ECOL C100: Human Ecology
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 04/18/1997 |
| Top Code | 030200 - Environmental Studies |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
Provides students with an understanding of the biological implication of man's interplay with the planet. The course is focused on the biological prospects of the future as viewed by examining the biosphere and biogeochemical cycles. Future predictions and current topics will be analyzed in relationship to planet management. Enrollment Limitation: BIOL C106; students who complete ECOL C100 may not enroll in or receive credit for BIOL C106. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: credit may be granted for either BIOL C106 or ECOL C100.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Describe major biological and physical components of the environment.
- Discuss the implications of global climate change and its anthropogenic causes.
- Evaluate anthropogenic impact on natural ecosystems and resources.
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify the current major ecological problems facing the human species.
- 2. Evaluate the impact of the human population on Earths natural resources.
- 3. Apply the concept of sustainability to both natural and human communities.
Lecture Content
DEFINITIONS Population Renewable vs nonrenewable resources Habitat Adaptation Range Carrying capacity Pollution Matter Energy Biosphere Ecosystem Biome Climate Climate change ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION Endangered Species Act Human population dynamics Pollution, industrial waste, and the EPA Ecosystem services Community planning Environmental Impact Carbon footprint and greenhouse gases Habitat reduction Climate change CONSERVATION The scientific process Research-based conservation Setting conservation priorities Island biogeography Corridors National and international conservancy regions Funding conservancy regions Case study of conservation zones in various areas. The US national park model ECOSYSTEMS Definition Types Biotic factors Abiotic factors Energy conversion Oceans MEETING ENERGY DEMANDS Renewable v. non-renewable resources Sustainability Nuclear energy Solar energy Wind energy Geothermal energy Hydroelectric Biotechnology HUMAN HEALTH AND WELLNESS Hazardous waste Disease and risks Stress International change and issues Food production
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
Classroom instruction strategies can include the following: lecturing on course topics using PowerPoint, videos, and animations to present ecological processes; small-group discussing, giving surveys taken with personal response systems, etc. When appropriate, instructors can also present case-studies. Assessments based on exam questions, quiz questions, and student demonstrations and/or discussion participation.
Reading Assignments
textbook and current scientific articles
Writing Assignments
discussion forums, short answer questions
Out-of-class Assignments
textbook readings, discussion forums
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
exam questions, analysis of scientific articles
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
short answer questions, discussions
Eligible Disciplines
Ecology: Masters degree in ecology or environmental studies OR the equivalent OR see interdisciplinary studies. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Rye, C.; Wise, R; Jurukovski, V.; DeSaix, J.; Choi, J.; Avissar, Y. Biology, ed. OpenStax (https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/1-introduction), 2016 Rationale: - Legacy Textbook Transfer Data: Legacy text 2. Required Bakermans, M., and Pfieffer, J. . Climate Lessons, Environmental, Social, Local, ed. OER Commons. (https://www.oercommons.org/courses/climate-lessons-environmental-social-local/view), 2021
Other Resources
1. Coastline Library