Environmental Studies

Did you know Tulane has an observatory? In this class, we’ll have the opportunity to observe the Moon and some of the planets through the 16-in telescope. We’ll begin with a survey of the history of astronomy, and investigate the formation and attributes of the sun and other stars, the eight planets (sorry Pluto!) and major moons, and dwarf planets and asteroids. Finally, we’ll situate the solar system in the context of our galaxy and in the universe. 

This course will teach students the basics of arthropod identification, and most importantly, it will be a fun way to challenge students’ perceptions of one of the most abundant and important groups of animals: arthropods!

Can you predict the future? In this course, students will expand their understanding of climate change and the impact that factors such as rising global sea-surface temperatures have on our communities. They will be challenged to propose solutions on how humans can counteract climate change and develop safeguards for their own future.

Can you picture yourself solving critical issues along our coastal waterways? As our climate changes and we see the sea levels rise, scientists and engineers must work together to create practical solutions for the future. Students will explore the current issues that impact coastal communities and collaboratively strategize how they can make positive changes for resilience and sustainability now and moving forward.

Ever wondered what satellites high above can observe—or if they can see you walking down the street? Curious how scientists track hurricanes like Katrina and warn people before they strike? In this course, you will get hands-on experience exploring these questions and more. You’ll analyze real satellite images to track hurricanes and examine environmental changes like wetland loss, deforestation and urban growth, fly drones over New Orleans to study local changes, and participate in discussions around solutions to protect our planet.

How do coastal plants, animals, and microbes respond to climate change? Are coastal ecosystems resilient to climate change? This course will introduce students to the complex ways that climate change affects ecological systems in coastal areas. We will explore topics through lectures, readings, debates, field trips, and group research projects. We will learn about restoration and mitigation techniques and discuss ways students can act on behalf of threatened ecosystems.

Ever wonder how satellites and drones observe Earth and reveal what’s happening across the planet from the air, land, and oceans? Are you eager to discover Earth from a whole new perspective? In this Satellites, Drones, and Earth course, you’ll fly drones, analyze satellite images, and explore how our planet is changing. No experience is needed, just your curiosity and a keen eye for discovery!

Have you ever looked up at the sky, and wondered what lies beyond the clouds?  Get ready for the ultimate adventure — a journey through our Solar System and its wonders!  Lecture material will provide both overviews of planetary bodies in our Solar System and examine fundamental geologic processes like volcanism, tectonism, and impact cratering.  Our bias will be towards the rocky inner planets, but we will also study asteroids and the outer Solar System.  An emphasis will be placed throughout the course on how observations of the Solar System are made.  From scorching Mercury to icy Neptune, each planet and planetary body holds a unique story waiting to be explored!

In this hands-on media production course, students create short documentaries, video portraits, and digital content for a real environmental advocacy group. Using smartphones and DaVinci Resolve, students learn the storytelling and technical skills to support one non-profit’s strategy for change. We will explore how media shapes awareness, policy, and action and how you can make work that matters.

Did you know Tulane has an observatory? Look for the dome on the roof of Jones Hall! We will observe the moon, and the planets with their moons. We will begin by surveying the history of astronomy up to the present day, and take part in some current research classifying galaxy shapes. We’ll study the formation and attributes of the sun and other stars, of the eight planets and their moons, plus the dwarf planets. Finally, we’ll situate our solar system in the galaxy and the universe.

This four-day workshop introduces students to the diversity and evolution of Louisiana’s fishes. Students will learn how to recognize common fish families using visible traits, explore how morphology reflects ecology, and connect those traits to evolutionary relationships through a simplified phylogeny. The course culminates in a field-based visit to the Tulane Biodiversity Research Institute (TUBRI), where participants will see how biodiversity data, specimens, and digital imaging come together to tell the story of fish evolution. This course emphasizes hands-on learning, team-based inquiry, and scientific communication. Students will practice observation, critical thinking, and visual reasoning while engaging directly with real specimens and digital tools used by researchers. No prior experience with fish biology is required; just curiosity and a willingness to explore!

Maps are where science meets art!  Maps are more than 2D representations of geography.  They can convey so much data without any words.  Historically, humans have created and used maps to convey information.  From ancient civilizations to modern times, maps can convey a wealth of knowledge.  Join the fun and truly learn the meaning of the old phrase - a picture is worth a thousand words!

This course offers high school students an exciting opportunity to explore the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians native to Louisiana. Through engaging activities, including hands-on habitat modeling, species identification, and interactive discussions, participants will learn about the local herpetofauna's unique adaptations and ecological roles, such as green anoles and American alligators. The course will also highlight the importance of conservation and introduce students to citizen science projects that allow them to contribute to herpetological research. This course aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and conservationists committed to protecting local ecosystems.

Throughout this week-long course, we will discuss taxonomy, diversity/adaptations, behavior, conservation, and monitoring techniques as they relate to Louisiana mammals. By the end of this course, students will be familiar with the mammalian species of Louisiana, as well as the unique challenges that face mammalian conservationists in order to empower and inspire a future career in biology. 

In this immersive course, students will explore the evolution of plants from algae to angiosperms, tracing key milestones that shaped modern plant lineages. We’ll take a field trip to visit the City Park Botanical Garden, where students will investigate diverse plant forms. Back in class, we’ll study floral morphology and pollination through hands-on data collection and analysis of local plants and pollinators. Diving into plant genetics, we’ll examine the roles of inbreeding and gene flow through interactive activities. A hands-on DNA extraction lab will allow students to compare DNA yields from various plants, like strawberries and bananas. Finally, students will collaborate in a mock poster session to analyze local adaptation data, honing their scientific communication skills and deepening their understanding of how plants evolve in response to environmental pressures.

Remember the times we get warned about a hurricane—when everyone rushes to buy and stock up on bottled water, emptying the shelves? Those moments are reality checks that remind us how essential water is in our lives: hurricanes destroy water systems, leaving communities without clean water for days. Across the world, over 2 billion people face similar challenges, lacking access to safe, clean water for days, months, or even years. In this course, you’ll explore water as both a vital local resource and a global challenge, investigate solutions, and reflect on your own role in creating a more water-secure future.

Did you know rocks are silent storytellers?  It’s true – rocks can tell us about the history of the Earth.  In this course students will unlock the mysteries of the Earth by learning to understand what the physical characteristics of rocks tell us about Earth’s dynamic processes throughout its history.