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TESC 100 Introduction to Environmental Science (5) NW
Provides an overview of physical and biological processes affecting the environment and exploration of current environmental issues. Topics may include earth system science, population and community ecology, evolution, conservation biology, water and air quality, natural resource management, and case studies relevant to the Pacific Northwest. Includes laboratory.
TESC 107 Geohazards and Natural Disasters (5) NW
Provides a scientific foundation and understanding of the basic natural and physical processes driving what we perceive as geohazards and natural disasters.
TESC 111 Introduction to Astronomy (5) NW,QSR
Presents a unified account of contemporary astronomy beginning with Earth and move outward through our solar system and beyond to the stars of the Milky Way and into the realm of galaxies. Introduces methods and techniques commonly employed in astronomy and their application in astronomical research. Prerequisite: either TQS or TMATH 098.
TESC 117 Physical Geology (6) NW
Examines the fundamental geological processes that govern how the earth works. Includes plate tectonics, the rock cycle, volcanism, seismicity, surface processes and earth resources. Includes required lab.
TESC 120 Introductory Biology I (6) NW
Covers ecology and evolution, including genetics, Mendelian inheritance, biodiversity of life forms, and conservation biology, as well as related chemical processes in the environment. Field trips and labs required. First in a series of introductory biology courses for science majors.
Instructor Course Description:
Erica T Cline
TESC 121 Physics - Mechanics (6) NW Dawson
Focuses on mechanics concepts in physics: motion, work and energy, Newton’s Laws, conservation of energy, system of particles, rotations, oscillations and gravity. Includes analyses using calculus and lab activities. Prerequisite: TQS 124, which may be taken concurrently. Offered: A.
TESC 122 Physics – Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion (6) NW Dawson
Focuses on electromagnetism and oscillatory motion concepts in physics: charge, electric fields, flux and potential, capacitance, resistance, circuits, inductance, Coulumb’s, Gauss’, Ohm’s and Faraday’s Laws, and introduction to Maxwell’s equations. Prerequisite: TESC 121; TQS 125, which may be taken concurrently. Offered: W.
Instructor Course Description:
Peter Selkin
TESC 123 Physics - Waves (6) NW Dawson
Focuses on waves and optics concepts in physics: thermodynamics, harmonic and standing waves, superposition and interference, Doppler Effect, polarization, diffraction, reflection, refraction and dispersion, Rayleigh scattering, and photoelectric effect and quanta. Includes analyses using calculus and lab activities. Prerequisite: TESC 122; TQS 126, which may be taken concurrently. Offered: Sp.
TESC 130 Introductory Biology II (6) NW
Covers molecular and cellular biology, including the chemistry of life, metabolism and energetics, cell structure and function, and application of molecular techniques to environmental studies. Field trips and labs required. Second in a series of introductory biology courses for science majors. Prerequisite: TESC 120.
TESC 140 Introductory Biology III (6) NW
Focuses on organismal biology including plant and animal anatomy, physiology, and development, in conjunction with applicable chemical processes. Third in a series of introductory biology courses for science majors. Includes required lab Prerequisite: TESC 130.
Instructor Course Description:
Erica T Cline
TESC 141 General Chemistry I (6) NW
Provides a basic background in the structure of matter, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, gases, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases and aqueous equilibria, as well as how these chemical processes affect biological mechanism. First in a series of general chemistry courses for science majors. Includes required lab.
TESC 151 General Chemistry II (6) NW
Provides a basic knowledge in thermodynamics, electrochemistry, quantum mechanics and chemical bonding, as well as how these chemical processes affect biological organisms. Second in a series of general chemistry courses for science majors. Includes required lab. Prerequisite: minimum grade of 2.0 in TESC 141; either a minimum grade of 2.0 in TQS 120 or TQS 124 which may be taken concurrently.
TESC 161 General Chemistry III (6) NW
Provides a basic knowledge in covalent bonding, chemical kinetics, liquids and solids, solutions, and groups of elements, as well as how these chemical processes affect biological organisms in the environment. Third in a series of general chemistry courses for science majors. Includes required lab. Prerequisite: TESC 151.
TESC 213 Physical Forces in the Natural World (5) NW
Focuses on physical principles with environmental applications. Explores physical processes that shape and form the environment. Studies the forces of nature and the properties of matter. Includes demonstrations and develops hands-on experimental skills.
TESC 215 Meteorology (5/6) NW
Introduces the processes that determine weather and climate. Provides an overview of basic meteorological principles and explore the cause of extreme weather conditions and air pollution problems locally and globally.
TESC 227 Earth History (5) NW
Provides a scientific understanding of the physical and biological processes that have shaped the Earth over its 4.6 billion year history and relates this to issues facing society today.
Instructor Course Description:
Sian Davies-Vollum
TESC 232 Issues in Biological Conservation (5) NW
Considers biological and social issues underlying contemporary environmental problems. Overview of nascent discipline of conservation biology. Studies cases from Pacific Northwest (e.g., clean up of Lake Washington, Exxon Valdez oil spill, spotted owl fracas) which will form fodder for discussions as the scientific and human elements of environmental decision-making are explored.
Instructor Course Description:
Bonnie J Becker
TESC 236 Plants and People: the Science of Agriculture (5) NW
Explores the benefits and costs of technological advances in global food production. Topics include the origins of agriculture, plant and insect ecology, integrated pest management, genetic engineering, and environmental risk assessment.
Instructor Course Description:
Erica T Cline
TESC 238 Human Interactions with Marine Invertebrates (5) NW
Considers myriad human interactions with marine invertebrates throughout history and across cultures. Reviews biology of major marine phyla and classes of animals without backbones. Addresses human-invertebrate interactions in ancient and modern aquaculture, aesthetic and culinary arts, experimental biology, bioinvasions, advertising, economics, anthropology, archaeology, and other spheres.
TESC 239 Energy and the Environment (5) NW
Provides an overview of various renewable and non-renewable energy resources, their distribution, availability, patterns of use, and impact on the environment. Evaluates relative energy efficiencies, as well as political and economic impacts on energy.
TESC 240 Human Biology and Environmental Interactions (5/6) NW
Introduces human biological systems with a focus on environmental influences. Explores the structure and function of the major body systems (cardiovascular, endocrine, pulmonary, nervous, and excretory), and the scientific and social issues implicit in addressing human health and environmental issues.
TESC 241 Oceanography (5/6) NW
Examines evolution, composition, structure, behavior and residents of the world’s oceans, and geological characteristics of their residential basins. Covers all aspects of oceanography. Required lab section includes hands-on activities, computer simulations, discussion, student presentations, and field trips.
TESC 243 Geography of the Physical Environment (5) NW
Investigates the physical and chemical processes that lead to Earth’s diverse, dynamic landscapes. Introduces a geographic perspective on topics including climate and climate change, plate tectonics, mountain building, soils, hydrology, and coastlines, with a focus on the relationship between natural landscapes and habitats of living things, including humans.
TESC 247 Maritime History and Science in the Pacific Northwest (5) NW
Examines the Pacific Northwest's cultural heritage, which is deeply rooted in the sea, and investigates the scientific principles that impact ocean resources. Topic include the Northwest indigenous sea-going peoples, the early American and European explorers, current maritime trade and policy, and aspects of oceanography.
TESC 302 Ecology of Mt. St. Helens (7) NW
Explores the natural history of and interaction among organisms in the Mt. St. Helens area. Focuses on area history, species interactions, and methods of field ecology. Includes lectures, a required weeklong field trip, and follow-up research.
TESC 304 Tropical Ecology and Sustainability (5) NW
Explores biological and cultural aspects of tropical ecosystems. Integrates concepts from environmental science, ecology, and evolution in order to gain an understanding of tropical ecology.
TESC 310 Environmental Research Seminar (3) NW
Covers essential skills and tools needed to succeed in upper-division environmental science courses. Includes scientific ways of thinking, investigating, reading, and writing. Explores future employment and graduate school options and opportunities. Offered: A.
TESC 315 Applied Physics with Environmental Applications (6) NW
Focuses on physical concepts, with an emphasis on the application of physics and its underlying mathematics, including an exploration of current physical research within environmental contexts. Applied physical concepts include: Newtonian mechanics, work, heat and energy, systems of particles, collisions, and waves. Utilizes experimental skills with weekly lab activities.
TESC 317 Geology, Landscape, and Culture (12) NW
Explores major concepts and ideas in geology and the connections between geology, landscape, and culture through field studies of an area of outstanding geological interest. Includes study abroad, location varies. Offered: S.
Instructor Course Description:
Sian Davies-Vollum
TESC 318 Biogeography (5/6) NW
Study of the distribution of plants and animals, as controlled by climate, geologic history and geographic location, dispersal, colonization, and invasion. Examines changes over time in distribution patterns as related to evolution, climate change, and human activities. Incorporates many disciplines including biology, ecology, anthropology, history, GIS, statistics, and geological sciences.
TESC 319 Water Quality Concepts and Watershed Studies (6) NW
Investigates components of a water-quality study, within the focus of a watershed. Covers design concepts for environmental studies, sample collection, and aspects of data analysis. Includes field sampling and laboratory exercises involving commonly measured properties in water studies.
TESC 321 Soils and Environmental Applications (5) NW
Discusses interactive aspects of soil composition and properties and their influence on the environment. Covers soils and hydrologic cycle, soil ecology and nutrients, soil erosion, and aquatic sediments. Includes hands-on analysis of soils and field studies of soil properties.
TESC 333 Environmental Chemistry (6) NW
Explores basic aquatic environmental chemistry, emphasizing practical applications and real-world problem solving. Includes coverage of acid/base reactions, gas exchange, alkalinity, and reduction/oxidation reactions through lectures, field and laboratory-based exercises, and student research presentations. Prerequisite: minimum grade of 2.0 in TESC 161. Offered: W
TESC 337 Environmental Geology (6) NW
Investigates the complex interactions between humans and their geologic environment. Examines environmental aspects of natural hazards, surface processes, geologic resources, and local geology. Required lab section includes hands-on activities, computer activities, student presentations, and field trips. Prerequisite: TESC 117.
TESC 340 Ecology and Its Applications (6) NW
Examines key processes and interactions (e.g. population growth and regulation, competition, predation, symbiosis, and the structure of biological communities) needed to understand basic ecology and its applications. Discussions of ecological theory and data from a variety of habitats are augmented by a required lab section to include field trips, computer simulations, student presentations, and primary literature analysis. Offered: A.
TESC 343 The Atmosphere and Air Pollution (6) NW
Explores processes determining weather and climate and investigates how these phenomena relate to air pollution. Presents and applies meteorological principles to understanding global/local air pollution issues. Required lab section: hands-on activities, computer simulations, discussion and student presentations and/or field trips.
TESC 345 Pollution and Public Policy (5) NW
Examines issues in environmental contamination using case studies from the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. Addresses relevant scientific information as well as public perception and policy aspects. Through written and oral assignments students gain the knowledge necessary to act as informed public stakeholders. For non-science majors.
TESC 349 Research at Sea (10) NW
Explores current issues in oceanography of the Pacific Northwest. Students plan, design, and implement scientific research projects, work collaboratively in small research teams in a field setting, and present the results of their investigation at a scientific colloquium following the required cruise. Recommended: TESC 347.
TESC 362 Introduction to Restoration Ecology (7) NW
Introduces ecological restoration of damaged ecosystems. Covers philosophical base of restoration as well as the social, biological and political forces that impact the success of any restoration project. Includes lectures, readings, case studies and field trips.
TESC 378 Environmental Microbiology (6) NW
Explore microbial diversity and the applied effects of microorganisms on the environment and human welfare. Topics include metabolic diversity, ecological interactions, biogeochemistry, microbial habitats, and waste treatment and bioremediation. Recommended: TESC 140.
TESC 402 History and Ecology of Biological Invasions (5) NW
Explores the population dynamics and ecological impacts of nonindigenous species, their prevention and control, and the ways that exotic species threaten biodiversity and regional and global economies. Examines the rapidly advancing science of invasion biology in its historical and public policy contexts. Recommended: prior course work in the biological sciences.
TESC 404 Costa Rica Field Studies: Ecology and Community (10) NW
Integrates natural science, culture, and socio-economic aspects of the neo-tropics with hands-on field experience in tropical ecology research. In addition to two weeks of intensive field study in Costa Rica, students complete relevant readings and do an independent field project to be negotiated with the instructor.
TESC 408 Marine Plankton (6) NW
Investigates marine phytoplankton, marine zooplankton, and their interaction with each other and the environment. Includes field sampling and lab analysis of plankton, and oceanographic biological conditions. Examines plankton taxonomic characteristics related to plankton life-styles and estuarine biological processes and dynamics.
TESC 410 Environmental Science Senior Seminar (3) NW
Synthesizes environmental research methodologies and oral and written presentation skills in group projects developing grant proposals responding to published requests for proposals. Includes research presentations of individual environmental science capstone experiences in culminating course for B.S. degree in Environmental Science. Prerequisite: TESC 310; either TESC 496, TESC 497, TESC 499 or TESC 462. Offered: Sp.
TESC 415 Sedimentology (6)
Detailed and comprehensive analysis of the field of sedimentology including surface processes, sedimentary petrology, sedimentary environments, and stratigraphy. Includes lab and field trips. Prerequisite: TESC 117.
Instructor Course Description:
Sian Davies-Vollum
TESC 417 Field Geology (7/12) NW
Field-based knowledge of the geological environment of a specific region and an introduction to geological field techniques. 7 credit offerings are local, requiring in-class and 2 overnight field trips. 12 credit offerings will be based partially off-campus (may include international travel).
TESC 422 Evolution (5/6) NW
Examines the implications of Dobzhansky's statement that "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." Explores the idea and mechanisms of evolutionary change by evaluating the evidence that makes organic evolution a unifying theme in the natural world. Discusses evolutionary issues in medicine, agriculture, biodiversity conservation and human affairs. Offered either with a required lab section (6 credits) or without a lab (5 credits). Recommended: Introductory biology.
TESC 431 Water Resources and Pollution (7) NW
Investigates freshwater quantity and quality, with a focus on Pacific Northwest water-related issues. Evaluates the availability and use of fresh water as a limited global resource. Explores via intensive field studies the physical and chemical aspects of various local water environments. Prerequisite: either TESC 300 or TESC 310.
TESC 432 Forest Ecology Field Studies (7/12) NW
Introduces forest ecology, examining forest communities, soils, disturbance and succession, forest pests, and sustainability, emphasizing field sampling and data analysis. Local option (7 credits) includes three required 2-3 day field trips. Off-site option (12 credits) requires one two-week intensive field study plus on-campus meetings. Prerequisite: TESC 310; TESC 340; TQS 110.
TESC 433 Pollutant Fate and Transport in the Environment (6) NW
Introduces the hydrological processes involved in the transport of contaminants in surface water and groundwater, and the factors that affect the fate of these pollutants in the environment (e.g., retardation, degradation, and chemical reactions). Using case studies, examines the complex issues involved in remediation. Prerequisite: either TQS 124 or TQS 211.
TESC 434 Biology, History, and Politics of Salmon in the Pacific Northwest (5/6) NW
Explores issues such as the biology of salmon, habitat degradation, and the impact of salmon loss on biological and social systems through the study of history and political economy.
Instructor Course Description:
Jerald Johnson
TESC 435 Limnology (7) NW
Introduces students to sampling methods, analytical tools, and scientific concepts related to the study of freshwater lakes ands streams and the impacts of natural and anthropogenic processes on these water bodies. Topics of study include physical processes, biological systems, and aquatic chemistry, focusing on human-impacted water bodies.
TESC 438 Environmental Biology: Marine Invertebrates (6) NW
Examines the structure, function, life histories, ecology, and evolution of major groups of marine invertebrate animals. Lectures, discussions, images, and library research augmented by laboratory work with live organisms whenever possible. Integrates details of biodiversity with issues and concepts from ecology and environmental science. Recommended: two quarters of introductory biology.
TESC 440 Environmental Entomology (6/7) NW
Explores structure, function, ecology, and evolution of terrestrial arthropods, focusing primarily on insects. Integrates concepts from environmental science, ecology, and evolution in order to gain an understanding of insect biology. Recommended: two quarters of introductory biology.
Instructor Course Description:
John E Banks
TESC 442 Marine Ecology (7)
Explores the natural history and interactions among marine organisms, emphasizing Pacific Northwest intertidal invertebrates. Includes all-day and weekend-long field trips to sites around Puget Sound. Includes topics such as biology of coral reefs, kelp forests, estuaries, marine fisheries, and marine conservation. Prerequisites: TESC 340 Ecology and instructor permission.
TESC 445 Estuarine Field Studies (7) NW
Investigates saltwater estuarine systems with a focus on Pacific Northwest water-related issues. Uses intensive field studies to explore various aspects of the physical, chemical, biological and geologic conditions in a range of local saltwater environments in Puget Sound. Prerequisite: TESC 341.
TESC 452 Plants, Insects, and their Interactions (7) NW
Emphasizes hands-on exploration of the natural history and ecology of plants and insects and interactions amongst them. Includes a series of all-day field trips focusing on biological issues relevant to resource management and agricultural production in different sites around Puget Sound. Recommended: background in ecology.
TESC 462 Restoration Ecology Capstone: Introduction (2) NW
The first of a three-course capstone sequence in restoration ecology. Reviews and assesses project plans and installations. Meets with members of previous capstone classes to review projects. Offered: jointly with BES/ESRM/ENVIR 462. Prerequisite: TESC 362.
TESC 463 Restoration Ecology Capstone: Proposal and Plan (3) NW
Student teams prepare proposals in response to requests-for-proposals (RFPs) from actual clients. Clients may be governments, non-profit organizations, and others. Upon acceptance of the proposal, teams prepare restoration plans. Offered: jointly with BES/ESRM/ENVIR 463. Prerequisite: TESC 462.
TESC 464 Restoration Ecology Capstone: Restoration Project Implementation (5) NW
Takes a restorative plan developed in TESC 463 and completes the installation. Participation may include supervision of volunteers. Prepare management guidelines for the client and conduct a training class for their use. Offered jointly with BES/ESRM/ENVIR 464. Prerequisite: TESC 463.
TESC 490 Topics in Environmental Science (1-7, max. 7) NW
TESC 496 Internship (1-10, max. 10) NW
Environmental science or studies internship in the public or private sector, supervised by a faculty member. Permission based on approval if proposal submitted in advance of the internship. Offered for credit/no credit only.
TESC 497 Senior Thesis (5) NW
A significant environmental science or studies independent research project planned and carried out by the student under the direction of a faculty member on a scholarly topic selected by the student in consultation with faculty.
TESC 498 Directed Readings (1-5, max. 5) NW
Individual advanced research projects with an environmental emphasis carried out under the supervision of a faculty member.
TESC 499 Undergraduate Research (1-10, max. 10) NW
Individual advanced environmental science or studies research projects carried out under the supervision of a faculty member
