Environmental Science

Environmental Science (SCI-104)
Location:
Various: distance learning format

Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)

Dates:
May 2014 - Present.

Subject Area:
Science

Number of Credits:
4

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify the different types of ecological communities and describe the manners in which such communities interact with their biotic and abiotic environments; evaluate the role of human activities in generating pollution, deforestation and other such activities on their environment; analyze the manner in which humans and other living organisms are able to adapt to the environments of the various biomes that make up the Earth’s biosphere;analyze the pros and cons of obtaining energy from various sources including nuclear, coal, oil, biomass, solar, etc.; and create proposed solutions to the problem of increased carbon (and methane) emissions that causes anthropogenic global warming.

Instruction:
This self-study course is designed to cover a variety of issues that relate to the environment and the human impact on the ecosphere. The course examines the various biotic and abiotic factors that contribute to the environment and its health. Students examine the various biomes and climates that cover the Earth and the factors that distinguish them and human activities and their effects on the environment, including discussion of global climate change, deforestation, extinctions caused by human encroachment, etc.

Credit Recommendation:
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours in Environmental Science or as a core science requirement, including a laboratory component (6/14).