Environmental Science Program
Courses and Concentrations

The Environmental Science Program at Southern Methodist University includes a set of core courses that provide students with a broad background in chemistry, earth science, physics, biology and mathematics.

After completing this multidisciplinary core, students select a Biology, Earth Science or Chemistry emphasis for their upper division courses. All students come together in their senior year for a multidisciplinary seminar in Environmental Science.

Use the menu at left to review courses in SMU's Environmental Science Program.

 

Course Descriptions

BIOL 1401 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I
An introduction to the study of plants and animals. First term (required for all biology emphasis students): cell structure, metabolism, functional systems of plants and animals; second term (required core course for all environmental science majors): introduction to genetics and ecology and diversity of plants and animals. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory each week. This two-term offering is a prerequisite for all advanced courses in biological sciences.

 

 

BIOL 1402 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY II
An introduction to the study of plants and animals. introduction to genetics and ecology and diversity of plants and animals. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory each week.

 

 

BIOL 3303.EVOLUTION.
A study of the principles of biological evolution. Includes natural selection, adaptation, molecular evolution, the formation of new species, the fossil record, biogeography, and principles of classification. Three lecture hours each week. Prerequisite: BIOL 1401, 1402 or permission of instructor.

 

 

BIOL 3304. GENETICS.
An introduction to the structure, function, and transmission of the hereditary material. Three lecture hours each week. Prerequisite: CHEM 1304 or permission of instructor.

 

 

BIOL 3306. PHYSIOLOGY.
Homeostatic control mechanisms in vertebrates. Three lecture hours each week. Corequisite or Prerequisite: CHEM 1304. 

 

 

BIOL 3342. PLANT KINGDOM.
A survey of the plant kingdom emphasizing life histories and developmental morphology. Two lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory each week.

 

 

BIOL 3343. FIELD  BOTANY (TAOS).
Identification of vascular plants with emphasis on ecological indicators. Lectures and laboratories conducted at Fort Burgwin, New Mexico, site of SMU-in-Taos.

 

 

BIOL 3347. SYSTEMATIC BOTANY (TAOS).
An introduction to the history, nomenclature, family characteristics, identification and biosystematics of the flowering plants. Lecture and laboratory work conducted at Fort Burgwin, New Mexico.

 

 

BIOL 3354. PARASITOLOGY
Comparative study of parasitic organisms and their role in diseases. Two lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory each week.

 

 

BIOL 3357. BIOLOGY OF INVERTEBRATES
A general survey of the invertebrates with emphasis on identification of local species, morphological adaptations, systematics, and ecology. Two lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory each week.

 

 

BIOL 3403. MICROBIOLOGY.
The biology of microorganisms, with an emphasis on bacterial metabolism and physiology. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory each week. Recommended preparation: CHEM 3371 and CHEM 3117.

 

 

BIOL 5166 (GEOL 5166). VERTEBRATE ANATOMY LABORATORY.
A laboratory course to accompany BIOL/GEOL 5366. Exercises include basic anatomy, dissections, and examinations of fossils. Corequisite: BIOL 5366 (GEOL 5366). 

 

 

BIOL 5366 (GEOL 5366). VERTEBRATE ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION.
An introduction to biological and geological processes that have affected the diversity of vertebrate organisms throughout Earth history, including origination, biogeography, adaptation, and extinction. Strong emphasis on vertebrate anatomy. Prerequisites: BIOL 1401, 1402 or GEOL 1308. The accompanying laboratory is a corequisite for biology majors and strongly recommended for all other students.

 

 

BIOL 5110 (CHEM 5110). BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY.
One three-hour laboratory period each week. Corequisite: BIOL 5310.

 

 

BIOL 5311 (CHEM 5311). BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY: METABOLISM.
Introduction to the pathways and regulatory events in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 3371 and 3372.

 

 

BIOL 3307 ECOLOGY
Basic principles and concepts of ecology with emphasis on population and community interactions. Three lecture hours each week.

 

 

CHEM 1303, 1304 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I, II
This course is designed primarily for science majors, pre-med students, and engineering students. It offers an introduction to the fundamental principles and theories of chemistry, including stoichiometry, the structure of matter, energy relationships involved in the transformation of matter, the dynamics of such transformations, and some descriptive chemistry of the important elements. It is a prerequisite to all advanced courses in the department.

 

 

CHEM 1113 GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
One three-hour laboratory period each week. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 1303.

 

 

CHEM 1114 GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
One three-hour laboratory period each week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 1113; Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 1304.

 

 

CHEM 3117 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
One three-hour laboratory period each week. Corequisite: CHEM 3371.

 

 

CHEM 3351 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
A course involving the theory and practice of quantitative analytical chemistry techniques including gravimetric, volumetric, electrochemical, and spectroscopic analyses. Three hours of lecture and two four-hour laboratory periods per week for one-half semester.

 

 

CHEM 3371, 3372 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I, II
This course is designed to satisfy the requirements of the chemistry major and health-related professions student. The first semester deals primarily with aliphatic chemistry with special emphasis on sterochemistry. The second semester emphasizes aromatic substances and the chemistry of biologically relevant molecules. Prerequisite: CHEM 1303, 1304.

 

 

CHEM 3118. ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
One three-hour laboratory period each week. Corequisite: CHEM 3372.

 

 

GEOL 1301. EARTH SYSTEMS
This course examines processes within and between the solid Earth and its spheres, the hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Students gain an understanding of the Earth's composition, structure, history, and the effect of mankind on our planet. Two lectures and one two-hour laboratory each week. Recommended for most geology tracks.

 

 

GEOL 1315. INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Fundamental principles of ecology, hydrology, geology, population dynamics, land-use management, and related fields will be used as the basis for understanding many of the major environmental issues that face our planet - greenhouse climate changes, soil and water pollution, acid rain and related atmospheric pollution problems, habitat destruction and species extinction, waste disposal, land use management, energy resource development, geologic hazards, and others. Two lectures and one four-hour laboratory every other week.

 

 

GEOL 3451, 3452. EARTH MATERIALS I AND II
The study of minerals and rocks: elementary crystallography, crystal chemistry, mineral structures and physical properties, rock classification and identification of rocks and minerals in hand specimen, principles of mineral optics, identification of minerals in thin section, introduction to relationships among rock textures, origins, and rock-forming processes. Prerequisites: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences and credit or registration for CHEM 1301 or 1303.

 

 

GEOL 6363. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY SEMINAR
This seminar will focus on timely geoscience-based environmental problems and address scientific, environmental, political, economic, legal, and social aspects of potential "solutions" through selected readings, seminars, guest speakers, and research projects.

 

 

MATH 1337. CALCULUS WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY I
Differential and integral calculus for algebraic and some trigonometric functions with applications to curve sketching, velocity, maximum-minimum problems, areas, and volumes. (Credit not allowed for more than one of MATH 1309, 1337, or 1537.) Prerequisites: One course in trigonometry and two years of high school algebra (or a grade of C- or higher grade in MATH 1304). Sections numbered 020-029 use a graphing calculator.

 

 

MATH 1338. CALCULUS WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY II
A continuation of MATH 1337 or MATH 1537 through differential and integral calculus of transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals, and infinite sequences and series. (Credit not allowed for MATH 1338 and 1310.) Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MATH 1337 or 1537 (or MATH 1309 and departmental consent). Sections numbered 020-029 use a graphing calculator.

 

 

PHYS 1303. INTRODUCTION MECHANICS
For science and engineering majors. Vectors kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, gravitation, rotational motion, vibrations, waves, and fluids. Prerequisite: MATH 1337 or high school calculus course recommended.

 

 

PHYS 1105, 1106. GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY
One three-hour laboratory period per week. Taken with PHYS 1303, 1304 if eight hours of credit, including laboratory, are needed.

 

 

PHYS 1304. INTRODUCTORY ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
For science and engineering majors. Electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic radiation, optics, special relativity. Prerequisite: PHYS 1303. MATH 1338 recommended.

 

 

PHYS 1407, 1408. GENERAL PHYSICS
Principles and concepts of physics; applications in the life sciences. Mechanics, thermodynamics, sound, optics, electricity, magnetism, modern physics. Prerequisite: MATH 1337.

 

 

CHEM 3359. INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
The study of topics in inorganic chemistry including the systematics of the chemistry of the elements, periodicity, and ionic interactions. Three hours of lecture and two four-hour laboratory periods per week for one-half semester.

 

 

CHEM 5392. ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Survey of the bonding, structure, and reactivity of inorganic compounds; coordination, organometallic, and main group element chemistry. Three hours of lecture each week. Recommended Prerequisite: CHEM 5384.

 

 

CHEM 3372. ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
This course is designed to satisfy the requirements of the chemistry major and health-related professions student. The first semester deals primarily with aliphatic chemistry with special emphasis on stereochemistry. The second semester emphasizes aromatic substances and the chemistry of biologically relevant molecules. Prerequisite: CHEM 1303, 1304.

 

 

CHEM 3374. HONORS ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Covers essentially the same topics as 3371, 3372. However, topics are covered in more depth with a greater theoretical emphasis. Due to the small size of the class, greater student participation is possible. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

 

 

CHEM 3118. ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY
One three-hour laboratory period each week. Corequisite: CHEM 3372.

 

 

CHEM 5381. PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
Designed for B.A. majors in chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 1304 (or 1308), PHYS 1106, 1304 (or PHYS 1408), MATH 1337.

 

 

CHEM 5383. PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II
Gas laws; elementary kinetic theory; and the four laws of thermodynamics, including applications to phase diagrams and biological processes. Prerequisites: PHYS 1106, (or PHYS 108), MATH 1338. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 3351.

 

 

GEOL 3366: ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY AND GEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
An introduction to the physical and chemical processes occurring in the earth's atmosphere, oceans, rivers, and groundwater at both a local and a global scale. Prerequisites: High school algebra and chemistry and one 1300-level course in Geological Sciences.

 

 

GEOL 5384. HYDROGEOLOGY
An introduction to the chemical and physical behavior of natural waters and the role of fluids in geologic processes. The course will stress the application of thermodynamics, kinetics, and fluid mechanics to understand such geologic processes as ore formation, sediment diagenesis, isograd formation, acid rain, global warming, and groundwater contamination. Prerequisites: MATH 1338 and CHEM 1304, or permission of instructor.

 

 

GEOL 5386. GEOCHEMISTRY
A survey of geochemical processes within the earth and at the earth's surface, emphasizing mineral water interactions and application of the principles of chemical equilibrium to solution of geochemical problems. Prerequisite: GEOL 3452 or permission of instructor.

 

 

ME 2342. FLUID MECHANICS
Fluid statics, fluid motion, systems and control volumes, basic laws, irrotational flow, similitude and dimensional analysis, incompressible viscous flow, boundary layer theory, and an introduction to compressible flow. Prerequisites: ME 2320 and MATH 1338.

 

 

ENCE 3341. INTRODUCTION TO SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
Solid and hazardous waste are defined. Technology, health, and policy issues associated with solid waste and hazardous materials are examined. Methods of managing solid and hazardous waste are introduced and regulations presented where appropriate. The characteristics of hazardous and solid waste materials, health frameworks, and the distribution of contaminants in the environment are reviewed. Prerequisites: ENCE 2304 and 2421.

 

 

GEOL 3353. MODERN AND ANCIENT CLIMATES
Of all the various aspects of the natural environment that influence our lives, few register in our daily thoughts as often as the "weather". This course will discuss the longer term manifestations of the weather known as climate. Modern and ancient climates (and evidence for climate change on many time scales in the geological record) will be the theme. Prerequisites: one 1300-level Geology course or instructor approval.

 

 

GEOL 6338. THERMODYNAMICS OF GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES
Introduction to theoretical aspects of thermodynamics as they are applied in the earth sciences to igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes. Emphasis is on fundamental relationships in thermodynamics and mineral equilibria in aqueous solutions, solid rocks, silicate melts, and isotopic systems.

 

 

CHEM 4197, 4297, 4397. UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and permission of the instructor. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 4177.

 

 

GEOL 3360. PROCESS GEOMORPHOLOGY
Analysis of geological processes and other factors that influence or control the origin and development of landforms of the earth. Laboratory exercises and field trips are included. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences or permission of instructor.

 

 

GEOL 5398. GLOBAL GEOMORPHOLOGY
Analysis of endogenic and exogenic processes that influence the origin or development of planet surfaces, with an emphasis on Earth's large-scale processes and phenomena. Prerequisite: GEOL 3452, or permission of the instructor.

 

 

GEOL 3366: ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY AND GEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
An introduction to the physical and chemical processes occurring in the earth's atmosphere, oceans, rivers, and groundwater at both a local and a global scale. Prerequisites: High school algebra and chemistry and one 1300-level course in Geological Sciences.

 

 

GEOL 3369. PALEOBIOLOGY
A survey of biological diversity, phylogenetic analysis, rates of evolution, extinction, biogeography, taphonomy and paleoecology. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences or permission of instructor. BIOL. 1401 is also a suitable prerequisite.

 

 

GEOL 3454. STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
Introduction to the stress-strain relations of rock, the origin of faults, the brittle to ductile transition, mechanics of thrusting and folding. Laboratory problems in structure contouring, fault solutions, stereonet manipulation, analysis of folded terrains. Prerequisite: GEOL 3452 or permission of instructor.

 

 

GEOL 3472. PRINCIPLES OF SEDIMENTATION
A study of the origin and post-depositional modification of sediments, sedimentary structures, and sedimentary rocks. Application to the recognition and interpretation of ancient marine and nonmarine sedimentary depositional sequences. Required weekend field trips. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for GEOL 3451 or permission of instructor.

 

 

GEOL 4296, 4298. INTEGRATIVE RESEARCH
Faculty-supervised independent geoscience research project designed to acquaint the student with current scientific techniques in data gathering (in field and/or laboratory and/or library), data processing, and presentation of results. Prerequisite: Permission of faulty adviser.

 

 

GEOL 4321. INTERNSHIP IN GEOSCIENCE
Direct experience using applied geoscience techniques in a work environment, including resource recovery companies, environmental companies, law firms, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and municipal, state, or federal agencies. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing in a geoscience major, overall G.P.A. of at least 3.00 and completion of GEOL 3452; sponsorship of a professor and approved organization, agency, or company.

 

 

GEOL 4390. INTRODUCTION TO GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING
Introduction to geophysical exploration techniques. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH 1338 or permission of instructor.

 

 

GEOL 6338. THERMODYNAMICS OF GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES
Introduction to theoretical aspects of thermodynamics as they are applied in the earth sciences to igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes. Emphasis is on fundamental relationships in thermodynamics and mineral equilibria in aqueous solutions, solid rocks, silicate melts, and isotopic systems
.

 

 

GEOL 5368. PALEOECOLOGY
Interactions between the living world and the earth's changing environments through geologic time. Prerequisite: GEOL 3369 or permission of instructor.

 

 

GEOL 5384. HYDROGEOLOGY
An introduction to the chemical and physical behavior of natural waters and the role of fluids in geologic processes. The course will stress the application of thermodynamics, kinetics, and fluid mechanics to understand such geologic processes as ore formation, sediment diagenesis, isograd formation, acid rain, global warming, and groundwater contamination. Prerequisites: MATH 1338 and CHEM 1304, or permission of instructor.

 

 

GEOL 5386. GEOCHEMISTRY
A survey of geochemical processes within the earth and at the earth's surface, emphasizing mineral water interactions and application of the principles of chemical equilibrium to solution of geochemical problems. Prerequisite: GEOL 3452 or permission of instructor.

 

 

CHEM 3351. QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
A course involving the theory and practice of quantitative analytical chemistry techniques including gravimetric, volumetric, electrochemical, and spectroscopic analyses. Three hours of lecture and two four-hour laboratory periods per week for one-half semester.

 

 

CHEM 3372. ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
This course is designed to satisfy the requirements of the chemistry major and health-related professions student. The first semester deals primarily with aliphatic chemistry with special emphasis on stereochemistry. The second semester emphasizes aromatic substances and the chemistry of biologically relevant molecules. Prerequisite: CHEM 1303, 1304.

 

 

CHEM 3374. HONORS ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Covers essentially the same topics as 3371, 3372. However, topics are covered in more depth with a greater theoretical emphasis. Due to the small size of the class, greater student participation is possible. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

 

 

STAT 2331. INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL METHODS
An introduction to statistics for behavioral, biological, and social scientists. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability and inferential statistics including hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and contingency tables.

 

 

STAT 4340 (CSE 4340) STATISTICAL METHODS FOR ENGINEERS AND APPLIED SCIENTISTS
Basic concepts of probability and statistics useful in the solution of engineering and applied science problems. Topics: probability, probability distributions, data analysis, sampling distributions, estimation, and simple tests of hypothesis. Prerequisites: MATH 1337 AND 1338.