Integrated Program in the Environment
Concentration in Biodiversity and Sustainability (Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Studies)
Students on Summer 2021, Fall 2021, or Spring 2022 requirements BIODVSUCON
Requirements
The concentration requires at least 12 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Core Courses. Two (2) courses:
- BIOL-L 307
- BIOL-L 326 Biodiverse-City. The Art and Science of Green Infrastructure
- GEOG-G 307 Biogeography: The Distribution of Life
- GEOG-G 315 Environmental Conservation
- HPSC-X 342 The Secret Life of Trees: Scientific, Historical, and Psychological Perspectives on Forests
- SPEA-E 457 Introduction to Conservation Biology
- SPH-O 310 Ecosystem Management
BIOL-L 326 Biodiverse-City. The Art and Science of Green Infrastructure
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- 100-level Biology; or consent of instructor
- Description
- An interdisciplinary, place-based approach to understanding biological diversity and its relationship to flourishing human societies, and to developing associated skills and values (e.g. interdisciplinary thinking and action, stewardship).
- Summer 2025CASE SLcourseSpring 2025CASE SLcourseFall 2024CASE SLcourse
GEOG-G 307 Biogeography: The Distribution of Life
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- A survey of the present and past distributions of the world's plants and animals, emphasizing ecological explanation of species distributions. Topics include evolution and distribution of major plant and animal groups, world vegetation, plant and animal domestication, introduction of plant and animal pests, destruction of natural communities, and extinction.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
GEOG-G 315 Environmental Conservation
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Explores the environmental impact of global population growth, natural resources utilization, and pollution. Examines current problems relating to energy consumption, farming practices, water use, resource development and deforestation from geologic and ecological perspectives. Strategies designed to avert predicted global catastrophe will be examined to determine success potential.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourseSpring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Summer 2025CASE SLcourseSpring 2025CASE SLcourse
HPSC-X 342 The Secret Life of Trees: Scientific, Historical, and Psychological Perspectives on Forests
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines trees and forests as conspicuous natural objects that play a multivalent role in human imagination, thinking, and emotion. Explores the intertwined natural and cultural trajectory of trees along scientific, historical, and psychological dimensions. Topics include ecosystem services, human uses and attitudes, deforestation, IU\'s woodland campus, and ecological ethics.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
SPEA-E 457 Introduction to Conservation Biology
- Description
- Ecological principles associated with rare species and with biodiversity, laws and statutes used to conserve biodiversity, and land and species management practices. The aim is to understand scientific and political complexities of conservation biology, and to study different methods used to conserve living resources and resolve conflicts associated with conservation.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPH-O 310 Ecosystem Management
- Description
- Study of basic concepts, theories, and importance for outdoor recreation, with particular emphasis on key aspects of ecosystems that are conducive to successful and sustainable environmental communities, impacts of strategies on resource sites, and best practices. Required field work.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
- Elective Courses. Two (2) additional courses:
- ANTH-B 343 Evolution of Human Ecological Footprint
- ANTH-E 444 People and Protected Areas: Theories of Conservation
- BIOL-B 300 Vascular Plants
- BIOL-B 364 Summer Flowering Plants
- BIOL-L 307
- BIOL-L 326 Biodiverse-City. The Art and Science of Green Infrastructure
- BIOL-L 369 Heredity, Evolution, and Society
- BIOL-L 376 Biology of Birds
- BIOL-Z 373 Entomology
- BIOL-Z 374
- BIOL-Z 406 Vertebrate Zoology
- BIOL-Z 460 Animal Behavior
- BIOL-Z 476 Biology of Fishes
- EAS-E 341 Natural History of Coral Reefs
- GEOG-G 307 Biogeography: The Distribution of Life
- GEOG-G 315 Environmental Conservation
- GEOG-G 341 Ecological Restoration: Science, Politics, and Ethics
- GEOG-G 451 Physical Hydrology
- GEOG-G 461 Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change
- GEOG-G 467 Ecohydrology
- HPSC-X 342 The Secret Life of Trees: Scientific, Historical, and Psychological Perspectives on Forests
- SPEA-E 332 Introduction to Applied Ecology
- SPEA-E 363 Environmental Management
- SPEA-E 416 Fisheries Management
- SPEA-E 422 Urban Forest Management
- SPEA-E 456 Lake and Watershed Management
- SPEA-E 457 Introduction to Conservation Biology
- SPEA-E 460 Wildlife Management
- SPEA-E 476 Environmental Law and Regulation
- SPEA-E 482 Overseas Topics in Environmental Science
- SPH-O 310 Ecosystem Management
- SPH-O 313 Wilderness and Protected Lands
- SPH-O 360 Human Health and Natural Environments
- SPH-T 301 Sustainable Tourism
- Independent study, readings, research, or practicum in biodiversity and sustainability from any department (3 cr.) with pre-approval of the Program
ANTH-B 343 Evolution of Human Ecological Footprint
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- The current environmental crisis did not begin overnight and likely has roots deep in our evolutionary history. Although the scale of our effects on the biosphere has only recently shown exponential growth, it is worth examining how we got to this point today. This course explores a series of threshold moments in the history of our species that had great implications for the environment.
- Summer 2025CASE SLcourseSpring 2025CASE SLcourseFall 2024CASE SLcourse
ANTH-E 444 People and Protected Areas: Theories of Conservation
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Seminar course that explores major theories and approaches to conservation, from "fortress conservation" to community-based and participatory strategies. Considers the implications of protected areas for local human populations and cultural diversity. Evaluates outcomes and unintended consequences of protected areas, and controversies over the "best" way to protect natural resources.
- Summer 2025CASE DUScourseSpring 2025CASE DUScourseFall 2024CASE DUScourse
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourseSpring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Summer 2025CASE SLcourseSpring 2025CASE SLcourseFall 2024CASE SLcourse
BIOL-B 300 Vascular Plants
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- One introductory biology course
- Description
- Survey of the ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants, including their morphology, classification, ecology, evolution, and economic importance.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-B 364 Summer Flowering Plants
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- One introductory biology course
- Description
- For those desiring a broad, practical knowledge of common wild and cultivated plants.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-L 326 Biodiverse-City. The Art and Science of Green Infrastructure
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- 100-level Biology; or consent of instructor
- Description
- An interdisciplinary, place-based approach to understanding biological diversity and its relationship to flourishing human societies, and to developing associated skills and values (e.g. interdisciplinary thinking and action, stewardship).
- Summer 2025CASE SLcourseSpring 2025CASE SLcourseFall 2024CASE SLcourse
BIOL-L 369 Heredity, Evolution, and Society
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Junior or senior standing
- Notes
- Not open to biology majors
- Description
- Basic concepts and principles of evolution, heredity, and individual development. Problems of the individual and society raised by present and future genetic knowledge and technology.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-L 376 Biology of Birds
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; and BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112
- Notes
- Intended for biology majors
- Description
- Avian systematics, distribution, evolution, ecology, and behavior, emphasis on migration and orientation, territoriality, communication, and reproductive behavior. Field trips will concentrate on identification, interpretation of behavior, and research methods.
BIOL-Z 373 Entomology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One introductory biology course
- Description
- Insects, with emphasis on evolution, distribution, behavior, and structure.
BIOL-Z 406 Vertebrate Zoology
- Credits
- 5
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111 and junior or senior standing
- Description
- Morphology, evolution, adaptations, and general biology of vertebrates.
BIOL-Z 460 Animal Behavior
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Junior or senior standing
- Description
- Introduction to the zoological study of animal behavior. Emphasizes both internal and external factors involved in the causation of species-typical behavior of animals (protozoa-primates) in their natural environment.
BIOL-Z 476 Biology of Fishes
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 111; and junior or senior standing
- Description
- Introduces diversity of extant fishes with respect to evolutionary relationships, classification, structure, function, behavior, ecology and biogeography.
EAS-E 341 Natural History of Coral Reefs
- Description
- Evolutionary history of reef ecosystems through geologic time inclusive of reef composition and global distribution, modern reef development, conservation and management practices, and the persistence of the reef ecosystem through climate change scenarios. Covers biologic, ecologic, and geologic principles as they pertain to coral reef ecosystems.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
GEOG-G 307 Biogeography: The Distribution of Life
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- A survey of the present and past distributions of the world's plants and animals, emphasizing ecological explanation of species distributions. Topics include evolution and distribution of major plant and animal groups, world vegetation, plant and animal domestication, introduction of plant and animal pests, destruction of natural communities, and extinction.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
GEOG-G 315 Environmental Conservation
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Explores the environmental impact of global population growth, natural resources utilization, and pollution. Examines current problems relating to energy consumption, farming practices, water use, resource development and deforestation from geologic and ecological perspectives. Strategies designed to avert predicted global catastrophe will be examined to determine success potential.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourseSpring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Summer 2025CASE SLcourseSpring 2025CASE SLcourse
GEOG-G 341 Ecological Restoration: Science, Politics, and Ethics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Can humans restore ecosystems and undo the environmental harm they have caused? To what state/extent should ecosystems be restored? What drives the ecological restoration movement? Investigates the deeply interconnected history, philosophy, ecology, geomorphology, and political economy of restoration through readings, discussions, and fieldwork.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourseSpring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
GEOG-G 451 Physical Hydrology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduction to hydrological processes occurring at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Principles of water resources such as infiltration, runoff, surface- and groundwater flow will be explored. Topics covered also include the environmental, economic, and social implications of floods, droughts, dams, and water usage as well as current and future issues in water quality, water pollution, and water-resource regulation.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
GEOG-G 461 Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduction to global environmental change (GEC), focusing on the human causes and consequences of biophysical transformations of land systems. Emphasis on socioeconomic, political, institutional, and environmental dimensions of land change; tropical forests, grasslands, and urbanizing areas; international environmental regimes; spatial methodologies in GEC research, and integrated approaches.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourseSpring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
GEOG-G 467 Ecohydrology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Consent of instructor
- Description
- Introduces basic principles and concepts in forest ecohydrology, focusing on modeling perspectives. Examines processes and feedback among water, carbon, and nitrogen fluxes in application to water resources and forest management: control of climate, vegetation change, and disturbance regimes on hydrological and biogeochemical processes.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
HPSC-X 342 The Secret Life of Trees: Scientific, Historical, and Psychological Perspectives on Forests
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines trees and forests as conspicuous natural objects that play a multivalent role in human imagination, thinking, and emotion. Explores the intertwined natural and cultural trajectory of trees along scientific, historical, and psychological dimensions. Topics include ecosystem services, human uses and attitudes, deforestation, IU\'s woodland campus, and ecological ethics.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
SPEA-E 332 Introduction to Applied Ecology
- Description
- None
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPEA-E 363 Environmental Management
- Description
- None
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPEA-E 416 Fisheries Management
- Description
- Teaches the processes for managing fisheries in a variety of environments. Covers basics of fish biology, ecology, and management, with an emphasis on public involvement. Students will explore quantitative fisheries methods, including population dynamics and management strategy evaluation, and presentation of scientific information in written and spoken form.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPEA-E 422 Urban Forest Management
- Description
- Originally an outgrowth of arboriculture, urban forestry now encompasses the broader concepts of managing the trees, forests, and other natural resources of cities for ecological, economic and social benefits. Lectures, discussions and field projects will by supplemented by outside speakers.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPEA-E 456 Lake and Watershed Management
- Description
- Students will learn to apply basic limnological principles to diagnose lake and watershed problems, to understand lake response to pollution, to identify appropriate management solutions, and to predict lake response to management.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPEA-E 457 Introduction to Conservation Biology
- Description
- Ecological principles associated with rare species and with biodiversity, laws and statutes used to conserve biodiversity, and land and species management practices. The aim is to understand scientific and political complexities of conservation biology, and to study different methods used to conserve living resources and resolve conflicts associated with conservation.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPEA-E 460 Wildlife Management
- Description
- Application of ecological and sociological principles of management of wild animals; wildlife agencies and their function in wildlife management; economic, social, biological, and other values of wildlife; and the interaction between people and wild species and places.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPEA-E 476 Environmental Law and Regulation
- Description
- Introductory course in environmental law and regulation. Subjects covered include command and control regulation, air quality, water quality, toxics, waste management, energy, natural resources, international environmental law, and alternative dispute resolution.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPEA-E 482 Overseas Topics in Environmental Science
- Description
- SPEA Abroad Program: study of selected topics in environmental science. Topics vary from semester to semester.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPH-O 310 Ecosystem Management
- Description
- Study of basic concepts, theories, and importance for outdoor recreation, with particular emphasis on key aspects of ecosystems that are conducive to successful and sustainable environmental communities, impacts of strategies on resource sites, and best practices. Required field work.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPH-O 313 Wilderness and Protected Lands
- Description
- The philosophical turmoil of formal wilderness creation in the United States will?be?presented in this course. Discussion and debate of the European influences on wilderness thinking in the United States as well as examination of wilderness experiences of early European settlers to America will be addressed. The course traces the history of influential leaders in wilderness designations and the political climate of wilderness debates.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPH-O 360 Human Health and Natural Environments
- Description
- Examination of the relationships among human health, quality of life, and natural environments from the perspective of cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and related domains. Experiential learning in local natural settings.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
SPH-T 301 Sustainable Tourism
- Description
- Examination of critical issues in sustainable tourism, including positive and negative influences of tourism on the destination's economy, culture, and environment, and the role of sustainability in both conventional mass tourism and alternative tourism settings.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
- Concentration GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Concentration GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the concentration—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Concentration Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the concentration.
- Concentration Upper Division Credit Hours. At least 9 credit hours in the concentration must be completed at the 300–499 level.
Concentration Area Courses
-
Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:
- Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements at the time the course is taken—as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent—except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
- Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception
Exceptions to and substitutions for concentration requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.