Course Description

A study of the basic principals of geology, chemistry, biology and ecology behind important environmental issues that include pollution, biodiversity, conservation and sustainability. Special emphasis will be placed on the unique challenges posed by urban environments. Discussions will include social issues such as environmental philosophy, economics, ethics and policy.

Topics

• Science and Sustainability: An Introduction to Environmental Science
• Earth’s Physical Systems: Matter, Energy, and Geology
• Evolution, Biodiversity, and Population Ecology
• Species Interactions and Community Ecology
• Environmental Systems and Ecosystem Ecology
• Ethics, Economics, and Sustainable Development
• Environmental Policy: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Human Population
• Soil and Agriculture
• Agriculture, Biotechnology, and the Future of Food
• Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
• Forests, Forest Management, and Protected Areas
• The Urban Environment: Creating Sustainable Cities
• Environmental Health and Toxicology
• Freshwater Systems and Resources
• Marine and Coastal Systems and Resources
• Atmospheric Science, Air Quality, and Pollution Control
• Global Climate Change
• Fossil Fuels, Their Impacts, and Energy Conservation

Required Text

• Withgott, J and Brennan, S.2017.Environment:The Science Behind the Stories,6th edition.Pearson Education Inc, San Francisco, CA, USA. ISBN: 978-0134204888