FOR SPRING 2005, THIS COURSE IS OPEN TO SENIOR AND JUNIORS.
This course begins with the premise that it is essential to understand a few scientific principles and the basic premise and practice of technology for two important objectives: (1) to understand how the environment works, and how science and technology affect it; (2) to insure that science and technology work for (and not against) the natural environment. The aim of this course is to explore the use of science and technology in the context of the earth's natural environment. Specifically, students will learn the basic principles of science and technology that can enable them to understand environmental phenomena, and the effects of human activity on these. These principles are learned through their use in the context of environmental issues. Students also examine the values, assumptions and actions that have guided our actions towards the environment, and the resulting impacts. Most class meetings demand active participation by students in the form of discussions, group projects and some field observations.