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)Three hours lecture each week. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

GENERAL EDUCATION Category: Biological and Physical Sciences

Pre-requisite(s): eligibility for ENGL 101 , plus exemption/completion of MAT 094, MAT 015 or MATH 113 with a minimum grade of C.

Course Outcomes: 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.
Compare contrast the different types and sources of energy.
Describe the interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
Compare the various ways that electricity is produced, including economic and environmental costs associated with its production.
Explain combustion and its importance to modern society.
Explain climate change and potential future changes.
Define the following: atoms, ions, isotopes, radiation, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion.
Compare contrast a sustainable versus an unsustainable society in terms of energy usage, agricultural methods and pollution problems.
Calculate the power needs and costs in common home appliances.
In an electric circuit calculate watts, ohms, amps, and volts.