University of the Philippines
Course Description: Introduction to principles and concepts in the study of the natural environment within a societal framework.
Course Credit: 3 u
Prerequisite: None
Domain: Math, Science and Technology
Course Objectives: To introduce the students to the principles and concepts of Environmental Science from an analytical and interdisciplinary perspective of environmental issues.
Introduction (2 meetings)
The natural environment; history of environmentalism, the Philippine environment in the context of the global environmental change; the role of Environmental Science.
Module I. Components of the environment (4 meetings)
The earth as a system; the land, air, water; the earth’s biomes
Module II. Interrelationships and interdependence (9 meetings)
Functions of nature; ecosystems as units of sustainability, how they work and adapt to environmental change; Transboundary and transitional zones (contiguity and ecotones); biodiversity: variety, variability and natural relations through space and time; man as an agent of change
Module III. Environmental issues (12 meetings)
Natural disasters, habitat modification, pollution,
global warming, ozone depletion, energy sources, etc.
Human population; environmental education, health and toxicology,
resource valuation, bioengineering.
Conservation, protected areas, surveillance and monitoring.
Philippine Environmental Laws
Culture and Environment
Module IV. Integration of learnings ( 2 meetings)
Long Exam 2 (Module III)
Final Exam
Short Quizzes
Interactive sessions- workshops on specific issues
Fieldwork
Integral to the content and approach of the course are the following ‘innovations’, which are built-in in each unit. We are convinced that they will help motivate the professors to teach and the students to learn. Hence, Case Studies introduce each unit, Learning Objectives help students focus early on what is important, Critical Analysis of Issue encourages critical thinking, Study Questions help students to use critical thinking skills, and Further Reading and Internet Resources help broaden their perspectives and give them access to major and current information sources. All throughout a semester and guided by the philosophy and spirit of integratedness and holism (the landmarks of true environmentalism), the students will be working in teams in attaining the course objectives.