Graduate Courses
ESGN500:
ENVIRONMENTAL WATER CHEMISTRY
An introduction to chemical equilibria in natural waters and engineered
systems. Topics covered include chemical thermodynamics and kinetics,
acid/base chemistry, open and closed carbonate systems, precipitation
reactions, coordination chemistry, adsorption and redox reactions.
ESGN500L. ENVIRONMENTAL WATER CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
This course provides students with laboratory exercises that complement lectures given in ESGN500. Topics covered include thermodynamics, weak acids and bases, buffers, metal-ion complexation and oxidation/reduction reactions. This course must be taken concurrently with ESGN500. Prerequisite: co-enrollment in ESGN500. 3 hours laboratory; 1 semester hour.
ESGN501:
ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT
Evaluates the basic principles, methods, uses and limitations of risk
assessment in public and private sector decision making. Emphasis is
on how risk assessments can be objectively and effectively communicated
to decision maker and the public.
ESGN502:
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
This is a comprehensive introduction to Environmental Law, Policy, and
Practice, especially designed for the needs of the nonlawyer, environmental
quality scientist, engineer, planner, manager, government regulator,
consultant, or citizen activist. It provides an understanding of the
complex system of laws, regulations, court rulings, and programs that
governs environmental quality, pollution, and toxics control in the
U.S. We review all major US EPA enforcement programs and discuss state
and local matchingprograms. Highlights include how our legal system
works, environmental law fundamentals, the National Environmental Policy
Act, air and water pollution laws, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
risk assessment and management, and toxic and hazardous substances laws.
ESGN503:
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION: SOURCES, CHARACTERISTICS, TRANSPORT AND FATE
*Course
web site*
The environmental behavior of inorganic and organic chemicals in multimedia
environments, including water, air, sediment and biota. Sources and
characteristics of contaminants in the environment are discussed as
broad categories, with some specific examples from the mining, petroleum,
and chemical refining industries. Attention is focused on the persistence,
reactivity, and partitioning behavior of contaminants in environmental
media. Both steady and unsteady state multimedia environmental models
are developed and applied to contaminated sites. The principles of contaminant
transport in surface water, groundwater, and air are also introduced.
The course provides students with the conceptual basis and mathematical
tools for predicting the behavior of contaminants in the environment.
ESGN504:
WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT
This course provides an overview of unit operations and processes used
for physical, chemical, and biological treatment of water and wastewater.
Coverage will include treatment objectives, process theory and introduction
to practice. Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor. 3 hours lecture;
3 semester hours.
ESGN505. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENTAL DATA ANALYSIS (I)
This course covers experimental design and analysis for studies of environmental media, including those involving characterization and assessment, treatment, and remediation technologies, and compliance monitoring. Principal media covered are water and wastewaters, soil and sediments, and surface and ground waters. Topics covered include properties of environmental datasets, data quality objectives, statistical designs for data collection, methods of sample collection and analysis, data analysis and visualization, inference making. Issues of data worth and sufficiency for decision making will also be addressed. Laboratory includes gravimetric, electrometric, spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and microbiological analyses. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 3 hours lecture and laboratory; 3 semester hours.
ESGN510:
ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOCHEMISTRY
This course covers the phenomena of radioactivity (e.g., modes of decay,
methods of detection and biological effects) and the use of naturally-occurring
and artificial radionuclides as tracers for environmental processes.
Discussions of tracer applications will range from oceanic trace element
scavenging to contaminant transport through groundwater aquifers.
ESGN513:
LIMNOLOGY
The course will cover the natural chemistry, physics and biology of
lakes and rivers as well as some basic principles concerning contamination
of those water bodies. Topics will include heat budgets; water circulation
and dispersal; sedimentation processes; organic compounds and their
transformations; radionuclide limnochronology; redox, metals and other
major ions; carbon dioxide system; oxygen; nutrients; planktonic, benthic
and other communities; light in water and lake modeling.
ESGN520:
SURFACE WATER QUALITY MODELING
This course will cover modeling of rivers, lakes, reservoirs and estuaries.
Topics include introduction to numerical methods; modeling of kinetics,
discharge of wastewaters into a marine environment, sedimentation, growth
kinetics, dispersion, biological changes in lakes, heat flux in streams;
Lagrangian reference frame models; estuarine hydraulics.
ESGN522:
SUBSURFACE CONTAMINANT TRANSPORT
Physical, chemical, and biological processes governing the transport
and fate of contaminants in the subsurface. Theory and development of
mass transport models. Applications include predicting the extent of
contaminant migration and assessing the efficiency of remediation techniques.
ESGN525:
CHEMISTRY OF SOIL/WATER INTERFACE
The fate of many elements in the soil/water environment is related by
sorption reactions. The content of this course focuses on the physical
chemistry of reactions occurring at the soil-particle/water interface.
The emphasis is on 1) the use of surface complexation models to interpret
solute sorption at the particle/water interface.
ESGN527:
WATERSHED SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
Basic principles of watershed systems analysis required for water resources
evaluation, watershed-scale water quality issues, and watershed-scale
pollutant transport problems. The dynamics of watershed-scale processes
and the human impact on natural systems, and for developing remediation
strategies are studied, including terrain analysis, and surface and
subsurface characterization procedures and analysis. Prerequisite: none.
3 hours laboratory per week; 3 semester hours.
ESGN528:
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
This is an advanced graduate-level course designed to provide students
with hands-on experience in developing, implementing testing, and using
mathematical models of environmental systems. The course will examine
why models are needed, how they are developed, tested, and used as decision-making
(or policy-making) tools. Typical problems associated with environmental
systems - spatial and temporal scale effects, dimensionality, variability,
uncertainty, and data insufficiency - will be addressed. The development
and application of mathematical models will be illustrated using a theme
topic such as "Global Climate Change," "In Situ Bioremediation,"
or "Defining Sustainable Development".
ESGN530:
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING PILOT PLANT LABORATORY
Introduction to bench- and pilot-scale experimental methods used in
environmental engineering. Emphasis is on unit operations associated
with water and wastewater treatment for a real-world treatment problem.
Investigations typically carried out during the semester include: Process
assessment; design of bench- and pilot-scale experiments; establishment
of analytical methods for process control; bench- and pilot-scale experiments;
data assessment; up-scaling and cost estimation; project report writing.
Includes 6 hours per week in the laboratory, part of it in the CSM/City
of Golden Water Treatment Pilot Plant Laboratory. Prerequisites: ESGN500
and ESGN504 or consent of the instructor. 6 hours laboratory; 4 semester
hours.
ESGN541:
MICROBIAL PROCESS ANALYSIS AND MODELING
Microorganisms facilitate the transformation of many organic and inorganic
constituents. Tools for the quantitative analysis of microbial processes
in natural and engineered systems are presented. Stoichiometries, energetics,
mass balances and kinetic descriptions of relevant microbial processes
allow the development of models for specific microbial systems. Simple
analytical models and complex models that require computational solutions
will be presented. Systems analyzed include suspended growth and attached
growth reactors for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment as
well as in-situ bioremediation systems. Prerequisites: ESGN504 or consent
of the instructor. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
ESGN544:
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
An introduction to assessing the effects of toxic substances on aquatic
organisms, communities, and ecosystems. Topics include general toxicological
principles, water quality standards, quantitative structure-activity
relationships, single species and community-level toxicity measures,
regulatory issues, and career opportunities. The course includes hands-on
experience with toxicity testing and subsequent data reduction.
3 hours lecture;
semester hours
ESGN545:
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
Introduction to general concepts of ecology, biochemistry, and toxicology.
The introductory material will provide a foundation for understanding
why, and to what extent a variety of products and by-products of advanced
industrialized societies are toxic. Classes of substances to be examined
include metals, coal, petroleum products, organic compounds, pesticides,
radioactive materials, and others. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
ESGN552:
RECLAMATION OF DISTURBED LANDS
Basic principles and practices in reclaiming disturbed lands. Includes
overview of present legal requirements for reclamation and basic elements
of the reclamation planning process. Examination of reclamation methods
including recontouring, erosion control, soil preparation, plant establishment,
seed mixtures, nursery stock, and wildlife habitat rehabilitation. Practitioners
in the field talk on their experiences.
ESGN556:
MINING AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The course will cover the environmental problems and solutions associated
with each aspect of the mining process. Mining is a very technical and
complicated process that differs according to the type of mineral sought.
The mining process will be divided into four categories: Site Development
; Extraction; Processing; Site Closure. Procedures for hard rock metals
mining; coal mining; underground and surface mining; and in situ mining
will be covered in relation to environmental impacts. Beneficiation,
or purification of metals will be discussed, with cyanide and gold emphasized.
Site closure will be focused on reclaiming mined land, with an emphasis
on management of topsoil and revegetation; stabilization of slopes;
process area cleanup; protection of surface and ground water; and removal
of buildings, equipment and most, if not all, roads once mining has
ceased. The first half of the course will consist of lectures on mining
processes, the environmental problems generated and conventional solutions
to the problems. The second half will be based upon student presentations
on the latest mine planning, pollution prevention, wildlife protection,
waste storage and treatment, and reclamation technologies.
ESGN562:
SOLID WASTE MINIMIZATION AND RECYCLING
This course will examine, using case studies, how industry applies engineering
principles to minimize waste formation and to meet solid waste recycling
challenges. Both proven and emerging solutions to solid waste environmental
problems, especially those associated with metals, will be discussed.
ESGN563:
POLLUTION PREVENTION: FUNDAMENTALS AND PRACTICES
The objective of this course is to introduce the principles of pollution prevention, environmentally benign products and processes, and manufacturing systems. The course provides a thorough foundation in pollution prevention concepts and methods. Engineers and scientists are given the tools to incorporate environmental consequences into decision-making. Sources of pollution and its consequences are detailed. Focus includes sources and minimization of industrial pollution; methodology for life-cycle assessments and developing successful pollution prevention plans; technological means for minimizing the use of water, energy, and reagents in manufacturing; and tools for achieving a sustainable society. Materials selection, process and product design, and packaging are also addressed. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
ESGN571:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Investigates environmental project management and decision making from
government, industry and contractor perspectives. Emphasis is on the
(1) economics of project evaluation;(2) cost estimation methods;(3)
project planning and performance monitoring;(4) and creation of project
teams and organizational/communications structures. Extensive use of
case studies.
ESGN575:
HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE REMEDIATION
This course covers remediation technologies for hazardous waste contaminated
sites, including site characteristics and conceptual model development,
remedial action screening processes, and technology principles and conceptual
design. Institutional control, source isolation and containment, subsurface
manipulation and in situ and ex situ treatment processes will be covered,
including unit operations, coupled processes, and complete systems.
Case studies will be used and computerized tools for process selection
and design will be employed. One or two field trips will be taken to
hazardous waste sites and /or environmental firms and a class project
will be completed.
ESGN575L. HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE REMEDIATION: TREATABILITY TESTING LAB
This laboratory module is designed to provide hands-on experience with treatability testing to aid selection and design of remediation technologies for a contaminated site. The course will be comprised of laboratory exercises in Coolbaugh Hall and possibly some field site work near CSM. Pre- requisite: ESGN575 or consent of instructor. 2 hours laboratory; 1 semester hour.
ESGN586:
MICROBIOLOGY OF ENGINEERED ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS Course web site
This course will introduce students to microbial physiological processes,
the integrated functions of microbial communities, and the manipulation
of both individuals and communities to achieve environmentally desirable
results. Case studies will be presented of microbial metabolic and genetic
engineering in aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment systems, constructed
wetlands, bioremediation of metallic and organic contaminants, and integrated
pest management. Lectures will be supplemented by mini-labs.
ESGN591:
ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Techniques for assessing the impact of mining and other activities on
various components of the ecosystem. Training in the procedures of preparing
Environmental Impact Statements. Course will include a review of pertinent
laws and acts (i.e. Endangered Species Act, Coordination Act, Clean
Air Act, etc.) that deal with environmental impacts. Two special papers
required.
ESGN593:
ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
To acquaint students with the permit writing process specifically, developing
information requirements for permit applications, dealing with ambiguous
regulations, negotiating with permit writers, and dealing with public
comment. To develop an understanding of the process of developing an
economic and legally defensible regulatory compliance program.
ESGN596:
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
Applications of recombinant DNA technology to the development of enzymes
and organisms used for environmentally friendly industrial purposes.
Topics include genetic engineering technology, biocatalysis of industrial
processes by extremozymes, dye synthesis, biodegradation of natural
and anthropogenic aromatic compounds, biosynthesis of polymers and fuels,
and agricultural biotechnology. Prerequesites: introductory microbiology
and organic chemistry or consent of the instructor.
3 hours lecture;
3 semester hours
ESGN598:
INVESTIGATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Independent research and investigations on student's chosen topic in
Environmental Science and Engineering
ESGN
603. ADVANCED WATER TREATMENT ENGINEERING AND WATER REUSE
This course presents issues relating to theory, design, and operation
of advanced water and wastewater treatment unit processes and water
reuse systems. Topics include granular activated carbon (GAC), advanced
oxidation processes (O3/H2O2), UV disinfection, pressure-driven and
current-driven membranes (MF, UF, NF, RO and electrodialysis), and natural
systems such as riverbank filtration (RBF) and soil-aquifer treatment
(SAT). The course includes hands-on experience using bench- and pilot-scale
unit operations and computer models. Prerequisite: ESGN 504 or consent
of instructor.
3 semester hours.
ESGN622:
MULTIPHASE CONTAMINANT TRANSPORT
Principles of multiphase and multicomponent flow and transport applied
to contaminant transport in the unsaturated and saturated zones. Focus
on immiscible phase, dissolved phase, and vapor phase transport of low
solubility organic contaminants in soil and aquifer materials. Topics
discussed will include: capillarity, interphase mass transfer, modeling,
and remediation technologies.
ESGN705: MASTER
OF SCIENCE THESIS RESEARCH AND PREPARATION
Required of candidates for the degree of Master of Science.
ESGN706: GRADUATE
THESIS- DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Conducted under the supervision of student's doctoral advisor and committee.