environment

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Course Description

ENVI110 is an introductory, interdisciplinary science course for majors in the Department of Earth and Environmental Systems and for students wishing to satisfy their general education requirement for a science course with or without a lab [Science w/lab requirement of FS2010].

Both major and non-major students should be enrolled concurrently in ENVI 110L.

2 This course presents the environment as a complex, highly interrelated system of physical and biological processes that impacts virtually every sphere of human activity. We depend on the environment for basic necessities such as food, water, and the raw materials that we transform into shelter; we rely upon large-scale environmental processes that provide ecosystem services, such as the climate regulation and the natural flood control provided by forests and wetlands; and yet we also incur the sometimes catastrophic consequences of major environmental events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and drought. Increasingly, human activity is altering these basic physical and biological environmental processes; the human population has more than doubled since 1960, and our economic activity in developed and developing countries has heightened our demand for limited environmental resources, such as arable land and clean water. Other consequences of increased human activity are less obvious, but no less consequential. It clearly benefits us to acquire a better understanding of this environment that we depend upon and influence so dramatically.

In this class we will explore the various processes that contribute to the functioning of the environment, as well as the ways we interact with it.

We will introduce topics using a case-studies approach, in which we use current news stories as a launching point for our science-based investigations. We will investigate the science of the environment, delving into how environmental issues and problems can be understood and addressed using the scientific method. Most importantly, we will focus on how you, whether a scientist or lay citizen, can take a scientific and informed approach to real -life decision making, whether in the workplace, marketplace or voting booth. Throughout, we emphasize the importance of using critical thinking and evidence to draw conclusions and suggest actions.

Course Goals (abbreviated S&L 1-4 for Science and Laboratory Learning Objectives and SAL 1-3 for Skill Applied Learning Requirements from the Foundational Studies Program)

Increase our knowledge about the scientific process and the importance of science in making informed and reasonable choices. (S&L 4)

Formulate hypotheses and interpret authentic data to evaluate those hypo theses. (S&L

1 and 2)

Develop critical thinking skills and critical analysis through problem solving of practical problems associated with the physical and biological environment. (SAL 1)

Advance our understanding of environmental science by applying basic principles of physics, chemistry, geology, biology and ecology as they relate to the environment. (SAL

Improve our knowledge of human-environment interaction in order to predict and plan for future sustainability. (S&L 3 and 4)

Build a global awareness that emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural world as an integrated system with many interacting parts. (S&L 4 and SAL 2)

Increase communication skills through class discussions, writing short essays, reading assignments, and note-taking assessments. (SAL 3)

Upon completion of this course, students should be knowledgeable and skilled enough to explain verbally and in writing the basic principles of environmental science to any 3 member of the community. This includes applying knowledge to novel situations which may arise in the future. (SAL 1 and 3, S&L 1-4)

Foundation Studies Learning Objectives Met By This Course:

FS-1 -Locate, critically read, and evaluate information to solve problems;

FS-2 -Critically evaluate the ideas of others;

FS-3 -Apply knowledge and skills within and across the fundamental ways of knowing (natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities, mathematics, and history);

FS-5 -Demonstrate the skills for effective citizenship and stewardship;

FS-7 -Demonstrate the skills to place their current and local experience in a global, cultural, and historical context;

FS-8-Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical implications of decisions and actions;

FS-10 -Express themselves effectively, professionally, and persuasively both orallyand in writing.