Online Environmental Science
BIO 130 - Introduction to Environmental Science
Overview
This course introduces the interconnected nature of Earth's hydrosphere, lithosphere (soils and rocks), atmosphere, and biosphere. It covers a variety of topics related to environmental science. The first part of the course focuses on how soils, the hydrosphere and atmosphere act to support life. The next section introduces the biosphere and how ecosystems work. The third section focuses on energy use and global climate change. Other topics include pollution, solid waste & recycling, and the design of sustainable communities. Throughout the course, students will reflect upon their role in the environment.
Course prerequisites and requirements
To be successful in this course, we recommend English language fluency and computer literacy. We also encourage you to make sure your laptop or desktop computer meets the technical requirements.
Quick facts
Next start date:
Jan. 14, 2025 (8 weeks)
- Credits: 4
- Length: On-demand, 8 or 16 weeks
- Cost: $25 + $400
What you’ll learn
- The role that organisms (including humans) play in the cycling of energy and resources on Earth
- The four Earth spheres (biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere) and how energy and matter is cycled through these spheres
- The importance of ecosystems and biodiversity on human survival
- Informed arguments about public policy, especially regarding energy production and renewable versus nonrenewable resources, that can improve our environmental outlook
- Scientific reasoning and data to make predictions about energy use/consumption, land use, and human population
- The complexity of global climate change models and the data behind them
- Anthropogenic effects on the environment
- Waste reduction and recycling strategies using an understanding of issues with solid waste disposal
What to expect in class
Video lectures, readings (including two free textbooks), quizzes, discussion board activities, and several lab assignments/quizzes. These lab assignments will be interactive and provide all the instructions necessary to complete the lab experiments yourself from your home.
Exams and grading
10 pts
Syllabus Quiz
10 pts
Academic Integrity Quiz
20 pts
Personal Introduction
160 pts
Discussion Assignments (4)
280 pts
Apply It! Lab Quizzes (9)
520 pts
Unit Quizzes (12)
Transcript
This course appears on your transcript identically to how it appears on the transcript of an enrolled ASU student who has taken the course on one of ASU’s campuses. Course attendance dates will be listed on your transcript. An on-demand course will appear on your transcript in the session you complete the course.
This course includes a lab and satisfies 4 credit hours toward the SCIT: Scientific Thinking in Natural Sciences General Studies requirement at Arizona State University. It is strongly encouraged that you consult with your institution of choice to determine how these credits will be applied to their degree requirements prior to transferring your credit.
