Description:

Practices current scientific methods of investigation and analysis of a variety of environmental elements. Format includes approximately equal components of field experience and laboratory exercises. Fulfills laboratory science course requirement at BC.

Outcomes:

After completing this class, students should be able to:

• Apply the scientific method to understanding environmental issues.
• Collect representative samples of soil, water, air and biota.
• Maintain accurate and appropriate field notes.
• Explain the basic biogeochemical cycling of major elements on the earth.
• Discuss basic terminology, principles and concepts from sciences incorporated in environmental science (e.g., ecology, geology, hydrology, atmospheric science).
• Evaluate long-term costs of human practices, such as energy use, and be able to explain alternatives.
• Measure environmental variable in the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere including the ability to:
• Describe biodiversity, population, biomass and other ecological variables using multiple sampling methods.
• Describe water currents, turbidity, and conductivity of aquatic environments.
• Measure the gas (oxygen and carbon dioxide) content of a water sample.
• Measure pollution and toxin content an overall health of aquatic environments
• Describe the light intensity, solar radiation and wind velocity for atmospheric environments
• Measure atmospheric content of toxins and pollutants.
• Describe a soil profile and the fractions of a soil sample.
• Measure soil percolation rates.
• Measure the appearance, temperature, moisture content, density, acidity, hardness (carbonate and bicarbonate) and salinity of a soil sample.
• Measure the nitrate and ammonia content and the organic (living and nonliving) content of soil
• Measure toxins (both organic and metallic) in soil samples.
• Set up and conduct controlled experiments in the lab, to test hypothesis.
• Conduct an energy audit.
• Analyze data collected using quantitative methods and library research.
• Effectively graph data in a number of formats and interpret graphed results.
• Demonstrate ability to read topographic maps.
• Plot data on topographic maps and aerial photos and interpret the results.
• Critically review and discuss important scientific articles and newly released studies.
• Present collected data and data analysis in a concise written format.
• Efficiently communicate results of research to other students in the class; such as through presentations, written assignments, etc.
• Apply techniques learned in class to local environmental issues. For example, by conducting an environmental impact report for a local ecosystem.
• Assess the human impact on the natural environment using scientific research.
• Calculate and summarize personal impacts on the local environment.