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Spring 2007 Courses

  • Visit Bearings to search for courses by title, instructor, department, and more.
  • Login to Blackboard. Instructional materials are available on a course-by-course basis.
016. Sustaining Maine's Northern Forest: Economy, Ecology and Community
David Vail T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55 Hubbard-22
A multi-disciplinary introduction to the ecological, economic and social dimensions of Maine's vast Northern Forest - the largest unbroken forest east of the Mississippi. Begins with a historical look at the evolving forest ecosystem, economy and culture, including Native American settlement, Thoreau's Maine Woods and the tourism tradition, 1the 9th century "lumber barons", and the 20th century "Paper Plantation" era. A review of key forces of change is followed by six case studies: transformation of land ownership and public access, green certified forest management, the quest to become a "world class" tourist destination, community re-vitalization, energy from the forest, and the impact of global warming.
081. Physics of the Environment
Mark Battle M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Searles-315
An introduction to the physics of environmental issues, including past climates, anthropogenic climate change, ozone destruction, and energy production and efficiency.
100. Environmental Geology and Hydrology
Peter Lea T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55 Druckenmiller-016
An introduction to aspects of geology and hydrology that affect the environment and land use. Topics include watersheds and surface-water quality, groundwater contamination, coastal erosion, and development of landscapes. Weekly labs and field trips examine local environmental problems affecting Maine rivers, lakes, and coast.
LAB
Peter Lea Joanne Urquhart T 1:15 - 4:30
An introduction to aspects of geology and hydrology that affect the environment and land use. Topics include watersheds and surface-water quality, groundwater contamination, coastal erosion, and development of landscapes. Weekly labs and field trips examine local environmental problems affecting Maine rivers, lakes, and coast.
LAB
Peter Lea Joanne Urquhart W 1:15 - 4:30
An introduction to aspects of geology and hydrology that affect the environment and land use. Topics include watersheds and surface-water quality, groundwater contamination, coastal erosion, and development of landscapes. Weekly labs and field trips examine local environmental problems affecting Maine rivers, lakes, and coast.
201. Perspectives in Environmental Science
John Lichter Dharanija Vasudevan T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25 Druckenmiller-004
Functioning of the earth system is defined by the complex and fascinating interaction of processes within and between four principal spheres: land, air, water, and life. Leverages key principles of environmental chemistry and ecology to unravel the intricate connectedness of natural phenomena and ecosystem function. Fundamental biological and chemical concepts are used to understand the science behind the environmental dilemmas facing societies as a consequence of human activities. Laboratory sessions consist of local field trips, laboratory experiments, group research, case study exercises, and discussions of current and classic scientific literature.
LAB
John Lichter Dharanija Vasudevan Nancy Olmstead W 1:00 - 4:55
Functioning of the earth system is defined by the complex and fascinating interaction of processes within and between four principal spheres: land, air, water, and life. Leverages key principles of environmental chemistry and ecology to unravel the intricate connectedness of natural phenomena and ecosystem function. Fundamental biological and chemical concepts are used to understand the science behind the environmental dilemmas facing societies as a consequence of human activities. Laboratory sessions consist of local field trips, laboratory experiments, group research, case study exercises, and discussions of current and classic scientific literature.
LAB
John Lichter Dharanija Vasudevan Nancy Olmstead TH 1:00 - 4:55
Functioning of the earth system is defined by the complex and fascinating interaction of processes within and between four principal spheres: land, air, water, and life. Leverages key principles of environmental chemistry and ecology to unravel the intricate connectedness of natural phenomena and ecosystem function. Fundamental biological and chemical concepts are used to understand the science behind the environmental dilemmas facing societies as a consequence of human activities. Laboratory sessions consist of local field trips, laboratory experiments, group research, case study exercises, and discussions of current and classic scientific literature.
203. Environment and Culture in North American History
Matthew Klingle M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55 Adams-208
Explores relationships between ideas of nature, human transformations of the environment, and the effect of the physical environment upon humans through time in North America. Topics include the “Columbian exchange” and colonialism; links between ecological change and race, class, and gender relations; the role of science and technology; literary and artistic perspectives of “nature”; agriculture, industrialization, and urbanization; and the rise of modern environmentalism. Assignments include a research-based service learning term project.
205. Environmental Chemistry
Dharanija Vasudevan M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Adams-208
Focuses on two key processes that influence human and wildlife exposure to potentially harmful substances – chemical speciation and transformation. Equilibrium principles as applied to acid-base, complexation, precipitation, and dissolution reactions are used to explore organic and inorganic compound speciation in natural and polluted waters; quantitative approaches are emphasized. The kinetics and mechanisms of organic compound transformation via hydrolysis, oxidation, reduction, and photochemical reactions are examined; environmental conditions and chemical structural criteria that influence reactivity are emphasized. Weekly laboratory sections are concerned with the detection and quantification of organic and inorganic compounds in air, water, and soils/sediments.
LAB
Dharanija Vasudevan Martha Black M 1:00 - 4:55
Focuses on two key processes that influence human and wildlife exposure to potentially harmful substances – chemical speciation and transformation. Equilibrium principles as applied to acid-base, complexation, precipitation, and dissolution reactions are used to explore organic and inorganic compound speciation in natural and polluted waters; quantitative approaches are emphasized. The kinetics and mechanisms of organic compound transformation via hydrolysis, oxidation, reduction, and photochemical reactions are examined; environmental conditions and chemical structural criteria that influence reactivity are emphasized. Weekly laboratory sections are concerned with the detection and quantification of organic and inorganic compounds in air, water, and soils/sediments.
LAB
Dharanija Vasudevan Martha Black T 1:00 - 4:55
Focuses on two key processes that influence human and wildlife exposure to potentially harmful substances – chemical speciation and transformation. Equilibrium principles as applied to acid-base, complexation, precipitation, and dissolution reactions are used to explore organic and inorganic compound speciation in natural and polluted waters; quantitative approaches are emphasized. The kinetics and mechanisms of organic compound transformation via hydrolysis, oxidation, reduction, and photochemical reactions are examined; environmental conditions and chemical structural criteria that influence reactivity are emphasized. Weekly laboratory sections are concerned with the detection and quantification of organic and inorganic compounds in air, water, and soils/sediments.
210. Plant Physiology
Barry Logan M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25 Druckenmiller-020
An introduction to the physiological processes that enable plants to grow under the varied conditions found in nature. General topics discussed include the acquisition, transport, and use of water and mineral nutrients, photosynthetic carbon assimilation, and the influence of environmental and hormonal signals on development and morphology. Adaptation and acclimation to extreme environments and other ecophysiological subjects are also discussed. Weekly laboratories reinforce principles discussed in lecture and expose students to modern research techniques.
LAB
Barry Logan Jaret Reblin T 1:00 - 3:55
An introduction to the physiological processes that enable plants to grow under the varied conditions found in nature. General topics discussed include the acquisition, transport, and use of water and mineral nutrients, photosynthetic carbon assimilation, and the influence of environmental and hormonal signals on development and morphology. Adaptation and acclimation to extreme environments and other ecophysiological subjects are also discussed. Weekly laboratories reinforce principles discussed in lecture and expose students to modern research techniques.
LAB
Barry Logan Jaret Reblin W 1:00 - 3:55
An introduction to the physiological processes that enable plants to grow under the varied conditions found in nature. General topics discussed include the acquisition, transport, and use of water and mineral nutrients, photosynthetic carbon assimilation, and the influence of environmental and hormonal signals on development and morphology. Adaptation and acclimation to extreme environments and other ecophysiological subjects are also discussed. Weekly laboratories reinforce principles discussed in lecture and expose students to modern research techniques.
LAB
Barry Logan Jaret Reblin F 1:30 - 4:25
An introduction to the physiological processes that enable plants to grow under the varied conditions found in nature. General topics discussed include the acquisition, transport, and use of water and mineral nutrients, photosynthetic carbon assimilation, and the influence of environmental and hormonal signals on development and morphology. Adaptation and acclimation to extreme environments and other ecophysiological subjects are also discussed. Weekly laboratories reinforce principles discussed in lecture and expose students to modern research techniques.
213. Anthropology of Islands
Anne Henshaw W 10:30 - 12:25 CT-16 Harrison McCann
Focuses on the diversity of island peoples and cultures and the unique place they hold within the field of anthropology. Explores the range of environmental contexts in which island peoples adapt, as well as the unique socioeconomic systems and historical experiences that characterize them. Examines the powerful sense of cultural identity that islanders share, and the many challenges and opportunities they face in an age of globalization and limited resources. Selected case studies draw from islands in the Pacific and North Atlantic, including Maine, to bring a comparative and interdisciplinary understanding of island societies past and present.
LAB
Anne Henshaw F 10:00 - 11:55 CT-2 South
Focuses on the diversity of island peoples and cultures and the unique place they hold within the field of anthropology. Explores the range of environmental contexts in which island peoples adapt, as well as the unique socioeconomic systems and historical experiences that characterize them. Examines the powerful sense of cultural identity that islanders share, and the many challenges and opportunities they face in an age of globalization and limited resources. Selected case studies draw from islands in the Pacific and North Atlantic, including Maine, to bring a comparative and interdisciplinary understanding of island societies past and present.
221. Environmental Sociology
Joe Bandy T 2:30 - 3:55, TH 2:30 - 3:55 Searles-215
An examination of the complex social processes that define, create, and threaten the natural environment. Investigates the relationships among various environmental and social problems, as well as the many political ideologies, philosophies, and movements that define and redefine how we think of nature and sustainability. Explores issues of science and technology, popular culture, urbanization, racial and gender relations, as well as environmental movements.
224. Science and Technology in Modern American History
David Hecht T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55 Adams-208
Focuses on twentieth-century science, technology, and medicine. Examines the challenges and changing meanings of “progress” in United States history, using as touchstones a number of seminal events in the history of the interaction between science and society. Topics include the atomic bomb; eugenics; environmentalism; industrial growth; changing public health concerns; and ongoing debates over evolution, science, and religion. Few of the many changes that science has wrought have been embraced unequivocally — uses this sometimes chaotic mix of acceptance and suspicion of scientific advance to explore how Americans felt about their rapidly modernizing society.
247. Maine: A Community and Environmental History
Sarah McMahon M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25 CT-16 Harrison McCann
Seminar. Examines the evolution of various Maine social and ecological communities—inland, hill country, and coastal. Begins with the contact of European and Native American cultures, examines the transfer of English and European agricultural traditions in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and explores the development of diverse geographic, economic, ethnic, and cultural communities during the nineteenth and into the early twentieth centuries.
258. Environmental Ethics
Lawrence Simon T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25
What things in nature have moral standing? What are our obligations to them? How should we resolve conflicts among our obligations? After an introduction to ethical theory, topics to be covered include anthropocentrism, the moral status of nonhuman sentient beings and of non-sentient living beings, preservation of endangered species and the wilderness, holism versus individualism, the land ethic, and deep ecology.
263. International Environmental Policy
Allen Springer T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25 Hubbard-Conference Room West
Examines the political, legal, and institutional dimension of international efforts to protect the environment. Problems discussed include transboundary and marine pollution, maintaining biodiversity, and global climate change.
264. Energy, Climate, and Air Quality
DeWitt John M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25 Adams-104
Examines how the federal government in the United States, as well as states, communities, businesses, and nonprofits, can address climate change and energy issues. Compares American policies and politics with efforts in other countries and examines the links between American policies and efforts in other nations.
275. Hydrogeology
Peter Lea M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55 Druckenmiller-210
The interaction of water and geological materials within the hydrologic cycle, with emphasis on groundwater resources and quality. Qualitative and quantitative examination of the movement of groundwater in aquifers.
LAB
Peter Lea M 1:30 - 4:25
The interaction of water and geological materials within the hydrologic cycle, with emphasis on groundwater resources and quality. Qualitative and quantitative examination of the movement of groundwater in aquifers.
316. Coastal Ecology
Sherri Cooper M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55 Druckenmiller-020
The ecology of coastal waters with implications for management. Focus on estuaries, salt marshes, mangroves and seagrass systems, as well as local rocky shores and shelf ecosystems. Physical properties, biota, and ecological interactions will all be researched using journal articles, textbook, videos and computer programs. Current research on human impacts in time and space on a worldwide basis, including climate change and sea level fluctuations will also be investigated. Individual research papers and presentations required, with additional field trip requirement. The class will explore whole ecosystem approaches to managing coastal ecosystems for the future.
318. Environmental and Resource Economics
Guillermo Herrera M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55 Hubbard-22
Seminar. Analysis of externalities and market failure; models of optimum control of pollution and efficient management of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources such as fisheries, forests, and minerals; governmental vs. other forms of control of common-pool resources; and benefit-cost analysis of policies, including market-based and non-market valuation. Not open to students who taken Economics 218 or 228 except by permission of the instructor.
340. Home: History, Culture and the Design of Housing in North America
Jill Pearlman M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25 VAC-Picture Study
Seminar explores themes in the history and design of an American icon--home. The places we live in, whether by choice or circumstance, offer powerful statements about human values, political and social ideals, complex and changing ideas of family, of private and public life. Focusing mostly on the period from 1850 to the present, we will examine a variety of houses and housing types of all economic groups: multi- and single-family; urban and suburban, traditional and experimental. Our examples will include commonplace and anonymous buildings as well as architect-designed houses. The seminar will also will also explore the relationship of our differing domestic landscapes to the larger built environment. Students write a major research paper on a related topic of their choosing.
363. Advanced Seminar in International Relations: Law, Politics, and the Search for Justice
Allen Springer T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55 Hubbard-22
Examines the complex relationship between law and policy in international relations by focusing on two important and rapidly developing areas of international concern: environmental protection and humanitarian rights. Fulfills the ES senior seminar requirement.
393. Advanced Seminar in Geology
Edward Laine M 6:30 - 9:25 Druckenmiller-110
Offers students the opportunity to synthesize work done in geology courses, to critically read and discuss articles, to listen to speakers prominent in the discipline, and to write scientific essays. Specific topic varies by year; possible topics include Global Environmental Changes in the Oceans, Estuaries, and Mountain Belts. Required for the major in Geology. Open to junior or senior geology majors or interdisciplinary
397. Advanced Winter Field Ecology
Nathaniel Wheelwright F 9:30 - 5:30
Exploration of advanced concepts in ecology and evolutionary biology, and the natural history of plants, animals, and ecosystems in winter in Maine. Structured around group research projects in the field. Each week, field trips focus on a different study site, set of questions, and taxon (e.g., host specificity in wood fungi, foraging behavior of aquatic insects, estimation of mammal population densities, winter flocking behavior in birds). Students learn to identify local winter flora and fauna, evaluate readings from the primary literature, analyze data from field research projects, and present their results each week in a research seminar. Field trip to the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island.

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