BIO 220 Introduction to Environmental Science

BIO 220Introduction to Environmental Science

Course Outline

Course Number & Name:  BIO 220 Introduction to Environmental Science

Credit Hours:  4.0             Contact Hours:  6.0          Lecture:  3.0                       Lab:  3.0                   Other:  N/A

Prerequisites:  Grade of “C” or better in BIO 103

Co-requisites:  BIO 104                                                  Concurrent Courses:  N/A

Course Description: An introduction to an interdisciplinary field that focuses on how different elements of the environment (the biological, chemical and the physical) interact and interrelate.  Our study of environmental science will encompass various aspects of biology, chemistry, economics, hydrology, physics, law and other social sciences. Topical environmental issues like climate change, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, air and water pollution, world human population problems, and the unsustainable use of natural resources will be examined. Laboratory sessions include measurements of various environmental pollutants, fundamental lab exercises in ecology, analysis of environmental parameters, and descriptive and practical reinforcement of lecture material.


  1. describe the physical, chemical, and biological methods which measure the effects of various pollutants on the environment;produce and analyze ecological and environmental data; and


  1. explain human population growth concerns as they relate to sustainability issues and discuss how such growth may have potential effects on climate change.