Environmental science is the study of patterns and processes in the natural world and their modification by human activity. To understand current environmental problems, we need to consider physical, biological and chemical processes. This unit will give you the skills necessary to understand the environmental issues we are facing today by examining scientific principles and the application of those principles to natural systems. This unit will survey some of the many environmental science topics at an introductory level, ultimately considering the sustainability of human activities on the planet.
Environmental impacts on Earth come from the number of people and the amount and types of resources that they use. By applying scientific principles and considering real-world examples, we will examine: