Environment, Geography, and Marine Sciences

An introduction to research methods and research design related to resilience thinking in the coastal zone. Topics addressed include: the formulation of research questions; the development of research projects; the development of a project relevant literature review; qualitative and field-based research approaches, data and data measurement, data reliability and validity.

Examination of the coastal environment in terms of the interacting physical and biological systems that give individual coastal environments their distinctive characteristics and that provide the matrix for sustainability and resilience issues.

Exploration of the social and cultural dimensions of coastal systems. Topics addressed include: coastal heritage, tourism, recreation, food, transport and energy systems, resources, economic development, environmental perception, and socio-ecological systems and resilience.

Examination of the major coastal hazards and anthropogenic sources of contamination impacting coastal ecosystems and societies. An understanding of these processes will allow for an assessment of regional susceptibilities strategies to minimize impacts on coastal communities.

Examination of marine and coastal governance; policy and management in the national and international context. Analysis of relevant state, federal and international policy programs with emphasis on current policy issues.

First class in a two class series in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Introduces GIS theory, software, and data management. Focus on geospatial data collection, processing and management.

Second class in a two class series in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Introduces spatial analysis, spatial statistics, and advanced data display techniques. Focus on spatial data processing/analysis and data display.

Research methods and research design related to resilience thinking in the coastal zone. Topics addressed include: scientific knowledge production and communication, data representation, analysis and interpretation, research ethics, research proposal development, and research dissemination strategies.

A field course focused on assessing coastal resilience through an examination of: sustainability issues, energy and resource use, waste management, human impacts and natural hazard mitigation/adaption to extreme coastal events and sea level change, and development impacts on coastal habitat.

An examination of current research and issues related to sustainability, resilience, and development in the coastal zone. Course will be delivered via video feed as appropriate.

The student will finalize a thesis proposal according to accepted style guidelines and begin thesis research under the supervision of an approved thesis advisor.

Thesis research under the supervision of an approved advisor and completion of the written thesis and oral defense of the thesis research project.

Working with an approved advisor, students study and undertake research relevant to their program of study and thesis project in CRM program.

Directed study focused on the biophysical aspects of coastal resilience. Regularly scheduled meetings, and examination upon the completion of the course. Course taken as pass/fail only.

Directed study focused on the sociocultural aspects of coastal resilience. Regularly scheduled meetings, and examination upon the completion of the course. Course taken as pass/fail only.

Directed study focused on the sustainability transitions literature. Regularly scheduled meetings, and examination upon the completion of the course. Course taken as pass/fail only.

Individual and group processes and the translation of group process into effective environmental action.

Factors operating in the ecosystem, types of ecosystems, problems and possible solutions related to the ecosystems. Field observations. For non-biology majors with a working knowledge of ecology.

Nature and causes of the contemporary environmental crises including pollution of air, land, and water. Economic concepts and principles involved in environmental issues. For teachers interested in environmental education.

Research problems in environmental education. Literature of the field. Techniques of analyzing and evaluating information.

Teaching techniques and curriculum development for environmentally-oriented subjects in grades K-12.

Laboratory and field techniques useful in studying environmental conditions and analyzing environmental situations.

Legal and political influences of environmental legislation, the development of relevant legal doctrines, the role in the political process of selected governmental agencies charged with enforcing legislation, and the role of informal citizen groups.

Classroom and field study of the relationships and forces underlying the physical environment.

Multi-media approaches, individualized instruction, simulation gaming, lecture, field experiences, computer based instruction, and computer managed environmental education instruction.

Environmental Education instructional formats in procedures for designing, producing, implanting, and evaluating environmental education materials.

The relationship between individual/societal systems of belief and the resultant attitudes toward, and effect on, the environment.

An excursion into the realm of environmental action as demonstrated by individuals and centers devoted to practical solutions and research. Students in this course will come ito contact with alternative approaches and solutions to common environmental problems.

Examination of the environmental history and use of Long Island Sound with emphasis on natural habitats, economic uses and human impacts.

Examination of the scientific, social, economic and political aspects of global climate change due to energy production using fossil-fuels.

Thesis proposal development and defense. This course is designed for the preparation of the thesis proposal. Students will work with a thesis advisor for the development of the written proposal. Students will present and defend their thesis proposal.

Thesis Seminar

Prerequisite: departmental permission.

Working with an adviser, students pursue projects that have grown from their work in any of the environmental education courses.

Both physical and human geography of the region south of the Sahara, stressing population distribution as well as cultural, economic and political aspects. (Formerly GEO 543).

Field study and cartographic representation of physical and cultural elements of the landscape of selected regions.

Students create primary experiences in field studies in such venues as museums, laboratories, conservancies and settings appropriate for independent study.