Environmental Science

Course Syllabus

DHVSU-Bacolor
Mr. Kussel D. Mendiola
Course objective/s:
This syllabus aims to promote a more holistic framework of environmental issues, involving
inputs from various fields while ensuring that the programme provides a global perspective to the
students. For them to be able to familiarized with the dimensions of the environmental issues being
studied. And this sought to meet the following objectives;
 acquire and apply scientific knowledge about environmental issues so as to understand the underlying
scientific concepts
 develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues by relating scientific knowledge with other
perspectives
 acquire the necessary problem-solving skills that would enable them to examine and propose
alternatives to a variety of environmental problems,
 develop pro-environmental values and attitudes that foster environmental responsibility, and critically
evaluate their attitudes, behaviour and values and consequently adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

Chapter Topics Hours

1 Introduction to environment
Definition, Principles and Scope
Concept of Ecosystems
Structure and function of an ecosystem
2 Ecosystems: Physico-chemical factors
Environmental Cycles
-Carbon
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Water cycle
3 Ecosystems: Biological factors
Energy flow in ecosystems
Food chain and food webs
Ecological pyramids
Prey-predator relationship
PRELIMS
4 Kinds of Ecosystems
-Terrestrial Ecosystems
Taigas
Tundra
Decidous forest
Grasslands
Tropical rain forest
Desserts
-Aquatic Ecosystems
Lentic
Lotic
Wetlands
Marshes
Marine
5 Biodiversity and Conservation
 Ecological Successions
Primary Successions
Secondary Successions
6 Sources of energy
Renwable Resources
-Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Geothermal Energy
Hydrothermal Energy
Biomass energy
Nuclear energy
Non Renewable resources
-Coal
Petroleum
Natural gas
MIDTERMS
7 Environmental Pollution
Air Pollution
Water Pollution
Soil Pollution
Thermal Polution
Nuclear hazzards
8 Social issues in environmental science
Climate change- ozone depletion
Dessertification and its control
Eutrophication and restoration
Water crises
Biodiversity loss

PRE FINALS
8 Conservation and waste products
- Solid waste managrement act
Environmental laws
- Wildlife protection act
-Air, water, forest conservation acts
FINALS
Grading system
Long test and major exams 30%
Seatwork/quizzes 30%
Attendance 10%
Recitation/ presentations 30%
100%
CLASS POLICIES
1. Regularity and punctuality in attending classes are expected of each student.
2. A student will be marked tardy if he arrives in the classroom 20 minutes after the start of the class
discussion
3. A student will be marked absent from the class if he arrives 30 minutes after the start of the classroom
discussion.
4. Students are responsible for whatever is taken up during class in case of absenses, excused or unexcused.
5.Use of cellphones is not allowed.
6. Strictly no transferring of seats
References:
Tyler Miller G. (2005) Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions. Belmont, Calif.:Brooks/Cole (14th edition)
Wright, R.T. (2005) Environmental Science - toward a Sustainable Future. (9th International Edition),