This course encompasses the study of current environmental conditions, issues, and problems. Students will study the different types of ecosystems, the use and availability of natural resources, population dynamics, and environmental risks. Students will also explore possible solutions to such environmental issues such as global warming, acid rain, extinction of species, and energy waste by examining current specific and political thought.
For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.
The Science Program at Seward County Community College provides opportunities to improve and enhance each student’s understanding and comprehension of the natural world through a variety of courses and experience to develop a scientifically literate citizen.
Outcome #1: Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained from their reading to broader issues of the day.
Outcome #2: Communicate ideas clearly and proficiently in writing, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations.
Outcome #5: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.
- A working knowledge of the structure and function of ecosystems and the various kinds of ecosystems on Earth.
- A working knowledge of population dynamics (including exponential growth) and the reasons why the increase of the human population rests at the heart of many environmental concerns.
- A working knowledge of the need to preserve biodiversity.
- A working knowledge of the problems associated with the quantity and quality of water, food, fiber, and other natural resources.
- A working knowledge of how human behavior (including political and social forces) influence environmental health the quality of life.
- A working knowledge of various forms of pollution and how excessive pollution is either prevented or treated to minimize its effects on the quality of life.
- A working knowledge of energy conversion processes and the advantages and disadvantages of the major types of energy (fossil fuels, solar, nuclear, etc.).
- To explore the use of scientific instrumentation and measurements including use of a metric system, parts of a microscope, and graphic analysis.
Introduction to the Light Microscope
The Scientific Method: Observation, Hypotheses, Results, and Discussion
Quantification of Environmental Problems
Ecosystem Diagram
Biogeochemical Concept
Science and the Popular Media
Ecological Footprints and Sustainability
Human Survivorship Changes
Radioactive Decay
Recognizing Human Impacts
Oil Consumption and Future Availability
Testing Soil for Its pH
Simulation of an Oil Spill
Is Dilution the Solution to Pollution
Pesticides and Food
Global Warming, CO2, and You
Local Environmental Risk
Global Climate Change and Automobiles
Society and Waste
Pollution Prevention: Solid Waste
Introduction to Environmental Modeling
The Greening of Business
Life Cycle Assessment
- The method of instruction will include but is not limited to: directed and independent readings, and threaded discussions.
discussion
- Lecture
- Laboratory experiments and recitation sessions
- Report writing and laboratory exercises
- Problem solving assignments
A. SCCC Outcome 1 will be assessed and measured by class participation in threaded discussions and lab reports.
B. SCCC Outcome 2 will be assessed and measured by posts to threaded discussions and lab reports.
C. SCCC Outcome 5 will be assessed and measured by the student score on lab reports
SCCC Policy
Technical support is available by contacting the SCCC IT Department at itech@sccc.edu
Canvas Help: canvashelp@sccc.edu
Seward County Community College (SCCC) is committed to ensuring digital and physical accessibility for all students, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In alignment with the U.S. Department of Justice Title II accessibility compliance deadlines, SCCC continues to enhance the accessibility of its instructional materials, technology, and online content.
SCCC utilizes tools to evaluate and improve the accessibility of digital course content and help the College reach its compliance goals.
If you need support or academic accommodations due to a documented disability, please contact the Mental Health Counselor at 620-417-1106 or visit the Student Success Center in the Hobble Academic Building, Room A149.
To promote equal access, SCCC strives to provide captions and transcripts for all course videos and multimedia materials. If you encounter any issues with captions, transcripts, or other accessibility features in this course, please notify your instructor immediately so the issue can be addressed and corrected as quickly as possible.
SCCC remains committed to creating a learning environment that ensures all students can fully participate in academic programs and college activities.