Introduction to Global Change II
NRE 111 / AOSS 172 / Soc 111 / Environ 111
Credits: 4

The purpose of this course is to guide students in learning about the natural world, the processes of science, and the role of human activities in shaping and changing the environment. Global Change II will examine the growth and spread of human population, and the problems of global environmental change produced by recent human advances in technology and institutions. We will consider the methods available for detecting global change, and then examine change in a number of key resources, including land, water, the atmosphere, and biological diversity. The course concludes by considering the political and policy considerations relevant to the transition to a more sustainable future. Global Change II is appropriate for all students and will assume no prior background. The homework and laboratories will depend heavily on the use of computers to perform spatial analysis, develop quantitative reasoning, write crititcally, and to promote personal interaction with the faculty. Three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab/discussion per week. Grades will be based on weekly written lab exercises, midterm, and final exam.