See the Soil, Water, and Climate website for our courses and educational information.
Environmental Soil Biology (ESPM 3612/SOIL 5611)
This course is an introduction to life in the soil and the properties of microorganisms that impact soil fertility, structure, and quality. We go over the major groups of soil organisms, the nutrient and metabolic requirements of those organisms, and biogeochemical cycles. Symbiotic plant/microbe associations and their role in sustainable agricultural production are discussed, as well as other microbial ecological considerations. We then go over current issues in soil biology including bioremediation approaches, sustainable agriculture, and global environmental change. In addition, this course is listed as writing intensive and students will write a literature review and get lots of practice reading and critiquing primary literature. This is a mixed grad/undergraduate course.
The Grand Climate Challenge: Creating and Empowered Movement for Change (GCC 3031/5031)
This is a multidisciplinary course (GCC 3031/5031) and our teaching team includes Julie Nerbonne, an adjunct professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Director of Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, and Dr. Teddie Potter, a professor in Nursing. We overtly model how to create an interdisciplinary movement. This is a project-based course where we teach students the science and tools to power the work that they are passionate about. We teach them how to navigate a challenging societal landscape with excitement, and how to bring their own expertise to the table. We work by their sides as they develop community action projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions, and knowledge projects to research the facts on a chosen climate impact.
Read and hear more about this class (2 min audio)
See this link for more information on the UMN GCC education movement
Research Ethics (SOIL 8123)
This is a required graduate level course taught every 4 years, covering all aspects of ethical behavior and research practices. We lead this as a discussion based course focusing on case studies (we are always looking for your new stories to add and will hold them confidential and/or will remove personal information!)
Transfer Orientation Seminar (ESPM 1002)
This is a 1 credit seminar for orientation and career development of undergraduates transferring into the Environmentental Science, Policy, and Management major.
Biotechnology, People, and The Environement (CFAN 1501, taught in 2018-2019)
This is an introductory level course presenting many aspects of biotechnology, and how biotechnological advances deserve consderation of ethics and societal value. This is a discussion and engaged learning course where students actively debate and explore the issues.
