Courses - Fall 2024
ENST101
Ecological Discovery and Natural Solutions
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Credit only granted for: ENST499K or ENST101.
Formerly: ENST499K.
The UMD Environmental Science and Technology (ENST) Department seeks to develop and apply scientific tools and processes to advance solutions to some of society's greatest environmental challenges. This seminar provides a unique and exciting opportunity to learn directly from faculty and researchers in the Department about what they study, teach, and share with society. Students will learn about the wide variety of research being conducted in the Department and how it relates to potential solutions to current environmental challenges. The course will cover research in the following areas: urban green spaces, aquaponics, bioenergy, wildlife management, aquatic toxicology, urban green spaces, wetland restoration, water resources, ecosystem health, soil chemistry, and more. It is anticipated that the course will include short visits to ENST laboratories and facilities. The course will also include information about academic, internship, and career opportunities related to ENST.
ENST200
Fundamentals of Soil Science
Corequisite: CHEM131 and CHEM132; or permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
Credit only granted for: ENST200 or NRSC200.
Formerly: NRSC200.
Study and management of soils as natural bodies, media for plant growth, and ecosystem components. Morphology, composition, formation, and conservation of soils. Chemical, biological, and physical properties are discussed in relation to the production of plants, the functioning of hydrologic and nutrient cycles, the protection of environmental quality, and engineering uses of soils.
ENST215
Bats in Society: Human-Wildlife Relationships, Conflicts, & Solutions
Additional information: Students should expect to spend 1-3 hours across multiple nights deploying bat detectors (which will be provided by the instructor) at a location of their choosing. Safety protocols will be discussed and implemented.
How might an understanding of human-wildlife conflicts shape our approach to disease, ecology, and conservation? Should we care that we are losing wildlife, like bats? Across the globe, human societies have significantly harmed bat populations both intentionally and unintentionally. This course will delve into different bat population crisis causes as well as current and potential solutions, while addressing complex human-wildlife conflicts that need to be considered while solving them. During the course, students will get hands-on experience using highly sophisticated bat acoustic technology to identify bats to species-level. Lecture and discussion sections will focus on bat ecology, management techniques, newest bat identification techniques, data interpretation, and scientific presentation skills.
Restricted to students in Carillon Communities. Once registered, students need an electronic stamp from an advisor to drop the course.
ENST233
Introduction to Environmental Health
Examines how humans are affected by the quality of our air, water, soil and food supply as well as how human activities alter these survival necessities. Students will learn how the evolution and prosperity of human populations have resulted in degradation of our environment and the impact of environmental degradation on the health of people. The implications of individual and collective choices for sustainable food production, population management, and resource utilization will be explored.
ENST281
Computer Aided Design in Ecology
Credits:
2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Basics of Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) applied to design of constructed ecosystems. Use of campus stormwater wetland as case study.
ENST282
Ecological Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Ecotechnology innovation is taught with design thinking, which uses an iterative cycle of developing customer empathy, learning ecological technology, appreciating environmental stewardship, brainstorming, rapid prototyping, user experience, testing and redesign. Environment entrepreneurship is based on the Lean Startup process, which uses customer discovery, encourages quick product development, reduces start-up costs, tests ideas quickly, and employs designed experiments. A multidisciplinary academic setting embraces designing, building, testing and marketing novel technologies that enhance the environmental needs of humans. Students will learn in an active environment that requires working creatively, collaboratively, diligently, and precisely to create a business model and tangible prototype for a new commercial product.
ENST301
Field Soil Morphology I
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
Formerly: ENST308.
This is a field-oriented course that introduces students to the techniques used to (1) describe soil morphology, and site and profile characteristics, (2) make land use interpretations based on soil characteristics, and (3) classify soils. This class is designed to prepare students for the Regional Collegiate Soil Judging Contest and for students to gain experience in the description and interpretation of soils in the field.
ENST302
Field Soil Morphology II
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ENST301.
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
This is the second field-oriented course in a three course sequence that provides intermediate training for students in the techniques used to (1) describe soil morphology, and site and profile characteristics, (2) make land use interpretations based on soil characteristics, and (3) classify soils. This class is designed to prepare students for the Regional Collegiate Soil Judging Contest and for students to gain experience in the description and interpretation of soils in the field.
ENST303
Field Soil Morphology III
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ENST302.
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
This is the third field-oriented course in a three course sequence that provides intermediate training for students in the techniques used to (1) describe soil morphology, and site and profile characteristics, (2) make land use interpretations based on soil characteristics, and (3) classify soils. This class is designed to prepare students for the Regional Collegiate Soil Judging Contest and for students to gain experience in the description and interpretation of soils in the field.
ENST333
Ecosystem Health and Protection
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ENST233 or permission of instructor.
Discussion of the philosophies, principles, and practices for assessing ecosystem health with emphasis on an ecosystem perspective rather than a human health perspective. Degradation associated with human activities will be emphasized. Topics will range from local to regional to global issues, including a discussion on global warming and its possible impacts on ecosystems. Concepts will be clarified using case histories from the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
ENST360
Ecosystem Ecology
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: BSCI160 and BSCI161; or BSCI106.
Restriction: Must be in the Environmental Science and Technology major; or permission of instructor.
The study of ecology has a long and interesting history, from early society's efforts to understand and alter their environment as a matter of survival to the challenges the modern world is facing that are global in scale. Through the course text, distributed supplemental chapter readings and an understanding of the scientific literature, this course will cover the essential concepts and principles of ecosystem ecology as well as its history and past and present controversies. Several of the basic methods and tools of field research and the applied management of ecosystems will be discussed and demonstrated with several field excursions in the natural environs of the DC area. Central to this course will be the understanding that modern human society is an integral part of nature, with the power to impact and influence elements of the natural world at multiple scales. An analysis of policy implications for the biosphere will be discussed.
The study of ecology has a long and interesting history, from early society's efforts to understand and alter their environment as a matter of survival to the challenges the modern world is facing that are global in scale. Through the course text, distributed supplemental chapter readings and an understanding of the scientific literature, this course will cover the essential concepts and principles of ecosystem ecology as well as its history and past and present controversies. Several of the basic methods and tools of field research and the applied management of ecosystems will be discussed and demonstrated with several field excursions in the natural environs of the DC area. Central to this course will be the understanding that modern human society is an integral part of nature, with the power to impact and influence elements of the natural world at multiple scales. An analysis of policy implications for the biosphere will be discussed.
ENST388
Honors Thesis Research
Credits:
3 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Undergraduate honors thesis research conducted under the direction of an AGNR faculty member in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the College of AGNR Honors Program. The thesis will be defended to a faculty committee.
Undergraduate honors thesis research conducted under the direction of an AGNR faculty member in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the College of AGNR Honors Program. The thesis will be defended to a faculty committee.
ENST389
Internship
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
S-F
ENST403
Invasive Species Ecology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Credit only granted for: ENST403, ENST603, or ENST689R.
We will examine ecological, evolutionary, and anthropogenic processes facilitating or resisting biological invasions, and consider their environmental, economic, and human health impacts. We will consider various management strategies to mitigate invasions and identify areas of future research. Field trips and detailed discussion of recent findings and controversies in the literature will help illustrate fundamental concepts of invasions among various ecosystems.
ENST411
Principles of Soil Fertility
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ENST200; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Jointly offered with ENS T611.
Credit only granted for: ENST411 or NRSC411.
Formerly: NRS C411.
Soil factors affecting plant growth and quality with emphasis on the bio-availability of mineral nutrients. The management of soil systems to enhance plant growth by means of crop rotations, microbial activities, and use of organic and inorganic amendments.
ENST414
Soil Morphology, Genesis and Classification
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in ENST200.
Processes and factors of soil genesis. Taxonomy of soils of the world by U.S. System. Soil morphological characteristics, composition, classification, survey and field trips to examine and describe soils.
ENST415
Renewable Energy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: CHEM131, PHYS121, and MATH113; or permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
An overview of renewable energy technologies and their current applications. Emphasis will be placed on technological readiness, efficiency and sustainability of renewable energy alternatives. Technologies include solar thermal, photovoltaics, biodiesel, ethanol, anaerobic digestion, wind, hydroelectric, and microbial fuel cells.
ENST417
Soil Hydrology and Physics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ENST200; and (MATH113 or MATH115).
A study of soil water interactions: the hydrologic cycle; the unique properties of water and soil; the soil components and their interactions; the field water cycle; transport processes involving water, heat and solutes; human effects on soil and groundwater; as well as the measurement, prediction, and control of the physical processes taking place in and through the soil.
ENST432
Environmental Microbiology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: CHEM131 and CHEM132.
Microorganisms are everywhere and mediate many of the processes that we observe everyday. These organisms are the unseen catalysts for numerous industrial processes and are critical to many emerging technologies and novel products. Environmental microbiologists ask: How do microorganisms in the environment benefit society? This course will answer this question by examining microbes in bioremediation, food safety, climate change, and biotechnology.
ENST441
Sustainable Agriculture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Environmental, social and economic needs for alternatives to the conventional, high-input farming systems which currently predominate in industrial countries. Strategies and practices that minimize the use of non-renewable resources.
ENST450
Wetland Ecology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Prerequisite: BIOM301 and ENST360, or equivalent courses in data analysis and ecology; or permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
Jointly offered with: ENST650.
Credit only granted for: ENST450, ENST650, or MEES650.
Plant and animal communities, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem properties of wetlands. Lectures are supplemented by field trips and in-class labs. Hands-on activities include identification of wetland plant species, wetland delineation, and collection and analysis of field data on wetland vegetation, soil, and hydrology. Wading boots (at least hip length) are strongly recommended.
ENST456
Spatial Analysis and Ecological Sampling
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Recommended: GEOG306 and GEOG373.
Restriction: Senior standing or higher; and permission of instructor.
Additional information: Students will need to provide an 8GB (or larger) thumb drive for data storage.
Teaches ENST students ecological sampling methods and applied spatial analysis skills. Students will work in small groups on research projects they develop and test during the semester. Students will develop a research hypothesis, test their hypothesis, display it visually in QGIS, and analyze it with appropriate statistical methods in QGIS and R Studio culminating in a final presentation.
ENST460
Principles of Wildlife Management
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed two semesters of biology laboratory; and (ENST360; or BSCI361). Or permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
Ecological principles and requirements of wildlife as basis for management, and introduction to the scientific literature. Conflicts in wildlife management, government administration of wildlife resources, legislation, and history of the wildlife management profession.
ENST472
Capstone
Restriction: Must be in a major within AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department; and permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
Additional information: This is the pinnacle course for students majoring in ENST and is therefore recommended in one of the students' final semesters.
This capstone course focuses on professional project preparation, presentation, and critical evaluation on environmental science research. Students will develop and present original projects and critique projects presented by others.
ENST485
Water Management in Urban Environment
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: MATH120, MATH130, MATH136, or MATH140.
Historically, with the exception of certain locations, water has been available in sufficient quantities, and providing supporting infrastructure has been relatively straightforward. In urban areas, the concentration of people and the drastic changes in land use, have altered the fluxes of water, sediments, chemicals, and microorganisms. As the population increases and the number of large urban areas keeps growing (both in U.S. and internationally), managing water in urban areas is becoming more challenging. Water must be supplied for domestic, commercial, and industrial use, as well as irrigation and maintaining and enhancing local environments (e.g., urban streams). In addition, stormwater must be managed to prevent flooding and environmental damage, and used water, which contains organic matter, nutrients, and other constituents that can be extracted and reused, must be collected and managed. In this course we take a systems approach to urban water hydrology, engineering, planning and management. We will explore urban water cycle, urban runoff and drainage characteristics, urban water supply and demand, stormwater collection and treatment and designing best management practices. Additionally, we look at the climate impacts on the urban water cycle.
ENST486
Senior Professional Experience
Prerequisite: ENST389.
Restriction: Must be in the Environmental Science and Technology program; and permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
Additional information: The course has two types of activities: lecture and experiential learning. Students are expected to work on their professional-level experience for 90 hours and participate in a 2-hour lecture every other week, during the semester to develop their Senior Integrative Experience (SIE) project. Each student's research question, proposal methodology, analysis, paper, and presentation will follow learning outcomes of all ENST SIE course options.
Students will arrange an off-campus professional-level work experience related to Environmental Science and Technology (ENST) to develop expertise in a specific area of their ENST concentration curriculum. Classroom sessions will frame student experiences within the broader discipline of Environmental Science and Technology. This course will tie together current practices in the ENST career industry, proposal writing, critical analysis, and culminate in a final paper and presentation.
ENST489
Research Experience
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
ENST499
Special Topics in Environmental Science and Technology
Credits:
1 - 4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
ENST499A
Special Topics in Environmental Science and Technology; Urban Ecology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
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.
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.
ENST499E
Special Topics in Environmental Science and Technology; Artificial Intelligence for the Environment
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
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.
ENST499I
Special Topics in Environmental Science and Technology; Save Soil, Save the World
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
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.
ENST499L
Special Topics in Environmental Science and Technology; Ground Water Use in the Developing World
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg
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.
ENST499X
Special Topics in Environmental Science and Technology; Soil Science
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Contact department for information to regsiter for this course.
ENST499Y
Special Topics in Environmental Science and Technology; College Teaching
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
ENST602
Research Principles and Methodology in Environmental Scienceand Technolgy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Environmental Sci & Tech program.
Fundamental research strategies and methods of investigation in Environmental Science and Technology including field and laboratory procedures.
ENST603
Advanced Invasive Species Ecology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Jointly offered with ENST403.
Credit only granted for: ENST403, ENST603 , or ENST689R.
Formerly: ENST689R.
Additional information: Two field trips are planned for this class.
We will examine ecological, evolutionary, and anthropogenic processes facilitating or resisting biological invasions, and consider their environmental, economic, and human health impacts. We will consider various management strategies to mitigate invasions and identify areas of future research. Field trips and detailed discussion of recent findings and controversies in the literature will help illustrate fundamental concepts of invasions among various ecosystems.
ENST606
Advanced Ecosystem Health and Natural Resource Management
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
Credit only granted for: ENST606 or ENST689E.
Formerly: ENST689E.
Additional information: Priority in enrollment will be given to students in ENST program.
Explore some of the most important and current global environmental and health challenges. Investigate fundamental and new concepts from the fields of ecology, eco-epidemiology, social anthropology, and environmental and health policy, as well as interdisciplinary cross-sectorial approaches such as One Health, Eco-Health, and Planetary Health.
ENST611
Advanced Principles of Soil Fertility
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: ENST200; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Jointly offered with: ENST411.
Credit only granted for: ENST411 or ENST611.
Soil factors affecting plant growth and quality with emphasis on the bio-availability of mineral nutrients. The management of soil systems to enhance plant growth by means of crop rotations, microbial activities, and use of organic and inorganic amendments.
ENST650
Advanced Wetland Ecology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: BIOM301; and ENST360 or other ecology equivalent; or permission of AGNR-Environmental Science and Technology department; or permission of CMNS-Marine & Estuarine-Environmental Science Program).
Cross-listed with: MEES650.
Jointly offered with: ENST450, MEES650.
Credit only granted for: ENST450, ENST650, or MEES650.
Additional information: Wading boots (at least hip length) are strongly recommended.
Plant and animal communities, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem properties of wetlands. Lectures are supplemented by field trips (normally 2 days total during the semester) and in-class labs. Hands-on activities and exercises include identification of wetland plant species, wetland mapping and delineation, and collection and analysis of field data on wetland vegetation, soil, and hydrology. Wading boots (at least hip length) are strongly recommended.
ENST689
Special Topics
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
ENST689E
Special Topics; What's In Your Environmental Sample? Quantifying Pollutants
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
The course is designed to teach theories, principles, and methods of analyzing environmental contaminants utilizing various instrumentation and sample preparation techniques. The course will include a sample preparation methods to detect contaminants at known and unknown concentrations in various media (i.e., soil, water, and air).
ENST689M
Special Topics; Advanced Soil Chemistry
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Advanced examination of modern and emerging topics in Soil Chemistry. The course will focus on the most current ideas and cutting-edge techniques to understand how key soil chemical mechanisms and pathways are linked to large-scale phenomena such as climate change, food security, sustainability, nutrient cycling, and pollution.
ENST689X
Special Topics; Methods in University Teaching
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
ENST689Y
Special Topics; Advances in Research, Plant Membrane Biology
Credits:
2
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
ENST689Z
Special Topics; Introductory University Instruction
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
ENST761
Methods in Pedological Investigations
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: ENST414; or permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
This is designed to equip students with analytical tools for soil microfabric and mineralogical analysis in order to understand soil properties and processes. A number of techniques will be discussed, but emphasis will be placed on micromorphology and x-ray diffractometry. Both theoretical and applied considerations will be convered, and students will gain substantial hands on experience in collecting and interpreting data germane to their research interests.
ENST798
Graduate Seminar
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be in one of the following programs (Environmental Science and Technology (Doctoral); Environmental Science and Technology (Master's)); or permission of AGNR-Environmental Science & Technology department.
ENST799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
ENST898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
1 - 8
Grad Meth:
Reg
ENST899
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
S-F
Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
/
Phone:
301.405.1000
Copyright
© 2024 University of Maryland
/
Privacy /
Web Accessibility
Contact us
with comments, questions and feedback
/