Fall 2007 Course Descriptions

All courses below are approved to be taught in Fall 2007; however, some (or all) may not be offered this term.  The course numbers that are offered this term link to the Schedule of Classes.  Class with alternative delivery modes (Web based, cable TV, correspondence, etc) are noted in the Schedule at the section level.  The complete list below is a good indicator of what may be offered over the next few years (contact department about offerings).  For explanations of course elements see the Key to Course Descriptions.

Soil, Water, and Environmental Science (SWES)  Department Info

SWES 200 -- Soils  (3 units)
Description:  Fundamental principles of soil science-origin, nature, and constitution of soils; their chemical, physical, and biological properties in relation to plant growth and the nonplant uses of soils.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Available to qualified students for Pass/Fail Option.
Prerequisite(s):  CHEM 103A.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 201 -- Soils Laboratory  (1 unit)
Description:  Laboratory exercises for SWES 200.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Available to qualified students for Pass/Fail Option.
Prerequisite(s):  or Concurrent registration, SWES 200
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 285L -- Principles of Microbiology Laboratory  (1 unit)
Description:  The course is the laboratory course to accompany MIC 285R.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MCB 181R, MCB 181L, ECOL 182, CHEM 103A, CHEM 103B, CHEM 104A, CHEM 104B: Concurrent registration, MIC 285R for MIC and V SC majors. Strongly recommended that MIC 285L and MIC 285R be taken together for all others
Identical to:  MIC 285L; MIC is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 285R -- Principles of Microbiology  (4 units)
Description:  The course is an introductory microbiology class for majors, emphasizing cellular, biochemical and molecular aspects of metabolism, genetics, cell structure, and host-parasite interactions
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MCB 181R, MCB 181L, ECOL 182, CHEM 103A, CHEM 103B, CHEM 104A, CHEM 104B: Concurrent registration, MIC 285L for MIC and V SC majors. Strongly recommended that MIC 285L and MIC 285R be taken together for all others
Identical to:  MIC 285R; MIC is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 299 -- Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 299H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 305 -- Pollution Science  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to abiotic and biotic scientific processes within the soil/water/atmosphere continuum that affects the fate and transport of pollutants. Evaluation of the extent, fate, mitigation and impact of environmental pollution.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  CHEM 241A, MATH 125, MIC 205A, PHYS 102.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 316 -- Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition  (3 units)
Description:  Chemical and biological properties of soil as they affect soil nutrient availability and crop production. Principles of plant nutrition and nutrient acquisition also discussed. Additional topics: fertilizers and fertilization, irrigation water quality, soil salinity, environmental impacts of fertilizers, and principles of soil and plant tissue testing.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 200.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 330 -- Introduction to Remote Sensing  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to remote sensing principles, techniques, and applications, designed principally for those with no background in the field.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $21.
Identical to:  GEOG 330; GEOG is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 377 -- Economics of Environmental Resource Conservation  (3 units)
Description:  Application of economic concepts to the management of environmental resources. Interdependence between environmental quality and economic activities is examined through discussion of property rights, economic incentives, externalities, and the design of sustainable environmental policies.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  open to majors only.
Identical to:  AREC 377; AREC is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 393 -- Internship  (1-3 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 397A -- Teaching Workshop  (3-4 units)
Description:  The practical application of theoretical learning within a group setting and involving an exchange of ideas and practical methods, skills, and principles.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 10 units of credit.
Identical to:  ABE 397A.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 399 -- Independent Study  (1-4 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 399H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 401 -- Management of Arid Land and Salt-Affected Soils  (3 units)
Description:  [Usually offered Spring, even numbered years] Principles and practices of soil, water and crop management under arid and semiarid conditions; the use of diagnostic procedures for evaluating soils and waters, reclamation, and economics of irrigation project development.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 200.
May be convened with:  SWES 501.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 404 -- Irrigation Principles and Management  (3 units)
Description:  Principles of operating farm irrigation systems, evaluation of systems, selection of systems, basic irrigation scheduling, measurements of water flow, soil moisture, pump and system efficiencies.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  MATH 110, SWES 200. Open to non-majors only.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Identical to:  ASM 404; ASM is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 504.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 408 -- Scientific Writing for Environmental, Agricultural and Life Sciences  (3 units)
Description:  This course will aid students in developing the writing and organizational skills needed to produce effective technical reports, theses, dissertations and journal articles.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Available to qualified students for Pass/Fail Option.
May be convened with:  SWES 508.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 417 -- Geographic Information Systems for Natural and Social Sciences  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to the application of GIS and related technologies for both the natural and social sciences. Conceptual issues in GIS database design and development, analysis, and display.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  RNR 271 or equivalent; basic knowledge of computer operations.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Identical to:  RNR 417; RNR is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 517.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 418 -- Introduction to Human Health Risk Assessment  (3 units)
Description:  The purpose of this course is to enhance students knowledge and skills related to environmental risk assessment, including hazard assessment, exposure assessment, toxicity assessment, and risk characterization.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  SWES 518.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 420 -- Environmental Physics  (3 units)
Description:  An overview of Earth as a planet, including concepts of global scale radiation, heat and water budgets, is presented in the first part of the course. The second part focuses on local scale land-atmosphere exchanges affecting soil temperature, crop water use, and fate of air pollutants. The third part emphasizes individual student and group study of selected topics.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MATH 125; Concurrent registration, PHYS 102.
May be convened with:  SWES 520.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 421B -- Microbiological Techniques  (3 units)
Description:  Experiments to facilitate the development of laboratory skills in basic and applied microbiology and biotechnology with emphasis in physiology and metabolism genetics, immunology and pathogenesis.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $25.
Prerequisite(s):  MIC 205A, MIC 205L. MIC 421A is not prerequisite to MIC 421B.
Typical structure:  1 hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory.
Identical to:  MIC 421B; MIC is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 425 -- Environmental Microbiology  (3 units)
Description:  Current concepts in water quality, aerobiology and microbial biogeochemistry.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MIC 285R.
Identical to:  MIC 425.
May be convened with:  SWES 525.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 426 -- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory  (2 units)
Description:  Basic techniques for isolation and characterization of environmental soil and water microflora including methods for enumeration and measurement of physiological activity.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $10.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 425.
Identical to:  MIC 426.
May be convened with:  SWES 526.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 428L -- Microbial Genetics Laboratory  (2 units)
Description:  Laboratory associated with lecture course on Prokaryotic gene structure and function; methods of gene transfer and mapping, DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation. Hands-on computer analysis of DNA sequences and gene cloning strategies. Principles of regulation of gene expression. Biology of plasmids and bacteriophages.   This is a Writing Emphasis Course.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $15.
Prerequisite(s):  satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA) or the former upper-division writing proficiency requirement (UDWPE); ECOL 320, PL S 312 and PL P 428R.
Identical to:  PL P 428L; PL P is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 528L.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 428R -- Microbial Genetics  (3 units)
Description:  Prokaryotic gene structure and function; methods of gene transfer and mapping, DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation. Hands-on computer analysis of DNA sequences and gene cloning strategies. Principles of regulation of gene expression. Biology of plasmids and bacteriophages.   This is a Writing Emphasis Course.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA) or the former upper-division writing proficiency requirement (UDWPE).
Identical to:  PL P 428R; PL P is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 528R.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 430 -- Environmental Monitoring and Remediation  (3 units)
Description:  Overview: Capstone course for SWES students designed to provide the graduating students and interested graduates with a combination of lectures, labs and field trips that describe relevant topics in environmental monitoring, characterization and remediation. The topics covered include: basic statistics, data quality, field surveying, near-surface air measurement, automated data acquisition, soil, vadose zone and groundwater sampling and monitoring, soil and water biological properties, including pathogen monitoring and remote sensing. This course focuses on hands-on, laboratory and field experiences design to help the student better understand the principles of and the tools necessary for environmental monitoring. Basic principles and reviewed during lecture as necessary to assist the student in connecting theory with hands-on experiences in the lab and the field. Students are required to complete several problems, review publications, and write weekly or bi-weekly reports that summarize each of the nine topics covered, their laboratory/field trip experiences, and provide answers to questions and exercises.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 305.
May be convened with:  SWES 530.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 431 -- Soil Genesis, Morphology and Classification  (3 units)
Description:  Theory and practice of describing characteristics of soils; principles of soil classification and classification systems; making soil interpretations for selected land uses.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 200, SWES 201.
May be convened with:  SWES 531.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 440 -- Biodegradation of Pollutants in Soil and Groundwater  (3 units)
Description:  Description of modern pollution problems and potential biological remediation techniques focusing on the chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology of biodegradation of hazardous and toxic compounds.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 425.
Identical to:  MIC 440.
May be convened with:  SWES 540.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 444 -- Applied Environmental Law  (3 units)
Description:  A guided journey through real world environmental law; U.S. legal system, major environmental laws-criminal and civil; common marketplace problems and solutions; high profile cases; essential professional skills.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  WS M 444.
May be convened with:  SWES 544.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 453 -- Remote Sensing of the Environment  (3 units)
Description:  Remote sensing techniques and applications for improved natural resource utilization of soils, water, grasslands, and forest. Fundamental energy-matter interactions that influence the spectral characteristics of vegetation, soil, and water.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 330 or PHYS 103.
May be convened with:  SWES 553.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 454 -- Water Harvesting  (3 units)
Description:  Course focuses on water harvesting principles and techniques. Students will learn how to apply concepts at their own residences and participate in applying them on the UA campus.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 1 hour workshop.
Identical to:  ECOL 454, WFSC 454.
May be convened with:  SWES 554.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 461 -- Soil and Water Conservation  (3 units)
Description:  Consideration of major world soil and water conservation problems and solutions; principles of soil and water degradation by erosion, ground water overdraft, chemical transport in surface and ground water and their effects on world food production and environmental problems.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 200.
May be convened with:  SWES 561.
Usually offered:  Summer.

SWES 462 -- Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to the principal chemical constituents and processes occurring in soils and sediments. The objective of the course is to provide students with a conceptual framework for understanding chemical reactions in heterogeneous natural systems. Applications to biogeochemistry and environmental quality will be presented, but fundamental principles will be emphasized. A general chemistry text is a useful additional reference, and it should be consulted for questions regarding concepts that may not be fully reviewed in lecture or the required text.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 200, CHEM 103B, CHEM 104B,
May be convened with:  SWES 562.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 464 -- Environmental Chemistry  (3 units)
Description:  Physical and chemical processes influencing the behavior of contaminants in the subsurface environment. Includes equilibrium and kinetic theory of solubilization-dissolution, volatilization, sorption, hydrolysis, photolysis,surface catalysis and radioactive decay.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  CHEM 103B, CHEM 480A.
May be repeated:  for credit 3 times (maximum 4 enrollments).
May be convened with:  SWES 564.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 470 -- Soil Physics  (3 units)
Description:  Soil structure and physical constitution of soils; the physical properties of soil-water systems, movement and exchange of gases in the soil, and physical laws governing the movement and availability of soil water.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 200, PHYS 103; Concurrent registration, MATH 125.
Special exam:  course may be taken by special exam for credit (not for grade).
May be convened with:  SWES 570.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 471 -- Stream Ecology  (3 units)
Description:  This course will examine the structure and function of stream ecosystems with emphasis on the interaction of physical and biotic elements of streams in arid regions. We will examine the role of natural and anthropogenic stressors in shaping aquatic assemblages in streams. Quantification of impairment of stream structure and function requires a thorough understanding of fundamental ecological concepts of natural streams; this will be a major focus. Also, students will learn to use current methods to assess stream condition and signs of impairment.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MCB 181R.
Identical to:  WFSC 471.
May be convened with:  SWES 571.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 474 -- Aquatic Plants and the Environment  (4 units)
Description:  The role of riparian areas, estuaries, and constructed wetlands in the environment. Emphasis on plants as wildlife habitat for nutrient cycling and bioremediation.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  ECOL 474, WFSC 474.
May be convened with:  SWES 574.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 475 -- Freshwater and Marine Algae  (4 units)
Description:  Systematics, ecology, and evolution of planktonic and benthic species; field techniques and lab culture.  This is a Writing Emphasis Course.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $25.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA) or the former upper-division writing proficiency requirement (UDWPE); 4 units of biological or plant sciences.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 6 hours laboratory.
Identical to:  ECOL 475; ECOL is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 575.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 479 -- Economics of Water Management and Policy  (3 units)
Description:  This course focuses on economic tools and methods useful to water managers and policymakers. Case studies focus on water supply and demand, pricing and transactions, river basin management, recreation and environmental uses, inter-jurisdictional conflicts.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  One full semester of natural resource economics or microeconomics (AREC 217 or ECON 201A; ECON 361 or equivalent. Calculus (MATH 113, MATH 124 or MATH 125) or equivalent.
Identical to:  AREC 479; AREC is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 483 -- Geographic Applications of Remote Sensing  (3 units)
Description:  Use of aircraft and satellite imagery for monitoring landforms, soils, vegetation and land use, with the focus on problems of land-use planning, resource management and related topics.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $21.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  2 units of remote sensing or equivalent.
Identical to:  GEOG 483; GEOG is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 583.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 490 -- Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth  (3 units)
Description:  A multidisciplinary course delineating the physical basis of electromagnetic remote sensing, the concepts of information extraction, and applications pertinent to earth systems science.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  REM 490; REM is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 590.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 492 -- Directed Research  (1-6 units)
Description:  Individual or small group research under the guidance of faculty.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 493 -- Internship  (1-3 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 494R -- Research  (3 units)
Description:  The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  ENGL 101, ABE 120, consent of instructor.
May be repeated:  for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments).
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 498 -- Senior Capstone  (1-3 units)
Description:  A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. Senior standing required.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 498H -- Honors Thesis  (3 units)
Description:  An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 9 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 499 -- Independent Study  (1-4 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 499H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 501 -- Management of Arid Land and Salt-Affected Soils  (3 units)
Description:  [Usually offered Spring, even numbered years] Principles and practices of soil, water and crop management under arid and semiarid conditions; the use of diagnostic procedures for evaluating soils and waters, reclamation, and economics of irrigation project development. [Usually offered Spring, even numbered years] Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on a single aspect of a current topic.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  SWES 401.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 504 -- Irrigation Principles and Management  (3 units)
Description:  Principles of operating farm irrigation systems, evaluation of systems, selection of systems, basic irrigation scheduling, measurements of water flow, soil moisture, pump and system efficiencies. Graduate-level requirements include a special project on a current irrigation topic.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  ASM 504; ASM is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 404.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 508 -- Scientific Writing for Environmental, Agricultural and Life Sciences  (3 units)
Description:  This course will aid students in developing the writing and organizational skills needed to produce effective technical reports, theses, dissertations and journal articles. Graduate-level requirements include work on theses, dissertations or journal articles.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  SWES 408.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 517 -- Geographic Information Systems for Natural and Social Sciences  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to the application of GIS and related technologies for both the natural and social sciences. Conceptual issues in GIS database design and development, analysis, and display. Graduate-level requirements include a thorough bibliographic review and a scholarly paper on a current application of geographic information systems in the student's major field.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Identical to:  RNR 517; RNR is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 417.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 518 -- Introduction to Human Health Risk Assessment  (3 units)
Description:  The purpose of this course is to enhance students knowledge and skills related to environmental risk assessment, including hazard assessment, exposure assessment, toxicity assessment, and risk characterization. Graduate-level requirements include conducting a case study that will require them to collect secondary data in the field.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  SWES 418.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 520 -- Environmental Physics  (3 units)
Description:  An overview of Earth as a planet, including concepts of global scale radiation, heat and water budgets, is presented in the first part of the course. The second part focuses on local scale land-atmosphere exchanges affecting soil temperature, crop water use, and fate of air pollutants. The third part emphasizes individual student and group study of selected topics. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on a single aspect of a current topic.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  SWES 420.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 525 -- Environmental Microbiology  (3 units)
Description:  Current concepts in water quality, aerobiology and microbial biogeochemistry. Graduate-level requirements include extra journal readings and more comprehensive exams.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  IMB 525.
May be convened with:  SWES 425.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 526 -- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory  (2 units)
Description:  Basic techniques for isolation and characterization of environmental soil and water microflora including methods for enumeration and measurement of physiological activity. Graduate-level requirements include additional assignments.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $10.
Identical to:  IMB 526.
May be convened with:  SWES 426.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 528L -- Microbial Genetics Laboratory  (2 units)
Description:  Laboratory associated with lecture course on Prokaryotic gene structure and function; methods of gene transfer and mapping, DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation. Hands-on computer analysis of DNA sequences and gene cloning strategies. Principles of regulation of gene expression. Biology of plasmids and bacteriophages. Graduate-level requirements include the DNA sequence of an entire operon from any one of a variety of bacteria and additionally analyze one product from the operon using several GCG protein analysis programs. Also extra exam questions.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $15.
Identical to:  PL P 528L; PL P is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 428L.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 528R -- Microbial Genetics  (3 units)
Description:  Prokaryotic gene structure and function; methods of gene transfer and mapping, DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation. Hands-on computer analysis of DNA sequences and gene cloning strategies. Principles of regulation of gene expression. Biology of plasmids and bacteriophages. Graduate-level requirements include a DNA sequence of an entire operon from any one of a variety of bacteria and additionally analyze one product from the operon using several GCG protein analysis programs. An extensive exam.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  PL P 528R; PL P is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 428R.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 530 -- Environmental Monitoring and Remediation  (3 units)
Description:  Overview: Capstone course for SWES students designed to provide the graduating students and interested graduates with a combination of lectures, labs and field trips that describe relevant topics in environmental monitoring, characterization and remediation. The topics covered include: basic statistics, data quality, field surveying, near-surface air measurement, automated data acquisition, soil, vadose zone and groundwater sampling and monitoring, soil and water biological properties, including pathogen monitoring and remote sensing. This course focuses on hands-on, laboratory and field experiences design to help the student better understand the principles of and the tools necessary for environmental monitoring. Basic principles and reviewed during lecture as necessary to assist the student in connecting theory with hands-on experiences in the lab and the field. Students are required to complete several problems, review publications, and write weekly or bi-weekly reports that summarize each of the nine topics covered, their laboratory/field trip experiences, and provide answers to questions and exercises. Graduate-level requirements include an independent project for an additional 100 points. This project will consist of either a research paper or a special field/data collection/report on topics agreed upon. The exact format and length of this project is to be determined.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  SWES 430.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 531 -- Soil Genesis, Morphology and Classification  (3 units)
Description:  Theory and practice of describing characteristics of soils; principles of soil classification and classification systems; making soil interpretations for selected land uses. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on a single aspect of a current topic.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  SWES 431.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 540 -- Biodegradation of Pollutants in Soil and Groundwater  (3 units)
Description:  Description of modern pollution problems and potential biological remediation techniques focusing on the chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology of biodegradation of hazardous and toxic compounds. Graduate-level requirements include analysis and oral presentation of a remediation case study and more comprehensive exams.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  IMB 540.
May be convened with:  SWES 440.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 541 -- Advanced Soil Genesis  (3 units)
Description:  Physical and chemical processes and mineralogy of weathering and soil formation; quantitative pedology; the soil as part of the ecosystem.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  GEOS 251, CHEM 103B.
Identical to:  GEOS 541.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 544 -- Applied Environmental Law  (3 units)
Description:  A guided journey through real world environmental law; U.S. legal system, major environmental laws-criminal and civil; common marketplace problems and solutions; high profile cases; essential professional skills. Graduate-level requirements include extra term papers and case studies.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  WS M 544.
May be convened with:  SWES 444.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 546 -- Environmental Biotechnology  (2 units)
Description:  Molecular methods for detection of microorganisms in the environment. Fate and survival of introduced organisms in the environment. Molecular mechanisms of microbial inactivation in waste treatment systems and microbial risk assessment.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 525.
Identical to:  IMB 546.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 553 -- Remote Sensing of the Environment  (3 units)
Description:  Remote sensing techniques and applications for improved natural resource utilization of soils, water, grasslands, and forest. Fundamental energy-matter interactions that influence the spectral characteristics of vegetation, soil, and water. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on a single aspect of a current topic.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  SWES 453.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 554 -- Water Harvesting  (3 units)
Description:  Course focuses on water harvesting principles and techniques. Students will learn how to apply concepts at their own residences and participate in applying them on the UA campus. Graduate-level requirements include working with other graduate students to evaluate water harvesting practices on campus. Two examples of good & poor water harvesting on campus plus two sites that might be considered for future harvesting must be surveyed with results posted on website.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 1 hour workshop.
Identical to:  ECOL 554, WFSC 554.
May be convened with:  SWES 454.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 561 -- Soil and Water Conservation  (3 units)
Description:  Consideration of major world soil and water conservation problems and solutions; principles of soil and water degradation by erosion, ground water overdraft, chemical transport in surface and ground water and their effects on world food production and environmental problems. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on a single aspect of a current topic.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  SWES 461.
Usually offered:  Summer.

SWES 562 -- Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to the principal chemical constituents and processes occurring in soils and sediments. The objective of the course is to provide students with a conceptual framework for understanding chemical reactions in heterogeneous natural systems. Applications to biogeochemistry and environmental quality will be presented, but fundamental principles will be emphasized. A general chemistry text is a useful additional reference, and it should be consulted for questions regarding concepts that may not be fully reviewed in lecture or the required text. Graduate-level requirements include a term paper that involves indepdendent literature research in a course-related subject of the student's choice.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  SWES 462.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 563 -- Advanced Soil and Water Chemistry  (3 units)
Description:  Natural soils and waters are heterogeneous systems with many important reactions occurring at the interface between solid, liquid and gas phases. The fate of chemicals that impact on terrestrial and aquatic systems is controlled largely by their behavior at these interfaces, particularly as that behavior influences chemical speciation and the relative affinity for solid and aqueous phases. Our objective is to understand how molecular-scale solution-phase and surface reactions influence macroscopic chemical processes such as sorption-desorption, precipitation-dissolution, oxidation-reduction and particle interactions. The course will cover fundamentals of aqueous surface and colloid chemistry through lecture and assigned readings. Current research in the field will be explored through independent literature research and the preparation of a term paper.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 462, CHEN 103B, CHEM 480A.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 564 -- Environmental Chemistry  (3 units)
Description:  Physical and chemical processes influencing the behavior of contaminants in the subsurface environment. Includes equilibrium and kinetic theory of solubilization-dissolution, volatilization, sorption, hydrolysis, photolysis,surface catalysis and radioactive decay. Graduate-level requirements include a project involving literature research in environmental chemistry.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for credit 3 times (maximum 4 enrollments).
May be convened with:  SWES 464.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 565 -- Contaminant Transport in Porous Media  (3 units)
Description:  The transport of contaminants in the subsurface environment. Effects of dispersion, interphase mass transfer, transformation reactions, and porous-media heterogeneity on transport; covers aqueous (dissolved) and multiphase (immiscible liquid, gas) systems.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 570 or HWR 518 or HWR 531.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 566 -- Soil and Groundwater Remediation  (3 units)
Description:  Principles of characterizing and remediating contaminated soil and groundwater systems, with a focus on case studies.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  HWR 531 or equivalent; SWES 564 or equivalent.
Identical to:  HWR 566.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 568 -- Molecular Biogeochemistry  (2 units)
Description:  The course is devoted to reading and discussion of papers in the emerging field of environmental molecular biogeochemistry. Through reading and discussion, we will explore experiments and models designed to understand coupled biotic-abiotic (e.g., biomineralization, oxidation-reduction) processes in environmental systems. Emphasis is placed on how molecular-scale techniques (e.g., spectroscopy) may be used to probe interactions between chemicals and natural media such as minerals, organic matter and biomass.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  CHEM 103B, SWES 462/562.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 570 -- Soil Physics  (3 units)
Description:  Soil structure and physical constitution of soils; the physical properties of soil-water systems, movement and exchange of gases in the soil, and physical laws governing the movement and availability of soil water. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on a single aspect of a current topic.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special exam:  course may be taken by special exam for credit (not for grade).
May be convened with:  SWES 470.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 571 -- Stream Ecology  (3 units)
Description:  This course will examine the structure and function of stream ecosystems with emphasis on the interaction of physical and biotic elements of streams in arid regions. We will examine the role of natural and anthropogenic stressors in shaping aquatic assemblages in streams. Quantification of impairment of stream structure and function requires a thorough understanding of fundamental ecological concepts of natural streams; this will be a major focus. Also, students will learn to use current methods to assess stream condition and signs of impairment. Graduate-level requirements include additional essay questions on exams and graduate student must meet with the instructors to discuss selected research articles. Presentations will be longer than undergraduates.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  WFSC 571.
May be convened with:  SWES 471.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 572 -- Interfacial Chemistry of Biomolecules in Environmental Systems  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to the chemical and adhesive properties of macromolecules at interfaces. The fundamental physico-chemical forces that govern adsorption of macromolecules at interfaces and inter-particle adhesion will be discussed. Topics such as surface tension, self-assembly, adsorption of polymers and biomolecules, and bacterial cell adhesion will be discussed with emphasis on environmental applications.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  CHEM 103B.
Identical to:  CHEE 572.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 573 -- Monitoring Biosphere Process  (3 units)
Description:  Global-scale interactions of soils with their plant cover and climate. The spatial distributions and dynamics of soil-plant-water processes with emphasis on measurements from space.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 330 or SWES 453; SWES 200.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 574 -- Aquatic Plants and the Environment  (4 units)
Description:  The role of riparian areas, estuaries, and constructed wetlands in the environment. Emphasis on plants as wildlife habitat for nutrient cycling and bioremediation. Graduate-level requirements include an additional research project and class presentation.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  ECOL 574, WFSC 574.
May be convened with:  SWES 474.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 575 -- Freshwater and Marine Algae  (4 units)
Description:  Systematics, ecology, and evolution of planktonic and benthic species; field techniques and lab culture. Graduate-level requirements include a special topic report on an aspect of freshwater algae.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $25.
Identical to:  ECOL 575; ECOL is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 475.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 583 -- Geographic Applications of Remote Sensing  (3 units)
Description:  Use of aircraft and satellite imagery for monitoring landforms, soils, vegetation and land use, with the focus on problems of land-use planning, resource management and related topics. Graduate-level requirements include the completion of a project report.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $21.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Identical to:  GEOG 583; GEOG is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 483.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 590 -- Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth  (3 units)
Description:  A multidisciplinary course delineating the physical basis of electromagnetic remote sensing, the concepts of information extraction, and applications pertinent to earth systems science. Graduate-level requirements include an additional term paper.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  REM 590; REM is home department.
May be convened with:  SWES 490.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 593 -- Internship  (1-3 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 596B -- Arizona Water Policy  (3 units)
Description:  This course focuses on current Arizona water policy from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Through readings, research, lectures, discussions and presentations, the student is exposed to major, current water resource issues facing Arizona and other parts of the West and policies to address them. The faculty draw upon their and guest-lecturers’ experiences to demonstrate the development, analysis and implementation of real-world water policy.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  Consent of instructor is required.
Identical to:  GEOG 596B, HWR 596B, LAW 596B.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 599 -- Independent Study  (1-4 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 602 -- Nutrient Dynamics in Soils  (3 units)
Description:  Nutrient uptake by plant roots, soil microbial ecology, and soil chemical reactions affecting nutrients will be discussed and applied to processes of nutrient cycling in soils.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 200.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 603J -- Sustainability and Environmental Policy  (2-3 units)
Description:  Over the past twenty years “sustainability” (or “sustainable development”) has emerged as a central goal of environmental policy making. Contemporary tools of environmental policy including ecosystem management, adaptive management, and restoration have been displaced by what seems like a clearer goal that captures ends as well as means. Sustainability has moved from the work of scholars and activists to laws and administrative regulations. The language of sustainability has extended to the world of business and commerce.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  LAW 603J; LAW is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 605 -- Soil-Water Dynamics  (3 units)
Description:  Water flow in soils; closely related problems of solute, pollutant, and heat transfer; emphasis on current concepts and research.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MATH 254.
Identical to:  ABE 605, HWR 605.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 619 -- Ecology of Savannas, Shrublands, and Woodlands  (3 units)
Description:  [Taught Spring semester in even-numbered years] The functional ecology and dynamics of biogeographically diverse savanna, shrubland and woodland ecosystems will be examined. Interactions among co-occurring lifeforms and growthforms will be emphasized with in the context of climate, soils and disturbance.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  Upper-division ecology course.
Identical to:  RA M 619; RA M is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

SWES 665 -- Advanced Contaminant Transport  (3 units)
Description:  The topic of this course is the transport and fate of contaminants in subsurface systems. We will discuss the many factors and processes influencing contaminant transport, and will emphasize the impact of these processes, and representative conceptual/mathematical models. The course is based on critical, detailed analyses of case studies of actual contaminant transport problems. This provides a "real-world" basis, and allows an opportunity to develop skills necessary to evaluate real systems.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  SWES 565.
Usually offered:  Fall.

SWES 693 -- Internship  (1-3 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 696A -- Soils ,Water, and Environmental Science  (1 unit)
Description:  The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports, and/or papers.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
May be repeated:  for credit 4 times (maximum 5 enrollments).
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 699 -- Independent Study  (1-6 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

SWES 900 -- Research  (1-6 units)
Description:  Individual research, not related to thesis or dissertation preparation, by graduate students.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 909 -- Master's Report  (1-9 units)
Description:  contact department.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 910 -- Thesis  (1-8 units)
Description:  Research for the master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or thesis writing). Maximum total credit permitted varies with the major department.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 920 -- Dissertation  (1-9 units)
Description:  Research for the doctoral dissertation (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or dissertation writing).
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

SWES 930 -- Supplementary Registration  (1-9 units)
Description:  For students who have completed all course requirements for their advanced degree programs. May be used concurrently with other enrollments to bring to total number of units to the required minimum.
Grading:  a Grade of K is awarded for this course except for the final term.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.