BIOL 102 Environmental Science
This course is designed for non-science majors. We will consider scientific principles and their influence on environmental problems in today’s society. The role of humans and our impact on these issues will be emphasized. Past, present, and future trends will be evaluated along with the possible impacts of these trends on the local and global populace.
General Education Competency
Scientific Way of Knowing
BIOL 102Environmental Science
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
II. Course Specification
Course Type
General Education|{5B2306C7-58E4-43D4-B8A5-26C59F89A734}
General Education Competency
Scientific Way of Knowing
Credit Hours Narrative
3 Credits
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
45
Semester Contact Hours Lab
0
III. Catalog Course Description
This course is designed for non-science majors. We will consider scientific principles and their influence on environmental problems in today’s society. The role of humans and our impact on these issues will be emphasized. Past, present, and future trends will be evaluated along with the possible impacts of these trends on the local and global populace.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of evolution: the diversity of life evolved over time by processes of mutation, selection, and genetic change.
- Demonstrate an understanding of structure and function: basic units of structure define the function of living things.
- Demonstratean understanding of pathways and transformations of energy and matter: biological systems grow and change by processes based upon chemical transformation pathways and are governed by the laws of thermodynamics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of systems: living systems are interconnected and interacting.
- Demonstrate competence in applying the process of science: biology is evidence-based and grounded in the formal practices of observation, experimentation, and hypothesis testing.
- Demonstrate competence in the use of quantitative reasoning: biology relies on an application of quantitative analysis and mathematical reasoning.
- Demonstrate competence in the use of modeling and simulation: biology focuses on the study of complex systems.
- Demonstrate competence in communication and collaboration of scientific information: biology is a collaborative scientific discipline.
- Demonstrate competence in understanding the relationship between science and society: biology is conducted in a societal context.
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
Required topics
Global Climate change
Ecological principles
Biodiversity and evolution
Human population
Scientific inquiry
Suggested topics
Energy
Air, water, soil pollution
Solid and hazardous waste
Urban sprawl
Environmental ethics
Environmental economics
Resource consumption
Sustainability
Food
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
Experimental Design activity
Ecological Footprint activity
Research project
2-3 tests
1 final exam or cumulative final project