School of Biotechnology, International University-HCMC
Department: BioTechnology
Course Syllabus
Form BT.Exxx
Environmental Science (PE014IU)
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course provides the basic knowledge of environmental science that includes general issues,
ecology, and the impact of human activities to natural resources and environment and sustainable
development. The course topics will include all general issues; ecology: the basics of environmental
science; population growth and utilization of natural resources and the environment; natural
resources and current exploitation; pollution and its impacts, environmental economic and
sustainable development. It also aims at increasing general awareness of the students about
possible impacts of human activities on the environment and natural resources in order to justify
relevant economic practices.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the conclusion of the course, students should achieve the following:
1. An understanding of:
a. Environmental and environmental science terminology and concepts;
b. Integration of environment and development;
c. Population growth, natural resources utilization and exploitation; environmental
implications and mitigation measures
d. Climate change: causes, impacts and adaptation measures;
e. Environmental economic
f. Sustainable development.
2. Ability to explain natural phenomenon and environmental problems caused by human
activities
3. Ability to predict population growth, natural resource demands, waste generations in
future
4. Ability to convince people to protect environment by simple activities.
5. Ability to suggest simple sustainable strategies to mitigate the impact of human activities
on the environment and natural resource.
PREREQUISITES
None
INSTRUCTOR(S)
Hoang Tung (PhD), Rm. 708, htung@hcmiu.edu.vn
Nguyen Minh Thanh (PhD), Biotechnology Laboratory Complex, nmthanh@hcmiu.edu.vn
Tran Ngoc Duc (PhD), Biotechnology Laboratory Complex, tnduc@hcmiu.edu.vn
Pham Thi Hoa (PhD), Biotechnology Laboratory Complex, pthoa@hcmiu.edu.vn
Bui Xuan Anh Dao (MAppSc.), Biotechnology Laboratory Complex, bxadao@hcmiu.edu.vn
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School of Biotechnology, International University-HCMC
Department: BioTechnology
Course Syllabus
Form BT.Exxx
RESOURCES
Recommended book(s):
Miller T.G. and Spoolman S.E. (2010), Environmental Science, 13th edition, Cengage Learning
Publisher, USA. ISBN: 0495560173.
On IU Blackboard
Link to course documents on BB
Other Website(s)
CONTENTS (3 lecture credits)
Lecture (3 credits = 45 hours)
1. Lecture 1 (4 hours): Introduction to the course; General issues: Over population,
exploitation and utilization of natural resource; Environmental pollution; Green house
effect and climate change; Inter-relations between pollution growth, natural resources
and the environment; principles of sustainability.
2. Lecture 2 (8 hours): Ecology: The basic of Environmental Science: Environmental,
ecological factors, population, adaptation; Community (structure, interactions between
living organisms)
3. Lecture 3 (4 hours): Population growth and utilization of natural resources and the
environment: population growth; essentials for life and Increasing pressure on natural
resources and the environment.
4. Lecture 4 (8 hours): Natural resources and current exploitation: Resources: definition,
classification and properties; Current status of natural resource exploitation;
Sustainable management of natural resources.
5. Lecture 5 (8 hours): Pollution and its impacts: soil pollution, water pollution, air
pollution and Environmental remediation.
6. Lecture 6 (4 hours): Environmental economic: Economic tools use to shift to full-cost
pricing, and sustainable development: Concepts; Requirements and feasibility; Vietnam’
strategies for sustainable development.
7. Lecture 7 (9 hours): Course Project (a campaign to improve public awareness or a
study on environmental pollution or remediation.
GRADING
Midterm Exam: 30%
Final Exam:
40%
Course project: 30%
POLICY1
Language
The following policies are applied to all courses offered by the School of Biotechnology, International University – VNUHCM. Instructor(s) is
encouraged to add and discuss with the students additional policies that could help improve the quality of the course or its delivery.
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School of Biotechnology, International University-HCMC
Department: BioTechnology
Course Syllabus
Form BT.Exxx
English only. Both students and instructors are encouraged to use English for all
communications, either in or outside of class. At minimum English must be used when in
class.
Attendance
Students must attend at least 80% of the classes in order to qualify for sitting the midterm
and final exams. All absence, if not emergent, requires approval of the instructor(s) in
advance. Absence for exams requires in-advanced approval of the Office of Academic Affairs.
Safety
Both instructor(s) and students are requested to strictly follow the rules/regulations related
to safety issued by the university and/or the school. Violation, no matter on intention or not,
implies immediate demission from class or lab work session.
Teaching hours
All classes start sharply at 08:00 in the morning and 13:00 in the afternoon. Each teaching
period lasts for 45 mins and must be delivered in the presence of either the instructor(s) or
his/her teaching assistant. Students that do not come on time can be considered as not
attending the class.
Communication
Conversation between instructor(s) and students is possible via in-person contact or email.
It is recommended that students check with the instructor(s) first before attempting to use
telephone for communication.
Qualification of the instructor(s)
Instructor(s) and his/her teaching assistant, once approved by the university and the school,
i.e. names appear on the semester’s official schedule, are qualified for teaching. They are fully
responsible for the quality of teaching reflected via the preparation of this syllabus, available
materials uploaded on IU-Blackboard, lecture notes or handouts and, if the course requires
lab work, lab manual. Without permission from the university and the school no other
person could teach on behalf of the instructor(s)
Report
Any matter related to the course should be directly reported and discussed with the
instructor(s) before attempting to resolve it at the school or the university levels.
Appointment to meet with the Dean of School could be made via the school’s secretary or via
email biotechnology@hcmiu.edu.vn. Students who wish to remain anonymous could write
and drop their complaints in the White Box in front of the school’s office.
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