MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Environmental Science

Course: ENV101

First Term: 2023 Fall

Lecture 4.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: T - Lab Load

Description: Introduces the interconnected nature of environmental science and solutions to environmental issues.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Investigate models that incorporate spatial and systems thinking. (I, II, III, IV, V, VI) 2. Evaluate the use, management, conservation, and restoration of natural resources and ecosystem services. (I, II, III, IV, V, VI) 3. Outline the development of local and global environmental challenges and solutions. (I, III, IV, V, VI) 4. Analyze the cycling of matter and flow of energy through human and natural systems. (I, III, IV, V, VI) 5. Assess the role of worldviews, environmental ethics, and social systems in contributing to environmental challenges and their solutions. (II, IV, V, VI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Scientific investigation A. Scientific inquiry B. Scientific communication II. Environmental perspectives A. Historical B. Scientific C. Economic D. Ethical E. Indigenous III. Basic environmental principles A. Spatial thinking B. Systems thinking C. Cycling of materials D. Flow of energy E. Environmental spheres 1. Atmosphere 2. Biosphere 3. Hydrosphere/Cryosphere 4. Lithosphere IV. Resources, waste, and ecosystem services A. Use B. Management C. Conservation D. Restoration V. Anthropogenic global environmental changes: Evidence and solutions A. Climate change B. Biodiversity loss C. Ocean acidification D. Land use E. Complexity and system-wide solutions VI. Applied environmental science topics (choose at least two) A. Soils and agriculture B. Food systems C. Pollution D. Public health E. Energy F. Sustainability G. Cities H. Environmental justice I. World population J. Additional topics

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: December 13, 2022

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.