Environmental Science

This course teaches business management & development skills.

Students will learn:

• Modern business practices
• How to create and use effective business plans
• To make business forecasts and scenarios
• To be effective managers
• Marketing and sales strategies
• Financial planning and analysis

This course teaches scientists & engineers how to excel in their careers.

This course includes:

• Interactive lectures
• Practical exercises
• Real-world case studies
• Self-assessments

Students will learn:

• To improve their professional abilities
• To be better communicators
• How to advance their careers

This is a cohort class for first-year MST students.

This course offers functional skills for & the improvement of organizational processes.

Students will learn:

• To manage value creation
• Effective and efficient process design
• Operational design and theory
• To plan and organize functions of management
• To carry out and oversee functions of management

This course teaches scientific reasoning, inquiry, & problem-solving skills. 

Topics covered include:

• Simple and theoretical induction
• Bayesianism
• Statistical and causal hypotheses
• Using scientific information in decision making
• Inference to the best explanation
• Science and the individual
• Science and society

Required of all first-year MST students.

This course teaches exploratory data analysis (EDA) & the R coding language.

This course includes:

• Practical exercises
• Real-world examples

Students will learn:

• To apply graphical EDA to representative data sets using:
  • Scatter plots
  • Box plots
  • Histograms
  • Probability plots
  • Residual plots
  • Mean plots
• The RStudio platform
• Standard and quantitative data evaluation techniques

No prior knowledge of the R coding language needed and you should bring your laptop.

This course assists with methods and skills needed to complete a professional project.

Students will learn:

• Realistic goal setting
• Project initiation
• To define objectives and scope
• To identify and manage risk
• Resource allocation
• Scheduling
• To keep track of progress
• Closure

This course bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Students will be able to apply diverse skills gained from their studies such as:

• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Project management
• Collaboration

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the climate system, focusing on the interactions between its main components: the atmosphere, oceans, land surfaces, and sea ice.

Upon completion, students will be equipped with:

• A deep understanding of the physical processes that drive climate dynamics
• The ability to assess and interpret projected climate change and variability

This course provides an in-depth study of how changes in energy, water, and nutrient cycles impact flora, fauna, and ecological communities in transformed environments.

Upon completion, students will gain:

• An understanding of how ecological principles apply to urban environments
• The ability to analyze the impact of altered energy, water, and nutrient cycles on urban ecosystems
• Knowledge on the application of ecological principles in urban settings
• Insights into the effects of changes in energy, water, and nutrient cycles on plants, animals, and ecological communities in transformed environments
• Recommendation to have completed an upper-level course in ecology, environmental science, engineering, or urban planning before enrolling

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the chemical principles vital to aquatic environments and the factors that determine the composition of natural waters.

Upon completion, students will gain:

• Skills to analyze and find solutions for groundwater and soil remediation
• Understanding of topics including energetics and kinetics, acids and bases, dissolved carbon dioxide, precipitation and dissolution, coordination chemistry, oxidation and reduction, and solid-solution interfacial processes
• Skills to tackle environmental problems involving natural waters using the tools and considerations developed in this class
• Ability to examine current environmental issues and analyze them using the tools developed in this class
• Proficiency in using microcomputer software for quantitative description of kinetic and equilibrium processes

This course brings together expertise from various units across the campus.

Upon completion, students will gain:

• Knowledge from four thematic modules, each with three topics covering fundamentals and introducing observations/modeling, and current/recent knowledge
• Experience with integrated activities at the conclusion of each module, focusing on western water issues, decision making, and policy
• Understanding of how to integrate disciplinary expertise in hydrology and water resources

This course provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a tool for managing, analyzing, and displaying geographic information. You will learn about spatial information, digital data, and the use of GIS to represent features, examine relationships, and display information.

Upon completion, students will gain:

• Experience with hands-on exercises in labs to apply and learn the ArcGIS Pro software
• Skills to solve problems using GIS and display the information in a way that facilitates communication and understanding
• Practice through in-class exercises and a final project, with the goal of applying skills to solve real problems
• Development of analytic reasoning skills and deepened knowledge of quantitative methods, fulfilling a quantitative intensive (QI) requirement
• Understanding of the underlying quantitative theory behind core GIS concepts when applying quantitative methods to practical issues and real-world problems via spatial analysis

This course, part of the Environmental Science Track of the Professional Master's Program, offers a comprehensive introduction to the global challenges of environmental sustainability. It explores the current state and future possibilities of energy production, distribution, and usage. For graduate students, an additional scientific article and a seminar presentation are required.

This course provides an in-depth analysis of the Earth's climate system, which includes the atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces. The topics covered in this course are:

• Global energy balance
• Hydrological cycle
• General circulation
• Atmospheric radiative transfer
• Natural and anthropogenic climate change

This lecture course delves into the biological, physical, and chemical factors that govern the cycling of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus within terrestrial ecosystems. The stability of ecosystem processes and the functioning of the ecosystem are heavily reliant on these elemental cycles. The course covers a range of topics:

• Climate system
• Energy and water balance
• Carbon and nutrient cycling
• Plant and ecosystem production
• Soils and decomposition
• Trophic relations
• Fire ecology
• Land use change
• Global biogeochemical cycles

It is recommended that BIOL 1210; BIOL 3510 or CHEM 3510; PHYS 2010 or 2110 or 2210 or 3210 be completed prior to or concurrently with taking this course.

This lecture course emphasizes the adaptive physiology and structure/function relationships among plants, plant communities, and their environments. It encourages a critical-thinking focus on how global scales, land use changes, and invasive species influence ecological dynamics at local to global scales. The course covers:

• Microclimate
• Energy balance
• Life-history
• Competition
• Carbon, water and nutrient relations of plants in different ecosystems

Student performance is evaluated through a combination of data analysis, writing, and oral/written communications. It is recommended that BIOL 3410 is completed prior to or concurrently with taking this course.

This course is for life science enthusiasts who wish to delve deeper into the world of modern statistics. It's an opportunity to brush up on your mathematical and statistical skills. The curriculum focuses on the R coding language.

This course offers an in-depth look at Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its practical applications in planning. Students come away with the skills needed for future courses and professional practice. They will learn the concepts of GIS technology as well as gain practical experience. This course is made up of:

• Lectures
• Reading
• Discussion
• Hands-on Labs

Green Infrastructure is more than technology. It's an approach that uses natural systems and processes to provide essential services to communities. It's based on the principle that human settlements are a part of natural systems. By turning to nature first when thinking about infrastructure we can be much more efficient. They can be more resilient and lead to healthier and more prosperous communities. This course covers:

• The integral role of natural systems in urban ecosystems
• The multi-purpose nature of green infrastructure
• The interdisciplinary collaboration in creating green infrastructure
• The unique outcomes of green infrastructure adapted to place

The course crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries and covers a wide range of spatial scales. It focuses on ecology, engineering, landscape architecture, and urban planning and design. The approach applies from a site to regional scales.

This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of both historical and current water issues, with a focus on engineering projects in the western United States. Students will delve into a variety of topics:

• Water conservation
• Water supply
• The interplay between water and energy
• Ecological impacts
• Societal implications

These subjects will be examined through the lens of specific case studies, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of:

• Water resources planning
• Management
• Law
• Engineering
• Modeling
• Ethical considerations inherent in these fields

This course provides an understanding of the chemical principles crucial in aquatic environments. It focuses on the factors that determine the composition of natural waters.

The course will cover a range of topics:

• Energetics and kinetics
• Acids and bases
• Dissolved carbon dioxide
• Precipitation and dissolution
• Coordination chemistry
• Oxidation and reduction
• Solid-solution interfacial processes

It equips students with the tools for addressing environmental problems involving natural waters.

Students are encouraged to:

• Apply the principles learned in groundwater and soil remediation
• Examine and analyze current environmental issues using the tools developed in this class
• Learn to use microcomputer software for quantitative description of kinetic and equilibrium processes

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of Electric Power Systems and their components. Students will gain knowledge about:

• Power generation
• Transmissions and distribution
• Transmission line modeling
• Load-flow analysis
• Balanced and unbalanced fault analysis in power systems

This course serves as a foundation for understanding the concept of Smart Grid and other aspects of modern power systems.

This class offers an introduction to the critical energy issues facing our planet, with a special focus on controversial topics and issues in Utah. The course will cover a wide range of topics:

• Hydraulic fracturing (fracking)
• Offshore oil and gas development
• Oil shale and tar sand development
• Nuclear energy
• Renewable energy technologies such as wind and geothermal
• The smart grid
• Difficulties in commercializing new energy technologies
• Air pollution
• Transportation choices
• Energy policy development

The course also delves into global issues including:

• Population dynamics
• Climate change
• Carbon management
• Water resources
• The Law of Unintended Consequences
• Tipping points

A number of outstanding guest lecturers will provide expertise in their respective fields.

Graduate students should enroll in GEOG 5368 or GEO 5368 and will be held to higher standards and/or more work.

This course explores how anthropogenic organic and inorganic chemicals behave in aquatic and subsurface environments. It's ideal for students from diverse scientific backgrounds:

• Geoscience
• Environmental Engineering
• Public Health

A basic understanding of general chemistry is expected. The course will review relevant concepts from organic and physical chemistry. This course is rigorous. It will equip you with practical tools to predict environmental contaminant concentrations.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and mathematical models of groundwater flow. It is designed for students interested in earth sciences and engineering. The course covers:

• Darcy's Law and its implications
• Concepts of fluid storage
• Equations governing the flow of groundwater
• Methods for evaluating aquifers
• The role of groundwater in addressing geotechnical and geological challenges

This course applies the principles of groundwater hydrology and contaminant chemistry. The goal is to understand the processes influencing subsurface hazardous waste. The course covers:

• Quantification of advective-dispersive transport of both conservative and reactive solutes
• Transport in granular and fractured media
• Application of environmental regulations and toxicological parameters
• Design of various remediation techniques such as:
  • Air-stripping
  • Carbon adsorption
  • Soil vapor extraction
  • Surfactant enhanced extraction
  • Bio-venting
  • Bio-augmentation
  • Solidification
  • Capture systems

A class project involves the design of a remediation system for a hypothetical site.

This course explores the core principles of groundwater flow and transport modeling. You will learn to use the Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) and various groundwater models to create, run, and interpret 2-D groundwater flow and transport simulations. The course covers key topics such as:

• Defining mathematical/numerical equivalents to real-world problems
• Finite difference methods
• Finite element methods
• Sensitivity studies

By the end of this 5-week short course, you'll have a solid understanding of the assumptions and limitations of the modeling approach.

This course delves into the chemical makeup of our planet and the processes that shape it. It explores the principles of low-temperature geochemistry and the application of thermodynamics to geological challenges.

This course offers a practical introduction to geospatial field methods. It emphasizes Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The course provides an overview of the tools and techniques used to collect and present geospatial field data. Prior to field sessions, students will learn about:

• Projections and coordinate systems
• Remote sensing
• Georeferencing
• Digital surface/elevation models
• Basic spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

In the field, students will:

• Learn safe field practices
• Learn field note-taking and metadata collection
• Learn how to write up field reports
• Gain hands-on experience with field instrumentation including surveying equipment, GPS, and UAS
• Independently collect data for their course projects

Climate change is a significant challenge. It is happening faster than at any point in human history. This course provides an in-depth look into the Earth's extensive history, focusing on past climate changes and the scientific methods used to study them. In this course, students will:

• Explore the causes of climate change across different time scales
• Understand how humans contribute to current and future climate change
• Learn about personal and collective actions that can be taken to address climate change

While we have solutions to climate change, they need to be implemented before we reach a critical tipping point.

This course delves into the dynamics of water in Utah. We study regional climate, rainfall, snowmelt, and stream discharge to understand flood patterns. We explore how river processes shape landforms and human impact through dams and flood control. Other topics may include groundwater, pollution, water development, and conservation. The course includes a field trip and additional assignments for GEOG 5290 students.

This course delves into the intricate patterns of global climates. It examines:

• Energy and moisture in the atmosphere
• Movement of air masses
• The elements that shape local and regional climates

The course also covers applied climatology and climatic variations. It provides a thorough understanding of past and future climates.

• Application of climatology
• Examination of climatic variations
• Consideration of past and future climates

Graduate students are encouraged to enroll in GEOG 5205 and will be expected to meet higher standards and/or complete additional work.

This course focuses on federal public lands. You'll learn about the history of these lands, their diversity, and stewardship. It explores the ethical, social, and scientific factors that influence how we manage these lands. You'll learn about the idea of integrating land resources for multiple purposes. The course covers the tools that professionals use to manage public lands and resources. Lastly, we'll discuss important current issues in managing federal lands.

The course covers streams and riparian areas. It focuses on their physical, chemical, and biological aspects.

• Insights into maintaining healthy stream ecosystems
• Social, political, and economic factors in preserving and restoring habitats

It uses varied teaching methods including:

• Readings
• Videos
• Discussions
• Field exercises

Red Butte Creek and a local restoration site are the locations for field exercises.

This course harnesses the power of detailed color data, high-performance computers, and advanced image editing software. This powerful combination equips us with a wide array of tools for analyzing numbers, creating engaging graphs, and bringing science to life through visualization. These tools are at the heart of our approach to solving real-world environmental problems using data gathered from remote sensors.

Our program focuses on the theory and application of various image-processing techniques, including:

• Data corrections: We teach you how to fix errors and improve the accuracy of your data.
• Enhancements: Learn how to make data easier to understand and interpret.
• Transformations: Discover how to change the way data is represented or modeled.

These techniques are designed to address specific environmental challenges in both natural and human-made environments.

In this program, you'll learn theory and practical skills to understand and solve real-world problems. Key highlights include:

• Applying GIS: Discover how GIS can help us understand the world around us and make better decisions.
• Technical Skills: Improve your technical skills to analyze geographic data and solve problems.
• Hands-On Learning: Get hands-on experience using popular GIS software in our lab sessions.
• Real-World Projects: Work on projects during our lab sessions that mirror what professionals do in the real world.

As technology advances, we gather data at an unprecedented pace. This course equips you with the skills to harness this data to solve complex problems in various fields. You'll learn to manage geospatial data, leverage web GIS, and use cloud computing services. We'll delve into:

• Database design fundamentals to support GIS and other spatial applications
• Web GIS, learning to use web technologies for spatial analysis
• Cloud computing as a key component of modern IT infrastructure
• Designing and applying cloud computing environments and applying these concepts in a lab setting

Dive into the basics of biostatistics with this course where you’ll learn how to analyze health and medical data. A major part of this course is learning how to interpret results for research, policy, and practice. You’ll also learn how to gather data in two distinct ways: quantitative and qualitative. The course shows you how to use biostatistics, computer science, and software tools to study the data you collect. Lastly, you’ll learn why it’s important to use evidence-based practice in public health.