SUNY ESF
Spring 2026 New and Special Topics Courses

ERE 596 | P & P of Engineering Proj Mgmt | 42639
MW | 05:15 PM - 06:35 PM | Gerber,David R
An introduction to Engineering Project Management focused on the definition of a project and project management, a project’s relationship and value within an organization, standardized project management lexicon, the role/responsibilities, ethics, and characteristics of an effective project manager, and an understanding of project management processes – initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closeout.  Key project management process functions will be reviewed including project governance and environments; project scoping and work breakdown structure; stakeholder management; scheduling; cost estimating; earned value management, risk management; quality management; supply-chain/procurement management; and project closure management.  These project management functions will be further explored in a digital/virtual environment and cross-cultural, diverse (global) setting.  Course material will be contextualized to the professional practice of engineering project management utilizing case study engagement throughout the semester.  This course will provide students with foundational knowledge and skills to effectively practice in project-based organizations.

FOR 496 | Forest Management & Wildlife | 37179
MWF | 10:35 AM - 11:30 AM | Vander Yacht,Andrew L
Is the best tree for wildlife the one on the logging truck? OR is forest clear-cutting bad for wildlife? This course is intended to deepen your understanding of how specific silvicultural systems and forest management techniques – applied to achieve various objectives – affect wildlife. We will also learn how such systems and techniques can be used to achieve specific management objectives related to wildlife. 3 Credit Hours.

FOR 796 | Forest Management & Wildlife | 37180
MWF | 10:35 AM - 11:30 AM | Vander Yacht,Andrew L
Is the best tree for wildlife the one on the logging truck? OR is forest clear-cutting bad for wildlife? This course is intended to deepen your understanding of how specific silvicultural systems and forest management techniques – applied to achieve various objectives – affect wildlife. We will also learn how such systems and techniques can be used to achieve specific management objectives related to wildlife. 3 Credit Hours.

FOR 496 | Landscape Modeling & Managemnt | 42642
MWF | 09:30 AM - 10:25 AM | Shaker,Richard R
Landscape Modeling & Management is an advanced course that synthesizes spatial modeling and ecological theory for applied natural resources management, environmental and sustainability planning. Building on your foundational knowledge, you will use industry-standard software to analyze ecological and landscape patterns and their impacts on function and processes. The curriculum is structured around real-world case studies in wildlife management, natural resources, and landscape planning, where you will model, forecast, and inform different management strategies. The primary objective is to develop the critical skills needed to design and implement data-driven solutions for complex, multi-functional landscapes.                    

FOR 796 | Landscape Modeling & Managemnt | 42643
MWF | 09:30 AM - 10:25 AM | Shaker,Richard R
Landscape Modeling & Management is an advanced course that synthesizes spatial modeling and ecological theory for applied natural resources management, environmental and sustainability planning. Building on your foundational knowledge, you will use industry-standard software to analyze ecological and landscape patterns and their impacts on function and processes. The curriculum is structured around real-world case studies in wildlife management, natural resources, and landscape planning, where you will model, forecast, and inform different management strategies. The primary objective is to develop the critical skills needed to design and implement data-driven solutions for complex, multi-functional landscapes.                               

ENS 596 | Urban Greening | 42596
MW | 03:45 PM - 05:05 PM  | Endreny,Theodore
Spring semester. Three hours of lecture and demonstration per week. This course uses project-based learning to examine the restoration and enhancement of urban ecosystems to address environmental challenges and advance sustainability. Students will explore the structure and function of urban ecosystems, common causes of degradation, and urban-greening restoration approaches that deliver ecosystem services needed to improve human well-being and biodiversity. Spring. Prerequisites: Pre-calculus and general biology.

ERE 596 | Urban Greening | 42638
MW | 03:45 PM - 05:05 PM  | Endreny,Theodore
Spring semester. Three hours of lecture and demonstration per week. This course uses project-based learning to examine the restoration and enhancement of urban ecosystems to address environmental challenges and advance sustainability. Students will explore the structure and function of urban ecosystems, common causes of degradation, and urban-greening restoration approaches that deliver ecosystem services needed to improve human well-being and biodiversity. Spring. Prerequisites: Pre-calculus and general biology.

ESF 496 | Climate Change & the Ocean | 42669
MW | 10:35 AM - 11:30 AM | Limburg,Karin E; Drew,Joshua A; Powers,Leanne C
The Ocean is the largest habitat on the planet. It’s a major regulator of climate, interacting at long and short timescales with the atmosphere and the continents. In this Special Topics course, we will explore the workings of the Ocean as a global system as well as its various parts. We will look at the causes of climate change in the past, the current situation, the effects on ecosystems large and small, and impacts on organisms and humans.   

ESF 696 | Climate Change & the Ocean | 42670
MW | 10:35 AM - 11:30 AM | Limburg,Karin E; Drew,Joshua A; Powers,Leanne C
The Ocean is the largest habitat on the planet. It’s a major regulator of climate, interacting at long and short timescales with the atmosphere and the continents. In this Special Topics course, we will explore the workings of the Ocean as a global system as well as its various parts. We will look at the causes of climate change in the past, the current situation, the effects on ecosystems large and small, and impacts on organisms and humans.   

SRE 796 | Sustainble Energy Fin&Analysis | 37361
TuTh | 09:30 AM - 10:25 AM | Frank,Jenny R.
This course examines the finance and economics of energy markets, focusing specifically on the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector. We build upon foundational concepts in corporate and project finance, allowing students, including those at the graduate level, to develop the ability to analyze and overcome the major financial challenges in adopting and funding sustainable energy projects. The curriculum applies core economic principles to understand how firms, individuals, and public policies (such as taxes and subsidies) influence market behavior within energy industries.

EFB  496 | Indig Cons: Haudenosaunee Cntx | 37308
TBD | TBD | Artelle,Kyle A
This course explores conservation practice, with a particular focus on models that support both people and places alike, and with a particular focus on the work done in Onondaga and broader Haudenosaunee Territories, and led by Haudenosaunee Nations. We will explore these themes through deep dives into examples of ‘Bright Spots’ of conservation – examples of considerable conservation success for people and biodiversity alike – with a particular focus on community- and Indigenous-led conservation here. The course will combine a weekly one-hour seminar held across the semester where we explore these topics, discuss readings, and learn from guest speakers, with a week-long field component where we will visit and learn from a number of places across Haudenosaunee Territories. 

EFB  796 | Indig Cons: Haudenosaunee Cntx | 37309
TBD | TBD | Artelle,Kyle A
This course explores conservation practice, with a particular focus on models that support both people and places alike, and with a particular focus on the work done in Onondaga and broader Haudenosaunee Territories, and led by Haudenosaunee Nations. We will explore these themes through deep dives into examples of ‘Bright Spots’ of conservation – examples of considerable conservation success for people and biodiversity alike – with a particular focus on community- and Indigenous-led conservation here. The course will combine a weekly one-hour seminar held across the semester where we explore these topics, discuss readings, and learn from guest speakers, with a week-long field component where we will visit and learn from a number of places across Haudenosaunee Territories. 

FOR 496 | Water Economics | 42607
TuTh | 09:30 AM - 10:50 AM | Becker,Nir
This course introduces students to the economic principles and policy tools used to manage water resources sustainably. Topics include water scarcity and allocation, cost-benefit analysis of infrastructure projects, pricing strategies for urban and agricultural water use, and the valuation of water-related ecosystem services. Students will explore the economics of wastewater reuse, desalination, and climate adaptation, with attention to institutional frameworks and transboundary cooperation. Case studies from international contexts will illustrate how economic analysis informs decision-making in water policy, infrastructure investment, and environmental protection.

FOR 796 | Water Economics | 42609
TuTh | 09:30 AM - 10:50 AM | Becker,Nir
This course introduces students to the economic principles and policy tools used to manage water resources sustainably. Topics include water scarcity and allocation, cost-benefit analysis of infrastructure projects, pricing strategies for urban and agricultural water use, and the valuation of water-related ecosystem services. Students will explore the economics of wastewater reuse, desalination, and climate adaptation, with attention to institutional frameworks and transboundary cooperation. Case studies from international contexts will illustrate how economic analysis informs decision-making in water policy, infrastructure investment, and environmental protection.

FOR 496 | Environmental Soil Physics | 37224
TuTh | 08:00 AM - 09:20 AM | Young,Nathan L
This course is designed for senior-level or graduate students interested in processes that govern the movement of water, heat, and solutes in soils. As such, this course covers the basic principles of soil physics and, more broadly, soil hydrology. The goal is to provide students with a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical basis of the physical properties and processes in soils and other unsaturated porous media. Topics covered include: physical characterization of soils, soil water content and water potential, water flow in saturated and unsaturated soils, solute movement in soils, infiltration and runoff processes, water retention and pressure-saturation relationships, heat flow and soil freezing, and soil-plant-water relationships. Assignments will focus on quantitative problem solving and an introduction to the use of numerical modelling codes.

FOR 796 | Environmental Soil Physics | 42611
TuTh | 08:00 AM - 09:20 AM | Young,Nathan L
This course is designed for senior-level or graduate students interested in processes that govern the movement of water, heat, and solutes in soils. As such, this course covers the basic principles of soil physics and, more broadly, soil hydrology. The goal is to provide students with a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical basis of the physical properties and processes in soils and other unsaturated porous media. Topics covered include: physical characterization of soils, soil water content and water potential, water flow in saturated and unsaturated soils, solute movement in soils, infiltration and runoff processes, water retention and pressure-saturation relationships, heat flow and soil freezing, and soil-plant-water relationships. Assignments will focus on quantitative problem solving and an introduction to the use of numerical modelling codes.

FOR 496| Natural Hazards | 37291
TuTh | 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM | Shaker,Richard
Natural hazards impact all regions of Earth.  The loss of human lives, disruption of economies, and destruction of physical infrastructure that result from these events often lead to national crises both in developing and developed countries. This course addresses the complexities of natural hazards and disasters from environmental, economic, social, scientific, and policy perspectives. Issues such as evaluation of physical environments, land use and development patterns, prediction of disasters, differences in vulnerability, perceptions of risk, degree of exposure, responses to warnings, and hazard management initiatives are explored.  A holistic sustainability (economic growth, social equity, environmental integrity) approach will be applied to better understand the role of integrated environmental hazard mitigation, planning, and resource management.  This course is designed to provide real world examples of how natural hazards and disasters impact coupled human-environmental systems. To elucidate the environmental hazard mitigation process, interdisciplinary teamwork, scientific research, fieldwork, and presentation will be utilized throughout this course. Students are expected to have some knowledge of geophysical processes and characteristics of extreme natural events.

FOR 796| Natural Hazards | 37296
TuTh | 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM | Shaker,Richard
Natural hazards impact all regions of Earth.  The loss of human lives, disruption of economies, and destruction of physical infrastructure that result from these events often lead to national crises both in developing and developed countries. This course addresses the complexities of natural hazards and disasters from environmental, economic, social, scientific, and policy perspectives. Issues such as evaluation of physical environments, land use and development patterns, prediction of disasters, differences in vulnerability, perceptions of risk, degree of exposure, responses to warnings, and hazard management initiatives are explored.  A holistic sustainability (economic growth, social equity, environmental integrity) approach will be applied to better understand the role of integrated environmental hazard mitigation, planning, and resource management.  This course is designed to provide real world examples of how natural hazards and disasters impact coupled human-environmental systems. To elucidate the environmental hazard mitigation process, interdisciplinary teamwork, scientific research, fieldwork, and presentation will be utilized throughout this course. Students are expected to have some knowledge of geophysical processes and characteristics of extreme natural events.

FOR 496 | Water Dynamics in the Mid East | 42608
WF | 02:15 PM - 03:35 PM | Becker,Nir
This interdisciplinary course invites students to explore the critical role of water in shaping ecological, social, and political dynamics across the Middle East. Through the lens of regional hydrology, climate stressors, and transboundary water systems-including the Jordan, Nile, and Tigris-Euphrates rivers-students will examine how water scarcity intersects with conflict, migration, agriculture, and innovation. Topics include refugee impacts on infrastructure, desalination technologies, and environmental diplomacy. The course integrates case studies, interactive mapping, and comparative analysis to connect global water challenges. It reflects a shared commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry, global literacy, and preparing future leaders to navigate complex environmental realities.

FOR 796 | Water Dynamics in the Mid East | 42610
WF | 02:15 PM - 03:35 PM | Becker,Nir
This interdisciplinary course invites students to explore the critical role of water in shaping ecological, social, and political dynamics across the Middle East. Through the lens of regional hydrology, climate stressors, and transboundary water systems-including the Jordan, Nile, and Tigris-Euphrates rivers-students will examine how water scarcity intersects with conflict, migration, agriculture, and innovation. Topics include refugee impacts on infrastructure, desalination technologies, and environmental diplomacy. The course integrates case studies, interactive mapping, and comparative analysis to connect global water challenges. It reflects a shared commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry, global literacy, and preparing future leaders to navigate complex environmental realities.

FOR 496 | Environmental Economics | 37290
TuTh | 03:30 PM - 04:50 PM | Cavo,Mariela
Three hours of lecture per week. Application of economic theory and models to critically analyze the state of the environment as well as to identify how we might bring improvements in environmental quality. This course explores market failures, sustainable policies, and economic valuation of non-market resources, equipping students with tools to promote sustainability through smart economic decisions.

FOR 796 | Environmental Economics | 37295
TuTh | 03:30 PM - 04:50 PM | Cavo,Mariela
Three hours of lecture per week. Application of economic theory and models to critically analyze the state of the environment as well as to identify how we might bring improvements in environmental quality. This course explores market failures, sustainable policies, and economic valuation of non-market resources, equipping students with tools to promote sustainability through smart economic decisions.

EST 696/496 | Heart Forward Science | 37362/37297
MW | 10:35 AM - 11:55 AM | Luzadis,Valerie Anne
This participatory course explores the intertwining of intellect, imagination, and intuition with scientific inquiry. Students will engage in creative, relationship-based approaches to science that honor emotional intelligence, ecological wisdom, and collaborative discovery. Emphasizing multiple ways of knowing and nature as guides, the course invites learners to reimagine science as a more transformative transdisciplinary practice. Open to graduate and upper division undergraduate students. 

FCH 496 | Mathematics in Nature | 35888
MW | 11:40 AM - 12:35 PM | Chatterjee,Avik P
We will explore situations in which mathematical techniques are used to elucidate various natural phenomena. In many instances additional, more advanced, mathematical methods will be necessary. These will be introduced and explained in context as we go along. Topics are likely to include: the equilibrium thermal distribution over energies; methods used for quantitatively describing the sizes of large molecules (“polymers”); random walks, Brownian motion, viscosity, and diffusion; examples of rate processes such as a simple model for epidemic spreading and oscillations in co-existing prey and predator populations; tides; and others at the discretion of the instructor.

EFB 497 | Forest Health & Restoration | 37393
F | 08:25 AM - 09:20 AM | Teale,Stephen A

EFB 797 | Aquatic Food Webs | 42590
TH | 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM | Razavi,Roxanne

ERE 596 | Intro to AI/ML Tools | 42640
W | 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM | Mountrakis,Georgios E
This course teaches machine learning (ML) fundamentals specifically designed for environmental scientists and engineers with no prior ML experience.. The course progresses from foundational concepts (data preprocessing, feature engineering, linear regression) through classical ML methods (random forests, ensemble methods) to advanced deep learning techniques (convolutional and recurrent networks). By completion, you'll be able to apply, evaluate, and interpret ML models for environmental modeling and decision-making. The course emphasizes practical application over mathematical theory, making advanced ML techniques accessible to a wider environmental audience.  To succeed students will need at least one prior course in probability and statistics along with the ability to interpret (but not write) python scripts. Open to undergraduate and graduate students, permission from instructor required.

EST 696 | Env Collective Action & Mvmnts | 42594
Tu | 08:00 AM - 10:50 AM | Togami,Chie

SRE 796| The Energy Transition | 42618
MWF | 09:30 AM - 10:25 AM | Kloster,Danielle P