BI 396A

The protection and restoration of our natural environment is dependent upon sound practices to assess ecosystem health, detect changes in condition, and identify causes of change. Methods in Environmental Monitoring will provide an introduction to the study of terrestrial and aquatic environments with a focus on field-based approaches to assess environmental health. Extensive, hands-on experiences will be augmented with the theoretical principles underlying measurement techniques. Topics covered include field safety, standard methods for characterization of terrestrial and aquatic environments and environmental impacts in urban areas. Although offered as a 6-week course, all on-campus activities (lectures/lab/field work) will be completed in the first 4-weeks. Classes will run Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm (with mid-morning, mid-afternoon and lunch breaks). Evaluations will be based on completion of weekly assignments, quizzes, and a final report due at the end of the semester.