This course presents fundamental ecological concepts and examines their relevance to human-induced impacts on ecosystems, with emphasis on contemporary environmental challenges. Topics include the use and protection of natural resources such as soil, water, forests, minerals, plants, and animal life. The course covers ecological principles, the history of the conservation movement, current issues in resource utilization, and the role of citizens in conservation.
Prerequisites
None.
1. Apply the scientific method to evaluate environmental information.
2. Analyze ecological principles essential for spatial and systems thinking.
3. Integrate scientific data, historical context, and ethical perspectives to inform sustainable decision-making.
4. Examine population principles, including patterns of growth and their environmental impacts.
5. Analyze the interactions between natural selection and environmental factors.
6. Assess global freshwater scarcity and water quality challenges.
7. Evaluate the ecological impacts of different energy production methods.
8. Examine current and projected issues related to climate change.
9. Analyze global air quality challenges and evaluate potential solutions.
10. Compare soil types and assess their contributions to ecosystem stability.
11. Compare and contrast issues related to anthropogenic waste and pollution.