1. ENV118. Introduction to Environmental Science
ENV118L. Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory Page 1 of 2
Cape Cod Community College Departmental Syllabus
Prepared by the Department of Natural Sciences & Applied Technology
Date of Departmental Approval: October 7, 2013
Date Approved by Curriculum and Programs: October 23, 2013 Effective: Spring 2014
1. Course Number: ENV 118 and ENV 118L
Course Name: Introduction to Environmental Science
Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory
2. Description: A study of environmental interactions including population and cultural problems, resource utilization and
impacts upon biotic systems. Presented to enable students to better understand and evaluate contemporary
environmental problems and the application of science to their solution. The corresponding laboratory component
provides students with the practical experience of measuring, recording and interpreting environmental data.
Interdisciplinary knowledge is used to solve environmental problems. Some field trips may be required. (3 class
hours/2 laboratory hours)
3. Student Learning Outcomes (instructional objectives; intellectual skills):
Upon successful completion of this course, the students are able to do the following:
• Apply interdisciplinary knowledge to solve environmental problems.
• Relate terminology with environmental concepts.
• Identify environmental interactions including population dynamics, cultural challenges, resource utilization and
biotic systems.
• Relate the corresponding laboratory experiments to contemporary environmental problems.
• Use appropriate techniques in the laboratory, collect and analyze meaningful data, and present clearly and
cogently written laboratory results (utilizing Standard American English).
• Work cooperatively in a small group setting to complete various laboratory exercises, following the written
instructions provided.
• Relate terminology and apply computations to analyze environmental issues.
• Explain the basic theory and principles of ecology.
• Solve (using basic algebra and statistics as tools) environmental problems.
• Explain some of the ways in which Environmental Science can be applied to the problems of society in
general (local to global connections).
• Effectively utilize appropriate quantities and units to describe observations.
• Use a variety of devices and instruments in taking laboratory measurements.
• Use a calculator and computer as tools in solving a wide variety of problems
• Use word processing and spreadsheet software to prepare and present laboratory reports and lecture
assessments.
4. Credits: 4 credits
5. Satisfies General Education Requirement: Natural or Physical Science
6. Prerequisites: (MAT020 or MAT025), ENL020, and ENL050 or satisfactory basic skills assessment scores
7. Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
8. Suggested General Guidelines for Evaluation: Hour Exams, Quizzes, Final Exam, and Lab Reports
9. General Topical Outline (Optional): See attached.

2. ENV118. Introduction to Environmental Science
ENV118L. Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory Page 2 of 2
ENV118. Introduction to Environmental Science Content Outline
1. Introduction. Examples of some serious problems
2. Methods of Scientific Inquiry
3. Components of an Ecosystem
4. Energy Flow through an Ecosystem
Photosynthesis & Cell Respiration
Food Chains/Webs
Energy Pyramids
Food Chains/Webs
Energy Pyramids
5. Chemical Structure of matter:
Atomic structure and bonding
Ions, pH, water, hydrogen bonds
6. Biochemical Cycles:
Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, water
The Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
7. Habitat/Niche
Competition
Environmental variables & limiting factors
Symbioses
Succession
8. Kinds of Ecosystems
Aquatic Life Zones
9. Growth & Overpopulation
Limits to Growth/Carrying Capacity
10. Water
Supply/Use/Problems/Management
11. Water Pollution
Types: Sediment/Biotic/Chemical/Thermal
Eutrophication
Groundwater/Geohydrology
12. Soils
Composition and Properties
Erosion and Desetification
Soils and Plants
13. Agriculture: Practices and Problems
14. Pesticides
History, Types, Actions
Problems: Toxicity, Resistance, Magnification
15. Energy: Fossil Fuels
16. Energy: Nuclear
17. Energy: Renewable and Conservation
18. Air Pollution
Types, Sources and Effects
Noise and Indoor Pollution
19. Global Atmospheric Changes
Acid Deposition
Ozone
Temperature and Climate Changes
20. Solid and Hazardous Wastes
Methods of Disposal and Storage
Source Reduction vs. Recycling