SayPro Introduction to Environmental Science.

Course Title: Introduction to Environmental Science
Course Code: ENV 101
Instructor: Mr J Motapina
Contact Information: Email: SayProBiz@gmail.com Call/WhatsApp: + 27 84 313 7407.
Office Hours: Monday 08:00 – 4:00 PM (or by appointment)
Course Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Course Location: 19 Pitta St, Rooihuiskraal, Pretoria, 0154

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SayPro Course Description:

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Science, focusing on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics will include ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, pollution, sustainability, and environmental policies. The course will integrate scientific, ethical, and practical approaches to environmental issues, preparing students to analyze current challenges and propose solutions for the future.

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SayPro Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe key ecological concepts, such as ecosystems, energy flow, and nutrient cycles.
2. Analyze environmental issues like climate change, pollution, and resource depletion from a scientific perspective.
3. Evaluate human impact on the environment, including the effects of urbanization, industrialization, and agriculture.
4. Propose sustainable solutions to environmental problems by applying scientific methods and ethical considerations.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of global and local environmental policies aimed at conservation and sustainability.

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SayPro Course Content/Topics:

Week 1: Introduction to Environmental Science

• What is Environmental Science?
• Overview of Ecological Principles

Week 2: Ecosystems and Biodiversity

• Types of Ecosystems
• The Importance of Biodiversity

Week 3: Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling

• Trophic Levels and Food Chains
• Biogeochemical Cycles

Week 4: Human Population and the Environment

• Population Growth and Resource Consumption
• Environmental Degradation

Week 5: Climate Change

• Causes of Climate Change
• Consequences for Ecosystems and Humans

Week 6: Water Resources and Pollution

• Water Cycle and Scarcity
• Water Pollution and Treatment

Week 7: Air Quality and Pollution

• Types of Air Pollution
• Effects of Air Quality on Human Health

Week 8: Sustainability and Conservation

• Renewable Resources
• Sustainable Development

Week 9: Environmental Policies and Ethics

• Global and Local Environmental Laws
• Ethics of Environmental Stewardship

Week 10: Solutions to Environmental Problems

• Innovation in Green Technology
• Community-Based Environmental Action

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SayPro Instructional Strategies:

• Lectures: Engaging, interactive lectures introducing core concepts and theories.
• Group Discussions: Weekly discussions of current environmental issues, such as climate change, focusing on critical thinking.
• Case Studies: In-depth analysis of real-world environmental challenges, including local case studies.
• Field Trip: Visit to a local nature reserve to study conservation efforts and the effects of human activity on local ecosystems.
• Online Forums: Weekly online discussion posts to further explore course material.

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SayPro Assessment and Grading:

Assessment	Weight
Midterm Exam	25%
Final Exam	30%
Research Paper (8-10 pages)	20%
Group Project (Case Study)	15%
Participation (Discussions & Activities)	10%

Grading Scale:
A: 90–100%
B: 80–89%
C: 70–79%
D: 60–69%
F: Below 60%

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SayPro Required Materials:

• Textbook: “Environmental Science: A Global Concern” (13th Edition) by William P. Cunningham & Mary Ann Cunningham.
• Supplementary Readings: Articles and reports posted on the course website.
• Software: Access to online databases for research and project work.

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SayPro Course Policies:

• Attendance: Regular attendance is strongly encouraged. Absences must be justified with valid reasons.
• Late Work: Assignments turned in late will be penalized 10% for each day late.
• Academic Integrity: All students are expected to follow the university’s academic integrity policy. Plagiarism or cheating will result in severe penalties, including possible failure of the course.
• Disability Services: Students requiring accommodations should contact the Disability Services Office for assistance.

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SayPro Schedule of Activities and Deadlines:

Week	Topic/Activity	Deadline
Week 1	Introduction to Environmental Science
Week 2	Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Week 3	Midterm Exam	Week 4, Thursday
Week 4	Climate Change
Week 5	Water Resources & Pollution
Week 6	Research Paper Due	Week 7, Monday
Week 7	Group Project Presentations	Week 9, Thursday
Week 8	Sustainability and Conservation
Week 9	Final Exam Preparation
Week 10	Final Exam	Week 10, Thursday

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SayPro Additional Information:

• Tutoring Services: Free tutoring is available for students who need extra help. Visit the Academic Support Center.
• Office Hours: If you need assistance with assignments or have questions, feel free to drop by during office hours or email me to schedule an appointment.
• Classroom Etiquette: Please be respectful of others in the classroom, silence your phones, and refrain from disruptive behavior.