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The document outlines the course 'Introduction to Environmental Science' (ENV 110) for Fall 2025, taught by Dr. Maria Lopez, covering various environmental topics over 15 weeks. Key concepts include ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability, with associated readings and assignments for each week. The course also includes a focus on environmental policy, health, and practical solutions for a sustainable future.

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9 views

Course2

The document outlines the course 'Introduction to Environmental Science' (ENV 110) for Fall 2025, taught by Dr. Maria Lopez, covering various environmental topics over 15 weeks. Key concepts include ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability, with associated readings and assignments for each week. The course also includes a focus on environmental policy, health, and practical solutions for a sustainable future.

Uploaded by

Pioneer Paperboy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Course: Introduction to Environmental Science

Course Code: ENV 110


Semester: Fall 2025
Instructor: Dr. Maria Lopez
Class Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 1:00–2:30 PM
Location: Science Hall, Room 204

Course Outline

Week Lecture Topic Key Concepts Assignments/Readings

Welcome & The Nature of Syllabus, scope, Read Ch. 1, Introductions on


1
Environmental Science interdisciplinary approach forum

Earth’s Systems: Atmosphere, Earth’s spheres, cycles, systems


2 Read Ch. 2, Quiz 1
Hydrosphere, Lithosphere thinking

Food webs, energy flow, Read Ch. 3, Field trip sign-


3 Ecology & Ecosystems
trophic levels up

Species diversity, threats,


4 Biodiversity & Conservation Read Ch. 4, Reflection 1
conservation strategies

Human Population & Population growth, urban


5 Read Ch. 5, Quiz 2
Urbanization sprawl, sustainability

Water cycle, soil formation,


6 Natural Resources: Water & Soil Read Ch. 6, Lab 1
resource management

Coal, oil, solar, wind, energy Read Ch. 7, Group project


7 Energy: Fossil Fuels & Renewables
transition assigned

Greenhouse gases, global


8 Air Pollution & Climate Change Read Ch. 8, Quiz 3
warming, policy

Solid waste, recycling, zero


9 Waste Management & Recycling Read Ch. 9, Lab 2
waste

Industrial vs. sustainable


10 Agriculture & Food Systems Read Ch. 10, Reflection 2
agriculture, GMOs
Week Lecture Topic Key Concepts Assignments/Readings

Laws, treaties, environmental


11 Environmental Policy & Ethics Read Ch. 11, Debate prep
justice

Environmental Health & Pollution, toxins, human health


12 Read Ch. 12, Quiz 4
Toxicology impacts

Deforestation, desertification, Read Ch. 13, Project


13 Global Environmental Issues
ocean health presentations

Green tech, individual &


14 Solutions for a Sustainable Future Read Ch. 14, Final review
collective action

15 Review & Final Exam Comprehensive review, Q&A Final Exam

Sample Weekly Lecture Note (Week 8)

Lecture Topic: Air Pollution & Climate Change

Learning Objectives

• Identify major sources and types of air pollutants.

• Explain the greenhouse effect and its role in climate change.

• Analyze the impact of climate change on ecosystems and human societies.

• Evaluate policy solutions and personal actions to reduce emissions.

Lecture Outline

1. Introduction (5 min)

• Quick review: last week’s discussion on energy sources.

• Icebreaker: “Share one thing you’ve noticed about air quality in your city.”

2. Types and Sources of Air Pollution (15 min)

• Primary vs. secondary pollutants.

• Major sources: transportation, industry, agriculture.

• Visual: Pie chart of global emissions.

• Local case study: Air quality in Los Angeles.

3. The Greenhouse Effect & Climate Change (20 min)


• Greenhouse gases: CO₂, methane, nitrous oxide.

• How the greenhouse effect works (animation).

• Evidence of climate change: temperature records, ice core data.

• Discussion: “What signs of climate change have you observed?”

4. Impacts of Climate Change (15 min)

• Effects on weather patterns, sea levels, biodiversity.

• Human health risks: heatwaves, respiratory diseases.

• Global inequality: who is most affected?

5. Solutions & Policy (10 min)

• International agreements: Paris Accord, Kyoto Protocol.

• Local initiatives: bike lanes, clean energy incentives.

• Individual actions: reducing carbon footprint.

6. Summary & Q&A (5 min)

• Recap key points.

• Open floor for questions.

Teaching Tips & Notes

• Use real-time air quality data (AirNow.gov) for live demonstration.

• Invite students to debate the effectiveness of international agreements.

• Share a short video: “How Climate Change Affects Us All” (YouTube, link on LMS).

• Encourage participation by offering bonus points for insightful questions.

Assignments

• Read Chapter 8: Air Pollution & Climate Change.

• Complete Quiz 3 (online, due Friday).

• Start research for group project: “Climate Solutions in Our Community.”

Additional Resources

• EPA Air Quality Index: https://www.airnow.gov/


• NASA Climate Change Portal: https://climate.nasa.gov/

• Office hours: Wednesday 3–5 pm, Science Hall 312

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