ISI - ENVS 1010 - Introduction to Environmental Science
Course Description
Introduction to Environmental Science offers an introduction to basic principles in the biological, physical, and social science areas of environmental science. Focused on the study of natural systems, human systems, and their interactions, such as pollution, energy, and global change. In Environmental Science, you will learn about ideas and issues important to your everyday life and your future, such as clean air and water. Environmental Science includes energy development issues and complex management challenges, such as extracting oil from the tar sands in Canada to clean water issues, such as in Flint, Michigan. You will learn about different viewpoints on environmental issues and will have the opportunity to interact with each other regarding your own ideas. You will learn how the environment impacts humans and how humans impact the environment.
Environmental science surrounds us in our daily lives with complex issues being debated and decided upon. So, read, listen, think, analyze, and then create your own ideas about the most effective ways to address current environmental issues and to live sustainably within our natural systems.
Learner Outcomes
Environmental Science will help you better understand your world and provide you with the knowledge to form you own ideas about the environment in which you want to live in the future. During this course, you will be provided with opportunities to show what you have learned regarding:
- Defining and understanding environmental science and its interactions.
- Understanding and recognizing diverse environmental perspectives.
- Improving your understanding of complex environmental issues.
- Understanding how social issues and policy decisions impact the environment.
- Applying science to assess current and controversial environmental issues.
Required Course Materials
Assigned readings are accessed within CANVAS.
Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
Computer with audio capabilities
Expected Course Timeline
Most ISI courses are designed so that students can complete them within 3 months to 1 year. If you are attempting to complete a course more quickly than this, please contact ISI to explore your options.
Sponsor Institution
Credits earned for this course are included in a University of Idaho transcript.
This is an INDEPENDENT STUDY IN IDAHO course
To learn about program and refund policies, visit www.uidaho.edu/isi.
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COURSE NUMBER NOTICE
Beginning with the 2025-2026 Catalog year, the University of Idaho transitioned to 4-digit course numbers. As ISI works through this transition, you may continue to see 3-digit course numbers during this time. A crosswalk is available online.