ES 100 Environmental Science is the study of interactions among biological, physical and chemical components of our natural and anthropogenic environments. In this course, students will seek to understand the complex and interdisciplinary nature of some of our environmental problems. Students will work co-operatively, use critical thinking, and apply scientific methods to evaluate the impacts of environmental problems and identify solutions. Participation in labs and field trips will enhance students' understanding of the material. The course is an applied course, and is recommended to students interested in the environment and understanding the important role science plays in real-world problem solving.
Prerequisites: Pre-calculus 11 or Foundations 11 or Principles of Math 11 or equivalent with a minimum of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 8 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 70 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 6 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 4 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Describe the functions of, and interactions between the five spheres of earth that comprise our environment: lithosphere, hydrosphere, cyrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere
- Demonstrate the ability to discern credible information about environmental sciences from varying sources
- Use online Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Google Earth, and similar resources to analyze and interpret spatial data in researching environmental problems
- Make fundamental, repeatable observations of the environment using a variety of technical tools and collect detailed scientific observations with rigorous documentation in a field notes journal
- Describe the basic composition of the lithosphere including major rock types and soil zone properties
- Know and interpret the major components of the earth’s water cycle: oceans, groundwater, surface water, and ice
- Explain basic ecology and the biosphere’s role in global cycles
- Describe the composition and properties of the atmosphere and its role in global cycles
- Research past and present management practices of the earth’s natural resources
- Define and analyze the scientific foundations that apply to environmental management issues and identify potential and/or existing solutions
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.