2012-2013 Academic Catalog

Nov 27, 2024

2012-2013 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

IDCE 30287 - Fundamentals of Environmental Science

Type of Course: Seminar

This course will give you the literacy and skills you need to understand the science behind environmental problems that affect us all: water pollution, air pollution, environmental health risks, population growth and exploitation of natural resources. The course aims to provide a solid foundation in important scientific principles, complementing courses with a joint science-policy orientation or a more policy-oriented approach. It applies basic ideas from physics, chemistry and biology to environmental problem solving. It will also apply math skills–especially algebra and some basic calculus–to strengthen your quantitative ability. Students will be encouraged to think critically, work in teams to solve problems, present solutions and discuss topics. Real-world applications and case studies will be used to place the methods and models in a practical context. Three fieldwork sessions will also be held using instruments to measure contaminant levels in air, water and soil. Graded elements include a study journal, homework problems, class participation and a final paper on a relevant topic of your choosing.