This course aims to increase understanding of the ways we learn
about the natural environment, and to apply this understanding
to pressing environmental problems, both globally and locally.
By the end of the course, you will gain a basic understanding of
ecological principles and the scientific method, particularly as
they relate to current environmental issues. Further, you will
be able to critically appraise scientific studies and their
presentation in public forums, and know how to begin evaluating
policy choices related to environmental issues. The course will
be organized into modules, each of which will consist of an
introduction to key ecological principles and their application
to a particular suite of environmental problems. Student work
will include text readings and short quizes to demonstrate
mastry of the essential information, and preparation and
analysis of case studies that illustrate the principles of each
module. Group work will be coordinated on Blackboard, and many
minor assignments will b