Course Descriptions

ENVSC-10 Introduction to Environmental Science
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC A course for non-science majors emphasizing the principles of ecology. Ecosystem structure and function, biodiversity, evolution, extinction and population dynamics will be studied. These concepts will be applied to the analysis of environmental problems. Laboratories stress field and laboratory work involving observation, data collection and analysis.

ENVSC-11 Environmental Ethics
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC An examination of philosophical issues and a critical analysis of moral and ethical judgments pertaining to values, decisions and individual actions. These judgments will be applied not only to human rights but the rights of plants, animals and the land.

ENVSC-12 Earth’s Changing Climate
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC A planet-scale examination of the Earth’s atmosphere and climate. This course will include an in-depth look at the factors controlling climate, its changes over time, and the timeline of global climatic changes. This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the Earth’s climatic systems and interactions.

ENVSC-15 Introduction to Energy
(3 units lecture) CR/NC option CSU and UC A survey of humanity’s past and present use of available energy resources and an examination of potential future directions in energy use. Emphasis is placed on environmental, social, political and economic considerations. Guest speakers and videotapes are included. Students completing this course should be knowledgeable about local, national and world energy resources uses and options for the future.

ENVSC-22 Solar Heating Design
(2 units lecture) Grade Only CSU A course in passive solar design for space heating, cooling and domestic water heating. Remodeling existing structures, discussion of new construction and collector sizing will be covered. Recommended: Math-105/106.