ESC 150 - Introduction to Environmental Science

Course unit(s): 1
Meets GAR (students beginning prior to Fall 2024): Meets general academic requirement SC.
ESC 150 introduces the multi-disciplinary study of environmental science both in the classroom and through laboratory and field experiences. In this course, we will consider the fundamental principles and problems in environmental science: how humans are influenced by and how we alter the environment. We will explore natural environmental phenomena (e.g., ecology, cycling of chemical elements and other materials) as well as ways the growing human population impacts our planet through crop production, water and energy use, and waste management. Problems of water, soil, and air pollution, including climate change, will be addressed. The weekly laboratory serves as an introduction to applied and experiential environmental science. Students will be introduced to data-gathering techniques that are common in field work and be asked to develop hypotheses and experimental designs based on the assigned tasks. Critical thinking and practical problem-solving goals relating to field sampling and data analysis will be developed. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to visit professionals in industry, NGOs, and government agencies whose careers are connected to the discipline of environmental science. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory/field work per week. Students may not receive credit for both ESC 150 and ESC 111.