Environmental Science: Regional and Global Perspectives

3 units

This course examines the interrelationships between humans and their environment, moving from local and regional views up to a global perspective. Taking an ecosystem approach, the course starts with basic ecological principles necessary for understanding our environment. We will then explore how environmental science incorporates concepts from politics, social sciences, economics, ethics, and philosophy; physical and biological resources; conservation, management, sustainability, and restoration; population principles; environmental economics; human impacts (especially pollution and disturbance); environmental health & toxicology; and environmental policy. Lectures and discussions will focus on the major issues involved in environmental challenges, drawing on current, carefully selected articles from some of the most respected magazines, newspapers, and journals published today. Prerequisite: General Biology I or permission of the instructor.