The semester begins with the students examining the effects of population growth and urbanization on the environment. This is then combined with the effects of energy production. Discussions cover important global environmental problems such as acid rain, global warming, and ozone layer depletion. Using this base, the underlying laws of nature at work within an ecosystem are then examined. The remainder of the course focuses on the effects of human activities on water, air, and land resources. This includes presentation of the unit processes and operations used in water and wastewater treatment and the generation, transport, storage, and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. The culmination of the course is a major design project requiring the students to assess the environmental impact of a proposed construction project.
