Current Environmental Science Issues

The courses listed below are being offered this semester at CCV locations around the state or online. Click on the Course Number link to see detailed information regarding locations, dates and times.

3 Credits
This course is a multidisciplinary study of the interrelationship between living things and their environment. The fundamentals of biology, chemistry, geology, and energy flow are studied so that current environmental issues can be understood and discussed from a scientific perspective. Emphasis is placed on maintaining and restoring sustainable ecosystems.

3 Credits
This course is an introduction to systems and processes acting upon planet Earth in the solar system. Primary focus is on mechanisms of formation and distribution of minerals, rocks, continents and planets. The course includes basic principles of geology including geologic time and plate tectonics. Meteorology and climatology are emphasized in context of hydrological impacts on geomorphology. Human impact on geological processes will also be explored.

3 Credits
This course investigates the science that underpins environmental issues. It also analyzes these issues from a variety of different perspectives including the legal, ethical, political, sociological, and economic considerations that combine to shape our understanding of environmental issues and their possible solutions.

3 Credits
This course focuses on buildings as systems as an approach to effective energy conservation. Students will learn energy-related components of residential energy efficiency and important possibilities for energy conservation including energy consumption, analyzing energy costs and other energy-auditing information.

3 Credits
This course explores the paths that can lead to a sustainable future. The concept of sustainability will be defined. Current issues that promote or hinder sustainability will be discussed. Energy, agriculture, forestry, and green building are a few of the topics to be covered. Emphasis on a vision for the future with practical applications for today will be emphasized. Field trips required.

3 Credits
Introduces the geology, weather, wildlife, and vegetation of Vermont as part of the larger northeast natural region. Compares and relates present day natural history to that of ancient times. Students uncover patterns in the natural environment that demonstrate both the uniqueness of Vermont and its place within the larger northeast region. Field trips required.