The course studies the major elements of the natural environment and their interrelation. The principles and processes essential to the understanding of the natural environmental system and their significance are stressed. The elements studied include: atmosphere, weather and climate, continents, landforms, river systems, ocean currents and tides, soils, vegetation, animal and marine life. Satisfies Gen Ed - Interdisciplinary Studies requirement; satisfies SEEDS Scientific Reasoning student learning outcome in alignment with Educated Citizenry value.