Environmental Studies 200 - Environ Science

This course provides an introduction to environmental science. Students will gain an understanding of the function and interactions between the biological, chemical, and physical components of the biosphere and take a systems approach to addressing environmental issues. Lectures on the Earth’s physical and ecological systems, resource use and management, and pollution and toxicology will link central scientific concepts to case studies of regional, national, and global environmental concern. The laboratory will expose students to various tools, techniques, and methodologies used to study the natural environment and document problems. Through field studies and the analysis of data and scientific literature, we will explore air, water, soil, and vegetation processes and their connection to local and global environmental issues. Students will identify research questions, test hypotheses, develop sampling and analysis plans, execute various field and lab methods, and report scientific findings.

Limited to 16 students. Fall semester. Professor Hewitt.