Introduction to the fundamental principles of ecology and environmental science. It emphasizes an ecosystem approach to studying the environment. The interactions between abiotic and biotic factors are examined to gain an understanding of how a dynamic balance is achieved in natural ecosystems. This course examines the effect of human intervention on ecosystems and biomes as well as the major trends in resource consumption and use. Students gain a better understanding of how the environment is altered by human action and why these actions may have significant effects on an ecosystem and its sustainability. This course is the essential starting point for Environmental Science students as it lays the groundwork and describes the interconnections between the various components of the program.