Information Package / Course Catalogue
Ecological Literacy
Course Code: EU002
Course Type: Non Departmental Elective
Couse Group: Short Cycle (Associate's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 2
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to enable students to develop an ecological literacy perspective, understand the functioning of natural systems through a holistic approach, evaluate human–nature interactions based on ecological principles, and establish connections among contemporary environmental issues such as biodiversity, climate change, natural resource management, energy, water, agriculture, urbanization, and sustainability in order to develop a scientific, critical, and solution-oriented perspective toward environmental challenges.

Course Content

This course covers the concept of ecological literacy, the fundamental principles of ecology, systems thinking, human–nature relationships, biodiversity, climate change, ecosystem services, waste management and circular economy, water resource management, renewable energy, agriculture and food systems, urban ecology, ecological footprint, environmental impact assessment, ecological education, and public participation through a holistic perspective. Throughout the course, the functioning of natural systems, cause-and-effect relationships of environmental issues, and sustainable living approaches are examined using current examples and practical applications.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains the fundamental concepts of ecology and ecological literacy and evaluates the functioning of natural systems through a systems thinking approach.
2.Analyzes the impacts of human activities on ecosystems in terms of biodiversity, climate change, and natural resource use.
3.Interprets the relationships among ecosystem services, water resources, energy systems, and agricultural production through a holistic perspective.
4.Evaluates waste management, circular economy, and sustainable consumption approaches in terms of their environmental impacts.
5.Explains urbanization, ecological footprint, and environmental impact assessment processes in accordance with sustainability principles.
6.Interprets scientific evidence on current environmental issues through a critical perspective and discusses possible solution approaches.
7.Relates the principles of ecological literacy to individual life, professional practices, and social responsibility.
8.Develops environmentally responsible behaviors and decision-making skills that support ecological sustainability.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Karaca, A. (2026). [Ecological Literacy: Process, Awareness and Action]. Lecture Notes
2.Erten, S. (2012). [Environmental Education and Environmental Awareness]. Pegem Academy.
3.Meteoroloji Genel Müdürlüğü (MGM). (2023). [Climate and Climate Change].
4.T.C. Çevre, Şehircilik ve İklim Değişikliği Bakanlığı. (2022). [Zero Waste Practices].
5.TEMA Vakfı. (2023). [Educational Publications on Soil, Water and Biodiversity].
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to Ecological Literacy: Ecology and ecological literacy concepts, systems thinking, ecological balance, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.
Week 2 - Theoretical
Human–Nature Relationship: Anthropocentric and ecocentric approaches, impacts of human activities on ecosystems, and the development of sustainability.
Week 3 - Theoretical
Biodiversity and Conservation: Genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity, threats to biodiversity, and conservation approaches.
Week 4 - Theoretical
Climate Change: Climate system, causes of climate change, ecological and societal impacts, adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Week 5 - Theoretical
Ecosystem Services: Classification of ecosystem services, their relationship with human well-being, and sustainable management approaches.
Week 6 - Theoretical
Waste Management and Circular Economy: Waste types, life cycle approach, recycling, composting, zero waste, and circular economy.
Week 7 - Theoretical
Water Resources and Water Management: Hydrological cycle, water pollution, aquatic ecosystems, and integrated water resources management.
Week 8 - Theoretical
Energy and Ecological Sustainability: Renewable energy sources, environmental impacts of fossil fuels, energy transition, and sustainable energy policies.
Week 9 - Theoretical
Agriculture, Food Systems, and Soil: Industrial and sustainable agriculture, food security, soil health, and organic and local production approaches.
Week 10 - Theoretical
Urban Ecology: Ecological footprint of cities, green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and sustainable urban approaches.
Week 11 - Theoretical
Ecological Footprint and Natural Resource Management: Ecological footprint concept, resource consumption, environmental impact assessment, and reduction strategies.
Week 12 - Theoretical
Environmental Impact Assessment: EIA process, identification of environmental impacts, application examples, and evaluation approaches.
Week 13 - Theoretical
Ecological Education and Public Participation: Education for ecological literacy, environmental awareness, participatory approaches, and community-based practices.
Week 14 - Theoretical
Integrated Evaluation of Ecological Literacy: Ecological thinking skills, holistic evaluation of current environmental issues, and sustainable living approaches.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Assignment1%5
Quiz1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory140228
Assignment1213
Individual Work9019
Quiz1112
Midterm Examination1314
Final Examination1314
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)50
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
OÇ-1
3
1
3
2
2
2
1
3
OÇ-2
2
2
4
3
2
2
3
2
3
OÇ-3
2
3
5
4
2
3
2
1
3
OÇ-4
2
2
4
3
2
2
3
1
3
OÇ-5
5
2
4
3
1
2
3
1
2
OÇ-6
3
1
3
2
1
3
4
2
3
4
OÇ-7
2
2
4
3
2
2
5
3
3
4
OÇ-8
2
3
5
3
2
2
5
3
2
5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026