BSCI160 and BSCI161.

Urban Ecology is an interdisciplinary subject at the intersection of social, environmental, and economic systems. This course will examine ecology in the city (i.e. why do certain species live in certain greenspaces?), ecology of the city (e.g. how do urban ecological processes influence the health and safety of human residents?), and ecology for the city (i.e. how do we plan and restore greenspaces in a just way so that all residents have equitable access to nature?). This course will have a strong focus on natural systems within urban ecosystems. Each topic willfocus on key urban ecological concepts and then explore how these topicsapply to urban planning and design. The course will be a mix of traditional lectures and a few field trips to see urban ecology in action in Washington, D.C.

The course is designed to help students that are interested in environmental disciplines understand how the latest generative artificial intelligence (gen-AI) technologies, like Chat GPT-x and othernatural language learning models, can be used to protect and improve ourenvironment and help them discover roles they can pursue as aperson concerned about the environment and as an environmental professional. Through this course, you will gain an appreciation for thepower of gen-AI to make a real difference for our planet. You will explore how the latest gen-AI tools can be applied to tackle environmental topics, like climate change, green cities, ecological restoration, environmentalcompliance and wildlife conservation. This course is perfect for freshmen and sophomores, but is open to all, especially students lookingto explore application for gen-AI.

Can soil be the solution to climate change mitigation? A major influence on the climate disasters that we are experiencing today are the greenhouse gasses presently trapping too much heat close to earth and warming it beyond acceptable limits. Our survival depends on reversing this trend. But how? One answer lies just beneath our feet. According tothe UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the top 30 cm of the world'ssoil contains about twice as much carbon as the entire atmosphereand more than is stored in all the vegetation on earth. How can soil become the solution to keep carbon out of the atmosphere? This course explores the critical role soils play not just in our food production, but also in our efforts to prevent the worst effects of climate change. With their knowledge of the drivers of climate change and soil characteristics, students in this course will research and propose sustainable soil management practices to help mitigate climate change and save the world.

Overview of ground water as a water resource, its availability, quality and extraction in various developing countries. The role of a consultant in adapting modern technologies to developing ground water as a viable water resource.

Contact department for information to regsiter for this course.