ENS 215 Introduction to Environmental Science
Consider the air quality impacts of cooking fires, the life cycle of electricity generation, or the challenges of water quality in Flint, Michigan. The purpose of this course is to promote the understanding of the value of and limitations of the natural sciences in solving environmental problems. Students examine how science is used to manage natural resources to promote a sustainable society. More specifically, students use the natural sciences to investigate multiple domains of environmental science including air quality; water quality and hydrology; food/soils; climate; and energy. This course aims to increase familiarity with scientific concepts underlying these environmental issues while enhancing students’ abilities to think creatively, analytically, and with minimal bias. Students learn to understand how natural science issues penetrate our lives, helping students gain confidence to discuss these issues and make decisions based on their understanding of environmental science.