People, Science And The Environment –

sci256

(3 credits)

This in-depth environmental science course examines how people use science to understand how they relate to the environment. The course explores relationships between people and ecosystems and the science behind how ecosystems work. It reviews the historical development of the environmental movement, interactions between humans and natural ecosystems, and more specifically, the role of a growing population and associated pressures on natural resources. This course further examines how economics, natural systems, and conservation are interrelated. The many forms of pollution as well as types of energy resources are addressed. This course challenges students to consider the impact of lifestyle choices on environmental sustainability.

This undergraduate-level course is 5 weeks. To enroll, speak with an Enrollment Advisor.

Topics and Objectives

Environmental Science and Human Populations
- Describe the historical development of the environmental movement.
- Determine the implications of growing human population.
- Identify the implications of the concept of a carrying capacity.
- Explain interactions between humans and natural ecosystems.
Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change
- Describe structural and functional dynamics of ecosystems.
- Identify how humans both affect and manage biogeochemical cycles.
- Analyze the implication of species interactions in ecosystem management and restoration.
Natural Resource and Energy
- Identify impacts associated with agriculture.
- Identify pressures to landscapes from a growing human population.
- Compare the use of fossil fuels and alternative energy resources.
- Assess management practices for sustainability and conservation of natural resources and energy.
Environmental Pollution
- Describe water supply, use, and management.
- Identify potential impacts of environmental pollution to human and ecosystem health.
- Identify causes of pollution and its treatments.
- Analyze the causes and potential impacts of global warming.
Environmental Economics, Policies, and Choices
- Perform an economic analysis of an environmental pollution issue.
- Analyze the role of global, national, and regional policies and decisions on environmental issues.
- Describe the impact of lifestyle choices on sustainability.

The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

People, Science And The Environment –

sci256

Environmental Science and Human Populations

Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change

Natural Resource and Energy

Environmental Pollution

Environmental Economics, Policies, and Choices

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