Leslie Hitchcock, Staff Writer

Students intrigued by the laws of physics can take advantage of a new course in environmental physics offered by the Appalachian State University Department of Physics and Astronomy, according to department representatives.

Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy Richard Gray said the course will  discuss possible explanations for global phenomena and examine various environmental concerns.

These include greenhouse gases and global warming, climate modeling and destruction of the ozone layer.

The course  emphasizes the physical principles behind current environmental concerns, Gray said.

According to Gray, the course emphasizes the physical principles behind current environmental concerns. This class is the first of its kind at Appalachian, said Gray.

An experimental course was offered this semester to test the course’s popularity, but with limited enrollment.

The course is a flagship class for the newly-founded environmental physics concentration. Gray recommends the course for students majoring or minoring in the sciences, but it is open to anyone.

“Anyone who has had sufficient background in  physics and is interested in the physical basis of the environmental problems that we have should take this course,” said Gray.

Professor of Physics and Astronomy Thomas Rokoske described the course as an educational experience to further aid the environment.

“If you know what the environmental problems are, and you know the physics behind them, then you can solve them,” said Rokoske.

Environmental Physics is offered in the fall semester.  A companion course, Introduction to Meteorology, is offered in the spring semester, Rokoske said.

Students interested in taking this course are encouraged to meet with Gray or Rokoske before enrolling.

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