Environmental Science courses are designated by ENVS.
3110
Taxonomy of Flowering Plants
is a study of the biodiversity of flowering vascular plants (Magnoliophyta) through the practical identification of Newfoundland families, genera, and species. Related taxonomic and biogeographical principles will be stressed.
CR: the formerBiology 3041
LH: 3 laboratory periods of integrated practice and theory
OR: Students must submit a collection of flowering plants identified to the species level. Detailed instructions should be obtained from the instructor in the spring/summer prior to the commencement of this course.
PR: Biology 2010 or equivalent; Science 1807 and Science 1808
3130
Freshwater Ecology
is the study of freshwater ecosystems (lakes, rivers, streams, peatlands). Included are abiotic components, community structures, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, and the evolution of natural and altered aquatic ecosystems. Emphasis will be placed on field and laboratory studies of the ecology of freshwater organisms and systems in western Newfoundland.
CR: BIOL 3630
LH: 3
PR: Biology 2010, Biology 2122, Biology 2600; one of Chemistry 1001 or the former Chemistry 1011; Science 1807 and Science 1808
3131
Impacted Terrestrial Ecosystems
is an examination of ecological and evolutionary responses by organisms in terrestrial ecosystems to human-derived and natural perturbations. Advanced conceptual, empirical and experimental approaches will be used, with an emphasis on sampling local habitats.
CR: Biology 3610
LH: 3
PR: Biology 2600; two of Biology 2010, Biology 2122, Biology 2210 or permission of the Program Chair; Science 1807 and Science 1808
4132
Analytical Ecology
provides a foundation in univariate and multivariate statistical procedures, and applies this understanding to the critical analysis of scientific literature dealing with community, ecosystem and landscape ecology.
LH: three-hour laboratory/discussion group
PR: Biology 2600, Statistics 2550 (or equivalent), and at least 9 credit hours in Environmental Science at the 2000 level or above, or permission of the Program Chair
4133
Conservation Biology
will bring together the principles of ecology and conservation Biology at an advanced level. Current issues and techniques will be discussed with an aim towards understanding how populations of native flora and fauna can be managed for long-term conservation in the face of habitat degradation and loss.
CR: Biology 4650 and Geography 4650
LH: three-hour laboratory/discussion group
PR: two of ENVS 3110, 3130, and 3131; or permission of instructor; Science 1807 and Science 1808
4140
Environmental Science Field Course
is a course providing practical experience in the observation, collection, identification and quantification of organisms and the various environmental parameters which affect them in pristine and disturbed habitats. Combinations of freshwater, marine and terrestrial habitats will be studied using techniques from various scientific disciplines. The actual combination of habitats, organisms, and techniques will vary from year to year.
PR: Biology 2600, Statistics 2550, with a minimum of 80 credit hours from Environmental Science Program (or equivalent) and permission of the instructor and Program Chair; Science 1807 and Science 1808
In accordance with Senate's Policy Regarding Inactive Courses, the course descriptions for courses which have not been offered in the previous three academic years and which are not scheduled to be offered in the current academic year have been removed from the following listing. For information about any of these inactive courses, please contact the appropriate Dean of the School.
2261
Survey of Environmental Chemistry
provides an introduction to environmental problems, underlying chemistry and approaches to pollution prevention. Stratospheric chemistry and the ozone layer. Ground level air pollution. Global warming and the Greenhouse Effect. Toxic organic chemicals (TOCs), including herbicides, pesticides. Toxicology of PCBs, dioxins and furans. Chemistry of natural waters. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals. Energy production and its impact on the environment, including nuclear energy, fossil fuels, hydrogen.
PR: Chemistry 1001 or Chemistry 1051 or the permission of the instructor and Program Chair
3210
Environmental Analytical Chemistry I
involves the treatment of data, error analysis, wet methods of analysis of laboratory and field samples. Volumetric methods for acidity, alkalinity and hardness; chemical and biological oxygen demand (COD and BOD). Gravimetric methods for sulphate and phosphates. Theory and application of specific ion electrodes analysis of metal ions, dissolved gases and halide ions. Turbidimetric and nephelometric measures of water quality. Spectrophotometric analysis of trace metal ions.
LC: not more than seven hours per week
LH: not more than seven hours per week
PR: Chemistry 2301 (or the former Chemistry 2300 or Chemistry 2302) and Chemistry 2210 ; Science 1807 and Science 1808
3211
Environmental Analytical Chemistry II
discusses the theory and application of spectroscopic methods of analysis (including error analysis) of environmentally important compounds. Spectrophotometric, FTIR, light scattering, chromatographic (GC, GC/MS, HPLC), fluorescence, phosphorescence, atomic absorption and electroanalytical methods will be studied. Synthetic laboratory samples and field samples will be examined by these techniques.
LC: not more than seven hours per week
LH: not more than seven hours per week
PR: ENVS 3210 (or equivalent); Science 1807 and Science 1808
3260
Industrial Chemistry
examines chemical principles used in the manufacture of inorganic and organic chemical products; electrochemical, petrochemical, polymer, pulp and paper, agricultural, cement, cosmetics, detergent and paint industries. Processes, specific pollutants of current interest: inorganic (e.g. mercury, nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides gases, lead etc.) and organic (e.g. PCBs, chlorinated hydrocarbons, freons, pesticides/herbicides). Industrial sources and analytical methods of detection will be studied.
PR: Chemistry 2210 and Chemistry 2401 or permission of the instructor and Program Chair
3261
Atmospheric Chemistry
(same as Chemistry 3261) provides a comprehensive study of the chemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere. Beginning with an overview of planetary atmospheres, we follow the evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere until today. Atmospheric chemical processes are interpreted from the perspectives of chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, molecular orbital theory, and molecular spectroscopy. The mechanisms of stratospheric reactions are studied in the context of the ozone layer, while those of the troposphere are linked to the so-called ‘greenhouse effect’ and aspects of pollution. The very different upper-atmosphere chemistry is also studied.
CR: Chemistry 3261
PR: Chemistry 2210 and Chemistry 2301 or permission of the instructor and Program Chair
4230
Aquatic Chemistry I
introduces the thermodynamics and kinetics of model systems. Acids and bases (including buffer intensity and neutralizing capacity), dissolved gases, precipitation and dissolution. Metal ions in aqueous solution. Redox control in natural waters. Pourbaix diagrams. Regulation of chemical composition of natural waters, pollution and water quality.
LC: not more than seven hours per week
LH: not more than seven hours per week
PR: ENVS 3211 and one of Chemistry 2400 or Chemistry 2440 or permission of the instructor and Program Chair; Science 1807 and Science 1808
4239
Aquatic Chemistry II
- inactive course.
4249
Environmental Organic Chemistry
focuses on anthropogenic sources of organic chemicals and pollutants in the environment. Concepts of organic chemistry (synthesis, structure, physical properties, chirality, industrial organic processes), biological chemistry (enzymes, oxidative pathways) and physical chemistry (equilibria, partitioning) extended and applied to mass transport through soil, water and air. Kinetics and mechanisms of chemical, photochemical and biological degradation and conversion of organics. Structure-reactivity relationships for organic chemicals and degradation intermediates in the environment.
CR: Chemistry 4620
PR: ENVS 3260, ENVS 3261, ENVS 4230 or the permission of the instructor and Program Chair
1000
Introduction to Environmental Science
is an introduction to the study of the environment. Environmental principles, issues and problems will be described and placed in a historical and societal context.
2000
Sampling Methods in Environmental Science
introduces students to common field and laboratory techniques and monitoring practices in environmental science, in an interdisciplinary manner. The importance of field sampling and equipment used in field and laboratory for environmental monitoring of aquatic and terrestrial systems will be the main focus, incorporating aspects of biology, chemistry and earth science. Modules will be a mixture of field work, laboratory work, and lectures.
PR: two of Biology 1002, Chemistry 1001, Earth Sciences 1000; or permission of Program Chair; Science 1807 and Science 1808
2360
Geological Hazards and Natural Disasters
will introduce students to the geological aspects of the natural environment and the impacts that natural geological processes and phenomena may have on humanity. The impact of geological hazards and natural disasters on human society and behaviour will be examined through case studies.
CR: Earth Sciences 2916
PR: 18 credit hours or more
2369
Introduction to Soils
provides a broad background knowledge about soils. Topics covered include: the origin of soils; physical, biochemical, and engineering aspects of soils; influence on humans and their food production; soil pollution and degradation; and management and conservation of soils.
PR: 18 credit hours or more
2370
Global Environmental Change
is a survey of the Earth as a dynamic system. Discussion of interacting cycles that define the Earth's environment. Material cycles and energy concepts. Evolution of the atmosphere in response to lithospheric, biospheric and hydrospheric changes. Major global environmental changes from Earth's formation to present. Emphasis on self-regulating ability of the Earth system.
PR: 18 credit hours or more
2371
Oceanography
- inactive course.
2430
Energy and the Environment
considers energy, energy conversion, heat transfer, the laws of thermodynamics, nuclear processes and radiation. Practical problems such as the energy shortage, human influences on climate, resource extraction, nuclear power etc. will be discussed.
PR: Mathematics 1081 or Mathematics 1000; Physics 1021 or co-requisite Physics 1051
2450
Meteorology
is an application of physics and mathematics to the study of the atmosphere. Atmospheric motion on the global, synoptic, meso- and micro-scales. An introduction to atmospheric radiation and thermodynamics, clouds and precipitation. Vertical soundings and the analysis and interpretation of surface and upper-air weather maps.
3000
Principles of Environmental Toxicology
introduces students to the field of toxicology through the understanding of processes that include absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of toxic substances; and provides an overview of the history and development of ecotoxicology. An emphasis is placed on contemporary examples of toxic substances and their effects on biological systems and the environment.
CR: the former ENVS 4240
PR: Biology 1002, Chemistry 2401 or Chemistry 2440, and ENVS 2000
3072
Comparative Marine Environments
will investigate the physical, chemical, geological and biological characteristics of the major marine environments from the coastal zone to the abyss and from the equator to the poles. The objective of the course will be an integrated study of the parameters that define the various environments. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of organism and environment. The influence of the environment on the form, function and behaviour or organisms and the influence of the organism in modification of the physical environment will be stressed.
PR: ENVS 2371
3470
Transport Phenomena
is fundamentals of fluid flow. Conservation laws for mass, momentum, and energy. Dimensional analysis. Turbulence. Confined fluid flows. Fundamentals of heat transfer. Conduction, convention, and radiation. Diffusion, dispersion, and osmosis. Applications to transport of pollutants at the microscopic and macroscopic scale.
PR: Mathematics 1001, Physics 1020 and Physics 1021 or Physics 1050 and Physics 1051
4000
Environmental Science Seminar
reviews current topics in environmental science and discusses in a seminar format. Seminars will be presented on current research and environmental issues by faculty, students and guest speakers from universities, government and industry.
PR: Environmental Science students who have completed 80 credit hours or more, to include Biology 2600, Statistics 2550 and one of Chemistry 2440, Chemistry 2401, Chemistry 2210, or the former Chemistry 2300 (or 2301).
4069
Fundamentals of Soil Systems
is the physics, chemistry and Biology of soil, including inorganic soil components, chemistry of organic soil matter, soil equilibria, sorption phenomena on soils, ion exchange processes, kinetics of soil processes, redox chemistry of soils, soil acidity, saline and sodic soils, organic pollutants, trace and toxic elements in soils, soil organisms, organic matter cycling, nutrient cycling and fertility, soil conservation and sustainable agriculture.
LC: not more than six hours per week
LH: not more than six hours per week. The laboratory will cover a number of key physical, chemical and biological properties and procedures used in soil analyses. One or more field trips will be scheduled during laboratory sessions
PR: Biology 2600, Earth Sciences 1000, one of Chemistry 2210, the former Chemistry 2300, Chemistry 2301, Chemistry 2401, or Chemistry 2440, and 6 credit hours selected from Environment and Sustainability 2000 or the former Environmental Studies 2000, ENVS 2261, 2360, 2370, 2371, 2430, 2450, 3072, 3470. It is recommended that students complete at least 80 credit hours before registering for this course; Science 1807 and Science 1808.
4131
Environmental Restoration and Waste Management
focuses on procedures aimed at restoring and rehabilitating ecosystems, with an examination of the interdisciplinary scientific basis underlying these procedures. The efficacy of management options, e.g. biomanipulation, microbial degradation and chemical treatments, involved in restoration and waste management will be evaluated. Applications and practical case studies of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems will be covered.
PR: Biology 2600, one of Chemistry 2210, the former Chemistry 2300, Chemistry 2301, Chemistry 2401, or Chemistry 2440, and 6 credit hours selected from Environment and Sustainability 2000 or the former Environmental Studies 2000, ENVS 2261, 2360, 2370, 2371, 2430, 2450, 3072, 3470. It is recommended that students complete at least 80 credit hours before registering for this course.
4369
Environmental Hydrology
provides quantitative and qualitative study of hydrological processes and functions under different environments. It explores natural and anthropogenic impacts on quality, quantity and distribution of water in different environments. Thus. the students will develop a balanced view of the hydrological processes and functions, will be able to understand the basic tenets of water cycle modeling and will be equipped to recognize the role and impact of water management on complex natural phenomena.
PR: Earth Sciences 1000, Mathematics 1000, and Physics 1020 or 1050 or permission of the Program Chair. It is recommended that students complete at least 75 credit hours before registering for this course.
4479
Groundwater Flow
provides a quantitative approach to the occurrence, characterization, flow and modeling of groundwater systems. Thus, the students will acquire solid knowledge of the basic principles governing groundwater flow systems and their quantification of interest to environmental scientists and will help to develop a balanced view for sustainable development and management of groundwater systems.
CR: Earth Sciences 3610, the former 4610
PR: Earth Sciences 1000, Mathematics 1000, and Physics 1020 or 1050 or the permission of the Program Chair. It is recommended that students complete at least 75 credit hours before registering for this course.
4910-4930
Special Topics in Environmental Science
are special topics courses in Environmental Science normally taken by students beyond the second year.
4950
Research Project in Environmental Science
is a course, with the guidance of a faculty member, where students will conduct a scientific study based upon original research or a critical review of extant data in an appropriate area. Students are required to submit a report and give a presentation.
PR: permission of Program Chair; Science 1807 and Science 1808
4951
Honours Project in Environmental Science I
is a course, under the guidance of a designated supervisor (or supervisors), where the student will prepare a thesis proposal including a comprehensive literature review of the subject of their Honours thesis. Students will present the results of their work in both written and oral form.
PR: restricted to Environmental Science students who have been accepted into the Honours option; Science 1807 and Science 1808
4959
Honours Research Project in Environmental Science II
is a continuation of ENVS 4951 specifically for Honours students. Under the supervision of faculty member(s), students will carry out an original research project in environmental science. Students will present both a thesis and seminar on their research.
PR: ENVS 4951 and admission to the honours program; Science 1807 and Science 1808