Introduction To Environmental Science
- Sciences
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 81 pages
- 11 units
This course introduces fundamental concepts in environmental science. It explores the meaning and types of environment, the evolution of environmental education, and the structure and functions of the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. The course also examines the biosphere, man-environment interactions, and environmental problems such as drought, acid rain, and climate change, providing a comprehensive overview of key environmental issues and their management.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 39 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ESM104, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1: ENVIRONMENT
- UNIT 2: ENVOLUTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
- UNIT 3: THE ATMOSPHERE
- UNIT 4: THE LITHOSPHERE
- UNIT 5: THE HYDROSPHERE
- UNIT 6: THE BIOSPHERE TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS
- UNIT 7: CONCEPT OF MAN-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION: ENVIRONMENTALISM AND POSSIBILITIES
- UNIT 8: DROUGHT
- UNIT 9: ACID RAIN POLLUTION
- UNIT 10 CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION
- UNIT 11: FLOODS
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ESM104 · UNIT 1: ENVIRONMENT
The term “environment” according to Alan Gilpin (1976) in his book entitled “Dictionary of Environmental Terms” is the region, surroundings or circumstances in which anything exists; everything external to the organisms.
What you should be able to do
- Define key environmental science concepts
- Identify types of environments
- Explain the water cycle
- Describe the layers of the atmosphere
- Discuss man-environment interactions
What it prepares you for
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Manager
- Environmental Educator
- Conservation Officer
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Environmental Consulting
- Government Agencies
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Energy Sector
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Earth's Spheres
Unit 3: The Atmosphere
Requires understanding of complex atmospheric layers and their interactions.
- Module 3: Man and Environment
Unit 7: Concept of Man-Environment Interaction: Environmentalism and Possibilities
Involves grasping abstract philosophical concepts and their practical implications.
- Module 4: Environmental Problems
Unit 8: Drought
Requires understanding of complex weather patterns and their impact on water resources.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Science
Unit 1: Environment · 2 hours
Define the term environment and identify its different types.. Describe man-environment interaction and its significance..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Science
Unit 2: Evolution of Environmental Education · 2 hours
Identify the chronological phases in the development of environmental education.. Discuss the global concern for human environment and its objectives..
- Week 3Module 2: Earth's Spheres
Unit 3: The Atmosphere · 2 hours
Describe the composition of the atmosphere and the factors influencing it.. Explain the structure of the atmosphere and its various layers..
- Week 4Module 2: Earth's Spheres
Unit 4: The Lithosphere · 2 hours
Describe the lithosphere and its mineral composition.. Explain the interaction between man and the lithosphere..
- Week 5Module 2: Earth's Spheres
Unit 5: The Hydrosphere · 2 hours
Explain the hydrosphere and its components.. Describe the concept of the hydrological cycle and its phases..
- Week 6Module 3: Man and Environment
Unit 6: The Biosphere · 2 hours
Define the biosphere and explain its energy system.. Describe the ecosystem concept and the cycling of matter..
- Week 7Module 3: Man and Environment
Unit 7: Concept of Man-Environment Interaction: Environmentalism and Possibilities · 2 hours
Explain the concept of environmentalism, possibilism, and probabilism.. Discuss the nature of the relationship between man and the environment..
- Week 8Module 4: Environmental Problems
Unit 8: Drought · 2 hours
Define drought and explain its causes.. Discuss the effects of drought and its control measures..
- Week 9Module 4: Environmental Problems
Unit 9: Acid Rain Pollution · 2 hours
Give a historical background to acid rain pollution in Europe.. Analyze the environmental and socio-economic implications of acid rain pollution..
- Week 10Module 4: Environmental Problems
Unit 10: Climate Change and Environmental Implication · 2 hours
Define climate and climate change.. Identify the role of man in climate change and its implications..
- Week 11Module 4: Environmental Problems
Unit 11: Floods · 2 hours
Define floods and identify their types.. Discuss the beneficial and negative effects of floods and their mitigation strategies..
- Week 12Module 5: Revision and Assessment
Review of Modules 1 & 2 · 3 hours
Review all units covered in Module 1 and Module 2.. Work on assignments related to the topics..
- Week 13Module 5: Revision and Assessment
Review of Modules 3 & 4 · 3 hours
Review all units covered in Module 3 and Module 4.. Prepare for final examinations..
Preparing for the exam
- Focus on definitions and types of environments (Units 1-2)
- Understand the structure and function of Earth's spheres (Units 3-5)
- Review man-environment interaction concepts (Unit 7)
- Study the causes and effects of environmental problems (Units 8-11)
- Create diagrams of the water cycle and atmospheric layers
Questions students ask about this course
What is ESM104 about?
This course introduces fundamental concepts in environmental science. It explores the meaning and types of environment, the evolution of environmental education, and the structure and functions of the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. The course also examines the biosphere, man-environment interactions, and environmental problems such as drought, acid rain, and climate change, providing a comprehensive overview of key environmental issues and their management.
How many units does ESM104 have?
ESM104, Introduction To Environmental Science, has 11 units across 1 module, over 81 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ESM104?
ESM104 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Sciences.
Is ESM104 hard?
ESM104 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does ESM104 take to study?
About 39 hours of study, spread across its 11 units.
How is ESM104 assessed?
ESM104 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with ESM104?
Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Manager, Environmental Educator, Conservation Officer and Environmental Policy Analyst.