BIO 110W - Environmental Science

Credits: 4

Surveys the broad field of environmental science using local, regional, and global examples. Includes the following major topics: the scientific method, an introduction to chemistry, ecological principles, types of pollutants, energy principles, population issues, the environmental impact of human choices, and the role of economics, risk perception, and political choices in environmental decision-making. Exposes students to a variety of field, survey, and laboratory techniques useful in assessing environmental quality.

Prerequisite(s): READING LEVEL 2, WRITING LEVEL 2 AND MATH LEVEL 2.
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 45
Meets MTA Requirement: Natural Science Lab
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives 1. Use scientific thinking as a foundation for critical thinking.

A. Make predictions

B. Construct reasonable hypotheses

C. Collect reliable data

D. Represent data in a reasonable form such as graph, chart or table

E. Interpret the data.

F. Draw reasonable conclusions based on the data.

G. Effectively communicate results and conclusions to others.

H. Distinguish between correlation and cause and effect.

I. Collaborate with others in small groups.

J. Read and write critically

K. Listen actively

L. Integrate concepts to solve problems

M. Draw logical conclusions and Identify trends and patterns

2. Use technology associated with the field.

A. Use a microscope to view small objects.

B. Use computers to help manage and analyze data.

C. Use other appropriate instruments.

D. Use field testing equipment

E. Conduct simple chemical testing for soil and water samples

F. Adhere to laboratory safety guidelines.

3. Discuss relationships between environmental science and other fields of knowledge

A. Discuss examples where environmental science relates to other scientific fields such as chemistry, geology, astronomy, psychology, economics, and agriculture.

B. Discuss examples where environmental science relates to non-scientific fields of politics, ethics, and industry.

4. Describe the interconnectedness between biological systems and the environment.

A. Describe the relationship between biology, technology and society.

B. Recognize the use of energy in a variety of biological settings.

C. Describe how living organisms, nonliving matter, and energy are interconnected

D. Give examples of biological unity within biological diversity.

E. Describe how human activities impact living and non-living factors in Earth's systems.

F. Illustrate the interdependence of biological systems.

G. Identify relevant scientific information needed for informed decision making.

H. Identify the rapid advances currently being made in environmental science.

5. Demonstrate understanding of sustainability.

A. Describe the scientific investigative process.

B. Distinguish the difference between living and non-living things.

C. Generalize the basic chemical and energetic principles that govern any biological system.

D. Relate population genetics, natural selection, evolution/adaptation, biodiversity, and taxonomic groupings observed in earth’s natural history.

E. Relate ecology, energy flow, chemical cycles, population dynamics, behavior and natural selection.

F. Relate ecological principles to human concerns.

G. Understand the impacts of human population and energy use.

H. Relate human population and energy use to agricultural practices, water quality, air quality, and solid and hazardous waste management.

I. Understand the basics of climate change and its impact on humans and the environment.

J. Defend the need for environmental conservation and practices that promote ecosystem and human sustainability.