We're still actively developing this site. If you encounter any issues, please report them! - Report an issue

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

SOILSCI 250
Course Description

Discuss how Planet Earth is an interconnected system dominated by the ever-present exchange of materials and energy that control the fitness and fate of all living organisms. Designed to introduce the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Science by providing a broad overview of the basic concepts used to make sense of the environment. Explore how natural systems work, the services they provide, important environmental challenges facing these systems, and how people are working to address them. Includes professionals in the field as guest speakers to discuss a future in Environmental Sciences.

Prerequisites

None

Satisfies

This course does not satisfy any prerequisites.

Credits

Not Reported

Offered

Not Reported

Grade Point Average
3.55

13.81% from Historical

Completion Rate
100%

6.32% from Historical

A Rate
39.53%

36.71% from Historical

Class Size
43

-18.65% from Historical

Cumulative Grade Distribution

Instructors (2026 Summr)

Sorted by ratings from Rate My Professors

Similar Courses

SOILS AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

ENVIRST/SOILSCI 324

Interaction of soils with environmental contaminants and the role of soils in pollution control.

SOIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

SOILSCI 621

Sources, reactions, transport, effects, and fates of chemical species in soils and associated water and air environments. Emphasis on the chemical behavior of elements and compounds and the phenomena affecting natural and anthropogenic materials in soils.

SOIL: ECOSYSTEM AND RESOURCE

ENVIRST/GEOG/SOILSCI 230

Soils are fundamental to ecosystem science. A systems approach is used to investigate how soils look and function. Topics investigated include soil structure, biology, water, fertility, and taxonomy as well as the human impact on the soil environment.

FORUM ON THE ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRST/SOILSCI 101

Lectures and discussions about environmental issues. Historical and contemporary environmental impacts of humans on the biosphere. Global futures: population, technology, societal values, resources and prospects for sustainable management.

PHYSICAL SYSTEMS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRST/GEOG 127

An introduction to natural environmental systems, emphasizing the interconnections between the systems of the solid earth (minerals, rocks, soils), the hydrosphere (water in all its forms), the biosphere, and the atmosphere. Emphasizes connections between basic concepts and specific environmental issues through hands-on case studies, lab projects, and field trips to collect samples and observations for lab projects.