About Course
Environmental science is an extremely broad and multidisciplinary field that extends well beyond addressing questions related to the structure and function of the natural environment by chemists, biologists, physicists, and geologists. The human population, including its cultures and societies, is a dominant force on Earth; hence, disciplines of the social sciences and humanities are integral to understanding the human influences on the environment and essential for providing solutions to negative impacts that effect human health and sustainability of natural resources. This course will define the ecosystem concept, explore the role of the human population as a driving force for environmental change, detail specific problems concerning the environment and human health consequences, and overview various means of solving environmental problems and maintaining sustainability. Overall, students should gain appreciation for the roles of sound science and personal stewardship in sustainability of Earth’s finite resources.