Environmental Science
ENV 103- The Age of Dinosaurs
- Evaluate controversial issues in paleontology from different perspectives to defend a position.
- Use the scientific method in making observations, formulating hypotheses and presenting evidence in support of their ideas about dinosaurs
- Critique their own ideas or others work regarding theories of paleontology using scientific evidence.
- Analyze statements made in support of various hypotheses and theories for opinion and or bias to defend reasons for agreeing with or rejecting those statements.
- Critique analogies used to support theories of how dinosaurs lived and behaved in the absence of living organisms to study.
- Determine characteristics like the weight and speed of dinosaurs through recreation of simple experiments and calculations used by paleontologists.
ENV 108- Renewable Energy
- Explain the difference between conservation of energy and energy conservation
- Discuss the relationship between population pressure and energy demands
- Determine if an energy source is renewable and on what timescale
- Evaluate where renewable energy sources will work best
- Discuss the pros and cons of different energy sources such as nuclear energy and biomass power
- Evaluate differing energy policies and the risks of foreign fuel dependence
- Develop strategies for improving sustainability and "green energy" awareness in the your community
ENV 110- Introduction to Ocean and Marine Biology
- Draw conclusions based upon analysis of graphical and numerical data from environmental measurements.
- Explain atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns and how these influence local and global weather and climate patterns.
- Discuss the diversity of life in the oceans and how different organisms fit into marine food chains and ecosystems.
- Compare different groups of marine mammals with respect to adaptations, modes of living and place in food chains.
ENV 113- Weather and the Atmosphere
- Express ideas logically, completely, and coherently using appropriate projection, timing, body language or other non-verbal cues as well as minimizing the use of vocal segregates while delivering oral presentations.
- Create written reports or documents that address the assignment task, supply adequate supporting evidence, interpretation, analysis or conclusions.
- Enumerate the limitations as well as the benefits of the technologies employed in modern weather forecasting.
- Convert numerical or symbolic data into English written or verbal communication
- Analyze data to make predictions of future meteorological events.
- Interpret map symbols to formulate projections and account for deviation from those projections.
ENV 115- Environmental Studies
- Evaluate the underlying reasons for differences, both real and perceived, between developed and developing countries with respect to causes, impacts, and possible solutions or compromises relative to issues of population growth, resource depletion, energy production and use, loss of biodiversity, pollution and waste production and disposal.
- Analyze statements made in support of various hypotheses and theories regarding the environment for opinion and/or bias to defend reasons for agreeing with or rejecting those statements.
- Evaluate controversial issues regarding the environment from different perspectives to defend a position.
- Draw conclusions by analyzing data from constructed or provided graphs and charts.
- Communicate ideas regarding the environment to others clearly and succinctly using relevant supporting evidence.
- Apply information learned in the course to new situations to develop or enhance critical thinking skills.
ENV 121- Coral Reef Ecology
- Demonstrate through class discussion and the creation of written documents (that employ Standard English spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization) a thorough understanding of basic ecological concepts, such as biodiversity, ecosystem productivity, and sustainability.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the vocabulary of coral reef ecosystems, basic coral biology, taxonomy of reef organisms, and evidence of stress to reefs through discussions, quizzes, and assignments.
- Analyze the economic and ecological pros and cons of current human activities (such as energy use, travel and tourism, agriculture, fishing, industrial processes, mining, politics) on the health of the world's coral reefs.
- Interpret data on graphs and tables to explain ecological and economic concepts.
- Evaluate the effects of their individual decisions and actions on the environment.
- Communicate more confidently and articulately a position on environmental issues by engaging in informed discussion by substantiating opinions with quantitative data.
- Formulate an environmental worldview that reflects their individual values and underlies how they make ethical decisions.
ENV 122- Coral Reef Conservation Lab
- Analyze and properly document scientific field data collected in accordance with the survey protocols of the Reef Check global coral reef health study (reefcheck.org).
- Evaluate the steps that the Belizean government, people, and industry are taking to conserve Belize's coral reefs.
- Analyze the similarities and differences in environmental challenges faced by the Mayans and modern Belizeans.
- Analyze their experience in Belize in relation to scientific concepts such as sustainability, the ecological impact that industry, society, and individuals have on coral reef ecosystems, and global and local stresses on the world's reefs.
- Formulate an environmental worldview after immersion into Belizean culture that reflects their values and underlies how they make ethical decisions.
ENV 131- Environmental Science with Lab
- Evaluate the underlying reasons for differences, both real and perceived, between developed and developing countries with respect to causes, impacts, and possible solutions or compromises relative to issues of population growth, resource depletion, energy production and use, loss of biodiversity, pollution and waste production and disposal.
- Analyze statements made in support of various hypotheses and theories regarding the environment for opinion and/or bias to defend reasons for agreeing with or rejecting those statements.
- Evaluate controversial issues regarding the environment from different perspectives to defend a position.
- Draw conclusions by analyzing data from constructed or provided graphs and charts.
- Communicate ideas regarding the environment to others clearly and succinctly using relevant supporting evidence.
- Apply information learned in the course to new situations to develop or enhance critical thinking skills.
ENV 141- Introduction to Geology
- Analyze issues of a geologic nature for sound application of geologic principles and the scientific method.
- Apply geologic principles to explain or suggest solutions to issues in geology.
- Apply knowledge of geological processes, to make sound decisions regarding human activities that will impact society, human health or environmental sustainability.
- Draw conclusions by performing a variety of calculations and manipulating common geological data.
- Assess geologic hazards and their potential to cause loss of life or property in different locations using geologic principles.
- Plot, calculate or use data from seismograph tracings such as; depth of foci, time travel curves, magnitude and angle of a descending plate to evaluate earthquake hazards and /or locate the epicenter of an earthquake.
- Evaluate earthquake hazards and /or locate the epicenter of an earthquake by plotting, calculating or using data from seismograph tracings such as; depth of foci, time travel curves, magnitude and angle of a descending plate.
ENV 151-- Intro to Marine Biology with Lab
- Apply relevant technologies and techniques for data gathering and analysis.
- Describe basic concepts in marine biology including;
- Recognize marine organisms,
- Describe and compare the structure of marine ecosystems,
- Discuss population dynamics, and
- Illustrating energy and nutrient flow through marine ecosystems.
- Explain the factors that determine species abundance and diversity within marine ecosystems and describe the various types of interactions between members of a community.
- Apply the scientific method including field and laboratory methods (observation, sampling, recording data, analysis of data and reporting of data).
- Analyze and defend their findings from laboratory and field experiments in oral and written formats.
- Evaluate the results of laboratory explorations in terms of current oceanographic or marine biological knowledge (#2, 3)
- List and discuss current anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems.