Environmental Service Systems

Fundamentals of Programming and Software Development

This course seeks to introduce students to educational avenues and career opportunities within a broad spectrum of environmental fields. Students conduct examinations of environmental regulations and legislation, government agencies and organizations, testing and monitoring requirements and methods. They explore the relationship between environmental careers and regulations, study the history, issues and present state of water and air quality, soil and atmospheric conditions. In a world facing environmental challenges, ESS professionals are very important. Job outlooks and salary scales are reflective of this need for educated and dedicated scientists, researchers, engineers, etc.

Objectives

• Compare and contrast environmental service systems careers in terms of their scope, career demands, academic preparation and employment potential.
• Evaluate issues relating to the environment such as air, water, waste and disposal.
• Explain how individuals are able to positively impact the environment and educate others on environmental concerns.
• Articulate the various sciences and technologies that surround air, water, ecosystems, toxics and waste cleanup.
• Identify sustainable practices and gain a deeper comprehension to balance society, environment and the economy.
• Describe regulations and laws that impact systems of environmental service.
• Identify key analytical and laboratory instrumentation utilized for monitoring the environment.
• Discuss ways of improving analytical results.
• Recognize weather patterns and weather systems through the use of meteorological knowledge and principles.
• Describe soil properties and compositions to demonstrate soil science knowledge.
• Apply principles of chemistry to systems of environmental service.
• Evaluate treatment of wastewater and regulatory compliance.
• Identify health risks which are associated with hazardous materials.
• Identify methods of alternative and conventional energy sources.

This is an introductory course in environmental service systems. The student should have interest in this field as a possible career; possess computer and online access, as well as certain experience in computer searches. Certain students or student groups may already have done some field testing, like simple pH water tests in a stream or at home. Others may have or had access to transportation of testing equipment to testing project sites, wastewater treatment plant field trips, etc. The lesson projects are written to ensure students with access to labs; equipment and transportation are able to use them, while those who don't can conduct virtual testing. Students may also be familiar with 3D and 2D computer modeling, and even have access to related programs. While these are not necessary, they are applicable to the course study.