AP Environmental Science Course Content

Can someone give me a rundown of the AP Environmental Science course content? I want to know exactly what topics we'll be covering before I commit to taking the class. Thanks!

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that aims to help students develop an understanding of the natural world, the methods of scientific inquiry, and the types of relationships that exist between humans and their environment. The course content is organized into nine units, with topics building as the course progresses. Here is an overview of each unit:

1. The Living World: Ecosystems

- Ecosystem structure and function: energy flow, food chains and food webs, productivity, and nutrient cycling

- Ecosystem changes: succession and species interactions

2. The Living World: Biodiversity

- Biodiversity patterns: distribution and types of ecosystems, species richness and genetic diversity

- Biodiversity threats and benefits: habitat loss, invasive species, overexploitation, extinction, and the role of biodiversity

3. Populations

- Population dynamics and demographics: population growth models and migration

- Human population growth: patterns, impacts, and the demographic transition model

4. Earth Systems and Resources

- Earth's structure: lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere

- Global resources: renewable and nonrenewable resources, resource management, and the tragedy of the commons

- Global water resources: water scarcity, water stress, water use, and environmental issues

5. Land and Water Use

- Agricultural practices: land use, soil conservation, and sustainable techniques

- Forestry and rangelands: deforestation, land management, and sustainable practices

- Urban land development: land use planning, sprawl, and environmental challenges

6. Energy Resources and Consumption

- Energy sources: nonrenewable (fossil fuels, nuclear) and renewable (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal) energy

- Energy consumption: patterns of use, efficiency, and conservation

7. Atmospheric Pollution

- Air pollution sources and types: primary and secondary pollutants

- Air pollution impacts: human health effects, ecosystem impacts, and global climate change

8. Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

- Water pollution sources and types: point and nonpoint sources, pollution types

- Soil pollution sources and types: pesticides, heavy metals, and remediation techniques

- Waste management: solid waste, recycling, composting, and hazardous waste disposal

9. Global Change

- Climate change: greenhouse gases, global warming, and impacts

- Stratospheric ozone depletion: causes and effects

- Loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction: deforestation, fragmentation, and species-specific impacts

Throughout the course, you'll also explore ways to mitigate environmental issues and learn about various environmental policies and laws. Keep in mind that the course involves a hands-on laboratory component, where you'll conduct experiments and collect data to support your understanding of the core concepts. By the end of the course, you'll be better equipped to analyze environmental issues from a scientific perspective and develop informed opinions on potential solutions.