BIOL 1080 Intro to Environmental Science

This course introduces students to the concepts of environmental science using principles from the fields of biology, ecology, and the physical sciences. The course focuses on themes of sustainability, stewardship and science. Emphasis is placed on the quantitative analysis of the impact of human activities on the environment and will include the topics of natural resource utilization and conservation, biodiversity, water, air and soil quality, and sustainable development. (3 lect., 3 lab)LSCI

Credits

4 credits

Transfer Status

Equivalent to UW.

Major Topics

• The scientific method: components and applications
• Sustainability, stewardship and science
• Structure and components of ecosystems: trophic levels and biomes
• Ecosystems: energy, function, populations, succession and evolutionary change
• Population and population dynamics
• Soil and the soil ecosystem
• Water: hydrologic cycle and human use
• Wild Species: biodiversity and protection
• Energy from fossil fuels
• Renewable energy
• Environmental hazards and human health
• Water and atmospheric pollution
• Global climate change
• Public policy and the environment

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. Describe the components of the scientific method.

2. Define and give a short history of the environmental sciences.

3. Identify the basic ecological principles levels of biological organization within the biosphere.

4. Investigate and discuss characteristics of the various biomes throughout the globe.

5. Compare and contrast the influence of culture, economics, and geographic locale on world population.

6. Describe the components of the soil ecosystem and relate soils to greater ecosystem function and land use.

7. Describe the hydrologic cycle and assess the consequences of human activity on water resources.

8. Assess the significance of sustaining ecological biodiversity and explore the role of wild species in ecosystems.

9. Describe the various natural resources available such as fossil fuel energy, forest, agricultural products, wildlife and aquatic species, and how to manage them in a sustainable manner.

10. Identify solid and hazardous wastes and describe recycling alternatives.

11. Discuss global issues such as air and water pollution and global climate change.

12. Describe the role of public policy in responding to environmental issues.

13. Examine mitigations that reduce the impacts of resource extraction and explore current issues that challenge sustainability.