First-Year Environmental & Resource Science/Studies

Introduction to environmental science/studies, ERSC 1000Y, is designed to introduce students to a range of concepts and knowledge required for upper-year ERS courses, to explore contemporary environmental issues, and to improve environmental literacy. A team of ERS instrutors teaches the course, providing students with access to a wide range of expertise and fields of study.

ERSC 1000Y is required for all ERS Program degrees:

• the B.A. program in Environmental & Resource Studies
• the B.Sc. program in Environmental & Resource Science
• the Bachelor of Environmental Science/Studies (B.E.S.S.) program
• the Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems B.A. and B.Sc. program

ERSC 1000Y – Introduction to environmental science/studies
An interdisciplinary exploration of how humans use, affect, and protect our world, emphasizing the scientific, political, ethical and economic dimensions of environmental issues. These dimensions are examined through a series of case studies including: the Trent University environment, urban environments, endangered species and natural habitats, water quality and the protection of rivers and lakes, the environmental implications of globalization, and climate change. 

Course Objectives

• To enhance the environmental literacy and citizenship of Trent students
• To generate student interest in environmental issues
• To introduce key concepts and skills required for further study in environmental science and studies

What we expect you will learn:

Key values:

• A concern for the environment and future generations
• A desire to make a difference

Key knowledge:

• Knowledge of the many interactions between human society and the natural environment
• Knowledge about potential solutions to environmental problems

Key skills:

• Ability to read and think critically and analyze the relations between humans and the environment
• Ability to identify, define and develop solutions to environmental problems
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Ability to write clearly and effectively
• Ability to manage, interpret, and communicate data and results
• Ability to present your ideas orally

Course Format

First-year Environmental & Resource Science/Studies typically consists of three hours of lectures and a one-hour seminar per week. Seminars provide a chance to work in smaller groups on assignments, course material, and other projects. In your seminar, you will be organized into Pods of 3-4 students – learning groups. Pods will work as groups on some assignments, work on group activities in seminar, and sit/work together in lecture so that we can have some small group discussions during the class.  The course also provides opportunities for outdoor field study, particularly on the Trent campus.

Course Text

G.T. Miller & D. Hackett. 2010. Living in the Environment: Second Canadian Edition. Toronto: Nelson/Thompson Canada Ltd.
Available in the Trent Bookstore, and through online bookstores.

Topics

• Environmental issues at Trent
• Environmental policy in Canada
• Ecological concepts
• Biodiversity science and policy
• Urban environments
• Economics and the environment
• Organizations, activism, and the environment
• Energy and the environment
• Alternative and renewable energy
• Electromagnetic fields
• Contaminants in the environment
• Mining and the environment
• Climate change
• Air pollution, CFCs and ozone depletion
• Environment and development
• Water management and protection
• Ecological agriculture
• Ecological restoration
• Indigenous environmental perspectives

For More Information

Course notes, assignments, and other details are available to students enrolled in ERSC 1000Y via myTrent >> learning system. For more information regarding these course offerings or if you have any other questions, please contact the Environmental & Resource Science/Studies department.