Environmental Studies

Introduces students to the Earth as a system, the physical and biological resources on the planet, and the impact of humanity on those resources. Students become aware of the unique features of Earth that allowed the origin and evolution of life, the intrinsic values as well as the resource values of species and ecosystems, the extent of damage from historical and current overexploitation, efforts to restore endangered species and ecosystems, and the difficulties of reaching a sustainable relationship with the resources available in the face of increasing human population numbers compounded by increasing economic activity. Intended to help students become more informed citizens and decision makers, and will be ideal preparation for participation in relevant majors in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.