Faculty Syllabus
ENVR-1301 Introduction to Environmental Science
Thomas Arsuffi
Credit Spring 2026
Section(s)
ENVR-1301-009 (34122)
LEC MW 1:30pm - 2:50pm EGN EGN1 1235
ENVR-1301-010 (34123)
LEC EGN ONL DIL
LEC MW 9:15am - 10:05am EGN EGN1 1232
Course Subjects
Course Description: This is a face to face, 3 hour lecture course that is an overview of environmental science and current global concerns, exploring scientific, economic, social, and political solutions to environmental problems. Discussion of the history of environmental movement, environmental regulatory agencies, fundamental principles of resources and their use, population, conservation, and environmental health. (3-3-0, this course is a 3-credit course that meets 3 hours a week with no lab)
Course Requirements
Course Objectives: To give students an understanding of how science and the scientific method can be used to address environmental problems. The student will become familiar with the Earth’s major systems (ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles), how they function and how they are affected by human activity (population growth, air, water and soil pollution, global warming, solid waste disposal). Students will learn about the interaction of human society (urban sprawl, energy use/generation, resource consumption and economics) with the Earth’s systems. ‘
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Students will learn to recognize, describe, and quantitatively evaluate earth systems, including land, water, sea, and atmosphere, and how these function as interconnected ecological systems. Students will also assess environmental challenges facing humans caused by their interactions with the physical and biological environment (e.g. population growth, energy resources, food production, pollution, water, and resource use). Students will acquire a scientific vocabulary and critical thinking skills related to environmental science. And assess the effectiveness and feasibility of environmental policy
General Class Information
Attendance/Class Participation: Students are responsible for all information given out in class whether they are there or not. If you miss class, contact the professor to learn what you missed (changed exam dates, assignments, etc.), get copies of the notes and handouts.
Grading Policy: Grades are posted on Blackboard. Grades will be determined based on the point schedule below. Your grade will be based on assignments, discussion boards, quizzes and exams. All materials are designed to facilitate your understanding and application of the course content. A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F below 59. There is no extra credit. See the class schedule for test/due dates.
Late policy: Please contact me as soon as possible if you miss an exam. Make-ups are not the same as what will be taken
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in class. There will be no big curve or extra credit at the end of the semester. I suggest you keep up with your work to maintain your grade. Grade Distribution |
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Item |
% of Grade |
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Exam 1 |
10 |
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Exam 2 |
20 |
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Exam 3 |
25 |
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Exam 4 |
30 |
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Environmental Science Research Project |
15 |
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Office Hours
Published: 01/28/2026 10:51:26