Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
EHS202Health Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Ecology And Environmental Science

This course, Introduction to Ecology and Environmental Science, is a two-unit course that explores the inter-relationships of living organisms with each other and their environment. It examines the influences of abiotic and biotic factors on the growth, distribution, behavior, and survival of organisms. The course also covers biogeochemical cycles, basic environmental concepts, biotic communities, and ecological succession, providing a comprehensive understanding of ecological principles.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

45h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
EcologyEnvironmentBiogeochemical cyclesBiotic communitiesEcological succession

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Ecology

2

Environment

3

Biogeochemical cycles

4

Ecosystems

5

Evolution

6

Food chains and webs

7

Biotic communities

8

Ecological succession

9

Energy flow in ecosystems

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Environmental Health Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Ecologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conservation Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Environmental ManagementConservationPublic HealthAgricultureWaste Management

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Principles of Ecology

2h

Unit 1: Basics of Ecology

2 study hours
  • •Read the definition of ecology and its characteristics.
  • •Understand the importance of ecology in environmental science.
  • •Review the levels of organization in ecology: organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biome.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Principles of Ecology

2h

Unit 2: Nature of our Environment

2 study hours
  • •Define the term environment and its etymological meaning.
  • •Understand the biotic and abiotic components of the environment.
  • •Explain how the environment influences the survival and reproduction of organisms.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Principles of Ecology

2h

Unit 3: Biogeochemical cycles

2 study hours
  • •Describe the hydrologic cycle and its importance.
  • •Explain the process of ammonification in the nitrogen cycle.
  • •Understand how water, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus recycle within the ecosystem.
Week
4

Module 2: Basic Environmental Concepts and Theories

2h

Unit 1: Basic Environmental concept

2 study hours
  • •Define the term ecosystem and its characteristics.
  • •Identify the factors forming the environment within an ecosystem.
  • •Study the theories of evolution, including Darwinian theory and Lamarck's theory.
Week
5

Module 2: Basic Environmental Concepts and Theories

2h

Unit 2: Microbial and parasite Ecology

2 study hours
  • •Understand the insights and approaches of population ecology.
  • •Learn about community ecology and evolutionary biology.
  • •Explore the relationship between biological organisms and their abiotic environment.
Week
6

Module 2: Basic Environmental Concepts and Theories

2h

Unit 3: Food chain

2 study hours
  • •Differentiate between food chains and food webs.
  • •Understand energy loss in food chains and food webs.
  • •Study the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in the food chain.
Week
7

Module 3: Biotic Communities and Ecological Succession

2h

Unit 1: Biotic communities

2 study hours
  • •Define biotic communities and their characteristics.
  • •Understand the interdependence of animals and plants in a community.
  • •Study intra-specific relationships within biotic communities.
Week
8

Module 3: Biotic Communities and Ecological Succession

2h

Unit 2: Ecological succession

2 study hours
  • •Define ecological succession and its types.
  • •Study the processes of biotic succession, including migration, ecesis, and colonization.
  • •Understand the concept of a climax community.
Week
9

Module 3: Biotic Communities and Ecological Succession

2h

Unit 3: Relationship and Interdependence of organisms

2 study hours
  • •Examine the flow of energy through ecosystems.
  • •Understand the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in energy transfer.
  • •Study food webs and trophic levels.
Week
10

Module 1: Introduction to Principles of Ecology

3h

Review of Module 1

3 study hours
  • •Review Module 1: Introduction to Principles of Ecology
  • •Focus on the definitions and importance of ecology and environment.
  • •Revise biogeochemical cycles and their significance.
Week
11

Module 2: Basic Environmental Concepts and Theories

3h

Review of Module 2

3 study hours
  • •Review Module 2: Basic Environmental Concepts and Theories
  • •Focus on environmental concepts and theories of evolution.
  • •Revise food chain dynamics and energy transfer.
Week
12

Module 3: Biotic Communities and Ecological Succession

3h

Review of Module 3

3 study hours
  • •Review Module 3: Biotic Communities and Ecological Succession
  • •Focus on biotic communities and their interactions.
  • •Revise ecological succession and its processes.
Week
13

Course Review

4h

Final Revision and Exam Preparation

4 study hours
  • •Complete any outstanding assignments.
  • •Prepare for the final examination by reviewing all course materials.
  • •Focus on key concepts and objectives from each unit.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their feedback to identify areas of weakness.

2

Create concept maps linking key ecological concepts from Modules 1-3.

3

Practice defining key terms like 'ecosystem,' 'biome,' and 'succession' without referring to notes.

4

Focus on understanding the different types of ecological interactions (competition, predation, symbiosis) and their effects.

5

Allocate specific study time for each module, focusing on the learning outcomes provided in the course guide.

Related Courses

Other courses in Health Sciences that complement your learning

NSC215

HUMAN ANATOMY 1 General & Musculoskeletal Anatomy.pdf

2 Units
NSC220

Foundation of Professional Nursing II

2 Units
EHS201

General Microbiology

2 Units
View All Health Sciences Courses