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Environmental
Science
Explore the science behind the planet's most urgent challenges. Ecosystems, climate, and sustainability through a lens of evidence and action.
What You'll Learn
A full semester of environmental science — completed at your own pace, with no deadlines or fixed class times.
What You'll Be Able to Do
- Define and explain core environmental science principles, including ecosystems, sustainability, and the impact of human activity on natural systems.
- Apply the scientific method to investigate environmental issues and propose evidence-based, practical solutions.
- Analyze the ecological, economic, and ethical dimensions of environmental challenges to develop a holistic understanding of sustainability.
- Compare global and local environmental issues such as climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss using regional and international perspectives.
- Evaluate and recommend sustainable practices in agriculture, urban planning, energy, and waste management to support long-term environmental resilience.
Major Course Topics
Course chapters and lessons
Environmental Science has 14 chapters across 44 instructional hours, as listed in the course syllabus. Expand any chapter to see the lessons inside it.
- Chapters
- 14
- Lessons
- 72
- Instructional hours
- 44 hrs
- Semester hours (NCCRS) · ACE: 1
- 3
Chapter 1
Foundations of Environmental Science
- 1.1 Understanding the Earth, Humans, and the Environment
- 1.2 Exploring the Scientific Method in Environmental Studies
- 1.3 Sustainability: Concepts and Challenges
- 1.4 Ethical Perspectives on the Environment
- 1.5 Environmental Justice and Indigenous Rights
- 1.6 Resources for Deepening Your Knowledge
Chapter 2
The Building Blocks of Life and Energy
- 2.1 Matter: The Substance of the Universe
- 2.2 Understanding Energy and Its Transformations
- 2.3 Cells: Life's Smallest Functional Units
- 2.4 Photosynthesis: Energy's Gateway into Ecosystems
- 2.5 Additional Learning Resources
Chapter 3
The Web of Life: Ecosystems and Biomes
- 3.1 How Energy Flows Through Ecosystems
- 3.2 The Cycles That Sustain Life: Biogeochemical Processes
- 3.3 Exploring Terrestrial Biomes
- 3.4 Understanding Aquatic Biomes
- 3.5 Further Resources for Exploration
Chapter 4
Populations and Communities in Ecology
- 4.1 Population Dynamics: Growth and Change
- 4.2 Mechanisms of Population Regulation
- 4.3 The Expanding Human Population
- 4.4 Interactions in Community Ecology
- 4.5 Resources for Further Study
Chapter 5
Biodiversity and Conservation
- 5.1 What is Biodiversity and Why Does It Matter?
- 5.2 Tracing the Origins of Biodiversity
- 5.3 Valuing Biodiversity: Ecosystem Services and Beyond
- 5.4 Threats to Biodiversity and What We Can Do
- 5.5 Strategies for Preserving Biodiversity
- 5.6 Additional Resources
Chapter 6
Environmental Risks and Human Health
- 6.1 How Environmental Conditions Affect Human Well-Being
- 6.2 The Science of Environmental Health
- 6.3 Environmental Toxicology: Assessing Risks
- 6.4 Bioremediation: Nature's Cleanup Crew
- 6.5 Case Study: Lessons from the Love Canal Disaster
- 6.6 Further Reading and Resources
Chapter 7
Water: A Precious Resource
- 7.1 The Water Cycle and Freshwater Systems
- 7.2 Tackling Water Scarcity: Problems and Solutions
- 7.3 Water Pollution: Causes and Impacts
- 7.4 Ensuring Clean Water: Treatment Methods
- 7.5 Case Study: The Tragedy of the Aral Sea
- 7.6 Additional Resources
Chapter 8
Feeding the World
- 8.1 The Challenge of Achieving Food Security
- 8.2 Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering in Agriculture
- 8.3 Resources for Further Learning
Chapter 9
Rethinking Agriculture
- 9.1 The Science of Soil: Profiles and Processes
- 9.2 Understanding Soil-Plant Relationships
- 9.3 Conventional Farming Practices: Benefits and Limitations
- 9.4 Managing Pests: Chemicals and Alternatives
- 9.5 Building a Sustainable Future in Agriculture
- 9.6 Additional Resources
Chapter 10
Air Quality and Global Change
- 10.1 Understanding Atmospheric Pollution
- 10.2 The Ozone Layer: Challenges and Recovery
- 10.3 Acid Rain: Causes and Effects
- 10.4 The Reality of Global Climate Change
- 10.5 Resources for Further Study
Chapter 11
Powering the Future
- 11.1 Energy Use: Challenges and Environmental Impacts
- 11.2 The Role of Non-Renewable Energy Sources
- 11.3 Embracing Renewable Energy Solutions
- 11.4 Exploring Alternative Fuels for Sustainability
- 11.5 Additional Resources
Chapter 12
Waste and Its Management
- 12.1 Environmental Concerns About Solid and Hazardous Waste
- 12.2 Strategies for Effective Waste Management
- 12.3 Policies Shaping Waste Management
- 12.4 Case Study: Electronic Waste and Corporate Responsibility
- 12.5 Resources for Further Learning
Chapter 13
Economics, Laws, and the Environment
- 13.1 Understanding Environmental Economics
- 13.2 Key Environmental Laws and Regulations
- 13.3 Additional Resources
Chapter 14
Building Sustainable Cities
- 14.1 Urbanization: Opportunities and Challenges
- 14.2 Urban Growth Across the Globe
- 14.3 The Effects of Urban Sprawl
- 14.4 Designing Sustainable Cities
- 14.5 Case Study: Local Governments and the Sustainability Paradigm
- 14.6 Resources for Further Study
These chapters come straight from the official course syllabus, which also sets out the graded assignment and the proctored final exam.
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Build analytical strength with environmental science.
Explore the science behind the planet's most urgent challenges. Ecosystems, climate, and sustainability through a lens of evidence and action.
🎯 Why It Matters
- Develop rigorous quantitative and analytical thinking
- Build a foundation for advanced STEM coursework
- Apply scientific and mathematical reasoning to real problems
- Strengthen skills valued across engineering, research, and data fields
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🚀 How This Sets You Up
- Complete structured lessons and a comprehensive final exam
- Earn up to 3 transferable college credits (ACE: 1 · NCCRS: 3)
- Recognized by ACE & NCCRS cooperating universities
- Self-paced — no deadlines, no campus visits required
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A 57-second look at Environmental Science.
Common Questions Answered.
Everything you need to know about Environmental Science — credits, grading, transfer, and how it compares to traditional options.
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NCCRS recommends this course for 3 semester hours and ACE recommends it for 1. Transfer as many credits as your university allows — students have transferred anywhere from 3 to 90+ credits depending on their school's policy.
Everything You Need to Succeed
Video-Based Lessons
HD video lectures broken into short, focused modules. Watch at your own pace — pause, rewind, replay any time.
Quizzes & Final Exam
Evaluate your understanding after every section with quizzes and a comprehensive final exam that mirrors real college assessment.
Structured College-Level Course
Structured lessons covering every topic — designed as a standard Environmental Science college-level course.
Official Transcript
Complete the course, request your transcript, and transfer up to 3 credit hours (NCCRS: 3 · ACE: 1) to ACE & NCCRS cooperating universities. No separate exam required.
Earn up to 3 College Credits
for $250.
Self-paced. No deadlines. ACE- and NCCRS-recommended, recognized by ACE & NCCRS cooperating universities. Join 135,000+ learners on the UPI Study platform.