vcc.ca
EVSC 1100: Introduction to Environmental Science
Effective date
January 2026
Department
UT Sciences
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
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.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
Biology 11 or Biology 12 with a minimum grade of 'C+' or equivalent. Recommended: Biology 11 and 12, Chemistry 11, Precalculus 11.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Formally define environmental science and how it differs from environmental activism.
- Describe the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere.
- Explain the processes of cycles including rock, water, carbon and nitrogen.
- Define the fundamental physical and biological processes underlying environmental problems.
- Understand the development of scientifically rigorous assessment and solutions to environmental problems.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 60
Total Hours: 60
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
The course will have lectures and tutorials, including class participation activities, case studies, lab and literature research activities. The class will also include talks from professionals in the field of environmental science.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Midterm Exam |
40 |
Two midterm exams at 20% each |
|
Assignments |
30 |
Lab and Written assignments |
|
Project |
10 |
In class presentation |
|
Final Exam |
20 |
Final Exam |
Course topics
- 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
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.