Introduction to Environmental Sciences

COURSE OBJECTIVE
The aim of this course is to provide students with the fundamental ideas and concepts in the field of environmental sciences and with some analytical tools needed for a considered reflection on the nature of environmental problems and its possible solutions.

After completing this course, the student is able to:

• Explain the drivers of environmental change;
• Analyse how environmental drivers and pressures change the state of the abiotic environment;
• Explain how environmental conditions influence health and welfare;
• Construct a DPSIR framework of a given environmental problem; o Discuss the different stakes of a given environmental problem in writing and orally;
• Rate the effectiveness of environmental policy instruments.

COURSE CONTENT
Introduction to Environmental Science studies the interactions between human actions and the abiotic environment. How do human actions influence soil, water and air? How does this affect our well-being? Which actions can we take to moderate these effects? How accepted and effective are such measures? Tutorials provide a background on drivers, pressures, state changes, impacts and responses to environmental change by taking stock of different disciplines, including economy, ecology, geography, and environmental policy and law. In hands-on exercises, you apply the concepts from the tutorials. In a group assignment focused on a specific case study, you analyze the impacts of a change in human actions or in environmental processes. You design possible responses to these impacts and advocate them in a policy brief. You also review a policy brief to rate the effectiveness of environmental policy instruments.

TEACHING METHODS
Lectures / tutorials and feedback sessions for assignments, presentations, group work (preparing presentations, preparing a policy brief), individual assignments, preparing for lectures

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Analysis and reporting of a case study (in teams): 25% Analyzing and presenting a paper: (in teams): 35% Individual assignments: 40%