Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Catalog - 2015-2016
ENST 100 - ENVIRONMENT, CULTURE & SOCIETY
Long Title: ENVIRONMENT, CULTURE AND SOCIETY
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group II
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This introductory course in environmental studies helps students to better understand the complex interrelationship between human cultures and their social and physical environments. Lectures and assignments draw upon the methods and expertise of architecture, the humanities and the social sciences. This is a core course of Rice's Environmental Studies minor. Cross-list: ARCH 105.
ENST 101 - THE EARTH
Long Title: THE EARTH
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es):
Senior
Sophomore
Freshman
Junior
Description: Study of the nature of the Earth and its processes. Cross-list: ESCI 101.
ENST 102 - HISTORY OF THE EARTH & LIFE
Long Title: HISTORY OF THE EARTH AND LIFE
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Study of earth's systems over the past 4.6 billion years. Topics include evolution of life, continents, ocean basins and climate. Cross-list: ESCI 102.
ENST 113 - ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS SEMINAR
Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS SEMINAR
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Discussion of environmental crises. Topics vary annually. Cross-list: EBIO 113, ESCI 113. Repeatable for Credit.
ENST 114 - NATURAL DISASTER SEMINAR
Long Title: NATURAL DISASTER SEMINAR
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics vary by term. Cross-list: ESCI 114. Repeatable for Credit.
ENST 201 - SCIENCE BEHIND GLOBAL WARMING
Long Title: THE SCIENCE BEHIND EARTH GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: The course will introduce the students to the science behind last century Earth global warming in the context of the past records of global Earth climate variability and forecast of Earth climate in the next century. Cross-list: ESCI 201.
ENST 202 - CULTURE ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Long Title: CULTURE, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT: AN INTRODUCTION TO ENERGY HUMANITIES
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group I
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Humanity faces extraordinary challenges in an era of climate change and energy transition. These challenges are not only technological but also questions of value, power, behavior, and understanding. This course draws upon new research across the arts, humanities and social sciences to help students better understand the cultural and social dimensions of our current patterns of energy use, their environmental impacts, and the possibility of new energy futures. Intended for both STEM majors and humanities and social science students. Cross-list: HUMA 202.
ENST 204 - COMMUNITY GARDEN
Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: THE DESIGN & PRACTICE OF COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The course introduces the fundamentals of community garden design and practice. Responsibilities will center on developing and improving the Rice Community Garden. A strong emphasis will be on learning and applying ecological principles to the practice of community agriculture. Class has required meetings outside of regular class time. Cross-list: EBIO 204. Repeatable for Credit.
ENST 265 - SCI FI AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Long Title: GREEN WORLDS: SCIENCE FICTION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1 TO 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Examines the ways that science fiction has expressed and challenged ideas about nature, culture, society and politics and imagined alternative 'green' worlds. Will focus on authors such as Margaret Atwood, Octavia Butler and Paolo Bacigalupi: films such as "Wall-E" and "Avatar": and accessible secondary criticism. Cross-list: ENGL 269.
ENST 281 - ENGRG SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Long Title: ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Students will work in teams to develop sustainable solutions for energy or environmental problems affecting our Houston and Rice communities. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of engineering fundamentals with societal issues, environmental and safety considerations, sustainability and professional communications. Prerequisites: introductory engineering courses, or permission of instructor. Cross-list: CHBE 281.
ENST 302 - ENVIRON ISSUES: RICE IN FUTURE
Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: RICE INTO THE FUTURE
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Laboratory
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Students use the campus as a laboratory for learning about sustainability through group projects to reduce Rice's environmental impact or resolve environmental issues. Cross-list: SOCI 304.
ENST 307 - ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Long Title: ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course explores the physical principles of energy use and its impacts on Earth's environment and climate. Topics will include energy mechanics, climate change, and the environmental impacts and future prospects of various fossil fuel and alternative energy sources. Cross-list: CEVE 307, ESCI 307. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH 101 and PHYS 101 or PHYS 111.
ENST 313 - CASE STUDIES IN SUSTAIN DESIGN
Long Title: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will explore sustainable design from initial sustainable facility concepts and team organizations, to enlisting community support and process assessment. The course will develop into details about sustainable design, lessons learned, processes and outcomes. Space is limited and registration does not guarantee a space in this course. The final course roster is formulated on the first day class by the individual instructor. Cross-list: ARCH 313, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ENST 613. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ENST 313 if student has credit for ENST 613.
ENST 315 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202) or permission of instructor
Description: An overview of environmental health issues including discussion of epidemiologic methods, illnesses caused or exacerbated by environmental exposures, and the role of research in driving effective policies to protect and promote public health. The class includes numerous guest lectures by area experts (physicians, researchers, community activists, policymakers and others); a bus tour featuring disproportionately affected neighborhoods as well as cutting-edge “green” initiatives; original student research projects; and an opportunity to address the Houston City Council. The dynamic between research and action, i.e., “making a difference,” is stressed. FORMERLY ENST 314.
ENST 316 - ENVIRONMENTAL FILM
Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL FILM
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Explores the ways film represents the environment and environmental issues (food, water, energy, waste, environmental justice, sustainability), and both expresses and shapes environmental values. We will view and analyze a variety of genres, as well as reading supplementary material. Cross-list: SOCI 316.
ENST 321 - SUSTAINABILITY CASE STUDIES
Long Title: CASE STUDIES IN SUSTAINABILITY: THE HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The project-based seminar will provide a means by which all those with an interest in the building science entailed in the design of commercial, institutional, and residential structures can investigate common issues, obtain information, discuss local strategies, and otherwise address subjects relating to building or campus performance over its lifecycle. To develop an approach of taking an existing Rice University building an optimizing its use via "repositioning" or redesign the class will create an interdisciplinary forum where students of architecture, engineering (structural, mechanical, etc.), and human sciences will potentially collaborate with professional building consultants, materials manufactures, contractors, developers, owners, and Rice campus facility managers Cross-list: ARCH 321, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ENST 621. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ENST 321 if student has credit for ENST 621.
ENST 322 - CASE STUDIES IN SUSTAINABILITY
Long Title: CASE STUDIES IN SUSTAINABILITY: THE REGENERATIVE REPOSITIONING OF NEW OR EXISTING RICE CAMPUS BLDGS
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will explore application of high performance, sustainable design to specific Rice University campus and facility targets. In partnership with Rice University leadership, the team effort will develop "regenerative redesign" approaches based on investigation of other campuses' case study. Space is limited and registration does not guarantee a space in this course. The final course roster is formulated on the first day of class by the individual instructor. Cross-list: ARCH 322, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ENST 622. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ENST 322 if student has credit for ENST 622.
ENST 323 - CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Long Title: CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): BIOC 201 AND EBIO 202 or permission of instructor
Description: The course is designed to give students a broad overview of conservation biology. Lecture and discussions will focus on conservation issues such as biodiversity, extinction, management, sustained yield, invasive species and preserve design. Cross-list: EBIO 323.
ENST 331 - ENVIRONMENT POLITICS & POLICY
Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: The course considers the major issues in the increasingly important public policy area of the environment. It emphasizes the American experience, but also considers certain international aspects of these issues.
ENST 332 - SOCIAL LIFE OF CLEAN ENERGY
Long Title: THE SOCIAL LIFE OF CLEAN ENERGY
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course considers the phenomenon of renewable energy, using a social scientific approach to analyze the various forces and interests involved in the development of renewable energy projects (such as hydropower, solar and wind) in both the global North and South. No prerequisites required. Cross-list: ANTH 332.
ENST 340 - GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
Long Title: GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course introduces students to the coupled nature of the biosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere using as focal points elemental cycles such as those of carbon and nitrogen. This is a writing-intensive class, and will include 3 required Saturday field trips. Department Permission Required.Cross-list: EBIO 340, ESCI 340.
ENST 350 - ENVIRONMENTAL INTERNSHIP
Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL INTERNSHIP
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Internship/Practicum
Credit Hours: 1 TO 6
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Provides enrollment credit for approved internships with environmental organizations or agencies. Students must seek approval prior to beginning the internship. Weekly progress reports and a final paper are required. Instructor Permission Required.
ENST 367 - ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY
Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group II
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course focuses on the foundations of environmental sociology and takes a social and historical approach to examine how humans affect the environment and the environment affects humans. Topics include: agricultural sustainability, resource extraction and climate changes; environmental racism/sexism; globalization and development; population, and consumption, and environmental movements. Cross-list: SOCI 367.
ENST 368 - LITERATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT
Long Title: LITERATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group I
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: A course that asks the question: How does literature express or shape environmental values? In this class we will read American fiction and nonfiction exploring the relationship between human and nonhuman nature. Cross-list: ENGL 368.
Course URL: http://www.english.rice.edu
ENST 379 - LAB MOD AQU ECOLOGY WITH SCUBA
Long Title: LAB MODULE IN AQUATIC ECOLOGY WITH SCUBA
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Students will learn some fundamentals of aquatic ecosystems and conduct lab exercises that involve SCUB-based fieldwork in a nationally recognized freshwater dive site. Course has required meetings outside of regular class time. Prerequisites: LPAP 194 or proof of Open Water Scuba certification from a professional organization (e.g., PADI, NAUI). A course fee ranging from $300 to $535 is associated with the class. Please send all enrollment requests to Mariah McClarty, mam22@rice.edu and include the following information: major, year, scuba certification leve and issuing professional organization, and a brief statement about why you want to take the course. You will be notified of enrollment decisions by December 5th. Department Permission Required.Cross-list: EBIO 379. Recommended Prerequisite(s): EBIO 213 and LPAP 194.
ENST 400 - INDEPENDENT STUDY
Long Title: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Independent Study
Credit Hours: 1 TO 6
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description:
ENST 406 - INTRO TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to Environmental Law is intended to introduce the student to the methods used by the United States and the international community to regulate and/or allocate air, water and land resources. A key focus of this course will be the emerging area of the law of sustainable development, including the implementation of full price costing, life cycle analysis, carbon cycle analysis, allocation of assimilative capacity and other similar issues. Cross-list: CEVE 406.
ENST 415 - THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT
Long Title: THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Examines the environmental movement in the U.S. and globally. After a historical overview, we will use a social movement perspective to examine mobilization, organizations and tactics, ideologies and identities, as well as exploring aspects of contemporary environmentalism (e.g. green building and slow flood, wildlife management/biodiversity, sustainable development, environmental justice). Cross-list: SOCI 415.
ENST 425 - ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
Long Title: ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course covers the organic geochemistry of the natural environment. Topics include: production, transport, decomposition, and storage of organic matter in the marine and terrestrial environments, use of isotopes to track biogeochemical processes and natural and perturbed carbon cycle issues, including past and recent climate shifts. Cross-list: CHEM 425, ESCI 425.
ENST 437 - ENERGY ECONOMICS
Long Title: ENERGY ECONOMICS
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ECON 301 OR ECON 370
Description: Discussion of key aspects in the supply and demand of energy. Topics include optimal extraction of depletable resources, transportation, storage, end-use and efficiency, and the relationship between economic activity, energy, and the environment. Cross-list: ECON 437.
ENST 441 - COMMON PROPERTY RESOURCES
Long Title: COMMON PROPERTY RESOURCES
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLI 395
Description: Common Property Resources (CPRs), such as fisheries, aquifiers, and the Internet, appear in many guises and pose a fundamental problem for governing. Exploration of theoretical underpinnings for CPRs, their growing literature, and the political and economic institutions mediating CPR dilemmas. Included is an original research project in conjunction with the instructor. Cross-list: POLI 441.
ENST 480 - ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY ECONOMICS
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ECON 200 OR ECON 301 OR ECON 370
Description: Uses economic theories of externalities and common property resources to analyze how markets, legal institutions, regulations, taxes and subsidies, and voluntary activity can affect the supply of environmental amenities, such as clean air, clean water, and wilderness areas. Also discusses methods for determining the demand for environmental amenities. Cross-list: ECON 480.
ENST 513 - SEM: EARTH'S DEEP INTERIOR
Long Title: SEMINAR: TOPICS RELATED TO THE EARTH'S DEEP INTERIOR
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1 TO 3
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Readings and discussions about current topics related to the processes governing the Earth's deep interior. General themes include mantle convection, thermal evolution, and volatiles. Repeatable for Credit.
ENST 613 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Long Title: CASE STUDIES IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Credit cannot be earned for ENST 613 and ENST 313.
ENST 621 - SUSTAINABILITY CASE STUDIES
Long Title: CASE STUDIES IN SUSTAINABILITY: THE HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The project-based seminar will provide a means by which all those with an interest in the building science entailed in the design of commercial, institutional, and residential structures can investigate common issues, obtain information, discuss local strategies, and otherwise address subjects relating to building or campus performance over its lifecycle. To develop an approach of taking an existing Rice University building an optimizing its use via "repositioning" or redesign the class will create an interdisciplinary forum where students of architecture, engineering (structural, mechanical, etc.), and human sciences will potentially collaborate with professional building consultants, materials manufactures, contractors, developers, owners, and Rice campus facility managers Cross-list: ARCH 621, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ENST 321. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ENST 621 if student has credit for ENST 321.
ENST 622 - CASE STUDIES IN SUSTAINABILITY
Long Title: CASE STUDIES IN SUSTAINABILITY: THE REGENERATIVE REPOSITIONING OF NEW OR EXISTING RICE CAMPUS BLDGS
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will explore application of high performance, sustainable design to specific Rice University campus and facility targets. In partnership with Rice University leadership, the team effort will develop "regenerative redesign" approaches based on investigation of other campuses' case study. Space is limited and registration does not guarantee a space in this course. The final course roster is formulated on the first day of class by the individual instructor. Cross-list: ARCH 622, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ENST 322. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ENST 622 if student has credit for ENST 322.
ENST 646 - ADV BIOMEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Long Title: ADVANCED TOPICS IN BIOMEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Department: Environmental Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 381 or permission of instructor
Description: Seminar on contemporary research on the biomedical aspects of human health and disease. Includes topics from medical ecology and epidemiology. Cross-list: ANTH 646.