Section outline

  • A field crew uses backpack electrofishing gear to stun fish for sorting and evaluation in a small stream.

    Image: Eric Vance/Environmental Protection Agency via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain

    Chapter 1: Introduction provides an overview of the major concepts in environmental science. The authors of this chapter are experts in their respective science disciplines and contributed content accordingly. The module addresses the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science, the biosphere, biodiversity, demography, environmental hazards and waste, energy sources, agriculture, nutrient cycling, climate change, and environmental quality, ethics, and justice. The goal is to enhance your understanding of the world around you by expanding on scientific concepts and impacts of human behavior on the environment. The above image shows Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees conducting a biological stream assessment (Public Domain: EPA).

    Module Goals and Objectives

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Trace the history of environmental science at local and global levels, the role of environmental science as an interdisciplinary subject, and interrelationships with other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. (Course Outcome(s) #1)
    2. Define characteristics of all living beings (biota) based on the six kingdoms, their role in ecosystems, and their interaction with non-living (abiotic) factors, including the hydrologic cycle and the biogeochemical cycle of major elements (C, N, P, and S). (C. O. #7, 8)
    3. Describe renewable and non-renewable energy resources. (C.O. # 4)
    4. Identify environmental hazards and describe their toxic effects. (C.O. # 6)
    5. Differentiate between biological, physical, and chemical stressors in the environment, and their effects on biodiversity and natural resources. (C. O. # 3)
    6. Explain the role of human beings in modifying ecosystems, and human impacts on global warming, agriculture, food, nutrition, starvation, and environmental justice. (C.O. # 9, 10)

    To achieve these objectives:
    1. Read the Module 1 Introduction. 
    2. Review the Slide Presentation for this module.
    3. Read Chapter 1 in Pressbooks and complete all included activities. 
    4. Complete all activities, assessments, and discussions in this module. 

    Note the check boxes to the right that help you track your progress: some are automatic, and some are manual.


    • Textbook Chapter 1 URL
      Students must
      Mark as done

      Please read and review the Introduction chapter in the course textbook and complete all embedded activities.

    • Chapter 1 PowerPoint Presentation Slides File
      Students must
      Mark as done

      This file shows the Chapter 1 PowerPoint Presentation slides. Click on the file name to download and view the file. 

      3.9 MB
    • Module 1 Resources Page
      Students must
      Mark as done

      This page shows links to supplemental resources for Chapter 1 content.

    • Module 1 Assignment
      Students must
      Mark as done
    • Chapter 1 Focused Reading Quiz
      Students must
      Mark as done
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