BIO 140 Environmental Biology

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Clinic: 0 Credits: 3

This course introduces environmental processes and the influence of human activities upon them. Topics include ecological concepts, population growth, natural resources, and a focus on current environmental problems from scientific, social, political, and economic perspectives. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of environmental interrelationships and of contemporary environmental issues.

This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Natural Science.

Course is typically offered in Fall and Spring.
Course has transfer restrictions - 20 years

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
At completion of the course, the student should be able to do the following:

Evaluate the major environmental problems currently impacting the earth.
Distinguish among the major types of ecosystems found on earth.
Evaluate how the growth of human populations impacts the environment.
Explain the relationship between humans, global warming, and loss of the ozone layer.
Compare the effects of different sorts of pollution upon water resources.
Diagram the formation and degradation of soil.
Categorize the effects that the finding and removal of mineral deposits have upon the environment.
Critique the types of waste that are produced by humans and the methods that prevent those wastes from damaging the environment.
Contrast the main methods by which humans produce food and their relationship to undernutrition, malnutrition and overnutrition.
Evaluate the benefits and problems associated with using pesticides to protect food resources.
Compare methods that would help sustain specific ecosystems and wild species.
Evaluate major types of energy resources with respect to renewable and nonrenewable categories.