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ESC - Environmental Science
Course Descriptions

ESC 132 Orientation Seminar (1)
One hour of lecture or discussion each week. Introduction to campus facilities, personnel, lower-division curriculum and upper-division study options within the Environmental Science program. Fall.

ESC 200 Climate Change Science and Sustainability (1)
Climate Change Science and Sustainability is an introduction to climate science, the evidence of modern climate change, and an evaluation of some of the proposed solutions. The course integrates NASA and other web-based climate change media and products with outside readings. NASA's spatial and temporal climate change resources are the basis for most learning activities, which will enable students to continue their exploration of personal and societal climate change solutions.

ESC 296 Special Topics in Environmental Science (1 - 3)
One to three hours of class meetings per week. Special topics of current interest to lower-division undergraduate students in environmental science. A detailed course subject description will be presented as a topic area is identified and developed. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

ESC 325 Energy Systems (3)
Three hours of lecture per week. An interdisciplinary overview of human-dominated energy systems. Topics include traditional extractive approaches, sustainable energy systems, energy return on investment, thermodynamics, energy flow analysis, resource supply, utilization rates, and environmental issues. Students are introduced to the multiple disciplines required to evolve more sustainable systems. A full-day field trip. Fall.
Prerequisites: EFB 120, FCH 150, and PHY 211. Note: Credit will not be granted for both ESC 325 and ESC 525.

ESC 335 Renewable Energy (3)
Three hours of lecture/discussion per week providing an overview of the role of renewable energy in the context of energy supply. Sustainable sources of heat, power and fuels will be covered and compared in terms of economic and environmental impacts. A one-day field trip of renewable projects is required. Spring.
Prerequisite: ESC 325. Note: Credit will not be granted for both ESC 335 and ESC 535.

ESC 422 Energy Markets and Regulation (3)
Three hours of lecture/discussion per week concerning markets and regulation of energy. Topics include: the economics of energy markets, industry restructuring, and the development of markets for energy efficiency and renewable power. The role and impacts of energy regulation on markets will also be examined. Fall.
Prerequisite: ESC 325. Note: Credit will not be granted for both ESC 422 and ESC 622.

ESC 450 Renewable Energy Capstone Planning (1)
One-hour group meeting every two weeks. This course will afford the student an opportunity to select a topic, in conjunction with the instructor, for detailed investigation in Capstone II. Each student will work individually with the instructor to arrive at a feasible project. Fall.
Prerequisites: ESC 325 and ESC 335. Co-requisite: ESC 422.

ESC 460 Renewable Energy Capstone Planning (2)
One half-hour meeting per week. Students will synthesize information from courses in the Renewable Energy minor by performing research and preparing a scientific report on topics related to renewable energy and energy. The research will consist of literature review/analysis, modeling, fieldwork or laboratory research. Spring.
Prerequisite: ESC 450.

ESC 494 Capstone Seminar (1)
One hour of lecture/discussion per week. Support and instruction for completion and presentation of the senior synthesis project for Environmental Science. Topics include research skills and literature review, data analysis, scientific writing including editing, and oral presentation. Research or internship must be nearly or fully completed.

ESC 498 Research Problems in Environmental Science (1 - 5)
Independent research in topics in environmental science for undergraduate students. Selection of subject area determined by the student in conjunction with an appropriate faculty member. Tutorial conferences, discussions and critiques scheduled as necessary. Final written report required for departmental record. Fall, Spring and/or Summer.
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

ESC 525 Energy Systems (3)
Thee hours of lecture per week. An interdisciplinary overview of human-dominated energy systems. Topics include traditional extractive approaches, sustainable energy systems, energy return on investment, thermodynamics, energy flow analysis, resource supply, utilization rates, and environmental issues. Students are introduced to the multiple disciplines to evolve more sustainable systems. A full-day field trip. Fall.
Prerequisites: EFB 120, FCH 150, PHY 211 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Note: Credit will not be granted for both ESC 325 and ESC 525.

ESC 535 Renewable Energy (3)
Three hours of lecture/discussion per week providing an overview of the role of renewable energy in the context of energy supply. Sustainable sources of heat, power and fuels will be covered and compared in terms of economic and environmental impacts. A one- day field trip of renewable projects is required. Spring.
Prerequisite: ESC 325 or equivalent. Note: Credit will not be granted for both ESC 335 and ESC 535.

ESC 622 Energy Markets and Regulation (3)
Three hours of lecture/discussion per week concerning markets and regulation of energy. Topics include: the economics of energy markets, industry restructuring, and the development of markets for energy efficiency and renewable power. The role and impacts of energy regulation on markets will also be examined. Fall.
Prerequisites: ESC 325 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Note: Credit will not be granted for both ESC 422 and ESC 622.