Foundations of Environmental Systems

This unit explores core environmental science concepts including biodiversity, ecosystem structure, energy and matter flows, biomes, pollution, resource extraction, and human health impacts. It builds on introductory principles and prepares learners to evaluate management strategies, policy frameworks, and applied solutions in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze patterns and processes that drive biodiversity, species interactions, ecosystem structure, and biomes by interpreting data and modeling energy and matter transfer in ecological systems
• Evaluate human impacts on air, water, soil, and biota—including point and nonpoint pollution, persistent organic pollutants, greenhouse gas dynamics, land use change, and urbanization—by assessing case studies and quantifying uncertainty and risk
• Apply principles of resource management and sustainable practice to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies for energy, water, waste, and geologic resource use (e.g., biofuels, hydropower, circular economy, agricultural practices) that balance ecological, economic, and social considerations
• Demonstrate understanding of environmental policy, ethics, and conservation frameworks (including international agreements and indigenous perspectives) by assessing their roles in protecting biodiversity and guiding responsible resource use