Introduction to
Environmental Science
Students need to download required files from the university portal
GOAL: This is an introductory course for environmental science. After completing the course, students are expected to have a basic understanding of how human activities influence a change in our environment. Special focuses will be on the environmental impact of energy exploration and exploitation.
COURSE LEVEL AND REQUIREMENTS: This is a sophomore-level course. There is no prerequisite. Students should be able to access the university portal (iSchool). All grades and announcements will be available there. Student s are responsible for keeping up to date with all announcements.
EVALUATION: 5% Submission of the topic and summary of term report by the end of the 6th week 20% Midterm exam 20% Final exam 25% Final oral presentation (5% slide design, 10% contents, 10% presentation skills) 20% Final written report (10% content, 10% conformoty to journal format) 10% Attendance The Term Project: Depending on the class size, projects can be based on individuals or groups. Each individual/team will choose an “everyday consumable” (it can include 3C gadgets) as the project topic and study the environmental impact from its life cycle. Students must perform throughout research on the topic, and properly citing sources is important. Please note: Turnitin will scan all reports to detect plagiarism. Peer-grading on oral presentations will only be utilized. The written report should utilize proper citing formats. There is no limit on the number of words or pages, but you are responsible for delivering everything clearly with sufficient details. The deadline for written reports is 11:59 PM on the last day of the university final exam week.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: Week 1: Icebreaker, explanation of the syllabus Week 2: Introduction to environmental science Week 3: Biogeochemical cycles Week 4: Population pressure Week 5: Agriculture and Aquaculture Week 6: Environmental health, pollution, and toxicology Week 7: Midterm exam Week 8: Energy, Fossil fuel Week 9: Alternative energy Week 10: Nuclear energy Week 11: Water pollution Week 12: Air pollution Weeks 13-14: The atmosphere and climate change Week 15: Final exam Week 16: Final presentations