Sustaining the Biosphere

Environmental problems and their solutions occur at the intersection of natural systems and the human systems that manipulate the natural world. The course will provide students with an integrated understanding of human systems that affect nature. Topics will include climate, air and water pollution, economics and urbanization, food and agriculture, population growth, biodiversity, waste management and health and toxicology. Sustainability, personal responsibility and a proactive approach to involvement in solutions to current environmental crises will be emphasized. This course is designed for students who are not majoring in biology or biochemistry.