Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: define environmental science and distinguish between conservation and preservation; identify and define ecosystems and habitats; evaluate the effects of pollution on ecosystems; illustrate the basics of atmospheric science, including how global warming affects weather patterns and climate; summarize elements of geological science that affect the environment, including tectonic plates and soil erosion; analyze issues affecting water resources, including aquifer depletion and water pollution; explain issues around land use and ownership, including sustainable forest management and wilderness management; calculate the impact of the human population on the environment; appraise waste management procedures and strategies for reducing solid waste; compare reusable and nonrenewable energy sources, including solar energy and fossil fuels; and summarize human behaviors that threaten the environment and identify strategies for sustainable consumption.