GEOSC 103 - Environmental Sustainability

Number of Credits: 3
Environmental Sustainability will study the interaction between humans, and the natural environment. Earth systems, such as biogeochemical cycles and climate dynamics, will be explored along with human population growth and development, energy usage, and the human impact on earth systems. Topics to be considered: Human society and consumption, energy basics, nonrenewable energy sources, nuclear energy, renewable energy sources, world pollution issues, electricity production, anthropogenic climate change, food and water security, sustainability and conservation. This course is intended to meet science requirement for non-science majors (Fall & Spring Only) Three hours lecture each week. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

GENERAL EDUCATION Category: Biological and Physical Sciences

Pre-requisite(s): exemption/completion of MAT 095 with a minimum grade of C or better, plus eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Describe the history of human development and its effect on the human ecological footprint. PG1, PG2, PG3 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4)
Compare contrast the different types and sources of energy. (PG1, PG2, PG3 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4)
Describe the interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. (PG1, PG2, PG3 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4)
Compare the various ways that electricity is produced, including economic and environmental costs associated with its production. (PG1, PG2, PG3 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4)
Explain combustion and its importance to modern society. (PG1, PG2, PG3 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4)
Explain climate change and potential future changes. (PG1, PG2, PG3 GE2, GE3, GE4)
Define the following: atoms, ions, isotopes, radiation, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion. (PG1, PG4 GE3, GE6)
Compare contrast a sustainable versus an unsustainable society in terms of energy usage, agricultural methods and pollution problems. (PG3, PG4 GE1, GE3, GE4, GE6)
Calculate the power needs and costs in common home appliances. (PG1, PG2, PG3 GE2, GE3, GE4)
In an electric circuit calculate watts, ohms, amps, and volts. (PG1, PG2, PG3 GE2, GE3, GE4)