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Science for Environmental Law

Professor(s)

Professor(s)

Semester

2018 Summer - 1OL

About This Class

Science is a, if not the, major foundation for environmental law and policy. Understanding the impacts of, and designing management strategies for most environmental issues—whether air and water pollution, natural resource management, or biodiversity protection—rely on one or more scientific disciplines. These include ecology, toxicology, chemistry, physics, and newer integrative disciplines such as conservation biology and global system science. Through readings, lectures, discussions, and various assignments, this course will introduce how science is used to identify, regulate, and monitor human impacts on the environment. The course has three primary themes: (1) develop/refine your understanding of the scientific method, (2) develop an understanding of how different scientific disciplines are used to study and manage various types of environmental issues and (3) develop the ability to apply scientific concepts and evidence to resolve environmental issues. The focus for the course is that of the non-scientist environmental professional—lawyer, policy maker, manager, etc.—who needs to be able to understand the basics of the science behind both an environmental problem and the possible solutions.

Approved for JD credit.

Class Code

ENV5112.A

Subject

Environmental Law