Introduction to Global Change presents the basics of physical science within the context of global environmental changes (climatic change, global warming, ozone depletion, deforestation, etc.) that impact Earth and its inhabitants. The course involves hands-on activities, discussions, computer exercises, and interactive small-group learning teams.

The course is one of the Tier I General Education natural science course offerings of NATS 101, The Earth and Its Environments, and—along with its GLOBAL CHANGE topics, includes an overview of four key concepts governing physical and chemical processes: (1) the atomic structure of matter, (2) the role of electromagnetism in nature, (3) the laws of thermodynamics governing energy transfers, and (4) Newton’s laws governing force and motion.