I.
Course Title:
Date Submitted:
Updated:
Catalog Description:
Introduction to Environmental Biology
1974 (ISIS) (May 1995) (May 2001)
March 2006
II.
Units:
IGETC Area:
CSU GE Area:
Transfer:
3
5B
B2, E
UC, CSU
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
This survey course covers ecological principles including ecosystem structure and function, population dynamics and the interdependence of living organisms. Current environmental issues and controversies such as global warming, biodiversity and species extinction, habitat destruction, food and energy resources and pollution will be explored. Strategies for sustainable living will be emphasized.
Required Text and References:
An up-to-date human ecology text is chosen by the instructor. Examples:
Miller, G. T. Jr. (2006) Environmental Science, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
Miller, G. T. Jr. (2007) Living in the Environment, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
Chiras, D. D. (2006) Environmental Science, Jones and Bartlett Publishing Company.
III. Course Objectives:
Upon completion of the course students will be able to:
A. Explain the basic principles of ecology.
B. Explain the role humans play in natural ecosystems and the importance of natural ecosystems to human survival.
C. Describe both sides of common controversies over human impact on and responsibility for observed ecological conditions.
D. Compare current data on the growth patterns in the human population to those of natural ecosystems and project possible future results of these trends.
E. Explain why resource supplies are necessarily limited and compare possible results of several patterns of resource use over extended periods of time.
F. Explain the nature of pollution and its sources, especially as related to human activities.
G. Describe several ways that human societies could reduce their impact on nature and adopt sustainable living strategies.
H. Discuss how economic, social, and political systems intersect with ecological events.
IV. Methods of Presentation:
Lecture and discussion predominate with the use of films, slides, PowerPoint presentations, videotapes and field trips added where the presentation is enhanced by their use.

Santa Monica College
Biology 9: Human Ecology
Page 2 of 2
V. Course Content:
Percentage of Term
3.3%
Topic(s)
Introduction to Science and Ecology
6.7%
16.7%
A Brief History of Human Cultures
Laws of nature, especially the laws of energy, and more of the
Scientific Process
Ecosystem structure and function including factors that change or
6.7% disrupt ecosystems including evolution
Population dynamics of ecosystems and of human populations including population and birth control
Food, hunger, and agriculture including soil, climate, pests and food 13.3%
6.7%
3.3%
3.3%
13.3%
6.7%
13.3% preservation
Non-agricultural land and wildlife resources
Urban environments
Non-renewable mineral resources
Energy Resources and alternatives
Water and air resources
Water, air, and land pollution
6.7% Strategies for Sustainable Living
VI. Methods of Evaluation: (Actual percentages will vary from instructor to instructor but approximate values are shown.)
Exams including multiple choice, true/false, matching, and essay questions are given at frequent intervals throughout the course. In addition, ecology projects, term papers, or field trips may be assigned by some instructors. The actual distribution of points may vary slightly from instructor to instructor but approximate values are:
3 hour exams @ 100 points (objective and essay)
12 weekly quizzes, drop two (short essay)
2 papers analyzing scientific reports
1 final exam @ 150 points (objective)
Total points possible
300 points
100 points
40 points
150 points
590 points
Grades are determined from the percentage of points earned by the student as follows:
A
B
90-100%
80-89%
C
D
F
65-79%
50-64% below 50%