ENST 1500 - Introduction to Environmental Science
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 41192,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Daniel Kuzma
Email: djkuzma@ysu.edu
Course Description
1500. Introduction to Environmental Science. Basic environmental science literacy for informed citizens as inhabitants and stewards of Earth. The use of science and the scientific method to understand, assess, and manage the environment to improve human health, conserve energy and resources, preserve nature, and sustain quality of life. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Environmental Science | Miller, G. T., Spoolman, S., & Andrews-Brown, D.M. | 9780357976319 |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Chapter 1 Chapter 2 |
The Environment and Sustainability Science, Matter, Energy, and Systems |
Due 8/28 at 11:59pm: Quiz 1 |
| 8/31 | Chapter 3 | Ecosystems: What Are They and How Do They Work? | Due 9/4 at 11:59pm: Quiz 2 |
| 9/7 | Chapter 4 | Biodiversity and Evolution | Due 9/11 at 11:59pm: Quiz 3 |
| 9/14 | Chapter 5 | Species Interactions, Ecological Succession, and Population Control | Due 9/18 at 11:59pm: Quiz 4 |
| 9/21 | Chapter 6 | The Human Population and Urbanization | Due 9/25 at 11:59pm: Quiz 5 |
| 9/28 | Chapter 7 | Climate and Ecosystem Biodiversity | Due 10/2 at 11:59pm: Quiz 6 |
| 10/5 | Chapter 8 Chapter 9 |
Sustaining Biodiversity: Saving Species Sustaining Biodiversity: Saving Ecosystems |
Due 10/9 at 11:59pm: Quiz 7 |
| 10/12 | Chapter 10 | Food Production and the Environment | Due 10/16 at 11:59pm: Midterm Exam |
| 10/19 | Chapter 11 | Water Resources and Water Pollution | Due 10/23 at 11:59pm: Quiz 8 |
| 10/26 | Chapter 12 | Geology and Nonrenewable Mineral Resources | Due 10/30 at 11:59pm: Quiz 9 |
| 11/2 | Chapter 13 | Energy Resources | Due 11/6 at 11:59pm: Quiz 10 |
| 11/9 | Chapter 14 | Environmental Hazards and Human Health | Due 11/13 at 11:59pm: Quiz 11 |
| 11/16 | Chapter 15 | Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Ozone Depletion | Due 11/20 at 11:59pm: Quiz 12 |
| 11/23 | No Assigned Reading | No Assigned Quiz or Exam | |
| 11/30 | Chapter 16 Chapter 17 |
Solid and Hazardous Waste Environmental Economics, Politics, and World Views |
Due 12/4 at 11:59pm: Quiz 13 |
| 12/7 | No Assigned Reading | Due 12/11 at 11:59pm: Final Exam |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.