Introduction to Environmental Science

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Keiko Tanaka (Assistant Teaching Professor of Environmental Science)
• Email: ktanaka@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Meridian Science Center 416
• Office Hours:
  • Monday & Thursday: 9:00–10:30 a.m. (In person, Meridian Science Center 416)
  • Friday: 9:00–10:00 a.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Earth systems, biogeochemical cycles, biodiversity, population, energy, pollution, and climate change, with a weekly three-hour laboratory including field trips to the Merrow River watershed. ENVS 101 introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of the Earth system, environmental sustainability, and human ecological impacts. Through systems-thinking frameworks, we analyze the structure of the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, tracking global biogeochemical cycles and energy flows. The course examines human population dynamics, agriculture and food systems, renewable and fossil energy resources, biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, and global climate change. Through weekly field and analytical laboratories, including hands-on sampling in the Merrow River watershed, you will learn environmental monitoring, water quality testing, ecological surveying, and environmental risk assessment.

Prerequisites

None.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ENVS 101, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Earth Systems and Biogeochemical Cycles: Explain the major reservoirs, flux rates, and anthropogenic perturbations of global carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and hydrological cycles.
2. Evaluate Population Dynamics and Resource Use: Apply demographic models, ecological footprint metrics, and carrying capacity concepts to assess human population growth and natural resource consumption.
3. Conduct Environmental Field and Watershed Sampling: Deploy hydrological monitoring probes, sample macroinvertebrate communities, and measure physical-chemical water parameters across the Merrow River watershed.
4. Assess Energy Production and Pollution Pathways: Compare the thermodynamic efficiencies, environmental impacts, and atmospheric emissions of fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable energy technologies.
5. Examine Drivers of Global Climate Change: Analyze historical climate proxies, radiative forcing mechanisms, climate feedback loops, and IPCC mitigation and adaptation scenarios.
6. Formulate Evidence-Based Environmental Solutions: Evaluate local, national, and international environmental policies, cost-benefit analyses, and community-based conservation strategies.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Withgott, Jay, and Matthew Laposata. Environment: The Science Behind the Stories. 7th ed., Pearson, 2021. Approx. $60 for digital access; approx. $125 for print purchase.
2. ENVS 101 Environmental Science Laboratory Manual and Field Guide (Fall 2026). Alkimi University Copy Center. Approx. $20.
3. Field notebook, waterproof pen, and rubber boots or sturdy waterproof footwear for Merrow River field trips. Approx. $30.
4. Total estimated cost: $50 to $175.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), ENVS 101 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use Alkimi or other approved AI tools to brainstorm field study hypotheses, generate practice comprehension questions on biogeochemical cycles, and refine the grammar and readability of your draft laboratory reports.
• What is prohibited: You may not use AI tools to fabricate or alter environmental field data, write complete laboratory discussion sections, draft reading summary responses, or access generative platforms during examinations.
• Disclosure: Every submitted field laboratory report and semester project must include an explicit AI disclosure statement detailing any AI tools used and their specific contribution, or stating that no AI was utilized.

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Exam 1: 15% (In class, Friday, September 25)
• Midterm Exam 2: 15% (In class, Friday, October 30)
• Field and Laboratory Reports: 25% (Weekly lab reports due in Canvas Tuesdays at 11:59 p.m. following each lab meeting)
• Merrow River Watershed Project: 10% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Weekly Reading Quizzes: 10% (Canvas reading quizzes due Mondays at 11:59 p.m.; lowest two dropped)
• Final Comprehensive Examination: 25% (Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: Students may earn up to 2% extra credit by participating in an approved campus or community environmental clean-up event and submitting a one-page reflective summary.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Active attendance at all Monday, Wednesday, and Friday lectures and Tuesday laboratory meetings is required. Field trips to the Merrow River watershed depart promptly from Meridian Science Center; students arriving late will miss transport and receive a zero for that lab. Notify Dr. Tanaka at least 24 hours prior to an excused absence. More than two unexcused lab absences results in an automatic grade of F. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Laboratory reports lose 10% per day late and cannot be submitted more than three days past the Tuesday deadline. Weekly online reading quizzes close strictly at 11:59 p.m. with no extensions permitted, but the lowest two quiz scores are dropped automatically at the end of the semester.

Field Safety Protocol and Dress Code

Laboratory sessions frequently involve outdoor field work along the Merrow River watershed regardless of light rain or cold. Students must wear closed-toe sturdy shoes or rubber boots, full-length pants, and weather-appropriate outerwear. Safety vests and sampling gear will be provided. Always follow field safety guidelines provided by the instructor.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).