Section outline

  • This image shows EPA employees conducting a biological stream assessment.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).


    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. Read Chapter 1 in Pressbooks.
    3. Complete the Introduce Yourself Discussion, Chapter 1 Focused Reading Quiz, and the Assignment: Module 1 Video Questions.

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


    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

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