環境科學導論 - 地球作為一個生命系統

The class will be taught in lecture - open discussion format.  Learners will interact with the instructor in the lecture - open discussion format.  

No previous knowledge is necessary to take this class.   

The class will generally begin with a check-in and a quick review of the previous week's class (with the exception of the first class).  The topic for the week will be presented, and discussed, answering learner questions and following their interests. 

Topics will include: 

Session 1 - Introduction to Environmental Science- Environmental Systems, Biodiversity, Matter, Energy, and Life. 

The first session will start with brief introductions from the instructor and class participants.   We will begin with the basics of environmental science, what it is, and how is it studied. We will explore systems theory - how all environmental systems work together and what that means for life on the planet.  We will also discuss how the basics of matter, the states of matter, and its changing between states creates energy and life.  


Session 2 - Biomes - Different Biomes, the importance of biomes and habitats,  Species Interaction, Biological Communities, More on Biodiversity.  

The second session will begin with a check-in and a brief review of session 1.  We will explore the makeup and importance of different biomes and transition zones.  We will explore species interactions such as food webs, population dynamics, and ecological niches.  We will also dive into the idea of biological communities and the importance of these communities. 


Session 3 - Human Populations, Urbanization, Food Systems & Agriculture, Waste, Manufacturing 

The third session will begin with a check-in and a brief review of session 2.  We will explore human populations, the increase of human population, and the need for resources.  We will explore how different human populations interact with the natural world and how this has evolved throughout time. We will discuss food and agricultural systems and touch a bit on growing food.  We will also dive into the manufacturing of the various goods we use and how we deal with our waste.  


Session 4 -Climate Change & Renewable Energy. 

The fourth session will begin with a check-in and a brief review of session 3.  We will discuss climate and weather.  We will explore climate change and what the current thinking is about it. We will take a look at the possible outcomes of climate change and what is being and can be done to manage it.  We will dive into renewable and green energies and look at examples and possibilities from around the world. 



Session 5 - Environmental Health, Pollution, Toxins, Air & Water 

The fifth session will begin with a check-in and a brief review of session 4.  We will take a look at environmental health and how it is tied together with human health. We will explore resilient communities and environmental buffers. We will explore pollution in the air and water, toxins in the environment, and their potential impact on biodiversity and human health. 


 
Session 6 -  Environmental Policy & Sustainability, Conservation, Innovation, Summary, and Bringing it all together. 

The sixth session will begin with a check-in and a brief review of session 5.  We will discuss current environmental policy and sustainability.  We will explore what sustainability means and why it is important.  We will also explore how environmental policy can impact sustainability.  We will dive into the conservation ethic and look at innovative of working with natural examples.  Using examples from sustainable, permaculture and biomimicry.