Lecture, three hours; laboratory, two hours. Basic ecological concepts, scientific method, and ecological basis for local and global environmental issues. Major challenges to be faced in this century, including need to find interdisciplinary and collaborative solutions to world's worsening environmental problems (e.g., global climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, pollution, declining water resources, declining fisheries). Environmental literacy to equip students to become leaders in growing green economy and to help forge solutions to current and future environmental crises that threaten natural resource base. P/NP or letter grading.