Environmental Studies/Science (ENSC) Courses

ENSC 100 Intro to Environmental Science (3) Introductory course linking the human and physical/ chemical/biological world. Emphasis on current global and local issues related to pollution, biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate change, resource consumption and sustainability. Focus on critical thinking and the integration of both natural and social science perspectives in understanding and addressing environmental issues. (Attributes: DB, GQ)

ENSC 301 Global Warming/Climate Change (3) Concepts and processes of global warming and climate change: electromagnetic radiation and energy balance, greenhouse effects, past climates, and local and global impacts and mitigation strategies. We will read and analyze classic and current journal articles and gain experience working with simple climate models. Pre: ENSC 100 or GEOG 101. (Same as GEOG 301)

ENSC 330 Peoples, Plants, and Culture (4) (lecture/lab) Ethnobotany, the study of the relationships between humans and plants, and archaeobotany, the study of past plant use, is considered from an anthropological perspective. The focus is on how plants fundamentally shape the human condition, how plants are integral to the structure of culture and society, and the important roles plants play in shaping and directing cultural change. (Same as ANTH 330, AG 330)

ENSC 384 Primatology (3) Evolutionary approach to the nonhuman primates. Biological and behavioral adaptations of primates to their ecological setting. Implications of primate adaptations for understanding human biology and behavior. Pre: ANTH 215, or BIOL 172. (Same as ANTH, BIOL 384)

ENSC 385 Fld Meth in Geog & Environ Sci (3) Geographic field methods for assessment and monitoring the physical/biological/anthropogenic environment. Instrumentation, data collection, and analysis; planning and land management applications. Pre: Junior or senior status and consent of instructor. (Same as GEOG 385) (Attributes: GAHP)

ENSC 436 Environ Politics in Pacific (3) This course will examine the ways that government policies, economic development and globalization affect the environment in the Pacific region as well as the ways that environmental problems affect political debates and actions. Utilizing the research approach of political ecology this course for advanced students will explore contemporary viewpoints on climate change, environmental preservation, population growth, land degradation, marine and terrestrial resource management, environmental contamination, and other environmental issues across Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia. Pre: Junior or Senior standing and completion of one of the following: ENSC 100, GEOG 335, other upper-level Pacific Islands Studies course, or instructor's (Same as GEOG 436) (Attributes: GAHP)

ENSC 441 Environmentl Impact Assessment (3) Introduction to the theory and methods of environmental impact assessment (EIA). Emphasis on the biophysical, cultural, social, economic and legal foundations of the federal and state EIA process as well as strategies to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of development. Students engage in critical evaluation and preparation of an EIA. Pre: junior or senior standing or consent of instructor. (Same as GEOG 441).

ENSC 457 Vegetation of the Hawaiian Isl (3) This course explores the major types of vegetation in Hawaiʻi with respect to physical environments and important species. Basic concepts in taxonomy and identification are emphasized. Coursework includes field excursions at various sites around the island of Hawaiʻi to develop methods in surveying and monitoring vegetation. This course also examines major human impacts and conservation challenges. Pre: BIOL 156 or BIOL 281. (Same as BIOL 457). This course is dual listed with CBES 657.

ENSC 495 Senior Seminar Environ Science (3) (other) Capstone course for Geography, Environmental Studies and Environmental Science majors, integrating previous coursework into disciplinary framework. Seminar focuses on research, writing and discussion of themes in contemporary geography and environmental studies and science. Pre: Major in Geography, Environmental Studies or Environmental Science, junior or senior standing. Offered spring semester only. (Same as GEOG 495).

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ENSC x94 Special Topics in Subject Matter (Arr.) Special topics chosen by the instructor. Course content will vary. May be repeated for credit, provided that a different topic is studied. Additional requirements may apply depending on subject and topic.

ENSC x99 Directed Studies (Arr.) Statement of planned reading or research required. Pre: instructor’s consent.