Lecture: 2 hours/week
and
Lab: 2 hours/week
Lectures and labs. An all-day field trip is required.
- Introduction to the environment, Earth’s spheres (biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere) and the scientific method
- Introduction to ecology, environmental systems and biogeochemical cycles, population dynamics, biodiversity, and community structure, interactions and disturbances
- Natural resources (e.g., forestry, agriculture, energy and mineral resources) including environmental impacts and management/remediation measures
- Humans in the environment (e.g., urban environments, waste, pollution, sustainability)
- Laboratory skills: mineral, rock and soil characterization, plant identification, ecosystem mapping and technical report writing
- Field skills: recording field data, appropriate use of field gear, field methods and field safety protocols
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- identify and describe the spheres that make up our planet (biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere);
- provide examples of natural systems;
- describe the cycling of energy and matter within natural systems;
- characterize various biotic and abiotic components of the environment such as minerals and rocks, soils, plants and plant communities;
- provide examples of community interactions and disturbances;
- apply the scientific method to the study of environmental systems, both in the lab and in the field;
- communicate scientific observations, data, analyses and interpretations via a technical report;
- describe the relationship between human activity (e.g., natural resource exploitation, waste production, etc.) and the natural environment (biotic and abiotic);
- discuss mitigation and remediation strategies to counteract the environmental impacts of human activity.
Assessment will be in accordance with the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
|
Assignments and Quizzes |
0-15% |
|
Participation and/or Attendance |
0-10% |
|
Lab Assignments |
9-20% |
|
Lab Tests |
15-25% |
|
Term Project(s) |
15-25% |
|
Term Tests |
20-30% |
|
Final Exam |
20-30% |
|
Total |
100% |
Students must receive at least a grade of D in both the lecture and lab component of this course to receive a minimum of a D grade in the course.
Consult the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and course materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Withgott, J., Brennan, S. and Murck, B. (Current Edition). Environment: The Science Behind the Stories. Pearson.
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