May 20, 2024  
2011-2012 Catalog 
    
2011-2012 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Psychology

(Offered through the Counseling Psychology and Human Services Department)

Department Competencies that are met by each course are noted by the following abbreviation: Self Understanding (SU); Creative Expression (CU); Critical Thinking (CT); Knowledge of Discipline (KD); Activisms/Leadership (AL); Professionalism (P)

  
  • PY 74300 - Introduction to the Project Demonstrating Excellence

    (2)
    This course will begin the learner’s process in researching and developing a topic for their Project Demonstrating Excellence (PDE) Offered Summer. Competencies: AL
  
  • PY 74500 - PDE Proposal

    (3)
    In this course, learners will determine appropriate methodology, prepare a proposal, and then conduct research for their Project Demonstrating Excellence (PDE). Offered Summer. Competencies: AL
  
  • PY 75100 - PDE Research

    (5)
    In this course, learners will conduct research supporting their PDE. Offered Fall. Competencies: AL
  
  • PY 75300 - Introduction to Supervised Practicum 1

    (2)
    Students will staff the APU Counseling and Wellness Center and work with each other in building their psychotherapeutic skills. Offered Fall. Competencies: CS
  
  • PY 76100 - PDE Completion

    (5)


     

    The student’s Project Demonstrating Excellence (PDE) will be presented and defended to committee. Offered Spring. Competencies: AL

  
  • PY 76300 - Supervised Practicum II

    (2)
    Students will staff the APU Counseling and Wellness Center and work with each other in building their psychotherapeutic skills. Offered Spring. Competencies: CS
  
  • PY 77100 - Pre-Doctoral Supervised Internship I

    (5)
    Experience as a pre-doctoral intern psychologist or counselor at a professional site in the community. The internship must be approved by the Graduate Director in advance.  Pre-requisite: PDE completion. Offered Summer. Competencies: CS
  
  • PY 78100 - Pre-Doctoral Supervised Internship II

    (7)
    Experience as a pre-doctoral intern psychologist or counselor at a professional site in the community continues from summer.  Pre-requisite: Pre-Doctoral Internship I completion. Offered Fall. Competencies: CS
  
  • PY 79100 - Pre-Doctoral Supervised Internship III

    (7)
    Experience as a pre-doctoral intern psychologist or counselor at a professional site in the community continues. The internship must be approved by the Graduate Director in advance.  Pre-requisite: Pre-Doctoral Supervised Internship II Offered Spring. Competencies: CS

Religious Studies

(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)

  
  • RS 10500 - Introduction to Catholic Studies I, II, III

    (2 credits each)
    These courses provide a foundational survey of Roman Catholic beliefs and practices. They represent a series of interrelated two credit courses over three sessions. They will survey the Catholic Understandings of God, the Bible, the church, Mary, the saints, liturgy, sacraments, devotions, as well as Catholic teachings pertaining to personal, social, and ecological morality, and other issues. The courses are not sequential. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • RS 20100 - Topics in Religion

    (4)
    The courses listed under this menu provide introductions to the spiritual traditions of the world. Active learning projects are incorporated into the course requirements. Students are encouraged to explore how these traditions influence political, economic, cultural, and social forces in the contemporary world. Satisfies the Ethics and Religious Values GUR. Offered Fall/Spring.
       
    (Topic course number range from RS 20101 to RS 20199 in schedule)
    Selected Topics:  
    World Religions Spiritual Environment
    America’s Religious History  
  
  • RS 20200 - Foundations of A Religion

    (2)
    The courses listed in this menu provide a detailed overview of one religion. Each course will review origins and history and explore the fundamental beliefs, practices, and various branches of a specific religious tradition. Special attention will be given to the understandings of contemporary adherents within the tradition. Each course may be counted toward either the Ethics and Religious Values or the Humanities GUR. Offered Fall/Spring.
       
    (Topic course number range from RS 20201 to RS 20299 in schedule)
    Selected Topics:  
    Buddhism Islam
    Christianity Judaism
    Foundations of Hinduism  
  
  • RS 30100 - Advanced Studies in Religion

    (1-4)
    These courses examine fundamental texts, history and past and/or present concerns in religious experience, interpretation or speculative thought. Each course will introduce students to the theoretical approaches, forms of critical analysis, and research methods of their respective content. The courses will engage students with basic critical techniques and provide opportunities to explore relevant examples in the national and local believing and scholarly communities. Specific topics with course descriptions will be printed in class schedules for the term in which the course is offered. Satisfies the Humanities GUR. Offered Fall/Spring.
       
    (Topic course number range from RS 30101 to RS 30199 in schedule)
    Selected Topics:  
    Biblical Studies Christianity
    Church East and West Creation: Myths and Hypotheses
    Death of Jesus Feminist Theology
    Jesus of History, Christ of Faith The Holocaust
    Travel and Study in Israel The Old Testament
    The New Testament Women in the Biblical World
    Jesus of History, Christ of Faith, Film and Fiction

  
  • RS 30300 - Advanced Topics in Biblical Studies

    (1-4)
    These offerings provide advanced study of one or more biblical texts. These courses generally presume that students have already taken one of the following or similar courses: RS 30100 Biblical Studies, Old Testament, or New Testament. Specific course descriptions will be printed in class schedules for the term in which the course is offered. Satisfies the Humanities GUR. Offered Fall/Spring.
       
    (Topic course number range from RS 30301 to RS 30399 in schedule)
    Selected Topics:  
    Colossians & Ephesians Corinthian Correspondence
    Galatio Gospel According to Matthew
    Gospel of Mark John
    Luke Luke’s Sequel: The Book of Acts
    Non-Canonical Gospels Luke-Acts
    Pauline Epistles Revelations
    Women in the Biblical World Paul’s Epistle to the Romans
    Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament

  
  • RS 30500 - Advanced Catholic Studies

    (2-4)
    These offerings provided by the Cardinal Newman Chair of Catholic Theology examine history, doctrines, beliefs, practices, and expressions of Catholicism. Some courses give special attention to the American Catholic experience. Others will focus on individual thinkers or defining moments in church history. Offered Fall/Spring.
       
    (Topic course number range from RS 30501 to RS 30599 in schedule)
    Selected Topics:  
    American Catholicism Catholic Beliefs, Practices & History
    Catholics and Other Christians Lectionary
    Non-Canonical Gospels Paul’s Life and Letters


Science (Environmental)

(Offered through the Environmental Science Department)

  
  • SC 10000 - Integrated Science I

    (4)
    Laboratory course tailored for non-science majors. Examination of the development of major scientific concepts and theories which are the basis of study in the distinct scientific disciplines. Scientific concepts will be placed in a social context by exploring the relationships between science, technology, and society. Lab included. Lab fee required. Satisfies the Laboratory Science GUR. Offered Fall: alternating years online/on campus.
  
  • SC 11000 - Natural History of Alaska

    (4)
    This is an introduction to the animals, plants, and geology of Southcentral Alaska’s terrestrial and coastal ecosystems. The goal of the class is to familiarize students with this area’s natural history sufficiently that they can share their knowledge with others. As a field-based block class, the class features a 1-2 week field trip that includes camping, day-hikes, and a short backpacking trip suitable for beginners. Lab fee plus extra costs including food and equipment for the field portion. Satisfies the Laboratory Science GUR. Offered Fall. Competencies: CU, CWD, PA, PS
  
  • SC 11500 - Basics of Weather Laboratory Investigations

    (1)
    General principles of weather presented through workbook and Internet lab exercises. Includes reading of weather symbols and maps, basic atmospheric physics, weather forecasting, Doppler radar, ENSO, and severe weather. Examples incorporating Alaska weather are used to illustrate principles. This course is for students who have completed a general science course and only need to satisfy the laboratory requirement. Prerequisite: 3 credit science GUR, student should have completed a science course and are only taking this course to acquire the laboratory component. Offered Fall.
  
  • SC 12000 - Physical Geology

    (4)
    An introduction to the Earth, including earth materials (minerals, rocks, and soils), the processes that control distributions and behavior of those materials, and application of the scientific method to these topics. Emphasis is placed upon plate tectonics as a unifying theme for understanding the rocks, volcanoes, mountains, glaciers, and earthquakes of Alaska. Laboratory component emphasizes rock and mineral identification, map interpretation, and field-trips to examine notable geologic features in southcentral Alaska. Lab included. Lab fee required. Satisfies the Laboratory Science GUR. Offered Fall as needed. Competencies: CU, PA
  
  • SC 14000 - Introduction to Botany and Zoology

    (4)
    Examination of the plant and animal kingdoms emphasizing structural, functional, and evolutionary relationships. Lab included. Lab fee required. Satisfies the Laboratory Science GUR. Offered Fall. Competencies: CU, CWD, P;MA, PS
  
  • SC 15000 - Introduction to Oceanography

    (4)
    An introductory course in oceanography that examines the role of the oceans in earth systems science. The interaction between the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the marine system will be examined. Major topics include physical characteristics of the oceans, currents, waves, tides, air-sea interaction, coastal processes, and sedimentation. Major delivery of material is via web-based Internet activities. Offered Fall.
  
  • SC 15500 - Introduction to Meteorology

    (4)
    An introductory course in meteorology that examines the role of the atmosphere in earth systems science. Major topics include heat budget of the atmosphere, weather systems, severe weather, climatology, and weather forecasting. Major delivery of material is via web-based Internet activities. Offered as needed.
  
  • SC 16100 - Principles of Biology I

    (4)


    People in this course will pursue an understanding of basic biological chemistry, cellular structure and function, genetics, and evolutionary processes. The course is designed to achieve a level of understanding that is consistent with a course of study leading to graduate or professional school.

      Offered: Fall. Competencies: CU

  
  • SC 16200 - Principles of Biology II

    (4)


    This course provides an understanding of the gross and fine anatomy of organisms in the major kingdoms, phyla or divisions, and in some cases, classes of organisms. In addition, the physiological processes that are unique to or in common with the different biological groups are also examined in detail, e.g., photosynthesis, metabolism, transport, processing and elimination of metabolites, excitable cell function, and development. The course is designed to achieve a level of understanding that is consistent with a course of study leading to graduate or professional school.

      Prerequisite: SC16100 or permission of Instructor Offered: Spring. Competencies: CU

  
  • SC 17000 - Principles of Chemistry I

    (4)
    Basic principles of chemistry including reactions, stoichiometry, ideal gas law, atomic theory, and calculations. Lab included. Lab fee required. Satisfies the Laboratory Science GUR. Prerequisite: MT 10100 . Offered Fall. Competencies: PA, QS
  
  • SC 17100 - Principles of Chemistry II

    (4)
    Continuation of SC 17000 . Study of chemical kinetics, equilibrium theory, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Lab included. Lab fee required. Satisfies the Laboratory Science GUR. Prerequisite: SC 17000 . Offered Spring. Competencies: CU, CWD, PA, QS
  
  • SC 18500 - Practicum

    (1-12)
    Practical work experience in a given area of concentration under the cooperative guidance of a faculty member and an on-the-job supervisor. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 19000 - Seminar

    (1-4)
    Small groups which meet with faculty members for in-depth study and discussion of particular topics. Appropriate course descriptions are published as seminars are offered. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 19200 - Special Topics

    (1-4)
    Special topics in various fields are offered as needed. Appropriate course descriptions are published as topics are developed. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 20500 - Introduction to Environmental Science

    (4)
    Major concepts of natural resource management including those in agriculture, forestry, wildlife, fisheries, water, air, energy, mining, and recreation. Consequences of the use and misuse of vital resources are addressed. Satisfies the Sophomore Seminar GUR. Offered Fall. Competencies: CU, CWD, PMA, PS
  
  • SC 21000 - Winter Ecology and Cold Weather Physiology

    (4)
    A definition of winter and the strategies organisms pursue to survive it. Principles and processes of energy and biochemistry are briefly reviewed in preparation for a survey of animal and plant adaptations to cold stress. Interactions between populations in a winter context are also covered. The course begins with a study of human responses to cold and methods of staying warm. Lab fee required. Satisfies the Laboratory Science GUR. Offered Spring. Competencies: CU, PMA
  
  • SC 21500 - Glaciology and Glacier Travel

    (4)
    The formation and behavior of glaciers in the context of their impact on Alaskan landscapes with extended time spent living, skiing and collecting data on glaciers. Techniques for safe research and travel in glacial landscapes will be emphasized. Topics will include snow and ice physics, mechanisms of glacier flow, sediment production and transport, types of glacial landforms, and the relationship of glacier fluctuations to climate change. Basic techniques for glacier travel, crevasse rescue, hazard recognition and avoidance, snow camping, and glaciological field research will be described and practiced. Lab fee plus extra costs including food and equipment for the field portion. Satisfies the Laboratory Science GUR. Offered Summer. Competencies: CU, CWD, PA, QS
  
  • SC 23000 - Principles of Botany

    (4)
    This is a lecture and laboratory course that focuses on plant structure and function. Structural adaptations to environment will be discussed in the context of their function. This course will provide students with a working knowledge of how plants work and how they evolved to specialized niches. Included in each lecture, where appropriate, will be a discussion of what structural or functional features result in ethnobotanically significant plants. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: SC16100, SC 14000 , or SC 20500 . Offered Fall. Competencies: CU, PA
  
  • SC 24000 - Principles of Zoology

    (4)
    This course introduces students to the Animal Kingdom in the classroom, laboratory and field. Major and minor animal phyla (including the protozoa) are examined with respect to anatomy, ecology, evolutionary relationships among and within phyla, and relationships with humans. Important classes within phyla will be emphasized as well as important groups within classes. Field experience will be gained in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine systems. A large portion of the course will be field-based. Lab fee and travel costs required. Prerequisites: SC16100, SC 14000 , or SC 20500 . Offered Spring. Competencies: CU, PA
  
  • SC 25600 - Environmental Physics

    (4)
    This course is a study of the physical laws and processes that underlie environmental phenomena. A primary emphasis in the class will be on energy and related issues such as climate variability, conservation, and alternative energy sources. Prerequisite: MT 12100 . Offered Fall.
  
  • SC 26000 - Introduction to Global Positioning System (GPS)

    (1)
    This course is an introductory level class for students who wish to learn the basics of the Global Positioning System (GPS). This class will provide fundamental concepts of GPS, how to use GPS receivers, collect and process data. No prior GPS experience is necessary; however, basic computer skills are recommended. Lab fee required. Offered Fall. Competencies: CU, PA, QS, PMA
  
  • SC 27000 - General University Physics I

    (4)
    This course is the first semester of an introductory, calculus based course in physics. Its primary focus is on mechanics, as well as the physics of waves, sound, and thermodynamics. Satisfies the Laboratory Science GUR. Prerequisite: MT 23000  (MT 23000  may be taken concurrently). Offered as needed. Competencies: CU, PA, QS
  
  • SC 27500 - General University Physics II

    (4)
    A continuation of General University Physics I. Focuses on optics, electromagnetism, modern physics and relativity. Lab included. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: MT 23000  and SC 27000 . Offered as needed. Competencies: CU, PA, QS
  
  • SC 28500 - Practicum

    (1-12)
    Practical work experience in a given area of concentration under the cooperative guidance of a faculty member and an on-the-job supervisor. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 29000 - Seminar

    (1-4)
    Small groups which meet with faculty members for in-depth study and discussion of particular topics. Appropriate course descriptions are published as seminars are offered. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 29200 - Special Topics

    (1-4)
    Special topics in various fields are offered as needed. Appropriate course descriptions are published as topics are developed. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 30000 - Tropical Natural History

    (4)
    A field-oriented block course that travels to a tropical region and explores the wildlife, natural history, and conservation concerns there. This course requires difficult and uncomfortable traveling conditions. Requires lab fee and air-fare expenses. Satisfies LAB GUR. Prerequisite: Any of the following lab classes: SC 10000 , 10100, SC 14000 , SC 11000 , SC 12000 , SC 17000 , SC 21000 , SC 23000 , or SC 24000  and permission of the instructor. Offered Spring. Competencies: CU, CWD, PMA
  
  • SC 30500 - Winter Ecology With Statistics

    (4)
    A definition of winter and the strategies organisms pursue to survive it. Principles and processes of energy and biochemistry are briefly reviewed in preparation for a survey of animal and plant adaptations to cold stress. Interactions between populations in a winter context are also covered. Includes a study of human responses and methods of staying warm. This course requires students to apply statistics to the data collected in the field during Winter Ecology and Cold Weather Physiology (SC 21000 ). Lab and travel fees required. Prerequisite: MT 22000 . Offered Fall. Competenciies: CU, QS, PMA
  
  • SC 31000 - Environmental Assessment

    (4)
    Examines Federal and Alaska environmental law emphasizing National Environmental Policy Act, and Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act. Further study of the Environmental Impact statement process includes methods and procedures required by NEPA regulations. The course details the requirements of CERCLA for the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment focusing upon real estate transactions. The contents of Phase II (Intrusive Studies) and Phase I II (Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Studies) are also presented, as well as an introduction to risk assessment. Offered Spring. Competencies: CU, CWD, PA, PMA, PS
  
  • SC 32500 - Environmental Problem Solving

    (4)


    Environmental Problem Solvinggives participants the opportunity to actively engage with solving environmental issues. Participants will bring knowledge and experience from their individual majors to work in interdisciplinary teams to define, analyze, negotiate, and implement environmental solutions. Offered Spring.

      Offered: Spring. Competencies: CU, CWD, PA, QS, PAM, PS

  
  • SC 33000 - Ecology

    (4)
    Introduction to the interactions between organisms and their environment, both biotic and abiotic. Considers organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems and biomes, and lays the groundwork for more advanced classes in ecology and conservation biology. Simple mathematical models and their analyses are used. Prerequisites: 1 lab science and Statistics, or instructor permission. Offered Spring. Competencies: CU, CWD, QS, PMA
  
  • SC 33100 - Principles of Forest Management

    (4)
    Course introduces concept of forest management with emphasis given to Alaskan forest ecosystems, both urban and rural. Topics include: forest ecology, dendrology, entomology and pathology, inventory and measurements, wood technology, soil science, forest products, policy, and protection. Prerequisite: SC 33000 . Offered as needed.
  
  • SC 33500 - Organic Evolution

    (4)
    This course examines empirical and theoretical evidence of evolutionary patterns and processes. Emphasis is placed on the study of contemporary processes, especially those most relevant to applied conservation biology. Topics covered include: the macro and micro fossil record, natural selection and other avenues of evolutionary change, geomorphological and geochemical aspects of evolution, coevolution, adaptive radiation, divergence, speciation, and extinction. The study of contemporary processes includes: concepts of minimum viable population size, natural and artificial selection, and evolution on islands and other isolated habitats. The course attempts to apply knowledge gained through basic investigations in evolutionary science to contemporary problems, especially biodiversity crises. Prerequisite: SC 33000  or instructor permission. Offered Spring.
  
  • SC 34000 - Animal Behavior

    (4)
    This course introduces the science of animal behavior, with an emphasis on an evolutionary understanding of behavior. Topics include: approaches to animal behavior, evolution and genetics, mechanisms, learning, behavioral ecology, communication, food and shelter, social organization, mating systems, and animal experiences. No lab. Satisfies the Social/Behavioral Science GUR. Prerequisites: SC16100 or SC 14000 , and a Sophomore Seminar course (SC 20500 , or PY 21000  or ED 21400  or LS 20100  or BA 20000 ). Offered Fall. Competencies: CU; QS
  
  • SC 35000 - Oceanography

    (4)
    The geological, physical, chemical, and biological factors that influence the marine environment in an Earth Systems approach. Study of marine resources and the role of the oceans to provide for global sustainability. Major topics include ocean circulation, waves, tides, coastal processes, and biological productivity. Prerequisite: One laboratory science course. Offered Fall. Competencies: CU; CWD
  
  • SC 35500 - Meteorology: Weather and Climate

    (4)
    Composition and behavior of the air; energy as it relates to weather, temperature, moisture, precipitation, pressure and winds; air masses, fronts, and storms; weather predictions; and climate change and classification. Use of Internet to examine real-time weather conditions. Offered as needed. Competencies: CU; CWD
  
  • SC 36000 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

    (4)
    This course is an introduction to the theory and use of Geographic Information Systems, including the fundamental concepts of GIS, capabilities of GIS, and applications for dealing with spatial data. Key issues for discussion will include vector data input, data models, database design and database queries, sources of spatial information, spatial analysis, and cartographic display. These topics will be discussed within an environmental context using ArcGIS, a PC-based GIS software package. The course is presented in a lecture/laboratory format. Lab fee required. Offered Fall/Spring. Competencies: CU; CWD; PA; QS; PMA
  
  • SC 36300 - Introduction to Remote Sensing

    (4)
    This course introduces students to the principles and techniques necessary for applying remote sensing to diverse issues within environmental science. The course emphasizes a hands-on learning environment with theoretical and conceptual aspects of satellite remote sensing. Topics include digital image interpretation, analysis, and processing within a GIS environment. Prerequisite: SC 36000  Competencies: CU; CWD; PA; QS; PMA
  
  • SC 36500 - Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

    (4)
    This course is a second course in GIS concerned primarily with spatial modeling. Topics include raster modeling, specifically hydrologic and distance modeling, as well as surface interpolation. The course is project-based with a lecture and laboratory component. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: SC 36000  or instructor permission. Offered Spring. Competencies: CU; CWD; PA; QS; PMA
  
  • SC 37000 - Principles of Hydrology

    (4)
    This course presents the basic physical principles important in the hydrologic cycle; including precipitation, snowmelt, infiltration and soil physics, evapotranspiration, and surface and subsurface flow to streams. Field-based projects will focus on watershed analyses including field measurements and statistical analyses of hydrologic data. Prerequisite: MT 23000  or concurrent registration. Offered as needed. Competencies: CU; CWD; PA QS; PS
  
  • SC 37500 - Environmental Chemistry

    (4)
    Designed for Environmental Science majors. Survey of environmental chemistry principles in preparation for additional work in the discipline. Examination of the chemical basis of environmental issues. Introduction to basic field techniques for environmental sampling and monitoring. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: SC 17100 . Offered as needed.
  
  • SC 38000 - Directed Study

    (1-4)
    Individual study in a given field under the guidance of a regular faculty member and by permission only. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 38500 - Practicum

    (4)
    Practical work experience in a given area of concentration under the cooperative guidance of a faculty member and an on-the-job supervisor. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 39000 - Seminar

    (1-4)
    Small groups which meet with faculty members for in-depth study and discussion of particular topics. Appropriate course descriptions are published as seminars are offered. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 39200 - Special Topics

    (1-4)
    Special topics in various fields are offered as needed. Appropriate course descriptions are published as topics are developed. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 40000 - Tropical Ecology

    (4)
    A field-oriented block course that explores the ecology of a tropical region. Emphasis on the structure, function, and biodiversity of natural ecosystems, but logging, agriculture, sustainable development, and conservation are also discussed. This course requires difficult and uncomfortable travel through underdeveloped rural and wilderness areas by minibus, boat, and foot. Students are expected to have a passport, necessary inoculations, and wilderness experience. Additional costs are required of the student for travel to and from the destination countries. Prerequisites: SC 33000 , MT 22000  or equivalents and permission of the instructor are required. Offered Fall. Competencies: CU; CWD; QS; PMA
  
  • SC 40100 - Eco League Field Seminar

    (4)
    This advanced field course brings together students and faculty from each of the institutions of the Eco League consortium in an interdisciplinary, field-based inquiry into relationships between human and natural systems. The course will focus on issues relevant to the particular landscapes in which it is offered, which will vary from year to year. Students must apply to participate, and will be selected by a panel of faculty. Competence in writing and understanding of fundamental principles relevant to the issues covered by the course is expected. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing, acceptance of application. Competencies: CU; CWD; PA; PS
  
  • SC 40300 - Tropical Conservation in Practice

    (4)
    This course examines the relationship between environmental systems and sustainable development through travel to the developing world and service learning. We will explore, experience and learn about the human causes of environmental degradation and critically assess sustainable development alternatives in remote rural areas of the developing world. These alternatives will be evaluated from ecological, economic, and social and ethical perspectives. From a conceptual and operational point of view, we will explore the idea of sustainability/sustainable development with an emphasis on community-based sustainable development in and around protected areas. Service learning will be integrated into the travel study. Cultural and natural history will also be investigated as part of the curriculum. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: Upper division standing or permission of instructor Offered Summer.
  
  • SC 40500 - Environmental Ethics

    (4)
    Various perspectives and philosophies concerning the natural environment and resource utilization are explored in order to give the student a basis on which to develop his or her own ethical perspective. The human factor in addressing environmental issues is emphasized. Offered Fall/Spring. Competencies: CU; CWD; PS
  
  • SC 40700 - Water Resources Management

    (4)
    This course examines major concepts involved in water resources management, including basic hydrology, water use, water rights, water quality, floodplain management, and dams. Emphasis will be placed on Alaskan water issues. Offered Spring Competencies: CU; CWD; PS
  
  • SC 41200 - Scientific Writing

    (4)
    This course examines in depth the nature and scope of scientific writing, including style, format, and conventions. Students will examine the primary literature for examples of effective scientific writing, and practice constructing various aspects of research papers, theses, research proposals, and science journalism. Student evaluation is based on homework, class participation and discussion, class critiques of student drafts, and a writing portfolio. Students may incorporate components of a senior project or graduate thesis into their portfolio for credit. Prerequisite: LL 20100 or equivalent. Offered as needed. Competencies: CWD; PA
  
  • SC 42000 - Environmental Geology

    (4)
    Focuses on the entire spectrum of possible interactions between humankind and the physical environment. Topics include: earth materials, natural hazards, hydrology, waste disposal and environmental health, minerals, energy, and an introduction to environmental law and land use planning. Lab included. Lab fee required. Offered as needed. Competencies: CU; PA; QS; PS
  
  • SC 42200 - Geomorphology

    (4)
    Overview of processes, topography, sediments, and history of Earth’s surface with an emphasis on the glacial and postglacial environments that dominate southern Alaska. Lecture component focuses on physics of geomorphic processes while lab emphasizes recognition and interpretation of landforms and soils.  Course includes substantial fieldwork in post-glacial landscapes, typically including a multi-day camping trip.  Lab fee varies with field travel itinerary. Prerequisites: MT 12100  and either SC 12000  or SC 42000 . Offered Fall. Competencies: CU; CWD; PA; QS
  
  • SC 42600 - Earth Materials

    (4)
    The chemical and physical properties of the material components of the Earth, including minerals, rocks, soil and water, and their uses in modern society. The role of water in magma generation, plate tectonics and metamorphism, and how water-rock interactions are expressed in the Earth’s crust. Students will learn how to identify, classify, and interpret the major rock types and rock-forming minerals. Soil formation and the importance of soils in the biosphere will also be covered. Emphasis will be on the significance of common minerals in the context of Earth’s driving processes such as tectonics, weathering and erosion.  Prerequisite: SC12000 Offered: Spring. Competencies: CU, PA, QS
  
  • SC 43000 - Conservation Biology

    (4)
    Introduction to the science of preserving biological diversity, its principles, policy, and applications. Topics include: extinction, ecological and genetical effects of habitat fragmentation, minimum viable population analysis, reserve design and management, the Endangered Species Act, and conflict mediation. Lab included. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: SC 33000 . Offered Spring. Competencies: CU; CWD; PA; PMA
  
  • SC 43500 - Environmental Law

    (4)
    This course will analyze laws and regulations governing environmental and natural resource management. Non-law students will be introduced to the legal process and the role of the judiciary in environmental and natural resource management. Prerequisite:   Offered Spring. Competencies: CU; CWD; PS
  
  • SC 45500 - Climate Change

    (4)
    Causes and consequences of climate variability on a variety of timescales will be addressed, with a primary focus on evidence for natural and anthropogenic climate fluctuations in arctic regions. Topics will include structure of the climate system, proposed mechanisms of climate variability, techniques for paleoclimatic reconstruction, and an overview of climate modeling and associated uncertainties. We will use case studies to explore known and projected impacts of climatic changes on Alaskan environments. Emphasis will be placed on the science of climate change, but policy issues will be discussed. Offered Spring.
  
  • SC 47000 - Groundwater Geology

    (4)
    This course includes the principles and processes of groundwater occurrence and flow including aquifer properties, well pumping tests with analyses, and groundwater development and management. The topics include field methods with an introduction to geophysical techniques, as well as pollution sources and contaminant migration and computer modeling. Lab included. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: SC 112000 or instructor permission; SC 17100 ; and MT 12100 . Offered Spring. Competencies: CU; CWD; PA; QS; PS
  
  • SC 48000 - Directed Study

    (1-4)
    Individual study in a given field under the guidance of a regular faculty member and by permission only. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 48500 - Practicum

    (1-12)
    Practical work experience in a given area of concentration under the cooperative guidance of a faculty member and an on-the-job supervisor. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 49000 - Seminar

    (1-4)
    Small groups which meet with faculty members for in-depth study and discussion of particular topics. Appropriate course descriptions are published as seminars are offered. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 49200 - Special Topics

    (1-4)
    Special topics in various fields are offered as needed. Appropriate course descriptions are published as topics are developed. Offered Fall/Spring.
  
  • SC 49800 - Research Methods

    (4)
    Introduction to the process of research design and methods in environmental science. Students will explore senior project interests, exchange and critique project ideas, and formalize senior project proposals. Offered Fall.
  
  • SC 49900 - Senior Project

    (8)
    The senior project is the capstone of the student’s undergraduate career. The goal of the course is to identify, plan, implement, and evaluate a project that focuses the student’s skills and knowledge on his or her professional interests. Projects may be planned individually or in small groups. Students may register in increments of three or more credit hours, not to exceed twelve. Offered Fall/Spring.

Social Science

(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)

  
  • SS 10500 - Introduction to Social Sciences

    (4)
    Survey course introducing the study of the social sciences those disciplines that deal with all aspects of the group life of human beings and that represent an extensive body of theory about the nature, growth, and function of human societies. Satisfies the Social/Behavioral Science GUR. Offered as needed.
       
    (Topic course number range from SS 10501 to SS 10599 in schedule)
    Selected Topics:  
    Geography Sociology
  
  • SS 30500 - Advanced Studies in Social Sciences: Selected Topics

    (4)
    In-depth study of topics in the various social sciences. Methodologies used for quantitative and qualitative research are practiced in research projects. Offered as needed.
 

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6