ES 101 - Introduction to Environmental Science

Introduction to Environmental Science is designed to prepare you to understand and to find solutions to environmental problems. The readings in the required text present a broad overview of the current major environmental issues facing society. The text, the instructor notes, and the activities are geared toward raising awareness of these issues, emphasizing the interrelation between the environment and public health, and conveying an awareness of how current environmental issues directly affect our own lives. The course stresses that humans are an integral part of natural ecosystems and, as such, human health and well-being is both connected with, and dependent upon, the health and stability of the environment. ES 101 offers a good introduction to the principles that help people to understand their environment.

Prerequisites & Notes
EH 106 or equivalent is required; EH 107 or equivalent is recommended.

Assignment Overview
Assignments: Varied Throughout the Term

Interactivity: Discussion Board

Final Assessment: Final Project

Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to do the following:

Demonstrate a basic understanding of ecological principles and population dynamics, their impact on the environment, and their effect of environmental degradation on public health.
Research an environmental issue that is of personal interest and become proficient in writing a research paper in scientific format.
Examine personal beliefs regarding the environment and understand how individual and collective behavior affects environmental and human health.
Improve understanding of the variety of ways that organisms interact with both the physical and the biological environment, and how different processes affect organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.
Express personal thoughts, understandings, and conclusions that pertain to current environmental and public health-related problems.
Enhance intellectual curiosity and critical-thinking skills by gathering and evaluating knowledge beyond the course material.

Credits: 3

Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)