Deciduous forest, coastal, taiga, and rainforest biomes
Introduction to Environmental Science, ENSC1200, offers students the opportunity to study the relationship of humans to their environment. Topics include ecosystems, human impact on natural resources and environmental quality, environmental ethics, and strategies to maintain a sustainable biosphere.
Laboratory exercises include basic ecologic and environmental field techniques and testing. Field trips to local agencies and research facilities may include visits to Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), New Page paper mill, Hartley Nature Center, Natural Resources Research Institute, Hawk Ridge, the Environmental Protection Agency laboratories, and the LSC Miller Creek interpretive trail.
Introduction to Environmental Science is a four-credit course taught both on-line and on-ground. On-ground sections meet for three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. The course fulfills part of the science requirement for an AA degree and is part of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MTC).
Environmental Field Studies, ENSC1202, is an opportunity for students to participate in field research projects under faculty supervision. Interested students should contact Deanne Roquet or Glenn Merrick.