Environmental Science I
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| I. Introduction to Environmental Science | |||
| A. Sustainability B. Ecosystem management |
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| 1. Elements and goals 2. Examples of implementation |
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| C. Environmental unity, interconnectedness | |||
| II. The Nature of Science | |||
| A. Scientific method B. Science vs. other disciplines |
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| III. Environmental Attitudes and Values | |||
| IV. History of Natural Resource Use, Conservation and Environmental Protection in the U.S. | |||
| A. Major events B. Impacts on public opinion and public policy |
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| V. Basic Ecological Concepts | |||
| A. Biosphere | |||
| 1. The "Gaia Hypothesis" 2. Role and nature of solar radiation |
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| B. Ecosystemscomponents and processes | |||
| 1. General characteristics of systems
(reservoirs, fluxes, etc.) 2. Biotic and abiotic components 3. Biogeochemical cycles (nutrient cycling) 4. Primary productivity and energy flow 5. Interaction between climate and biomes |
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| C. Communities | |||
| 1. Biological diversity | |||
| a. levels and methods of measurement b. role in ecosystems c. island biogeography |
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| 2. Species interactions | |||
| a. competition b. symbiosis, mutualism, commensalism, parasitism c. predation |
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| 3. Ecological succession | |||
| a. terrestrial vs. aquatic succession b. general trends c. role of fire and other disturbances in ecosystems d. ecological restoration |
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| D. Populations | |||
| 1. Biological properties of populations 2. Population growth |
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| a. logistic growth b. exponential growth c. carrying capacity and limiting factors |
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| 3. Human population growth as an environmental issue | |||
| a. historical perspective b. factors affecting fertility rates c. demographic transition d. proposed and implemented solutions |
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Updated January 2008.
Copyright 2007 Northwest Center for Sustainable Resources,Salem,Oregon.