FACULTY & STUDENT RESOURCES
Environmental Courses
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Course Catalogue
Also see http://enviroclasses.mit.edu/ for a more complete listing of courses.
1.018J Ecology I: The Earth System
S. W. Chisholm, E. Delong Fall Tu., Th., 11-12:30
Fundamentals of ecology, considering Earth as an integrated dynamic system. Coevolution of the biosphere, geosphere, atmosphere and oceans. Introduction to thermodynamics. The Earth’s energy budget. Photosynthesis and respiration. The hydrologic, carbon and nitrogen cycles. Flow of energy and materials through ecosystems, regulation of the distribution and abundance of organisms, structure and function of ecosystems. Evolution and natural selection; metabolic diversity; productivity. Trophic dynamics; models of population growth, competition, mutualism and predation. Same as 7.30J. 7.012-7.015 recommended.
1.020 Ecology II: Engineering for Sustainability
D. McLaughlin, D. Entekhabi, D.H. Marks Spring TBA
Use of ecological and thermodynamic principles to examine interactions between humans and the natural environment. Fluxes and states, conservation and constitutive laws, chemical equilibrium and kinetics, life cycle analysis, economic methods for evaluating benefits and costs, externalities. Topics such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green buildings, and closed-cycle manufacturing illustrated with a small number of quantitative case studies. Case studies are team-oriented and may include numerical simulations and design exercises as well as reviews of relevant research. Instruction and practice in oral and written communication provided.
1.032 Geomaterials and Geomechanics
L.C. Jen Fall Tu., Th., 10:30-12
Prerequisite: 1.010, 1.011, 1.035
Presentation and application of principles of soil mechanics. Considers the topics: the origin and nature of soils; soil classification; the effective stress principle; hydraulic conductivity and seepage; stress-strain-strength behavior of cohesionless and cohesive soils and application to lateral earth stresses, bearing capacity and slope stability; consolidation theory and settlement analyses; laboratory and field methods for evaluation of soil properties in design practice. Same lectures as 1.361.
1.035 Mechanics of Structures and Soils
E. Kausel, A. J. Whittle, J. T. Germaine Fall MTWRF 1-2; Lab: T, 2-5 or
F, 2-5
Prerequisite: 1.060, 1.050
Analysis of determinate and indeterminate structures including beams, plates, cables and arches. Introduction to matrix methods of structural analysis. Mechanical properties of construction materials, including steel, concrete and soils. Behavior of steel and concrete structural systems. Sources of stress concentrations and nonlinearities in steel and concrete structures; composite behavior of reinforced concrete elements, prestressing of concrete. Groundwater seepage, effective stress and consolidation of soils, principles of slope stability. Interaction of structures and soils in foundations and earth retaining systems. Integrated laboratory sessions introduce concepts and techniques to measure properties of materials and to understand structural behavior.
1.036 Structural and Geotechnical Engineering Design
O. Buyukozturk, A. J. Whittle Spring TBA
Prerequisite: 1.035
Basic philosophy of planning and design of structures. Loading conditions, design criteria and factors of safety. Application of principles of structural mechanics and soil mechanics in design. Structural system design concepts. Design of reinforced concrete structural elements using the ultimate strength design method. Load factor design of structural steel members and connections. Selection of soil parameters from laboratory and in situ tests. Stability and ground deformations in geotechnical design. Design with soil-structure interaction. Emphasis on problem-based learning through team design projects.
1.045 Systems Design and Optimization
C. Barnhart, P. Jaillet Spring TBA
Prerequisite: 1.010, 1.00 or permission of instructor
Consideration of societal problems of importance to civil and environmental engineers, including those arising in the context of ecology, manufacturing, energy efficient buildings, transportation and logistics, and water and infrastructure systems. Introduction to modeling of these civil and environmental engineering systems and their optimization using state-of-the-art software. Methods include both deterministic and stochastic optimization approaches, including network flows, linear, nonlinear and integer programming, risk management and decision analysis, and optimal control.
1.061 Transport Processes in the Environment
H. M. Nepf Fall M., W., F., 10-11
Prerequisite: 1.060
Introduction to mass transport in environmental flows, with emphasis given to river and lake systems. Derivation and solutions to the differential form of mass conservation equations. Topics include: molecular and turbulent diffusion, boundary layers, dissolution, bed-water exchange, air-water exchange and particle transport.
1.070J Introduction to Hydrology
(Same subject as 12.320J)
D. Entekhabi Fall Tu., Th., 9:30-11
Prerequisite: 1.060, 1.061, 1.106
Introduction to the global water and energy cycles and the earth system including the atmosphere, oceans, land, and biosphere. Fundamentals of hydrologic science and its applications. Covers bases for the characterization of hydrologic processes such as precipitation, evaporation, transpiration by vegetation, infiltration, and storm runoff. Understanding and modeling of groundwater flow, hydraulics of wells, and subsurface transport of pollutants. Probabilistic analysis and risk estimation for hydrologic variables.
1.071J Global Change Science
(Same subject as 12.300J)
E. A. B. Eltahir Fall TBA
Prerequisite: 18.03, 5.60
Introduces the basic relevant principles and concepts in atmospheric physics, climate dynamics, biogeochemistry, and water and energy balance at the land-atmosphere boundary, through an examination of two current problems in the global environment: carbon dioxide and global warming; and tropical deforestation and regional climate. An introduction to global environmental problems for students in basic sciences and engineering.
1.080 Environmental Chemistry and Biology
M. F. Polz, Spring TBA
Prerequisite: 5.111, 5.112, or 3.091; 7.012, 7.013, 7.014, or 7.015; 1.107; 1.018 (suggested)
Covers basic environmental chemistry and biology with a focus on understanding the principles governing the function of both natural systems and systems perturbed or engineered by humans. Topics include acid-base, complexation, reduction/oxidation, precipitation, hydrolysis and sorption reactions, population growth and limiting factors, microbial community structure, and the interactions between microbes and their chemical environment.
1.081J Environmental Risks for Common Disease
(Same subject as 20.104J, ESD.053J)
W. Thilly, R. McCunney Spring TBA
Prerequisite: 7.012, 7.013, 7.014, or 7.015; 5.111, 5.112, or 3.091
Analysis of potentially important risk factors for common diseases in the general environment and the workplace: air-, food- and water-borne chemicals; subclinical infections; diet and lifestyle choices. Analysis of history of changes in common disease rates. General paradigm of environmental sources and exposure of human subpopulations, uptake, internal distribution and metabolism of xenobiotics. Measurement of xenobiotic chemicals and allobiotic life forms in human tissues. Potential pathways of induced pathogenesis: mutagenesis, inflammation, hormonal mimicry.
1.082 Air Pollution: Processes and Controls
Staff Spring TBA
Solving air pollution problems requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Effects of air pollutants on human health and the environment. Origins of atmospheric pollutants and methods to estimate emissions from anthropogenic sources. Atmospheric chemistry and pollutant removal processes. Meteorological phenomena and pollutant dispersion modeling. Laws and regulations to control air pollution. Technologies and methods used to control air pollution. Regional and global issues such as acid rain, ozone depletion, and global climate change.
1.083 Environmental Health Engineering
P. Shanahan Spring TBA
Prerequisite: 1.061, 1.080
Consideration of human health issues associated with environmental engineering for air, land, and water systems; fate and transport of environmental contaminants; toxicology, exposure pathways, and risk assessment; treatment technology, and basis for environmental regulation of chemical exposure. Case studies illustrate concepts and issues.
1.101 Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering Design I
Staff Fall M., W., 1-3
Prerequisite: 1.018, 1.050
Project-oriented introduction to the principles and practice of engineering design. Design projects and exercises relating to the built and natural environments. Emphasis on achieving function and sustainability through choice of materials and processes, compatibility with natural cycles, and the use of active or adaptive systems. Development of hands-on skills, teamwork, and communication using both images and texts. Exercises and projects engage students in the building, implementation, and testing of their designs.
1.102 Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering Design II
H. F. Hemond, J. Germaine Spring TBA
Prerequisite: 1.060, 1.101 or permission of the instructor
Continuation of 1.101 with emphasis on construction and deployment of designs. Performance testing used to determine if designs behave as expected. Further development of hands-on, teamwork and communication skills.
1.106 Environmental Fluid Transport Processes and Hydrology Laboratory
H. M. Nepf, D. Entekhabi Fall Lab: T, 1-5 or W, 1-5
Prerequisite: 1.061, 1.070J
Builds on the lecture subjects 1.061 and 1.070. Fundamentals of mass and flow measurements in field and laboratory settings, and application of these measurement techniques to analyze real and model environmental systems. Enrollment limited. Priority given to 1E and 1A students.
12.003 Physics of the Atmosphere and Ocean
J. Marshall Fall M, W, F 11-12
Prerequisite: 18.02, 8.01
The laws of classical mechanics and thermodynamics are used to explore how the properties of fluids on a rotating Earth manifest themselves in, and help shape, the global patterns of atmospheric winds, ocean currents, and the climate of the Earth. Theoretical discussion focuses on the physical processes involved. Underlying mechanisms are illustrated through laboratory demonstrations, using a rotating table, and through analysis of atmospheric and oceanic data.
12.007 Geobiology
R. Summons Spring Tu., Th., 11-12:30
The interactive Earth system: biology in geologic, environmental and climate change throughout Earth history. Since life began it has continually shaped and re-shaped the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and the solid earth. Subject introduces the concept of “life as a geological agent” and examines the interaction between biology and the earth system during the roughly 4 billion years since life first appeared. Topics include the origin of the solar system and the early Earth atmosphere; the origin and evolution of life and its influence on climate up through and including the modern age and the problem of global warming; the global carbon cycle; and astrobiology.
12.085 Seminar in Environmental Science
D. H. Rothman Spring Th, 2-4
Prerequisite: 12.120 and 12.103, or permission of instructor
Stresses integration of central scientific concepts in environmental policy making and the chemistry, biology, and geology environmental science tracks. Revisits selected core themes for students who have already acquired a basic understanding of environmental science concepts. Potential topics include: geology, geochemistry and the politics of nuclear waste disposal; responsible environmental practices for planetary exploration; responsible coastal land-use policy; international regulations for protecting the open-ocean environment; the ecological impact of environmental change; and effective policy for dealing with natural hazards near major cities.
12.102 Environmental Earth Science
S. A. Bowring Fall Tu., Th., 11-12.30
The geologic record demonstrates that our environment has changed over a variety of time scales from seconds to billions of years. Explores the many ways in which geologic processes control and modify the Earth’s environment. Topics include chemical and physical interactions between the solid Earth, its oceans and atmosphere; the effect of catastrophic events such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes on the environment; geologic hazards; and our role in modifying the environment through Earth resource development. Serves as an introduction to subject 12.120, which addresses field applications of these principles in the American Southwest.
12.103 Strange Bedfellows: Science and Environmental Policy
Staff Fall Tu., Th., 12:30-2
Explores the role of scientific knowledge, discovery, method, and argument in environmental policymaking from both idealistic and realistic perspectives. Case studies of science-intensive environmental controversies used to study how science used and abused in the policy-making process. Case studies include global warming, biodiversity loss, and nuclear waste disposal siting. Includes intensive practice in the writing and presentation of position statements on environmental science issues.
12.120 Environmental Earth Science Field Course
S. Bowring, T. L. Grove Jan 8-17 (Field Trip to Western U.S.)Prerequisite: 12.001, 12.102, or permission of instructor
Introduction to the broad field of environmental geology, including volcanism and volcanic hazards, debris flows and mass movements, earthquakes, geothermal power, hazard assessment in areas with recent seismic and volcanic activity, and the problem of water availability vs. population growth in the western US. Fieldwork in western locations, typically Nevada and California.
12.213 Alternate Energy Sources
M. N. Toksoz, F. D. Morgan M., W., F., Jan 8-29 10-12
Explores a number of alternative energy sources such as geothermal energy (heat from the Earth's interior), wind, natural gas, and solar energy. Includes a field trip to visit sites where alternative energy is being harvested or generated. Content and focus of subject varies from year to year.
12.301 Past and Present Climate
C. Wunsch, E. Boyle, K. Emanuel Fall M., W., F., 2-3
Prerequisite: 3.091, 5.111, or 5.112; 18.03 or permission of instructor; Meets with 12.842, but assignments differ.
Introduction to climate studies, including beginnings of the solar system, time scales, and climate in human history; methods for detecting climate change, including proxies, ice cores, instrumental records, and time series analysis; physical and chemical processes in climate, including primordial atmosphere, ozone chemistry, carbon and oxygen cycles, and heat and water budgets; internal feedback mechanisms, including ice, aerosols, water vapor, clouds, and ocean circulation; climate forcing, including orbital variations, volcanism, plate tectonics, and solar variability; climate models and mechanisms of variability, including energy balance, coupled models, and global ocean and atmosphere models; and outstanding problems.
12.333 Atmospheric and Ocean Circulations
R. A. Plumb Spring Tu., Th., 11-12:30
Prerequisite: 12.003
Survey of atmospheric and oceanic phenomena including the discussion of observations and theoretical interpretations. Topics covered include monsoons, El Niño, planetary waves, atmospheric synoptic eddies and fronts, gulf stream rings, hurricanes, surface and internal gravity waves, and tides.
xSTS.036 Technology and Nature in American History
J. Pietruska Spring TBA
Considers how the visual and material world of "nature" has been reshaped by industrial practices, ideologies, and institutions, particularly in 19th and 20th century America. Topics include land-use patterns; the changing shape of cities and farms; the redesign of water systems; the construction of roads, dams, bridges, irrigation systems; the creation of national parks; ideas about wilderness; and the role of nature in an industrial world.
Additional MIT environmental courses can be found at:
http://enviroclasses.mit.edu/
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