ENVS& 100 - Survey of Environmental Science

5 credits

Prerequisites
Placement in MATH 097 or higher, placement in ENGL& 101.

A course addressing the nature of the physical environment and changes in the environment caused by people. Fundamental considerations of matter and energy are followed by studies of human population dynamics, food supplies, hazardous chemicals, air and water pollution, geological and energy resources, and problems associated with storing waste.

Theory Hours
5 theory hours.

AA Specified Elective
Satisfies science distribution area C requirement or specified elective for the AA degree.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will:

Understand the nature of science and the scientific method
Define and classify matter and energy and describe how these flow through the environment
Explain evolution in relation to diversity and how species interact in biological communities
Describe the factors that have been responsible for changes in world population
Describe major biomes in relation to climate, energy transfer, and biodiversity
Identify characteristics of nature preserves and conservation strategies
Understand how the production of food affects the environment
Understand how the risks of exposure to toxic chemicals are determined
Describe the structure of the atmosphere and the factors responsible for global climate change
Describe the major types and sources of air pollution
Describe the major types and sources of water pollution
Understand earth formation processes and the geological resources essential for human populations
Describe the environmental effect of obtaining and using conventional and alternate energy sources
Understand the environmental effects of storing waste