University of California, San Diego    |    John Muir College
MINOR
REQUIREMENTS		 QUARTERLY
COURSE LIST 		GROUP A
COURSES 		GROUP B
COURSES		 OFFICE &
CONTACT
 

The Environmental Studies Minor is open to students from all majors and colleges at UCSD. It offers a broad interdisciplinary perspective on the environmental aspects of any field of study. 21st century scientists, engineers, policy-makers, and business leaders alike will be challenged to find solutions to problems such as global warming, energy use, and the decline in natural ecosystems and biodiversity. And educators at every level will be called upon to inform their students about how environmental issues affect our lives and how we can make our lifestyles more sustainable.

Have any questions about how the Environmental Studies Minor can add value to your studies and eventual career? Visit our program office and find out if the minor is right for you.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Environmental Studies 30 - Natural Sciences
    Examines global and regional environmental issues. The approach is to consider the scientific basis for policy options. Simple principles of chemistry and biology are introduced. The scope of problems include: air and water pollution, climate modification, solid-waste disposal, hazardous-waste treatment, and environmental impact assessment. Prerequisite: none.
  • Environmental Studies 130 - Social Sciences
    Explores contemporary environmental issues from the perspective of the social sciences. It includes the cultural framing of environmental issues and appropriate social action, the analysis of economic incentives and constraints, and a comparison of policy approaches. Prerequisite: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.
  • These courses need not be taken consecutively. ENVR 30 is taught during Fall Quarter, ENVR 130 during Winter or Spring Quarter.
  • Five additional courses, at least four in the upper division, from both Groups A and B. At least one course must be taken from Group A (natural science-based) and at least one from Group B (social science/humanities-based).

    NOTE: For students entering UCSD before January 1, 1998, four additional courses are required, at least three in the upper division.

A quarterly list of the upcoming quarter's campus-wide course offerings related to environmental studies is available in the Muir Interdisciplinary Studies office (HSS 2113) and on this website by the sixth week of the current quarter.

Some courses, particularly those in Group A, have significant prerequisites; students planning an Environmental Studies minor should read the Course Catalog descriptions carefully. Some credit toward the minor may be gained through independent study, field research, study abroad, the Academic Internship Program, and others (prior approval strongly recommended). Minor declarations, petitions for petitionable courses as well as transfer work and individual additions to the listed courses must be approved by the Chair of the Environmental Studies Steering Committee. For information please come to the Muir Interdisciplinary Studies office.