GLST 243 is a cross-listed course—a course listed under 2 different disciplines—with ENVS 243. GLST 243 may not be taken for credit by students who have obtained credit for ENVS 243. As well, students who have obtained credit for GLST/ENVS 253 cannot take GLST/ENVS 243 for credit.
This course is devoted to the study of the interaction between human society and the rest of the ecological world. The course will introduce the methodology needed for that study and will examine such topics as atmospheric change, biodiversity loss, resource use, and agriculture. The course will also explore how societies can move toward sustainable development and moderate their effects on the biosphere. The central questions of this course—how human societies are affecting the biosphere, and how societies’ harmful influences can be moderated—are the questions humanity must ask in order to ensure long-term survival.
Outline
Unit 1: Studying Global Climate Change
Unit 2: The Earth's Atmosphere
Unit 3: The Ozone Story
Unit 4: Greenhouse Gases and Global Climate Change
Unit 5: Biodiversity Loss
Unit 6: Energy Production and Climate Change
Unit 7: Agriculture and Global Environmental Change
Unit 8: Respecting Ecological Limits
Unit 9: Sustainable Development
Evaluation
To receive credit for this course, students must complete four assignments and write the final closed book examination. They must receive 50 percent on the final exam and achieve a course composite grade of at least a D (50 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Assignment 1
15%
Assignment 2
15%
Assignment 3
20%
Assignment 4a Proposal
5%
Assignment 4b Essay
25%
Final Exam
20%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
Suzuki, David, & Dressel, Holly. (2010). More good news: Real solutions to the global eco-crisis. Vancouver: David Suzuki Foundation/Greystone Books. (eBook)
Other Materials
All other course materials are available online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the GLST 243 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least “D” (50 percent) on both activities.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.