ENST 254 - Environmental Science in the Field

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

The environment consists of complex and often elegant interactions between various constituents so that an interdisciplinary approach is required to understand how human interactions may affect it. In this course, we study a variety of aspects of a specific environment by considering how biological, chemical, geological, and human factors interact. We observe these interactions first hand during a weeklong field trip. Some of the questions we may consider are: How does a coral polyp create an environment that not only suits its particular species, but also helps regulate the global climate? How has human development and associated water demands in the desert Southwest changed the landscape, fire ecology, and even estuary and fisheries’ health as far away as the Gulf of California? How have a variety of species (humans included) managed to survive on an island with the harsh environment of the exposed mid-ocean ridge of Iceland? The course is offered every other year, and topics vary with expertise of the faculty teaching the course.

Topic for 2014/15b: Honey. Specifically, this course explores the underlying economic and social complexities of honey in terms of honey and honey bees’ place in the food system, as well as the chemistry of honey, to examine issues related to pollution, hive collapse syndrome and the future of bees in the ecosystem. Weekly exercises will introduce techniques in honey research in literature, field and in the lab. Our research field trips include New York City, the Hudson Valley and during spring break Florida. Expenses for the class will be provided by the Vassar Environmental Research Institute. Ms. Batur and Mr. Belli.

Prerequisite: Environmental Studies 124 or Biology 106 or Chemistry 108 or Earth Science 151.

Admission to this class is by application and special permission only. Applications are due by November 10 to Catherine Meyer (cameyer@vassar.edu) and should include a 500 word statement of interest indicating how this class fits into your educational focus.

Contact Professors Batur (pibatur@vassar.edu) or Belli (belli@vassar.edu) with questions.