EHS 204 — Ecology and Environmental Management: Lecture Note

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LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS COURSE CODE: EHS 204 COURSE TITLE : Ecology and Environmental Management COURSE UNIT LOAD: (1 Unit C: LH 45) SERIES LIST 1. Series 1: Foundations of Ecology and Environmental Management 2. Series 2: Environmental Components and Biogeochemical Cycles 3. Series 3: Ecological Concepts, Communities, and Succession 4. Series 4: Environmental Pollution and Control 5. Series 5: Environmental Management Systems and Plans Suggested Outline of Parts and Sub-Parts Part 1.1 Introduction to Ecology • 1.1.1 Definition of ecology • 1.1.2 Scope and importance of ecology • 1.1.3 Branches of ecology (population, community, microbial, human) Part 1.2 Environmental Management Concepts • 1.2.1 Definition and scope of environmental management • 1.2.2 Principles of sustainable management • 1.2.3 Relationship between ecology and environmental management Part 1.3 Nature of the Environment • 1.3.1 Components of the environment: physical, chemical, biological • 1.3.2 The earth systems: atmosphere, biosphere, stratosphere • 1.3.3 Interactions among environmental components Introduction – Series 1: Foundations of Ecology and Environmental Management Background Ecology and environmental management form the bedrock of understanding how living organisms interact with their surroundings and how humans can responsibly manage these interactions. Ecology, derived from the Greek word oikos meaning "house" or "environment", is the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Environmental management, on the other hand, refers to the structured approach of planning, monitoring, and controlling human activities to minimise negative impacts on the environment. Together, these fields provide the scientific and practical framework for addressing local and global environmental challenges.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Aim The aim of this Series is to introduce learners to the fundamental concepts of ecology and environmental management. It will establish a clear understanding of definitions, scope, and importance, while also highlighting the interconnections between ecological principles and management practices. Sequential synopsis This Series begins with an exploration of the meaning and scope of ecology, including its branches and relevance to health and sustainability. It then moves into environmental management, examining its definition, scope, and principles. Finally, it considers the nature of the environment, focusing on its physical, chemical, and biological components, as well as the earth systems such as the atmosphere and biosphere. By progressing through these Parts, learners will build a strong foundation for subsequent Series that deal with ecological processes, pollution, and management systems. Series Learning Outcomes – Series 1: Foundations of Ecology and Environmental Management By the end of this Series, learners should be able to: • SLO 1.1: Define ecology and explain its scope, importance, and branches. • SLO 1.2: Describe the concept of environmental management, including its scope, principles, and relationship with ecology. • SLO 1.3: Analyse the nature of the environment by identifying its physical, chemical, and biological components, and explain how these interact within earth systems such as the atmosphere and biosphere. These outcomes align directly with the three Parts outlined for Series 1, ensuring learners progress from foundational definitions, through management concepts, into environmental components and interactions. 1.1 Introduction to Ecology 1.1.1 Definition of ecology Ecology is the scientific study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment. It examines how plants, animals, and microorganisms interact with each other and with physical and chemical elements such as air, water, and soil. Ecology helps us to understand the balance of natural systems and the consequences of human activities. Fill in the blank: The scientific study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment is called ______.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Figure 1.1 Placeholder: Diagram showing organisms interacting with air, water, and soil. Caption: Basic concept of ecology. 1.1.2 Scope and importance of ecology The scope of ecology ranges from the study of individual organisms to entire ecosystems. It includes: • Autecology: study of individual species. • Synecology: study of groups of organisms in relation to their environment. • Applied ecology: use of ecological principles to solve environmental problems.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Ecology is important because it explains how ecosystems function, supports biodiversity conservation, and guides sustainable resource use. Fill in the blank: The study of individual species in relation to their environment is called ______. Branch Scale of Study Primary Goal Autecology Species/Individual To map the "survival envelope" of an organism. Synecology Community/Population To understand the "balance of nature" and competition. Applied Ecology Ecosystem/Landscape To repair damage or manage resources sustainably. Box 1.1 Placeholder: Text box listing autecology, synecology, and applied ecology. Caption: Scope of ecology. 1.1.3 Branches of ecology Ecology has several branches that focus on specific aspects: • Population ecology: studies the dynamics of species populations. • Community ecology: examines interactions among species in a community. • Microbial ecology: investigates microorganisms in their environments. • Human ecology: explores relationships between humans and their environment. Fill in the blank: The branch of ecology that studies species populations is called ______ ecology.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Ecological Branch Primary Scale Key Focus Area Practical Application Population Ecology A single species in a specific area. Birth/death rates, carrying capacity, and population fluctuations. Managing endangered species or controlling invasive pests. Community Ecology Multiple interacting species. Symbiosis, predation, competition, and food web structures. Understanding how a forest recovers after a wildfire. Microbial Ecology Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses). Nutrient cycling (nitrogen/carbon) and the microbiome. Improving soil fertility or understanding human gut health. Human Ecology Humans and their built environment. Urbanization, resource consumption, and sustainability. Designing "Green Cities" and managing waste systems. Table 1.1 Placeholder: Table linking branches of ecology to their focus areas. Caption: Branches of ecology. Pilot questions 1.1 1. The scientific study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment is called ______. 2. The study of individual species in relation to their environment is called ______. 3. Name one reason why ecology is important. 4. The branch of ecology that studies species populations is called ______ ecology. 5. Which branch of ecology explores relationships between humans and their environment? 1.2 Environmental Management Concepts 1.2.1 Definition and scope of environmental management

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Environmental management refers to the process of planning, monitoring, and controlling human activities to minimise negative impacts on the environment and promote sustainability. Its scope includes pollution control, conservation of natural resources, and ensuring that development activities are environmentally sound. Fill in the blank: The process of planning, monitoring, and controlling human activities to minimise environmental impacts is called ______. Figure 1.2 Placeholder: Diagram showing the cycle of environmental management (planning → monitoring → controlling → sustainability). Caption: The environmental management cycle. 1.2.2 Principles of sustainable management

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Environmental management is guided by principles that ensure long-term sustainability: • Precautionary principle: act to prevent harm even if scientific evidence is not complete. • Polluter pays principle: those who cause pollution bear the cost of managing it. • Sustainability principle: meet present needs without compromising future generations. Fill in the blank: The principle that requires those who cause pollution to bear the cost of managing it is called the ______ principle. Principle Primary Focus Motto Precautionary Risk Management "Caution first, proof later." Polluter Pays Financial Responsibility "You break it, you buy it." Sustainability Future Viability "Enough for everyone, forever." Box 1.2 Placeholder: Text box listing precautionary, polluter pays, and sustainability principles. Caption: Principles of environmental management. 1.2.3 Relationship between ecology and environmental management Ecology provides the scientific foundation for environmental management. By understanding how organisms interact with their environment, managers can design policies and interventions that protect ecosystems and human health. For example, ecological studies of water quality inform management strategies for pollution control. Fill in the blank: Ecology provides the ______ foundation for environmental management. Ecological Concept Scientific Focus Management Application Real-World Strategy Carrying Capacity ($K$) The maximum population an Sustainable Yield Setting fishing quotas to prevent a population collapse.

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