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.
Prerequisites
Biology 11 or Biology 12 with a minimum grade of 'C+' or equivalent. Recommended: Biology 11 and 12, Chemistry 11, Precalculus 11.
Course type
This course is offered as part of a VCC program and cannot be taken individually.
International students: Eligibility is determined at the program level. Visit the program page for international student requirements and application information.
- Land use effect on watersheds
- Hydroelectric development effects on river systems
- Global warming impact on Earth’s hydrosphere.
- Threats to drinking water supplies at local and global scales
- Prediction and modeling in environmental problem solving
- Anthropogenic effects on the global carbon cycle
- The effect of expanding human populations and climate change on biodiversity
- Influence of climate change on the size and age composition of biological populations
- Restoring degraded environmental systems
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40933 |
January 6, 2027 to April 23, 2027 |
Online Lecture |
Varies | See full schedule | Register |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule. All self-paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.
How to take this course
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please email at [email protected].
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.