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Course Descriptions — Environmental Management (ENMT)

ENMT 301 Environment and Ecosystems Management (3)

Prerequisite: NSCI 100. An overview of the scientific principles governing ecosystems, particularly as they relate to the environmental consequences of resource development and industrial processes. Earth’s ecosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere are examined with special reference to environmental impacts and issues. Discussion covers the current state of the environment and the history of the environmental movement. The historical development of environmental management issues and approaches is introduced. Principles of environmental management at local, regional, and global levels are also covered.

ENMT 303 Environmental Regulations and Policy (3)

(Formerly ENMT 493.) Prerequisite: ENMT 301. An analytical survey of principles of constitutional and administrative law that are fundamental to environmental and health and safety management. Focus is on acquiring basic knowledge of federal legislation (including CWA, CAA, SDWA, RCRA/HSCA, CERCLA/SARA, FIFRA, TSCA, FDA, DOT, and OSHA), and becoming familiar with the use of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations. The relationship between regulations and public policy at local, state, and federal levels is discussed. Review also covers the social contract and its sanctions, as expressed in law and litigation at local, state, national, and international levels. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ENMT 303 or ENMT 493.

ENMT 305 Hazardous Materials Toxicology (3)

Prerequisite: ENMT 301. An introduction to the human body, how it functions, and how normal body functions are altered by exposure or contact with hazardous materials. Basic principles of toxicology are used to examine human health effects associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals in the community and in work environments. Topics include the kinetics and dynamics of toxins; dermal, ocular, and systematic toxicology; practical aspects of occupational toxicology; the regulatory agencies (FDA and EPA); the data required to make regulatory decisions; and the process of risk assessment.

ENMT 310 Emergency Planning and Operations Management (3)

Prerequisite: ENMT 301. A review of human-made and natural hazards and emergency-preparedness laws. The relationships between industrial processes and hazardous materials are covered. Focus is on developing the skills needed to work safely in a hazardous environment and prepare hazardous materials for transportation, processing, and disposal. Topics include elements of hazardous materials emergency planning, such as direction and control of emergency response and remediation. Review also covers preparation of emergency plans, methodology of disaster response, and performance of emergency operations. Practical exercises demonstrate how to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

ENMT 315 Environmental Audits and Permits (3)

Prerequisite: ENMT 301. A study of the principles of environmental impact assessment and an in-depth look at various laws, regulations, and methods of performing due diligence audits. Topics include the regulatory requirements of NEPA, EIS reports, types of audits, ISO 14000 environmental systems standards, ASTM audit procedures, Department of Health and Safety audits, common law privileges, and self-regulation and business transfer statutes. Strategies and methodology for obtaining environmental permits and compliance are also reviewed.

ENMT 321 Environmental Health (3)

Prerequisite: ENMT 301. A study of the effects of environmental hazards on human health, particularly those hazards created or influenced by human activities. Topics include chemical pollution of the air, soil, and water and the effects of physical environmental hazards such as radiation and noise pollution on the well-being of humans. Discussion covers the control of environmental health hazards through hazard management.

ENMT 322 Occupational Health and Safety (3)

Prerequisite: ENMT 301. A study of the principles of health and safety management in the workplace. Topics include recognition, evaluation, and control of occupational hazards. The strategies used by industrial hygienists and safety professionals to prevent or minimize exposure to occupational hazards are explored. Discussion also covers the role of regulatory processes in occupational health and safety management.

ENMT 340 Environmental Technology (3)

Prerequisite: ENMT 301. An introduction to technology for multimedia (i.e., air, water, land) environmental management, control, and remediation. Survey covers existing, modified, new, and emerging technologies. Case studies of real-world environmental challenges demonstrate the evaluation and selection of the appropriate technology for specific uses. Factors in making technology application decisions, such as technical integrity, cost effectiveness, and environmental soundness, are explained.

ENMT 360 Introduction to Urban Watersheds (3)

An overview of basic watershed processes and the impact of urbanization. Topics include watershed characterization, hydrologic processes, stream characteristics, and the effects of the development process on watersheds, specifically on the hydrology, physical structure, water quality, and biodiversity of aquatic systems. Discussion also covers tools to manage urban watersheds to reduce the impacts of land development.

ENMT 380 Air Quality Management (3)

Prerequisite: ENMT 301. An overview of air quality management principles and strategy. Discussion covers the atmosphere, pollutants and sources, dispersion, effects, regulations, air pollution control technology and management, indoor air quality pollution, and noise control. Indoor air pollution topics include the study of sick buildings, causes and risk factors, diagnostic protocols, contamination measurement, and problem mitigation.

ENMT 390 Environmental Risk Assessment (3)

An overview of principles and guidelines for performing and using risk assessments. Topics include relevant regulations; the requirements of different government agencies (e.g., EPA, OSHA, FDA, etc.); the pros and cons of different risk assessment methods; and how to plan, perform, report, and communicate environmental risk assessments. Emphasis is on environmental, health and safety, and ecological risk assessments. The use and economic effectiveness of risk assessments are also explored.

ENMT 405 Pollution Prevention Strategies (3)

Prerequisite: ENMT 301. An overview of alternative environmental strategies to minimize, reduce, and prevent pollution. Topics include source reduction, recovery, reuse, recycling, and conservation; material substitution; process modifications; quality assurance, quality control, and good housekeeping; waste minimization; zero discharge; and pollution prevention, processing, treatment, and disposal. Emphasis is on pollution prevention techniques, practices, and case studies. Review also covers economic analysis and regulatory compliance related to these strategies.

ENMT 486A Internship in Environmental Management Through Co-op (3)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in environmental management. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to environmental management and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

ENMT 486B Internship in Environmental Management Through Co-op (6)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in environmental management. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to environmental management and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

ENMT 495 Global Environmental Management Issues (3)

(Intended as a final, capstone course to be taken in a student’s last 15 credits.) Prerequisite: ENMT 301. A study of global environmental management that integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework and experience and builds on that conceptual foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking. Emerging issues in global environmental management are considered. An overview of the fundamental elements of an integrated environmental management program is provided. Topics include economic development and environmental pollution, remediation, and conservation within a multifaceted scientific, legal, political, and global context. Discussion covers national and international events concerning environmental issues. Case studies and an advanced management project apply principles and concepts to environmental perspectives, experiences, research issues, and new paradigms of design.