The Problems Course consists of a supervised research project directed towards the solution of a current environmental problem. The intensive research effort in the Problems Course typically occurs over a 12-15 month period, and leads to one or more peer-reviewed journal articles.

Although Problems Courses take many forms, from field studies or laboratory projects to application of models and database analyses, they typically involve technical problems with policy implications. Concurrently with the Problems Course, students participate in a Problems Course Workshop that focuses on developing oral presentation and technical writing skills.

Recent Problems Courses

Abdullah, K. 2011. Safe handling practices of nanomaterials in the research lab setting. Advisor: Godwin.

Alvarado, E. 2011. Determination of methodologies to identify odor thresholds for menthyl tertiary butyl ether in drinking water. Advisor: Suffet.

Yap, T. 2011. Investigating long-term patterns of rockweed distributions and abundances in the rocky intertidal along the west coast of the USA. Advisor: Ambrose.

Chan, V. 2010. Modeling the effects of climate change on the extent and distribution of wetland vegetation in southern California. Advisor: Ambrose.

Hsu, M. 2010. Developing a hazardous potential index for hydrophobic organic pollutants in natural and treated waters. Advisor: Suffet.

Lackey, L. 2010. Black and elemental carbon emissions from a diesel generator operating on soybean, canola, and yellow grease biodiesel. Advisor: Paulson.

Narin-Birch, N. 2010. An Analysis of Corporate Carbon Footprints and Financial Performance. Advisor: Winer.

Estes, S. 2009. Attenuation of fecal indicator bacteria and human-specific Bacteroides in two California coastal wetlands. Advisor: Ambrose.

Sias, G. 2009. Effects of urban runoff on rocky intertidal communities in southern California. Advisor: Ambrose.

Bear, T. 2007. Establishing Goals for Restoration of Coastal Wetlands in Southern California Based on Historical and Contemporary Habitat Distributions. Advisor: Ambrose.

Hensley, A. 2007. Academic activites related to sustainability at UCLA. Advisor: Ambrose.

Liebeler, J.  2004.  Investigation of the Impacts of the 2002 West Coast Port Strike on Air Quality in the South Coast Air Basin. Advisor: Winer and Pendleton.

Behrentz, E. and Sabin L.D.  2002.  Characterizing the Range of Children's Pollutant Exposure During School Bus Commutes. Advisor: Winer.

Farrar, C. and J. Jones.  2001.  Relationship Between Indoor, Outdoor and Personal Concentrations in Four Los Angeles County Communities. Advisor: Winer.

Burnam, J. 2001. Desorption of Organophosphate Pesticides from Agricultural Fields Suspended Solids Runoff from Rainfall and Irrigation Events. Advisor: Suffet.

Castenada-Jimenez, A. and H. Park. 2000. Evaluation of Water Reuse Operations. Advisor: Suffet.

Fruin, S.  1999.  Benzene Exposure and Dose for the Southern California Population: Application of the Regional Human Exposure Model. Advisor: Winer.

Amah, G. 1999. Contribution of the Distribution Systems to Taste and Odor in Drinking Water Supplies. Advisor: Suffet.

Published: Wednesday, June 27, 2012

  Write to Us

The UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability welcomes your comments.