SCIE105 Introduction to Environmental Science
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Science
- I. Course Number and Title
- SCIE105 Introduction to Environmental Science
- II. Number of Credits
- 4 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 3750
- IV. Prerequisites
- None
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
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This course satisfies the General Education requirement for Scientific Literacy. Format is lecture-laboratory.
Field trips and service learning projects that involve physical activity in an outdoor environment in a variety of habitat types are required.
Students are required to provide their own transportation to the local field sites.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This lecture and laboratory 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.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- apply habitat restoration techniques as part of resource management of natural ecosystems;
- create environmental education programs;
- represent analysis of scientific data appropriately and clearly in tables and/or graphs [Scientific Literacy]; and
- interpret scientific data presented in tables and/or graph [Scientific Literacy].
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
The following topics are presented:
- history of environmental ethics and conservation movements
- environmental policy and economics
- sustainable lifestyles
- photosynthesis, cell respiration, thermodynamics, and food chains
- evolution and biodiversity
- population ecology
- species interactions and community dynamics
- human population
- soils and agriculture
- waste management, environmental health, and toxicology
- conservation biology
- ecosystems, ecological restoration, resource management, and land use
- energy sources
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Exams, quizzes, class participation, and projects as specified in the individual instructor's syllabus. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Students use educational resources as approved by the department and specified in the individual instructor's syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date - 2/00; Revised 7/2010; 5/2013; New Core 8/2015; Revised 02/2018; Revised 1/3/2025