SCIE105 Introduction to Environmental Science

Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Science

  1. Course Number and Title

    SCIE105 Introduction to Environmental Science

  2. Number of Credits

    4 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    3750

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    Format is lecture-laboratory and field trips are required.
    Service learning projects are required.
    Topics are presented in various modes which may include, but are not limited to, any or all of the following: traditional and/or online lectures, group and/or individual activities, small group discussions, computer simulations and library research.

  6. Catalog Course Description

    This course examines the history of environmental ethics, conservation movements, environmental policy and sustainable lifestyles. It covers basic ecological principles, especially as pertains to conservation, restoration and resource management. Students study agricultural practices, waste management, and energy sources. Laboratory exercises require field trips and service learning.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Students will:
        1. assess the environmental impact of proposed development projects and employ strategies for habitat restoration;
        2. inventory, evaluate, and design resource management strategies for sites and areas with unique scenic, recreational, historic, cultural, paleontological and other resource value; and
        3. create environmental education programs.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. history of environmental ethics conservation movements
      2. environmental policy and economics
      3. sustainable lifestyles
      4. photosynthesis, cell respiration, thermodynamics and food chains
      5. evolution and biodiversity
      6. population ecology
      7. species interactions and community dynamics
      8. human population
      9. soils and agriculture
      10. waste management, environmental health, and toxicology
      11. conservation biology
      12. ecosystems, ecological restoration, resource management, and land use
      13. energy sources

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. The evaluative tools may include any or all of the following as specified by the individual instructor’s course format: objective examinations, class participation, field trip and research reports, online activities and discussion, quizzes, projects and papers.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      Students use educational resources as approved by the department and specified in the individual instructor’s format.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Review/Approval Date - 2/00; Revised 7/2010; 5/2013