1. Course Description
    

   This is a 3-unit natural science course for non-science majors. It touches on the basics of environmental science, combining the interdisciplinary knowledge of Chemistry, Biology,  Physics and other sciences. The course focuses on global and local environmental problems, and the various scientific, technological, economic and social issues connected with them.

   The course has four (4) main parts. The introductory part explains the definition, scope and approach of environmental science. It also gives an overview of the entire course. The second part deals with basic ecology, which provides the student the basic context within which environmental issues exist. The third party presents a framework for understanding human impact on the environment. It then deals comprehensively with specific issues such as air pollution, global climate change, soils and agriculture, water resources management, and solid waste generation. Finally, the fourth part touches on concepts and principles of environmental management and sustainable development.

2. Course Objectives

The course aims to enhance:

1. familiarity with the scientific, technological and socio-economic aspects of local and global environmental problems and issues;

2. critical and analytical skills for evaluating environmental issues and problems; and

3. lifestyle integration of relevant environmental concepts and principles.

Attendance. Two records of tardiness will be equivalent to one absence. You are allowed 9 cuts for MWF classes and 6 cuts for TTh classes; no distinction is made between excused and unexcused absences. Students who exceed the allowable number of cuts will get a grade of W.

Class Decorum. Turn beepers and cellphones off during class, otherwise they shall be confiscated. Your physical and mental presence in class is highly valued, as well as your opinions and ideas. The fruitfulness of the semester very much depends on your openness, discipline and creativity.

Requirements. You are expected to submit requirements on time. Late submissions will be accepted but shall be marked two grades lower than the deserved one.

Exams. Anyone caught cheating will get a grade of F for that particular exam. Anyone suspected to be cheating shall be given a written reprimand. No make-up exams will be administered unless in case of illness (provide a medical certificate as proof).

Any Environmental Science book, ES handouts

Consultation hours will be every WF 1.30-2.30 p.m. at the ES Program Office, Manila Observatory. Please set an appointment before coming. Students are allowed to set appointments outside the consultation hours but at a time convenient to the teacher.

The class project is intended to be a vehicle for students to obtain valuable learning beyond the classroom to pursue environmental topics of interest. The project involves a thorough investigation of a current local environmental concern such as wildlife conservation, municipal waste management, or corporate environmental management.

The project will have two components:

1. Written report. This shall include the following:

• Title

• Topic Outline (or table of contents)

• Objectives

• Significance of the Study

• Methodology

• Discussion Proper

• References

• Process Documentation

 2.    Oral Presentation. This is a 20-minute highlight of the project plus a 10-minute open forum.
Presentations are expected to be informative, creative and effective.

The projected shall be graded with the following criteria:

Written report

Content of material and potential contribution             30%
Research effort and strategy                                       30%
Organisation and presentation of the written report     10%

Oral presentation
Overall impact of report                                             20%
Mastery and responses to questions                           10%
                                                                               100%

The value of a project as a learning tool can only be maximised if it is well-planned in advance.
 Excellent projects take time to develop and must be accomplished in stages. Below is a prescribed timetable for the project: