GE 225 - Global Environmental Issues

1. Demonstrate an understanding of ecological principles, sustainability, and human impact on the natural environment. (GELO 5)
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the influence of climate on biodiversity.
3. Through the analysis of case studies, demonstrate comprehension of specific complex environmental issues across the globe, such as those associated with tropical deforestation, photogeochemical smog, water pollution, water shortage and stress, and wildlife habitat diminution.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of keystone species in fostering the integrity of certain ecosystems.
5. Adapt and evaluate processes to find solutions to multistep or multi component problems with special reference to ecosystems characterized by unique climates, vegetation, and wildlife. (GELO 7)
6. Apply general science or mathematics principles to explain particular atmospheric conditions in addition to global climate change. 
7. Discern relevant and irrelevant information pertaining to the natural environment when seeking solutions to environmental problems. (GELO 3)
8. Use calculation and measurement to solve problems associated with atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic environments, and use estimation to evaluate if the outcomes associated with these phenomena are reasonable. (GELO 3)
9. Clearly and completely state and describe a specific environmental problem/issue. 
10. Create a written summary of the main ideas extracted from information gathered. 
11. Evaluate the likely impacts of certain activities, such as agriculture, urbanization, and resource extraction, with special reference to the human health condition and the sustainability of particular ecosystems.
12. Show an understanding of different worldviews vis-à-vis environmental ethics and how these perspectives shape the manner in which different societies influence environments.  
13. Show an understanding of the impact of human population growth on the natural environment.
14.   Demonstrate an understanding of the social forces (e.g., politics, economics, religion) that determine the future of natural ecosystems.

1. Ecosystems
2. Species Interactions, Ecological Succession, and Population Control
3. Human Populations
4. Climate and Biodiversity

II. Biodiversity

1. Terrestrial Biodiversity
2. Aquatic Biodiversity

III. Natural Resources

1. Food Production and the Environment
2. Water Resources
3. Mineral and Energy Resources

IV. Environmental Quality

1. Environmental Hazards and Human Health
2. Air Pollution
3. Climate Change
4. Water Pollution
5. Urbanization and Sustainability

V. Human Society, Sustainability, and Environmental Impact Assessment

1. Economics and the Environment
2. Politics and the Environment
3. Environmental Ethics
4. Sustainability and Environmental Impact Assessment

Lectures and/or Films: 30-60%

Lab Activities: 0-20%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None