Environmental Biogeochemistry . ESM 202
This course trains future environmental managers regarding human-driven disturbances to biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and trace elements in relationship to greenhouse gas-driven climate change, ocean acidification, stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, acid mine drainage, air/water/soil pollution, and human and ecological health, among other issues. Additional topics include persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, emerging contaminants, microplastics and other chemicals. The course covers basic principles with applications to environmental problems, human and ecological toxicological implications, and available technical and policy solutions including potential unintended consequences.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A-B-C or equivalent; graduate standing.
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PasstimeGraduate students only
Level LimitEnvironmental science
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4.5
Don't take this class as a GE. I'm a phil major, and even I had a hard time fully getting what Holden was saying sometimes. Graded on 2 papers, and a final. TA grading is harsh if you get a bad one. Lots of reading. If you can keep up, it's manageable. Prof is super passionate/funny, but sometimes unclear. Fine class, difficult for a lower div tho
If you're not into PHIL- I wouldn't take this class. I think he is funny to PHIL majors, but I found his lectures bizarre. It's really hard to adjust to a PHIL class and learn how to write those papers if you are from basically any other major.
Take him. You won't regret!
Class was not too difficult, he posts all of the lecture notes online. I found him to be really unpleasant, so I stopped attending and still did fine. If you're not interested in philosophy you might find the content more challenging.
Just want to say y'all are WEIRD calling him hot get a life. A lot harder than expected. Prob will have to actually do the readings & pay attention to get a A/B. No iclicker when I took it. Not an easy A unless u alr know philosophy. Need to do more than follow rubric. Charismatic prof, gave out prizes in lecture. Also gave final Qs in advance.
Prof. Holden is the best philosophy professor I have ever had at UCSB! He is a super funny guy, and his lectures are easy to follow even if you do not have any philosophy background. I would definitely recommend taking Phil 20c with him.
Peggy Cotter
2.6