Courses for Spring 2025 | Earth and Environmental Sciences

	Title	Instructors	Time	Description	Cross listings	Fulfills	Syllabus URL
EESC 1000-001	Earth Systems Science		MW 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
EESC 1000-201	Earth Systems Science		M 1:45 PM-2:44 PM	An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses.		Quantitative Data Analysis Physical World Sector
EESC 1000-202	Earth Systems Science		T 1:45 PM-2:44 PM	An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
EESC 1000-203	Earth Systems Science		T 3:30 PM-4:29 PM	An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
EESC 1000-204	Earth Systems Science		W 8:30 AM-9:29 AM	An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses.		Quantitative Data Analysis Physical World Sector
EESC 1000-205	Earth Systems Science		W 1:45 PM-2:44 PM	An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
EESC 1000-206	Earth Systems Science		R 3:30 PM-4:29 PM	An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses.		Quantitative Data Analysis Physical World Sector
EESC 1000-207	Earth Systems Science		F 8:30 AM-9:29 AM	An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
EESC 1000-208	Earth Systems Science		F 12:00 PM-12:59 PM	An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
EESC 1500-001	Paleontology		TR 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	Geologic history of invertebrates and their inferred life habits, paleoecology, and evolution. Introduction to paleobotany and vertebrate paleontology.		Living World Sector
EESC 3300-001	Glaciers,Ice & Climate	Leigh A Stearns	TR 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	All forms of frozen water at Earth's surface define the cryosphere. These icy environmnets are an integral part of the global climate system, with important linkages and feedbacks resulting from their influences on surface energy and moisture fluxes, clouds, precipitation, hydrology, and circulation in the atmosphere and oceans. This course will survey the various components of the cryosphere and their interactions with climate, with a strong emphasis on the dynamics of glaciers and ice sheets. Broad topics to be covered are 1)the rudimentary mechanics of glacier and ice sheet flow, 2)fast-flowing ice streams and factors limiting their motion, 3)ice-quakes and their origins, 4)the nature of climate data recorded in natural ice bodies, 5)the influence of climate on the stability of ice sheets and glaciers, and 6)glacier-like flow on other planetary bodies. This will be a lecture-based course with written assignmnets and problems sets.
EESC 3376-401	Climate and Big Data	Irina Marinov Jacob M Stanger	M 1:45 PM-4:44 PM	This course will cover some fundamental topics in Climate Sciences, while also teaching how to program & work with big data in Python. We will analyze big climate data (output from the newest generation climate models CMIP6 and NASA satellite datasets) remotely on a National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) supercomputer.	EESC6376401
EESC 3600-401	Earth's Surface	Douglas J. Jerolmack	MW 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	Patterns on the Earth's surface arise due to the transport of sediment by water and wind, with energy that is supplied by climate and tectonic deformation of the solid Earth. This course presents a treatment of the processes of erosion and deposition that shape landscapes. Emphasis will be placed on using simple physical principles as a tool for (a) understanding landscape patterns including drainage networks, river channels and deltas, desert dunes, and submarine channels, (b) reconstructing past environmental conditions using the sedimentary record, and (c) the management of rivers and landscapes under present and future climate scenarios. The course will conclude with a critical assessment of landscape evolution on other planets, including Mars.	EESC6600401
EESC 4200-401	Geochemistry	Reto Giere	W 1:45 PM-4:44 PM	This course provides a comprehensive introduction to theory and applications of chemistry in the earth and environmental sciences. Theory covered will include atomic structure, chemical bonding, cosmic abundances, nucleosynthesis,radioactive decay, dating of geological materials, stable isotopes, acid-base equilibria, salts and solutions, and oxidation-reduction reactions. Applications will emphasize oceanography, atmospheric sciences and environmental chemistry, as well as other topics depending on the interests of the class. Although we will review the basics, this course is intended to supplement, rather than to replace, courses offered in the Department of Chemistry. It is appropriate for advanced undergraduate as well as graduate students in Geology, Environmental Science, Chemistry and other sciences, who wish to have a better understanding of these important chemical processes.	EESC6200401
EESC 4360-401	Environmental Fluid Dynamics	Hugo Ulloa	CANCELED	Environmental Fluid Dynamics (EFD) is an applied branch of fluid mechanics devoted to studying fluid systems in nature, including atmospheric boundary layers and aquatic environments, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal seas. In particular, EFD aims to characterize the mechanisms governing the transport of heat, dissolved, and suspended matter in fluid environments, which together play a critical role in the functioning of ecosystems. This course will introduce the underlying physics governing motion in natural fluids, with emphasis on water bodies. We will discuss the transport equations that model fluid flows affected by vertical and horizontal density gradients, the effect of Earth rotation in fluid trajectories, and the main natural drivers responsible for energizing fluid flows, such as wind and heat fluxes. The course will revisit analytical results characterizing specific type flows in nature, and we will discuss open topics that are under development.	EESC6360401
EESC 4440-401	Geomicrobiology	Ileana Perez-Rodriguez	TR 3:30 PM-4:59 PM	Microorganisms inhabit almost every conceivable environment on the planet's surface, and extent the biosphere to depths of several kilometers into the crust. Significantly, the chemical reactivity and metabolic diversity displayed by microbial communities make them integral components of global elemental cycles, from mineral dissolution and precipitation reactions, to aqueous reduction-oxidation processes. In that regard, microorganisms have helped shape our planet overthe past 4 billion years and made it habitable for higher forms of life. In this course we will evaluate the geological consequences of microbial activities, by taking am interdisciplinary and "global" view of microbe-environment interactions.	EESC6440401
EESC 6200-401	Advanced Geochemistry	Reto Giere	W 1:45 PM-4:44 PM	This course provides a comprehensive introduction to theory and applications of chemistry in the earth and environmental sciences. Theory covered will include atomic structure, chemical bonding, cosmic abundances, nucleosynthesis,radioactive decay, dating of geological materials, stable isotopes, acid-base equilibria, salts and solutions, and oxidation-reduction reactions. Applications will emphasize oceanography, atmospheric sciences and environmental chemistry, as well as other topics depending on the interests of the class. Although we will review the basics, this course is intended to supplement, rather than to replace, courses offered in the Department of Chemistry. It is appropriate for advanced undergraduate as well as graduate students in Geology, Environmental Science, Chemistry and other sciences, who wish to have a better understanding of these important chemical processes.	EESC4200401
EESC 6360-401	Advanced Environmental Fluid Dynamics	Hugo Ulloa	CANCELED	Advanced Environmental Fluid Dynamics (EFD) is an applied branch of fluid mechanics devoted to studying fluid systems in nature, including atmospheric boundary layers and aquatic environments, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal seas. In particular, EFD aims to characterize the mechanisms governing the transport of heat, dissolved, and suspended matter in fluid environments, which together play a critical role in the functioning of ecosystems. This course will introduce the underlying physics governing motion in natural fluids, with emphasis on water bodies. We will discuss the transport equations that model fluid flows affected by vertical and horizontal density gradients, the effect of Earth rotation in fluid trajectories, and the main natural drivers responsible for energizing fluid flows, such as wind and heat fluxes. The course will revisit analytical results characterizing specific type flows in nature, and we will discuss open topics that are under development.	EESC4360401
EESC 6376-401	Advanced Climate and Big Data	Irina Marinov Jacob M Stanger	M 1:45 PM-4:44 PM	This course will cover some fundamental topics in Climate Sciences, while also teaching how to program & work with big data in Python. We will analyze big climate data (output from the newest generation climate models CMIP6 and NASA satellite datasets) remotely on a National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) supercomputer.	EESC3376401
EESC 6440-401	Advanced Geomicrobiology	Ileana Perez-Rodriguez	TR 3:30 PM-4:59 PM	Microorganisms inhabit almost every conceivable environment on the planet's surface, and extent the biosphere to depths of several kilometers into the crust. Significantly, the chemical reactivity and metabolic diversity displayed by microbial communities make them integral components of global elemental cycles, from mineral dissolution and precipitation reactions, to aqueous reduction-oxidation processes. In that regard, microorganisms have helped shape our planet overthe past 4 billion years and made it habitable for higher forms of life. In this course we will evaluate the geological consequences of microbial activities, by taking an interdisciplinary and "global" view of microbe-environment interactions.	EESC4440401
EESC 6600-401	Advanced Earth's Surface	Douglas J. Jerolmack	MW 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	Patterns on the Earth's surface arise due to the transport of sediment by water and wind, with energy that is supplied by climate and tectonic deformation of the solid Earth. This course presents a treatment of the processes of erosion and deposition that shape landscapes. Emphasis will be placed on using simple physical principles as a tool for (a) understanding landscape patterns including drainage networks, river channels and deltas, desert dunes, and submarine channels, (b) reconstructing past environmental conditions using the sedimentary record, and (c) the management of rivers and landscapes under present and future climate scenarios. The course will conclude with a critical assessment of landscape evolution on other planets, including Mars.	EESC3600401
EESC 6610-660	Sustainable Development of Water Resource Systems	J. Anthony Sauder	W 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	The evaluation of technical, social, and economic constraints on the implementation of water supply and sanitation projects. The development of sustainable technical solutions that fit within the appropriate social context. Discussion draws insight from successful small rural community system approaches to inform practical larger regional and watershed approaches in the US and internationally. Case studies are used to demonstrate these principles across a range of examples from developed and developing countries including detailed studies from rural communities with limited financial resources.			https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202510&c=EESC6610660
EESC 6620-690	Environmental Groundwater Hydrology	Carl Mastropaolo		This course is designed to introduce the major definitions and concepts regarding groundwater flow and contaminant transport. The theory and underlying concepts, including mathematical derivations of governing equations used to model groundwater flow and contaminant transport, will be discussed and applications to environmental problems addressed. Upon completion of this course, students should expect to have attained a broad understanding of and familiarity with groundwater flow and contaminant transport concepts, and to have acquired the skills necessary to pursue work in flow and transport modeling.
EESC 6711-690	Contaminated site investigation, remediation, and long-term stewardship”	Mitch A Cron		The superfund law authorizes the president to respond to releases of hazardous substances into the environment in order to protect public health and the environment. This course will focus on topics related to such responses, including environmental investigation and risk assessment, environmental remediation techniques, and related topics.
EESC 6720-690	Landslides			Landslides are important geomorphic agents in mountainous terrain, mobilizing sediment and playing a key role in controlling relief and elevation. The work of landslides is often characterized by their magnitude-frequency, which also has direct implications for people, property, and infrastructure in mountainous terrain, and for the approaches taken to minimize the risk from landslides. This course will introduce students to a conceptual understanding of landslides at a range of spatial scales, including the mechanics of the processes governing landslides from trigger to deposition. Methods of slope monitoring and the varied approaches to landslide risk mitigation and management will be explored, with a range of geotechnical and environmental applications. This course includes lab-based sessions to demonstrate simple techniques to understand fundamental landslide processes, and applications of GIS technology to explore slope monitoring and failure prediction.
EESC 6820-690	Geomechanics	Craig Allan Pezak Leena Shevade		This course focuses on the mechanical properties of earth materials and teaching analytical methods through the analysis of equilibrium force systems within the context of environmental and engineering geology. The course will explore how rocks deform in response to tensor stress, fluid pressure, and temperature, and how these deformations and fluid flows can alter the state of stress, leading to significant feedback effects. The understanding of these processes will assist in predicting the behavior of geological materials under various forces and environmental conditions, which is crucial for stable infrastructure and mitigating hazards such as landslides and sinkholes. Throughout the course, the fundamental principles of mechanics and their practical applications will be explored through problem definition and solving strategies working on real-life projects.
EESC 6998-690	Project Design	J. Anthony Sauder		This course is designed to prepare Master of Science in Applied Geosciences students to undertake their Project Design exercise. In this course, we discuss how to identify an appropriate research project, how to design a research plan, and how to prepare a detailed proposal. By the end of the course, each student is expected to have completed a Project Design proposal.
EESC 7991-301	Topics in Earth Science	Joseph S Francisco	R 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	This course will use the weekly EES seminar series to survey historic breakthrogh papers or topics in the earth sciences, as well as modern papers - written by the seminar speakers - that often put the classics in perspective. Graduate students (Ph.D. only) in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science will engage in the material through reading, presentation, and discussion. The course has several goals. (1.) To engender an understanding and appreciation of major breakthroughs in our field. (2.) To develop skills in presenting and discussing scientific results. And (3.) to refine students' understanding of what constitutes great science.
EESC 9900-690	Masters Thesis	Siobhan Whadcoat		While working with an advisor in their concentration, conduct research and write a thesis.
ENVS 1000-001	Introduction to Environmental Science	Alain Plante	TR 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
ENVS 1000-201	Introduction to Environmental Science	Alain Plante	M 1:45 PM-2:44 PM	This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
ENVS 1000-202	Introduction to Environmental Science	Alain Plante	M 3:30 PM-4:29 PM	This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
ENVS 1000-203	Introduction to Environmental Science	Alain Plante	T 1:45 PM-2:44 PM	This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects.		Quantitative Data Analysis Physical World Sector
ENVS 1000-204	Introduction to Environmental Science	Alain Plante	W 10:15 AM-11:14 AM	This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
ENVS 1000-205	Introduction to Environmental Science	Alain Plante	W 12:00 PM-12:59 PM	This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
ENVS 1000-206	Introduction to Environmental Science	Alain Plante Amina Nikol Youssef	W 1:45 PM-2:44 PM	This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
ENVS 1000-207	Introduction to Environmental Science	Alain Plante	R 3:30 PM-4:29 PM	This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects.		Physical World Sector Quantitative Data Analysis
ENVS 1043-401	Repairing the Planet: Tools for the Climate Emergency	Caleb Hazelwood Kelly Kennedy Carlos Santana	TR 10:15 AM-11:14 AM	This course is a comprehensive introduction to the climate emergency and the tools with which we can fight it. It will integrate natural science, social science, philosophy of science, history, ethics, and policy. The course opens with an overview of the historical discovery of global warming and our contemporary understanding of climate change. We then turn to the framework that the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has developed to study climate risks, focusing on both general issues and case studies throughout the world. The existence and severity of these risks raises questions of climate justice at many levels: individuals to individuals, countries to countries, and the present generation to future generations. We will study these issues in detail, and then examine the policy tools developed to address them. Although we will discuss national and sub-national policy and policy proposals such as the Green New Deal, special attention will be given to global policy tools, especially the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In addition to standard writing assignments, students will have a chance to develop policy proposals that address the core issues of the class.	PHIL1571401	Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector	https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202510&c=ENVS1043401
ENVS 1043-402	Repairing the Planet: Tools for the Climate Emergency	Carlos Santana Ezekiel Vergara	F 10:15 AM-11:14 AM	This course is a comprehensive introduction to the climate emergency and the tools with which we can fight it. It will integrate natural science, social science, philosophy of science, history, ethics, and policy. The course opens with an overview of the historical discovery of global warming and our contemporary understanding of climate change. We then turn to the framework that the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has developed to study climate risks, focusing on both general issues and case studies throughout the world. The existence and severity of these risks raises questions of climate justice at many levels: individuals to individuals, countries to countries, and the present generation to future generations. We will study these issues in detail, and then examine the policy tools developed to address them. Although we will discuss national and sub-national policy and policy proposals such as the Green New Deal, special attention will be given to global policy tools, especially the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In addition to standard writing assignments, students will have a chance to develop policy proposals that address the core issues of the class.	PHIL1571402	Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector
ENVS 1043-403	Repairing the Planet: Tools for the Climate Emergency	Carlos Santana Ezekiel Vergara	F 12:00 PM-12:59 PM	This course is a comprehensive introduction to the climate emergency and the tools with which we can fight it. It will integrate natural science, social science, philosophy of science, history, ethics, and policy. The course opens with an overview of the historical discovery of global warming and our contemporary understanding of climate change. We then turn to the framework that the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has developed to study climate risks, focusing on both general issues and case studies throughout the world. The existence and severity of these risks raises questions of climate justice at many levels: individuals to individuals, countries to countries, and the present generation to future generations. We will study these issues in detail, and then examine the policy tools developed to address them. Although we will discuss national and sub-national policy and policy proposals such as the Green New Deal, special attention will be given to global policy tools, especially the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In addition to standard writing assignments, students will have a chance to develop policy proposals that address the core issues of the class.	PHIL1571403	Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector
ENVS 1043-404	Repairing the Planet: Tools for the Climate Emergency	Maximilian James Gebauer Carlos Santana	F 1:45 PM-2:44 PM	This course is a comprehensive introduction to the climate emergency and the tools with which we can fight it. It will integrate natural science, social science, philosophy of science, history, ethics, and policy. The course opens with an overview of the historical discovery of global warming and our contemporary understanding of climate change. We then turn to the framework that the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has developed to study climate risks, focusing on both general issues and case studies throughout the world. The existence and severity of these risks raises questions of climate justice at many levels: individuals to individuals, countries to countries, and the present generation to future generations. We will study these issues in detail, and then examine the policy tools developed to address them. Although we will discuss national and sub-national policy and policy proposals such as the Green New Deal, special attention will be given to global policy tools, especially the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In addition to standard writing assignments, students will have a chance to develop policy proposals that address the core issues of the class.	PHIL1571404	Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector
ENVS 1043-405	Repairing the Planet: Tools for the Climate Emergency	Maximilian James Gebauer Carlos Santana	F 12:00 PM-12:59 PM	This course is a comprehensive introduction to the climate emergency and the tools with which we can fight it. It will integrate natural science, social science, philosophy of science, history, ethics, and policy. The course opens with an overview of the historical discovery of global warming and our contemporary understanding of climate change. We then turn to the framework that the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has developed to study climate risks, focusing on both general issues and case studies throughout the world. The existence and severity of these risks raises questions of climate justice at many levels: individuals to individuals, countries to countries, and the present generation to future generations. We will study these issues in detail, and then examine the policy tools developed to address them. Although we will discuss national and sub-national policy and policy proposals such as the Green New Deal, special attention will be given to global policy tools, especially the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In addition to standard writing assignments, students will have a chance to develop policy proposals that address the core issues of the class.	PHIL1571405	Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector
ENVS 1400-401	Global Environmental History from the Paleolithic to the Present	Anne K Berg Marcy Norton	MW 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	This course explores the changing relationships between human beings and the natural world from early history to the present. We will consider the various ways humans across the globe have interacted with and modified the natural world by using fire, domesticating plants and animals, extracting minerals and energy, designing petro-chemicals, splitting atoms and leaving behind wastes of all sorts. Together we consider the impacts, ranging from population expansion to species extinctions and climate change. We examine how human interactions with the natural world relate to broader cultural processes such as religion, colonialism and capitalism, and why it is important to understand the past, even the deep past, in order to rise to the challenges of the present.	HIST1706401
ENVS 1410-401	Science: Fiction, Fact and Fantasy	Barri Joyce Gold	TR 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	This course introduces students to ecocritical literature. It is an exploration of how language and literature engages with and shapes our relations to and our understandings of the natural world. See the English Department's website at www.english.upenn.edu for a description of the current offerings.	ENGL1595401		https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202510&c=ENVS1410401
ENVS 1550-401	Forest Worlds: Mapping the Arboreal Imaginary in Literature and Film	Simon J Richter	MW 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	The destruction of the world's forests through wild fires, deforestation, and global heating threatens planetary bio-diversity and may even, as a 2020 shows, trigger civilizational collapse. Can the humanities help us think differently about the forest? At the same time that forests of the world are in crisis, the "rights of nature" movement is making progress in forcing courts to acknowledge the legal "personhood" of forests and other ecosystems. The stories that humans have told and continue to tell about forests are a source for the imaginative and cultural content of that claim. At a time when humans seem unable to curb the destructive practices that place themselves, biodiversity, and forests at risk, the humanities give us access to a record of the complex inter-relationship between forests and humanity. Forest Worlds serves as an introduction to the environmental humanities. The environmental humanities offer a perspective on the climate emergency and the human dimension of climate change that are typically not part of the study of climate science or climate policy. Students receive instruction in the methods of the humanities - cultural analysis and interpretation of literature and film - in relation to texts that illuminate patterns of human behavior, thought, and affect with regard to living in and with nature.	CIMS1520401, COML1054401, GRMN1132401	Arts & Letters Sector
ENVS 2390-401	Freshwater Ecology	Melinda Daniels	MW 3:30 PM-4:59 PM	Survey of the physical, chemical and biological properties of freshwater ecosystems, both riverine and lentic, natural and polluted.	BIOL4615401, BIOL5615401
ENVS 3100-001	Environmental Case Studies	Jane E Dmochowski	MW 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	This course, through the analysis of many different environmental cases studies, aims to introduce students to myriad earth and environmental issues—understanding how humans interact, affect and are influenced by our environment—as well as giving students an introduction to how complex cases are analyzed and what goes into decision-making at the individual, group, state, federal and global levels. The class analyzes 1-2 case studies each week, beginning with at-home preparatory assignments for each class, followed by in-class activities such as debates, drafting action plans, role-playing and group decision-making simulations. Each student will also research and develop a case study of their own, including a lesson plan for how the case study would be taught to a later college class.
ENVS 3700-001	GIS: Mapping Places & Analyzing Spaces	Thomas Philip Mckeon	R 1:45 PM-4:44 PM	This course is a hands-on introduction to the concepts and capabilities of geographic information systems (GIS). Students will develop the skills necessary for carrying out basic GIS projects and for advanced GIS coursework. The class will focus on a broad range of functional and practical applications,ranging from environmental science and planning to land use history, social demography, and public health. By the end of the course, students will be able to find, organize, map, and analyze data using both vector (i.e. drawing-based) and raster (i.e. image-based) GIS tools, while developing an appreciation for basic cartographic principles relating to map presentation. This course fulfills the spatial analysis requirement for ENVS and EASC Majors. Previous experience in the use of GIS is not required.
ENVS 4200-001	The anthropocene: Human-dominated Earth	Alain Plante	TR 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	How much have humans altered the planet they live on? Beyond climate change, humans have altered the Earth's land, oceans and biosphere to such an extent that the concept of a new geologic epoch defined by the action of humans is seriously debated. This seminar will examine the origins of the Anthropocene, the ways in which humans have altered Earth systems, whether or not these alterations warrant a new geologic designation, and what the future potentially holds for both humans and the planet.
ENVS 4250-001	Our Water Planet	Jon Hawkings	TR 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	Water, the “universal solvent”, is a miraculous substance that makes Earth unique in the solar system and, possibly, the galaxy. This course will dive into the wonderous physical and chemical properties of water from the micro (water properties and composition) to macro (global water resources) scale and highlight its role in sculpting almost every facet of Earth’s environment. Water will be examined within a scientific framework, from wicked water problems to wonderous water bodies to the paradox of an abundant yet incredibly precious resource. We will study the vital role of water in life, its movement across around our planet, its part in the growth (and downfall) of civilizations, and the ways in which humans are having profound impacts on all aspects of the water cycle. We will also look at how water interacts with other Earth systems, use topical case studies to examine water issues in the Anthropocene and examine what lies in store for water quality and availability in the twenty-first century during an era of rapid environmental change. Assignments will include class presentations, an opinion piece, and a review article for a leading journal. This course will include a local field trip.
ENVS 5100-660	Proseminar: Contemporary Issues in Environmental Studies	Siobhan Whadcoat	T 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	A detailed, comprehensive investigation of selected environmental problems. This is the first course taken by students entering the Master of Environmental Studies Program.
ENVS 5716-660	Modeling Geographical Space	Jill Kelly	R 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	This course explores the nature and use of digital geographic information systems (GIS) for the analysis and synthesis of spatial patterns and processes through 'cartographic modeling'. Cartographic modeling is a general but well defined methodology that can be used to address a wide variety of analytical mapping applications in a clear and consistent manner. It does so by decomposing both data and data-processing tasks into elemental components that can then be recomposed with relative ease and with great flexibility.
ENVS 5810-660	Environmental Law for Environmental Professionals	Joseph J Lisa	R 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	Newspapers, magazines, professional journals and media outlets throughout the world every day contain stories concerning the impacts of pollution on the environment, wildlife and public health. Environmental laws are the primary tools that governments utilize to prevent, minimize and mitigate harmful impacts from such pollution. Environmental professionals (e.g., consultants, planners, engineers, inspectors, compliance officers, NGO representatives, policymakers) play a central role in the implementation and ultimate success or failure of these laws. This survey course presents environmental law in a new, accessible and thought-provoking manner. It focuses on the role of environmental professionals in the regulatory process and is designed to provide environmental professionals with a foundation that will enable them to better serve the interest of their clients, work productively with environmental attorneys and effectively represent individuals and businesses before governmental regulators. The practical aspects of environmental law will be addressed with the use of case studies. A variety of focus topics will be explored, including, but not limited to: regulation of PFAS; environmental justice; and the impact on recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions on environmental protection. A number of important federal environmental statutes will be studied: Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act; CERCLA; RCRA; NEPA; and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Finally, students will read the book “A Civil Action” which will be the focus of class discussions about the interactions between environmental professionals, victims of environmental pollution, environmental attorneys and the legal system.			https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202510&c=ENVS5810660
ENVS 6424-660	Field Study of Puerto Rico's Ecology	Sarah A Willig	W 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	Puerto Rico has a varied climate, geology, and topography that combine with periodic disturbance from earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes, floods, and the occasional tsunami (such as 1918 Puerto Rico Tsunami) to produce a rich diversity of ecological systems (see Miller and Lugo, 2009). Human use of the island’s mineral and biological resources together with agricultural production, military operations, industrial, commercial, and residential development and tourism have greatly reduced the area of intact systems and put pressure on surviving remnants. Fortunately, there are protected natural areas (see map by Gould et al., 2011) that provide the opportunity to observe and come to understand important ecological patterns and processes of tropical areas. The course will include regular classes leading up to the trip over spring break during which we will review the literature and learn from Penn researchers about the ecological systems of the island, especially in the Luquillo Experimental Forest (see Harris et al., 2012). Students will work collaboratively on a specific system or location that we will visit and present to the class before we leave. Upon our return, students will work individually on a research topic of interest related to the field trip and present findings and analysis in class and in a paper
ENVS 6510-660	Leading Change for Sustainability	Kim Quick	W 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	Sustainability presents both a challenge and an opportunity for society. Issues like climate change, pollution, resource depletion, and population imbalance are stressing the planet's capacity in ways that threaten our ability to sustain thriving and just societies. At the same time, these systemic problems are unfolding too slowly to prompt most of us to take serious and significant action, or to trigger meaningful responses from our political and business leaders. People equate sustainability with efficiency, waste minimization, and pollution prevention - all worthy goals - but at the current rate of consumption and growth these approaches alone will not create the future of abundance and equity that we desire. To quote author and MIT professor John Ehrenfeld, "Reducing unsustainability - although critical - will not create sustainability." What will it take to extricate us from the current predicament and forge a new path? In this class, we will examine underlying psychological and cultural barriers to sustainability and discuss strategies for surmounting them. Students will learn leadership competencies and practices to help them more effectively lead change efforts for sustainability. Readings and discussions will explore the application of positive psychology to leverage the human technologies of creativity and collaboration in the pursuit of a more balanced and sustainable relationship with others and our ecosystems, and to shift the sustainability dialogue from the current problem-oriented approach to a vision of human wellbeing and planetary flourishing.
ENVS 6530-660	Corporate Sustainability Strategies	Linda Froelich Emily Woodhull Newton	T 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	Before the year 2000, "environmental management" for a business was typically driven by the need to respond to restrictions imposed by environmental regulation. But, at the dawn of the new millennium, leading businesses began to change their concept of environmental management to look beyond simply meeting governmental dictates. These organizations began to evolve and utilize "environmental strategy" to create new ways of growing their businesses by bringing sustainability to the core of their business strategies. This seismic shift in view was accompanied by a bottom line emphasis that, in some cases, turned sustainability efforts into profit centers. Sustainability increasingly is not hidden within the silo of environmental, health, and safety departments but has become much more seamlessly integrated into the operations of corporate functional disciplines. Today, to effectively work in senior management, an executive needs to be knowledgeable not only about his or her specific business function but also how his or her business will be impacted by governmental regulations, policies, corporate sustainability initiatives, green marketing regulations, industry guidelines or 'best practices', new sustainable technologies, energy planning, environmental performance metrics, and required reporting on the environmental impact of their business unit.
ENVS 6645-660	Practical Solutions to Reducing Carbon Emissions	William E. Young	M 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	As climate change becomes an increasing threat, nations and organizations across the globe are setting ambitious net zero and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, but how is this accomplished? Through case studies and assessments this class will investigate the leading techniques and practices to reduce carbon emissions and capture and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Case studies will include examples from agriculture and food; living shorelines, wetlands, and coastal restoration; biodiversity; energy; transportation; land use, and the social aspect (empowering women and girls); bioremediation, and anaerobic digesters vs composting. Relevant climate data will be reviewed, as well as approaches to business practices, economic considerations and legislation that can accelerate addressing climate impacts to our environment.
ENVS 6825-660	Urban Water Policies and Practices for a Changing Climate	Howard Mark Neukrug	T 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	Can we successfully adapt our urban water systems to meet the growing challenges of flood, drought, water contamination, heat/fires, extreme weather and sea level rise? How do we make our cities resilient and our communities sustainable, even in the face of these threats? When does change begin? How does it happen? Our urban water systems and their watersheds are already severely challenged. We will explore the human right to water and sanitation on a local and a global scale through a review of (1) water policies, practices and law; (2) technology; (3) governance and funding; and (4) land use (think green/blue infrastructure and “nature-based” solutions). Among many the many topics to be examined, we will study (1) how leadership, technology and politics were essential to achieving change through an analysis of Philadelphia’s Green City Clean Waters program; (2) how we make potable water from wastewater palatable to the public, (3) how to manage PFAS in the environment, the drinking water, the land disposal of biosolids, and in communicating its risk to the public; and (4) make ESG, GHG emissions, energy independence and 100% water recycling/reuse integral to the water industry culture and operations.
ENVS 6840-660	Energy, Waste and the Environment	Reto Giere	W 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	The aim of this course is to provide an incentive to use geochemical and mineralogical principles to address and solve major environmental problems. The students identify the problems that are associated with different types of waste. This course covers a wide range of problems associated with the waste arising from the generation of electricity. The main topics will be the uranium cycle, characterization of nuclear waste, and the containment and disposal of nuclear waste. Based on insights from the nuclear fuel cycle, solutions are presented that diminish the environmental impacts of coal and biomass combustion products, incineration of municipal solid waste, toxic waste due to refuse incineration, and landfills and landfill gases.
ENVS 6850-660	Integrated Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure and Environmental Impact		T 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	This course introduces the foundational principles and methodologies of comprehensive planning across key domains, including transportation systems, school facilities, environmental sustainability, Title VI compliance, and land development. Designed for students in Environmental Studies, the course provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address complex planning challenges. Students will explore how these disciplines intersect to create cohesive, sustainable, and equitable communities, preparing them to lead projects that integrate environmental, social, and infrastructure considerations. Through case studies, hands-on projects, and strategic planning exercises, students will gain the tools necessary to contribute to urban planning, sustainability initiatives, and infrastructure development.
ENVS 6880-660	Environmental Risk Assessment: Science & Policy Challenges	Susan Spielberger	R 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	How do government policy-makers make decisions about potential threats to human health and the environment in the face of scientific uncertainty? The course develops the concept of Risk Assessment from the publication of the 1983 National Research Council (NRC) report commonly known as the "Red Book" which was used to rank the initial hazardous waste sites under the Superfund program. Using a variety of teaching tools, including lectures, panel discussions, and case studies, the course examines how public policy decisions regarding environmental risk are made and how effective those decisions are at reducing risks to affected populations. The course focuses on the complex interaction of science, economics, politics, laws, and regulations in dealing with environmental and public health risks. The course will begin with a review of the policy process and methods used in evaluating human health and environmental risks, including the traditional steps in the risk assessment process, including quantitative and qualitative aspects of hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. The course will then focus on how scientific uncertainty, risk perceptions, socio-economic disparities, risk communication, and politics influence environmental risk-based decision-making. Issues such as special populations (e.g., children, elderly, immune-compromised, woman of pregnancy age, etc.) must be considered when developing risk reduction strategies. The use of the "precautionary principle" will be discussed in the context of different types of environmental stressors (e.g., pesticides, chemicals, climate change, air pollution, water quality, and land use) and how this important controversial principle is applied differently in contrasting national and European risk management policies.
ENVS 6998-660	Masters of Environmental Studies Capstone Seminar	Nancy Watterson	M 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	This course is designed to help students successfully complete their MES Capstone. A set of milestones will be set and regular meetings will be held in groups and individually to aid the student as they complete the research portion of their degree.We will be working together to complete a series of steps towards the final project. These steps fall into five major areas 1) Reviewing the literature; 2) Finding a model; 3) Framing your research; 4) managing data; and 5) Writing your results. Throughout the semester, we will also discuss career goals and the job search.
ENVS 6998-661	Masters of Environmental Studies Capstone Seminar	Maria-Antonia Andrews	M 5:15 PM-8:14 PM	This course is designed to help students successfully complete their MES Capstone. A set of milestones will be set and regular meetings will be held in groups and individually to aid the student as they complete the research portion of their degree.We will be working together to complete a series of steps towards the final project. These steps fall into five major areas 1) Reviewing the literature; 2) Finding a model; 3) Framing your research; 4) managing data; and 5) Writing your results. Throughout the semester, we will also discuss career goals and the job search.
ENVS 9900-660	Masters Thesis	Siobhan Whadcoat		While working with an advisor students conduct research and write a thesis.