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Introduction to Environmental Science
ENV101 | 3 Credits
Want to gain a comprehensive overview of the basic principles and unifying concepts of environmental science? Introduction to Environmental Science will teach you what you need to know, including the importance of maintaining biodiversity, human population growth and demography, and other related topics.
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About Introduction to Environmental Science
What You’ll Learn
This course is designed to provide college-level students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of environmental science.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the interactions between living organisms and their environment.
- Examine and evaluate different perspectives on environmental issues.
- Define and describe the characteristics of various ecosystems, including communities, organism type, and organism distribution.
- Analyze and assess population characteristics, growth and decline factors, human impact on population dynamics, and sustainable management strategies.
- Analyze and assess ancient and modern energy sources and their impacts, and evaluate the sustainability of modern energy consumption patterns.
- Explain the characteristics and environmental impacts of nonrenewable and renewable energy sources, and be able to differentiate between the two.
- Demonstrate an understanding of biodiversity issues and their impact on ecosystems, and use that to evaluate land-use planning strategies for sustainable development.
- Analyze water management strategies, as well as evaluate the sources and impacts of air pollution, and the effectiveness of air quality management strategies.
- Interpret the main factors contributing to climate change, their impacts, and evaluate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Students will explore the interrelationships between humans and the environment, as well as the impact of human activities on ecosystems and natural resources.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0055
Flexible Schedule
29-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 2,200 Times
$2,500,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Course Text
The required eTextbook for this course is included with your course purchase at no additional cost.
- Enger, Eldon D., and Bradley F. Smith. Environmental Science: A Study of Interrelationships. 16th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2022
Course Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: Environmental Interrelationships
- Checkpoint 1 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 1
- Chapter 1 Presentation
Checkpoint 2: Environmental Ethics
- Checkpoint 2 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 2
- Chapter 2 Presentation
Checkpoint 3: Matter, Energy, and Environment
- Checkpoint 3 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 4
- Chapter 4 Presentation
Checkpoint 4: Environments and Organisms
- Checkpoint 4 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 5
- Chapter 5 Presentation
Checkpoint 5: Kinds of Ecosystems and Communities
- Checkpoint 5 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 6
- Chapter 6 Presentation
Checkpoint 6: Characteristics and Issues
- Checkpoint 6 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 7
- Chapters 7 & 8 Presentation
Checkpoint 7: Energy and Civilization
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 8
- Chapters 7 & 8 Presentation
Checkpoint 8: Nonrenewable Energy Sources
- Checkpoint 8 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 9
- Chapters 9 & 10 Presentation
Checkpoint 9: Renewable Energy Sources
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 10
- Chapters 9 & 10 Presentation
Checkpoint 10: Water Management
- Checkpoint 10 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 15
- Chapter 15 Presentation
Checkpoint 11: Air Quality
- Checkpoint 11 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 16
- Chapter 16 Presentation
Checkpoint 12: Climate Change
- Checkpoint 12 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 17
- Chapter 17 Presentation
Checkpoint 13: Solid Waste Management and Disposal
- Checkpoint 13 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 18
- Chapters 18 & 19 Presentation
Checkpoint 14: Hazardous Substances and Wastes
- Textbook Reading Assignment: Chapter 19
- Chapters 18 & 19 Presentation
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 14 Checkpoints
- 12 Benchmarks
- 1 Graded Final Exam
This course has an open-book book Final Benchmark. Scientific and/or graphing calculators are allowed throughout the course.
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Scientific or graphing calculator
- Any required course materials
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Environmental Science & Your STEM Career
Introduction to Environmental Science is your path to understanding the many interactions between humans and the natural world. Whether you aim to work in conservation, environmental policy, or sustainable development, this course provides essential scientific principles and practical skills that you’ll need.
Why it matters:
- Jobs for environmental scientists and specialists are expected to grow 8% over the next decade.
- This course builds your analytical and fieldwork skills, preparing you for advanced study and a range of green careers.
How this course sets you up for success:
Biomedical Scientist, Environmental Scientist, Biotechnologist, Genetic Counselor, Microbiologist, Pharmacologist, Ecologist, and Healthcare Scientist
How this course sets you up for success:
Completing Introduction to Environmental Science opens doors to a wide range of STEM careers focused on sustainability and conservation.
3 Credits
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