Office of the Registrar
Grenfell Campus (2022/2023)
13.13 Environmental Science

Environmental Science courses are designated by ENVS.

13.13.1 Environmental Biology

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

AR = Attendance requirement; CH = Credit hours are 3 unless otherwise noted; CO = Co-requisite(s); CR = Credit can be retained for only one course from the set(s) consisting of the course being described and the course(s) listed; LC = Lecture hours per week are 3 unless otherwise noted; LH = Laboratory hours per week; OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars; PR = Prerequisite(s); UL = Usage limitation(s).
13.13.2 Environmental Chemistry

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

AR = Attendance requirement; CH = Credit hours are 3 unless otherwise noted; CO = Co-requisite(s); CR = Credit can be retained for only one course from the set(s) consisting of the course being described and the course(s) listed; LC = Lecture hours per week are 3 unless otherwise noted; LH = Laboratory hours per week; OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars; PR = Prerequisite(s); UL = Usage limitation(s).
13.13.3 Other Environmental Science

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.

CO: Physics 1051 or prerequisite Physics 1021

PR: Physics 1021 or co-requisite Physics 1051

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

AR = Attendance requirement; CH = Credit hours are 3 unless otherwise noted; CO = Co-requisite(s); CR = Credit can be retained for only one course from the set(s) consisting of the course being described and the course(s) listed; LC = Lecture hours per week are 3 unless otherwise noted; LH = Laboratory hours per week; OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars; PR = Prerequisite(s); UL = Usage limitation(s).