LSC Environmental Science (Online Course Blackboard)

1st Edition
0077261240 · 9780077261245
This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the basic principles and unifying concepts of environmental science. Various ecosystems are described, and conservation efforts are evaluated. Other topics include the importance of maint… Read More
Available for purchase 2007/01/25
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Topic 1 Matter, Energy, and Life

Matter

Energy

Life Forms and Evolution

Topic 2 Introduction to Environmental Science

Scope of the Subject

Natural Sciences

Social Sciences

Ethics

Topic 3 Ecosystems

Biological Communities

Biological Communities on Land

Biological Communities in Water

Topic 4 Forests and Conservation

Forests and Grasslands

Conservation Efforts: Parks and Refuges

Conservation Efforts: Ecosystems

Topic 5 Species Populations and Biodiversity

Population Measures and Characteristics

Population Growth Determinants

Benefits of Biodiversity

Threats to Biodiversity

Preserving Biodiversity

Topic 6 Human Population

Population Measures and Characteristics

Population Growth

Population, Quality of Life, and Environment

Topic 7 Urbanization

Urbanization

Problems of Urbanization

Urban Planning

Topic 8 Food, Agriculture, and Pest Control

Soil Formation, Use, and Degradation

Food and Agriculture

Sustainable Agriculture

Topic 9 Water: Availability and Pollution

Hydrologic Cycle and Water Bodies

Water Availability and Use

Water Pollution

Water Management

Topic 10 Climate, Weather, and Air Pollution

Atmosphere

Climate

Air Pollution

Pollution Control

Topic 11 Energy Consumption and Conventional Sources

Energy Consumption

Fossil Fuels

Topic 12 Alternative Sources and Energy Management

Renewable Sources

Nuclear Energy

Conservation

Topic 13 Waste Management (Health)

Solid Waste

Hazardous Materials

Health Effects

Waste Management

Topic 14 Economics, Environment, and Policy

Economic Concepts

Economics for Environmental Protection

Policy and Law

Environmental Action

Topic 15 Review

This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the basic principles and unifying concepts of environmental science. Various ecosystems are described, and conservation efforts are evaluated. Other topics include the importance of maintaining biodiversity, human population growth and demography, and the problems of urbanization in developed and developing countries. Techniques of sustainable agriculture are evaluated, as are techniques for water conservation. The impact of air pollution on the climate and on human beings is analyzed and the factors that determine energy consumption and the use of fossil fuels are assessed. Local, national, and international policies, laws, and programs that aim to protect the environment are also discussed.

After completing this course, students will be able to:- Assess the various methods used to understand natural phenomena and the human impact on it, and analyze the steps taken to protect the environment.

- Explain chemical cycles with reference to exchange of energy in chemical reactions and natural selection and evolution, and assess the effect of changes in the cycles on organisms.

- Differentiate between various ecosystems, explain the interdependency of organisms within an ecosystem, and how changes in the environment can affect ecosystems.

- Evaluate the impact of civilization on forests and grasslands, and assess how conservation efforts are useful in preserving species and restoration of habitats.

- Analyze the use of and factors determining population characteristics of a species, explain the reasons for maintaining biodiversity, and evaluate the reasons for extinction of species.

- Analyze human population growth and demography, and assess its impact on the environment.

- Analyze the problems of urbanization in developed and developing countries, and evaluate its implication on the environment.

- Evaluate techniques of sustainable agriculture and the need for pest control, and explain how pesticides degrade the soil and therefore the environment.

- Describe the hydrologic cycle, classify sources of water pollution, and analyze techniques for water conservation and management.

- Analyze the impact of air pollution on the climate and on human beings, and evaluate measures to reduce pollution.

- Assess the factors that determine energy consumption and use of fossil fuels, and evaluate its effect on global warming.

- Explain various alternative sources of energy, compare them in terms of environmental issues, and appraise energy conservation methods.

- Explain the concept of waste management and evaluate programs and policies to reduce the harmful effects of waste.

- Analyze the various factors influencing the use of environmental resources, and evaluate important local, national, and international policies, laws, and programs that aim to protect the environment.