Environmental Science is a highly integrative subject that seeks to understand the science underlying the natural processes that take place on the Earth and how they explain global environmental processes and issues. The primary goal of this course is to develop an understanding of the natural world that you experience daily, and gain greater insight into the environmental perturbations being inflicted on the natural system by humans. Knowledge of the physical setting for human activities is essential to understand topics such as agriculture, health, water resources, air pollution and ecosystem structure and function.

The course material provides an introduction to Environmental Sciences for potential science majors, but is also a course that is relevant to social science and humanities majors who wish to be well-informed global citizens or would simply like to understand the environment and the scientific processes operating in their surroundings.

It is expected that everyone successfully completing this course will master the scientific principles and vocabulary of important processes that take place in the world around them, and be able to use this knowledge as a more environmentally literate member of society. We will accomplish this goal with the use of selected readings in preparation for each class meeting, lectures, class presentations, and directed discussions.

Students are encouraged to register for EARTH 218 Lab concurrently with EARTH 219.

Course Requirements:

Testing for this course will be asynchronous via Canvas during a designated time frame.

Intended Audience:

First- and second-year undergraduates, both non-science majors and students who plan to major in a science.

Class Format:

Lecture meets twice weekly for 90 minutes.