Introduction to Environmental Science (EVSC 1100)

This course introduces students to the approach used by environmental scientists to assess the health of Earth’s systems, evaluate impacts of various land and ecosystem management practices and identify solutions to environmental problems. Earth systems (lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere) and cycles (rock, water, carbon, nitrogen, etc.) are examined briefly as context. Then underlying, fundamental physical and biological processes of environmental problems are examined. The course will cover environmental ethics, conservation movements, environmental policy and the concept of sustainability. As well, ecological principles will be examined in the context of conservation, restoration, resource management, and energy sources.