SUNY ESF
New and Special Topics Courses
EFB322 | Scuba Diving Intl Foundations | 48400
M | 12:45 PM - 1:40 PM | M 2:45 PM - 4:35 PM | Whitbread, Alyssa
In person discussion and in water training/computer learning modules. This is the
second in a sequence of three scientific diving courses instructed in collaboration
between SUNY ESF and Scuba Diving International (SDI). This course will develop and
refine student skills with recreational diving equipment configurations, and expand
on gas planning techniques within a no-decompression context. Students will refine
navigational skills that help them in an underwater environment. Students will have
the opportunity to obtain up to three diving certifications(SDI Foundations, Computer
Nitrox, and Dry Suit Diver). Students must be Open Water Dive certified to enroll.
Spring Prerequisites: Open water dive certification
EFB496 | Fur School | 48085
On-line Hybrid | Frair, Jacqueline
Hybrid schedule with intermittent zoom meetings (TBD) during the semester and 3 in-person
field days at ESF’s Heiberg Forest over spring break. Gain practical experience in
trapper education and management. Topics include why trapping occurs, types of traps
and their deployment, best management practices, safe handling of animals and processing
of fur, wildlife diseases, and public communications. Spring. No prerequisites.
Credit will count towards Directed Field Experience for Wildlife Science majors.
EFB496 | Climate Change in Marine Systems | 53694
Th | 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM | Schulz, Kimberly
In this undergraduate seminar and special topics class, students will learn more about
the known and predicted effects of climate change on diverse marine ecosystems by
reading and discussing reviews and primary literature, learning about trends in multiple
marine ecosystems, and participating in group activities. We will also discuss, evaluate,
and brainstorm potential remediation activities in different ecosystems and how to
prioritize restoration and conservation efforts. A previous course in marine ecology,
oceanography or other marine topics is highly recommended. The class will be limited
to students with Junior or Senior status unless there is an exceptional situation
(petition is necessary in this case).
EFB523 | Tropical Ecology | 53693
W | 05:15 PM - 06:35 PM | Dovciak,Martin; Diemont,Stewart AW
One lecture (1.5 hr) per week coupled with a period of intensive hands-on field study
over spring break in a tropical country. Principles of tropical ecology, nature conservation,
and sustainable resource management are presented in class and during field trips
to a variety of tropical terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems such as tropical montane
and lowland rain forest, cloud forests, paramo, tropical dry forests, white-water
rivers, and lagoons. Comparisons with north temperate ecosystems are made. Counts
as Field-Experience Directed Elective in EFB. Spring. Appropriate fees apply in addition
to travel and lodging costs. Prerequisite: One year of college biology and a general
ecology course.
EFB797 | Biological Information: Genetics, Environment, and Heredity | 53618
M | 02:15 PM - 03:10 PM | Downs,Cynthia Joy
This course explores the intricate relationship between genetics and the environment.
We will delve into topics such as genetic inheritance, inheritance of environmental
influences, phenotypic plasticity, and the timescale dependence of inheritance systems.
We will also discuss the biological information more broadly. Through discussions,
the course aims to advance our understanding of how information theory, evolutionary
processes, and stochastic mechanisms shape heritable information across generations.
Students will develop a deep appreciation for the complex interplay between genetic
and environmental factors in shaping biological diversity and adaptation.
EFB797 | AquaBreak | 53695
Th | 12:30 PM - 01:50 PM | Arsenault, Emily R
A discussion group for graduate students interested in broadening knowledge within
the field of aquatic science. Students will primarily be responsible for conducting
critical review of recently published peer reviewed papers in the aquatic sciences
and leading group discussions of these papers. Discussions will diversify understanding
of a multi-disciplinary field by synthesizing foundational themes and recent developments
common across the aquatic sciences.
EFB797 | Climate Change and Aquatic Invasive Species | 53696
Tu | 03:30 PM - 05:30 PM | Schulz,Kimberly
In this graduate student seminar we will provide an overview of the effects of climate
change and AIS, and we will read and discuss published papers about the interactive
effects of climate change and invasive species in aquatic systems. Students will
lead some of these discussions in small teams. During the course, we also will work
together to build a comprehensive framework of the current state of knowledge about
climate change and AIS, and interested students will be able to sign up for an additional
credit if they want to contribute substantively and be co-authors on a review paper
on this topic to be submitted for publication in summer 2025.
EFB797 | Foundations in Indigenous-led conservation | 53913
Artelle,Kyle A
ERE620 | Systems Microbiology & Biotechnology | 53719
MW; Th | 11:40 AM - 12:35 PM; 03:30 PM - 06:20 PM | You,Yaqi
Microbial communities lie at the heart of many ecosystems and mediate a myriad of
processes on the Earth. Systems-level understanding of the structure and function
of microbial communities paves the way for harnessing microbial powers in many applications,
from agriculture to wastewater treatment and to bioremediation, and beyond. Data-intensive
omics techniques allow elucidation of complex biological systems, and yet omics data
require a suite of computational methods to analyze. This course aims to introduce
state-of-the-art techniques and computational methods commonly used for probing dynamic
microbial systems. We will introduce lab techniques for biomolecules (i.e., DNA, RNA,
protein), cells, and communities, and survey computational methods and public databases
applicable to different types of data. This course will also showcase applications
of the variety of techniques and methods to microbes in diverse natural and engineered
environments (e.g., human body, soil/sediment, wastewater treatment plant). We will
use examples from recent literature to illustrate microbial systems at the cellular,
population, and community level. Prerequisite: Either microbiology/genetics or computer
programming
EPH 201| Calculus Based Physics I | 54190
MW | 03:45 PM - 05:05 PM |
An introduction to the study of forces, motion, and energy as applied to physical
systems at a mathematical level that presumes some knowledge of calculus. This course
is the ESF version of Physics 211 at Syracuse University. Students in this class would
take the Physics 221 lab at Syracuse University.
ESF296| Yoga for Overall Wellness | 53697
Th | 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM | Sheehan, Katherine
The course meets once a week for just under an hour. This will be a movement- based
mat class in a vinyasa (flow) style. We will incorporate the eight limbs of yoga and
yogic principles while also integrating the science behind why yoga works to promote
whole-person lifelong health. This will delve into the biology and psychology of these
practices. Beginners are welcome. Students will be expected to do some reflective
practices (journaling).
EST496 | Communicating Just Rural Transitions in the Americas: Study Abroad | 53712
Tu | 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM | Selfa,Theresa
This course is designed for students to learn about and experience the cultural, environmental
and renewable energy issues in rural southwest Colombia, and how to communicate about
solutions to these environmental issues through digital storytelling methods. The
course will focus on renewable energy systems integrated with agroecological practices,
and on the challenges faced by women cacao growers, and will include a spring break
study abroad trip to Colombia. The course will include (1) overview to rural livelihoods
issues in Colombia (2) renewable energy systems integrated with agroecology (3) using
digital storytelling to explore solutions to livelihood and environmental challenges.
During spring break, we will travel to Colombia. Field trips will include visits
to women cacao grower farms and contaminated wetlands in Jamundi, Colombia; to renewable
energy systems such as biodigesters and solar panels and their use by community members;
to a farm where renewable energy systems are integrated with agroecological practices
to maintain a sustainable production of different crops and livestock.
EST496 | Urbanization & the Environment | 53713
M | 11:40 AM - 02:05 PM | Cousins,Joshua
This course provides a foundation for researching and writing about the social, political,
economic, and material aspects of urban infrastructures and networks, resource development,
urban environmental governance and decision-making as well as the practices of urban
planners, engineers, and scientists in shaping urban space and processes.
EST496 | Water, Climate & Society | 53714
MW | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM | Shinn,Jamie Elizabeth
Many of the impacts of climate change will be water-related, whether it is too much
water or not enough (e.g., sea level rise, floods, droughts). These impacts pose complex
challenges for societies and require novel solutions. In this seminar, students will
read, write about, and discuss case studies from around the world to understand water-society
relationships and options for water governance and policy in a changing climate, ranging
from international treaties to national policies to community-based solutions.
EST496 | Onondaga Land Rights & Our Common Future | 53715
W | 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | Landis,Catherine L
In 2005, the Onondaga Nation filed a federal Lawsuit against the State of New York
for the taking by the state of traditional Onondaga Homelands. The land rights action
petitioned the U.S. Federal Court to declare that New York State violated federal
law when it took Onondaga Land. This course examines the Land Rights Action in terms
of its genesis, history, and how it shapes relationships to land and place today.
The approach includes historical, cultural, and ecological elements related to "rights
of the land. " We will also address the "healing" called for by the Onondaga people
in the opening preamble of the OLRA: What does it look like to heal relationships
between peoples, and between people and place? The course will be co-taught by CNPE
staff and Onondaga Nation members.
EST696 | Water, Climate & Society | 53716
MW | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM | Shinn,Jamie Elizabeth
Many of the impacts of climate change will be water-related, whether it is too much
water or not enough (e.g., sea level rise, floods, droughts). These impacts pose complex
challenges for societies and require novel solutions. In this seminar, students will
read, write about, and discuss case studies from around the world to understand water-society
relationships and options for water governance and policy in a changing climate, ranging
from international treaties to national policies to community-based solutions.
EST797 | Digital Methods, AI tools, Research Ethics and Critical Reconciliation |
53722
Th | 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM | Moran,Sharon D, Christie,Emme
One hour weekly discussion. Focused on the environmental social sciences, this course
considers ethical dimensions, value systems, data sovereignty, reconciliation, and
more. This course is designed to engage students around developing of research ethics
as scientists in a rapidly changing digital information landscape. We will look critically
at digital tools and approaches used in various stages of the research process. Students
will engage the questions between conducting robust science and ethical commitments
of researchers as well as how emergent digital technologies (and especially AI) will
be impacting research practices and values.
Limit: 12 people
EST797 | Indigenous Research Methods | 53838
Tu | 03:30 PM - 06:20 PM | Kayira,Jean C
This is a graduate seminar-style course. We will explore the philosophical and methodological
foundation for conducting research with Indigenous communities and peoples. Discussions
will center on the history of research with Indigenous peoples; Indigenous research
methodologies and relational epistemologies; Decolonizing and Indigenous research
models and their role in research as reconciliation; the importance of Indigenous
research sovereignty and governance; ways in which our own cultural identities are
situated in relation to the application of Indigenous research methodologies and the
implications of this for research design and process; and challenges encountered with
the application of Indigenous research methodologies within institutional and community
partnerships.
EWP496 | The Art of Fiction | 48373
TuTh | 03:30 PM - 04:50 PM | Fenn,Jess
How do fiction writers make a world come alive for a reader? What makes the reader
feel as if they are fully present, participating in the story alongside the characters?
This creative writing course explores how writers and artists use craft elements
such as character, dialogue, conflict, point of view, image, and setting to pull readers
into their stories. We will read and discuss short model works of fiction, engaging
in frequent writing exercises to practice our fiction-writing skills. The course includes
revision and peer feedback components. Readings will include contemporary examples
of ecofiction, climate fiction, and more. 3 credits. Applies to Environmental Writing
& Rhetoric Minor. Can be petitioned for SUNY Gen Ed The Arts requirement.
EWP496 | The Art of Poetry | 53555
MW | 02:15 PM - 03:35 PM | Gedetsis,Jacob
In this course, we will study the building blocks of poetry in an attempt to create
our own poetic responses to the world around us. Each week we will try to understand
how poets do this—one, by reading established poets and two, by writing our own beautiful,
meaningful, and pleasure-giving poems. You will compose, revise, and reimagine your
own poems while providing thoughtful feedback to your peers. Through reading and writing
we will explore and practice the technical aspects of form, process, and subject while
also trying to get to the mysterious creation of art. Contemporary poetry will be
emphasized with a particular focus on ecopoetics. 3 credits. Applies to Environmental
Writing & Rhetoric Minor. Can be petitioned for SUNY Gen Ed The Arts requirement.
FCH496 | Micobial Biochemistry | 46896
Tu | 03:30 PM - 04:25 PM | Goff,Jennifer L
This class will provide a sampling of the diverse metabolic strategies of the bacteria
and archaea inhabiting the world around us. The motivating theme will be "life beyond
glucose and oxygen", exploring modes of microbial metabolism beyond the glucose oxidation
coupled to oxygen reduction. Topics of focus will include anaerobic respiration,
phototrophy, and chemolithotrophy. We will connect these diverse metabolisms to global
biogeochemical cycles to appreciate the role of microorganisms in the health of our
planet.
FCH496 | Phytormediation | 46900
TuTh | 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM | Newman,Lee A
FCH630| Plant Biochemistry | 53867
MWF | 11:40 AM - 12:35 PM | Mostofa,Mohammad Golam
The Plant Biochemistry course offers an in-depth exploration of the biochemical processes
essential to plant life, focusing on key mechanisms involved in photosynthesis, respiration,
and metabolic cycles that support plant growth and adaptation. This course will dive
into the chemical pathways that enable plants to thrive, with practical applications
in agriculture, biotechnology, and sustainability. By completing this course, students
will gain specialized knowledge on how plant biochemistry contributes to solutions
for global challenges like food security and climate change. Additionally, they will
learn about the latest advancements in plant metabolic pathways, photosynthesis, and
the production of secondary metabolites.
FCH796 | Phytormediation | 53869
TuTh | 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM | Newman,Lee A
FCH796 | Micobial Biochemistry | 53870
Tu | 03:30 PM - 04:25 PM | Goff,Jennifer L
This class will provide a sampling of the diverse metabolic strategies of the bacteria
and archaea inhabiting the world around us. The motivating theme will be "life beyond
glucose and oxygen", exploring modes of microbial metabolism beyond the glucose oxidation
coupled to oxygen reduction. Topics of focus will include anaerobic respiration,
phototrophy, and chemolithotrophy. We will connect these diverse metabolisms to global
biogeochemical cycles to appreciate the role of microorganisms in the health of our
planet.
FOR496 | Argoforestry | 48350
TuTh | 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM | Gross,Cole D
The overall goal of the course is to provide students with theoretical and practical
knowledge of agroforestry practices by reviewing current research, challenges, and
prospects. The course focuses on the implementation of agroforestry practices for
creating more sustainable landscapes. In-class activities, integrated labs, and two
mandatory field trips (occurring on Saturdays during the latter half of the course)
are designed to reinforce topics being discussed in lectures and contribute to successful
student learning outcomes.
FOR496 | Soil Health | 53704
MW; M | 01:00 PM - 01:55 PM; 02:15 PM - 05:05 PM | Gross,Cole D
The overall goal of the course is to provide students with knowledge of soil health
principles and the physical, biological, and chemical processes that affect soil health.
The course explores how to measure and interpret soil health with an emphasis on the
implementation of management practices that promote healthy soils for creating more
sustainable landscapes. In-class activities and a lab/field component are designed
to reinforce topics being discussed in lectures and contribute to successful student
learning outcomes.
FOR496 | Environmental Economics | 53705
TuTh | 12:30 PM - 01:50 PM | Cavo,Mariela
Application of economic theory and models to critically analyze the state of the environment
as well as to identify how we might bring improvements in environmental quality. This
course explores market failures, sustainable policies, and economic valuation of non-market
resources, equipping you with tools to promote sustainability through smart economic
decisions.
FOR496 | Natural Hazards | 53706
TuTh | 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM | Shaker,Richard R
Natural hazards impact all regions of Earth. The loss of human lives, disruption
of economies, and destruction of physical infrastructure that result from these events
often lead to national crises both in developing and developed countries. This course
addresses the complexities of natural hazards and disasters from environmental, economic,
social, scientific, and policy perspectives. Issues such as evaluation of physical
environments, land use and development patterns, prediction of disasters, differences
in vulnerability, perceptions of risk, degree of exposure, responses to warnings,
and hazard management initiatives are explored. A sustainability approach (e.g.,
environmental, economic, social) will be applied to better understand the role of
integrated environmental hazard mitigation, planning, and management. This course
is designed to provide “real world” examples of how natural hazards and disasters
affect coupled human-environmental systems. To elucidate the environmental hazard
mitigation process, interdisciplinary teamwork, scientific research, fieldwork, and
presentation will be utilized throughout this course. Students are expected to have
some knowledge of geophysical processes and characteristics of extreme natural events.
FOR796 | Argoforestry | 48352
TuTh | 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM | Gross,Cole D
The overall goal of the course is to provide students with theoretical and practical
knowledge of agroforestry practices by reviewing current research, challenges, and
prospects. The course focuses on the implementation of agroforestry practices for
creating more sustainable landscapes. In-class activities, integrated labs, and two
mandatory field trips (occurring on Saturdays during the latter half of the course)
are designed to reinforce topics being discussed in lectures and contribute to successful
student learning outcomes.
FOR796 | Soil Health | 53709
MW; M | 01:00 PM - 01:55 PM; 02:15 PM - 05:05 PM | Gross,Cole D
The overall goal of the course is to provide students with knowledge of soil health
principles and the physical, biological, and chemical processes that affect soil health.
The course explores how to measure and interpret soil health with an emphasis on the
implementation of management practices that promote healthy soils for creating more
sustainable landscapes. In-class activities and a lab/field component are designed
to reinforce topics being discussed in lectures and contribute to successful student
learning outcomes.
FOR796 | Environmental Economics | 53710
TuTh | 12:30 PM - 01:50 PM | Cavo,Mariela
Application of economic theory and models to critically analyze the state of the environment
as well as to identify how we might bring improvements in environmental quality. This
course explores market failures, sustainable policies, and economic valuation of non-market
resources, equipping you with tools to promote sustainability through smart economic
decisions.
FOR796 | Natural Hazards | 53711
TuTh | 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM | Shaker,Richard R
Natural hazards impact all regions of Earth. The loss of human lives, disruption
of economies, and destruction of physical infrastructure that result from these events
often lead to national crises both in developing and developed countries. This course
addresses the complexities of natural hazards and disasters from environmental, economic,
social, scientific, and policy perspectives. Issues such as evaluation of physical
environments, land use and development patterns, prediction of disasters, differences
in vulnerability, perceptions of risk, degree of exposure, responses to warnings,
and hazard management initiatives are explored. A sustainability approach (e.g.,
environmental, economic, social) will be applied to better understand the role of
integrated environmental hazard mitigation, planning, and management. This course
is designed to provide “real world” examples of how natural hazards and disasters
affect coupled human-environmental systems. To elucidate the environmental hazard
mitigation process, interdisciplinary teamwork, scientific research, fieldwork, and
presentation will be utilized throughout this course. Students are expected to have
some knowledge of geophysical processes and characteristics of extreme natural events.
LSA496 | Sustainable Transportation | 53872
MW| 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM | White,Ellen O
This course examines how the built environment of transportation infrastructure influences
and is influenced by the way we travel in and around our communities. Through readings,
discussion, lectures, and guest lectures by practitioners and researchers, students
will learn about the guidelines and practices that govern how transportation infrastructure
is built, maintained, and managed. Topics include street design (for all modes, but
prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and people who use mobility devices), traffic
violence and traffic safety, transportation equity, travel behavior, and other current
issues in transportation. Along with readings, coursework will include street and
intersection design and digital narrative creation.
LSA696 | Sustainable Transportation | 53873
MW| 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM | White,Ellen O
This course examines how the built environment of transportation infrastructure influences
and is influenced by the way we travel in and around our communities. Through readings,
discussion, lectures, and guest lectures by practitioners and researchers, students
will learn about the guidelines and practices that govern how transportation infrastructure
is built, maintained, and managed. Topics include street design (for all modes, but
prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and people who use mobility devices), traffic
violence and traffic safety, transportation equity, travel behavior, and other current
issues in transportation. Along with readings, coursework will include street and
intersection design and digital narrative creation.
SUS496 | Solar Power: Photovoltaic Design and Installation | 53688
Abrams,Neal M
An introduction to the basic concepts of photovoltaics including assessing energy
load, photovoltaic function, on-grid design, and residential installation. Students
will investigate integration of site design, financial planning, safety, building
code, and electrical code. Successful participants should have a basic understanding
of wiring and circuitry prior to starting the course. A capstone project includes
design of PV system. Online asynchronous only. Prerequisites and Co-requisites:
This is a 400-level course. All pre- and co-requisites for this course are satisfied
with the satisfactory completion of required lower division General Education; Sustainability
Core Transfer Path; Competency and Skill; and Free Elective curricular requirements.
Typically, this is determined upon admission to this program or by permission of the
instructor or curriculum coordinator.
SUS496 | Intro to Green Building | 48304
Mirzabeigi,Shayan
Today, buildings demand 32% of the total world’s energy resources, and are the major
contributor to climate change, resource depletion, waste, over-consumption, diminished
human health, and other 21st century problems. This is a multidisciplinary course
focus on LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as the most widely
used green building rating system in the world, and reviews its credit categories,
prerequisites, requirements, total possible points, and four (4) levels of certifications.
It will equip students to understand how different benchmarks and standards for green
buildings have evolved over time and how they, as green buildings leaders, can participate
in the future (addressing the UN Sustainable Development 3, 6, 7, 12, 15 Goals). The
course will use a mix of various materials including but not limited to readings,
videos, online discussions, and case-based assignments to engage students more in
learning and provide opportunities for them to move from consumers to creators. Successful
course completion can prepare the student for LEED Green Associate exam or becoming
a LEED Accredited Professional. Students who complete the course in good standing
might receive funding to take the certification exam.