Integrated Methods in Environmental Analysis I

DESCRIPTION:
The course aims to cover basic methods and techniques needed in environmental science. Selected natural science methods and their basic principles and techniques are presented, with emphasis on interdisciplinary inquiry. Hands-on experience, laboratory and field work on some of the presented methods and techniques are offered.

RATIONALE: 
Any systematic and effective environmental study and action requires the knowledge of scientific methodology. Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary field, drawing from both natural and social sciences; therefore, its methodology should also be interdisciplinary, often using mixed-modes of inquiry. For technical aspects of environmental action, natural scientific methods, such as measurements of the concentration of chemicals and laboratory work, are required. Such methods will be discussed in this course. For behavioral and social aspects of environmental practices, social scientific, field-based empirical and textbased interpretive methods are needed; these are discussed in the course Integrated Methods in Environmental Analysis II. The course also discusses data analysis and presentation, as well as how research results are communicated, thus introducing students to the basics of scientific research.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. Discuss and utilize selected natural scientific methods and techniques related to environmental studies such as sampling techniques, identification of organisms, chemical analysis of air, water and soil, ecological analysis, demographics and land use surveys.
2. Identify moral and ethical issues of scientific research and apply professional codes of conduct to their environmental research.
3. Demonstrate ability to collect, record, process, interpret and present data using appropriate methods and techniques.
4. Examine and analyse an environmental research topic based on natural science methodology.

METHOD OFTEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
• Class lectures, interactive learning (class discussions, group work), video presentations and case studies discussed in class.
• Laboratory and field work (includes practical work and lab reports)
• Exercises and primary source documents are assigned as homework, the answers and critical response to which are reviewed in class
• Student projects
• Office hours: students are encouraged to make full use of the office hours of their instructor, where they can ask questions, see their exam paper, and/or go over lecture/lab material.
• Use of a Blackboard site, where instructors post lecture notes, assignment instructions, timely announcements, as well as additional resources. 

• Use of Blackboard online interactive tools for teaching and learning.