Environmental Science: Ecosystems and Biodiversity

DESCRIPTION:
Principles of environmental science with emphasis on sustainability, ecosystem structure and function, biodiversity, the human impact on ecosystems, soil and food production, water resources, conservation and protection of natural resources.

RATIONALE: 
Environmental Science: Ecosystems and Biodiversity is a science course designed for students with little background in science and aims at giving them an understanding of the structure, function and sustainability of ecosystems and of the way human activities affect biodiversity and ecosystem processes. It also provides an introduction to issues related to water resources, soil science and food production. It is a required course for environmental studies majors as it provides them with background knowledge needed to attend more advanced courses of the program.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concept of sustainability, of its ecological, social, economic and political dimensions, as well as of major environmental issues of contemporary societies.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of core concepts and principles on the following topics: ecosystem structure and function, evolution and ecosystem change, human population issues, biodiversity and its protection, soil and food production, water resources.
3. Explain the scientific method and how it applies to the study of environmental issues and discuss the interdisciplinary approach needed in environmental problem solving, analyzing specific case studies.
4. Develop skills for using basic methods in environmental science, including the ability to use appropriate laboratory and field equipment and to acquire, process and evaluate data.

METHOD OFTEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the learning and teaching strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
• Class lectures, interactive learning (class discussions, group work), video presentations, and practical problems solved in class.
• Exercises and primary source documents are assigned as homework and are discussed and reviewed in class.
• Laboratory and field activities (including practical work and laboratory reports).
• Use of textbook companion site, CD-ROMs, Blackboard online interactive tools and online resources.
• 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.