Earth and Environmental Sciences - Senior

Course # EAES 4881

Credits 6

Course # EAES 4752

Credits 3

Course # EAES 4880

Credits 9

Course # ECON 1002

Credits 6

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: introduction to microeconomics and pre-calculus

Course Description

Introductory macroeconomics is one of the fundamental courses in economics program for freshman students at UCA. It provides students with key concepts and principles of contemporary macroeconomic theory. Topics covered in the course pertain to the analysis of national income, the real economy, fiscal and monetary policy in the long run. Open economy and short-run economic fluctuations are also explored in the course. Existing debates over macroeconomic policy faced by policy makers and government agencies both in developed and developing countries are discussed. 

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Define key macroeconomic concepts and principles;
• Calculate basic macroeconomic indicators related to GDP and cost of living within a group of countries or individual states;
• Explain how the real economy operates in the long run from production and growth perspectives;
• Explain the role of monetary and fiscal policies to tackle inflation and unemployment;
• Discuss advantages and disadvantages of the open economy;
• Use the concept of aggregate demand and aggregate supply to explain the main facts about economic fluctuations;
• Explain both potential and limits of economic policy aimed at macroeconomic stabilization and long-term economic growth;

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # ECON 4246E

Credits 6

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: An introductory course in statistics

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the issues and methods involved in measuring the impact of policies, programs, and interventions, with a focus on developing countries. Through lectures, case studies, and real-world examples, you learn how to quantify the causal effect of interventions by carefully understanding attribution and the practical applications of methodologies. The course explores the steps involved in designing an evaluation, including conceptualization, developing a theory of change, understanding the different methodologies for conducting impact evaluation and choosing the most appropriate methodology given the set of circumstances. You learn about four methods of impact evaluation (randomized controlled trials (RCTs), instrumental variables, regression discontinuity designs, and difference-in-differences), and the weaknesses and strengths, as well as their appropriateness to real life evaluation scenarios.  The goal of this course is to equip you with the skills to design and conduct rigorous evaluations and so that you can make a real positive impact in the world, whether it be in academia, non-profit work, social entrepreneurship, private philanthropy or government.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the theory of change underlying the causal relationship between an intervention and its outcomes.
• Develop evaluation questions that effectively measure the impact of a program or policy.
• Evaluate and select appropriate comparison groups that approximate the counterfactual in various real-life scenarios.
• Apply experimental and quasi-experimental designs to evaluate the impact of interventions.
• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of different impact evaluation methodologies and make informed decisions on the most appropriate methodology for a given situation

Course Assessment and Grading

Course # EAES 3038E

Credits 6

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Course Description

The course offers an introduction to quantitative analysis of surface processes in mountainous terrain, and examines the interaction of climate, tectonics, and geomorphic processes in the sculpting of Earth's surface. This course explores the fundamental principles of neotectonics, and their impact on Central Asia. Students will examine the mechanics of fluvial, hillslope, and glacial processes through the principles of weathering, soil formation, runoff, erosion, seismic deformation, permafrost thaw, slope stability, sediment transport, river morphology, and glacial erosion.

Surface Processes in Mountain Environments examines the physical laws governing hillslope, fluvial, glacial, and periglacial processes, with a strong emphasis on quantitative analysis and geological mapping. The course integrates digital elevation models (DEMs), remote sensing data, and geological maps to link surface processes with lithology, structure, and tectonic settings. Taking this course will allow students to acquire an appreciation of how mountainous landscapes are formed and their continued evolution through time.

This course assumes prior knowledge of geomorphic landforms and systems. Students are expected to already be familiar with descriptive geomorphology, landform classification, and qualitative process explanations. SPME focuses on quantification, mapping, modeling, and critical evaluation of surface processes, not landform description. By integrating theory, quantitative methods, and Central Asian case studies, the course equips students to critically assess landscape evolution in tectonically active, climatically sensitive mountain regions. This course uses geological maps, structure, and lithology to constrain surface processes.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Integrate geological mapping techniques with surface process analysis.
• Describe major scientific ideas and theories about the development of the landscape,
• Analyze landforms and processes of land formation using topographic maps, remote sensing techniques, digital elevation models (DEMs), and other quantitative techniques,
• Evaluate uncertainty and scale effects in geomorphic models.
• Synthesize quantitative results to assess landscape evolution and hazards in mountain
• Critically analyze geomorphological issues in a scientific context at local, regional, and global scales,
• Evaluate various solutions to a wide range of geomorphological problems in mountainous environments,
• Explain and apply geomorphological methods used in research today.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # MDIA 3087

Credits 6

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: None

Course Description

This course extends student knowledge and skills in communication studies into the field of science communication.  The course provides an introduction to forms of science communication intended for non-scientific audiences, such as writing for both online and print outlets, podcasting and short video production.  Students will develop a critical understanding of the wider societal context of both science and communication.  They will examine how communication practices can address contemporary science communication challenges and enhance public understanding of science.  Science communication is examined through both conceptual analysis and practical skill development and critical issues and themes in the field are explored.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

• Discuss the conceptual basis of science communication.
• Analyse contemporary global science communication issues and practices.
• Examine ways that communication practices can address contemporary science communication challenges and enhance public understanding of science.
• Use a variety of media to share science information in different formats and contexts.
• Discuss the relationship between non-western knowledge and science and the ways that non-western worldviews can shift our conception of science

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # EAES 3059E

Credits 3

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: None

Course Description

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of sustainable energy systems and the global energy transition. Students learn how energy is produced, converted, and used; how major technologies compare on cost, performance, and environmental impacts; and how policy, markets, and social priorities shape energy choices. Emphasis is placed on interpreting real-world datasets and contemporary reports and news to evaluate energy options and trade-offs. Students develop practical energy literacy through a two-part Home Energy Survey (draft plus final submission with instructor feedback) and apply course concepts in a team-based transition brief and presentation. The course is designed as a review course with no prerequisites and builds skills in evidence-based reasoning, data interpretation, and clear communication about pathways toward affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy futures. The course runs over seven teaching weeks, with the final exam held during the exam week.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to:

• Explain core energy concepts (power vs. energy, units, efficiency, energy services) and interpret key energy indicators.
• Interpret and visualize basic energy and emissions data using public sources (e.g., electricity mix, consumption, emissions).
• Compare major energy technologies (fossil, renewable, nuclear, storage) using common metrics (cost, reliability, lifecycle impacts).
• Analyze system-level transition challenges (variability, grids, storage, demand growth, sector coupling) using evidence and transparent assumptions.
• Conduct a household-level energy assessment by compiling appliance-use data, estimating monthly kWh consumption, and comparing results with bills/tariffs for two households.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # EAES 4216E

Credits 6

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: Introduction to the Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Governance: Water, Air, Land and Biosphere, and Environmental Chemistry.

Course Description

Water resources are experiencing increased environmental, social, political, and economic impacts. To address these impacts, it is highly important to have a comprehensive understanding of science and policy related to water resources management for further sound and sustainable decision-making. This interdisciplinary course adopts a holistic approach to water management with a specific focus on technical, economic, and social aspects. Students are expected to gain practical experience by solving a set of exercises, attend field trips including local water treatment plants and a wastewater treatment plant as well as participate in an engaging role-play simulation game related to promotion of the Water-Food-Energy approach which would enhance their understanding of scientific and policy aspects of water management.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Estimate agricultural and urban demands for meeting human needs.
• Explain the basic physical, chemical, and biological water quality parameters.
• Explain the conventional water treatment processes along with physical, chemical, microbiological and radiological characteristics of water.
• Explain the municipal wastewater treatment processes along with physical, chemical, microbiological and radiological characteristics of wastewater.
• Describe water allocation frameworks including national, basin, regional/sub-basin and individual as well as water allocation challenges.
• Describe the water conflict and cooperation scholarship including causes of water conflicts, role of stakeholders as well as tools and tracks of water diplomacy.
• Examine the main principles and mechanisms of international environmental law relevant to water resources management and their implementation in water legislation of Central Asia.
• Discuss the existing challenges of transboundary water cooperation including interactions between water, food, and energy sectors.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS 3001E

Credits 3

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: Students should have a basic understanding of Tajik grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, and be able to engage in simple conversations, read and understand short texts, and write basic essays in Tajik. 

Course Description

P

Professional Tajik language is a practical course for students who need to develop their skills in using professional Tajik language, both in written and verbal form, and who wish to improve their language proficiency in the context of business communications. The course is useful for students for both native Tajik speakers and foreign students. However, due to the nature of the course, all students are required to be proficient in Tajik language at an advanced level. The course includes various forms of business documents, as well as grammar, syntax, and style to help students easily adapt to formal and professional contexts.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• speak clearly, fluently, and eloquently.
• follow the requirements of the scientific style, separate and group scientific terms from the text
• express their opinion on various topics based on the requirements of the journalistic style in the form of an article, news, report, poster, story, etc. in writing.
• to comply with the phonetics and spelling of Tajik language according with the spelling rules of Tajik language;
• accurately prepare working documents based on the requirements of official and working style;
• be able to express in formal Tajik language, such as when attending interviews or other similar events;
• be able to follow complex written and spoken academic texts;
• be able to write descriptions, narratives, formal and informal letters, essays on various topics;
• be able to speak freely and accurately in formal and informal communication contexts;
• express their opinions effectively in oral and written communication.

Course Assessment and Grading