MAKATI SCIENCE TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES
4410 ERL Building, Teresa St., Old Sta. Mesa, Manila
COLLEGE DEPARTMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
COURSE SYLLABUS
AY 2024 - 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that explores the interactions between humans and
the environment. This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of key
environmental issues, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.
Through engaging lectures, thought-provoking discussions, and hands-on activities, students will develop
critical thinking skills and gain the knowledge necessary to address and solve complex environmental
problems.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Understand the basic principles of environmental science and their application to real-world
scenarios.
2. Analyze the impact of human activities on the environment and identify potential solutions.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of environmental policies and practices in addressing environmental
challenges.
4. Develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems by considering social, economic, and
ecological factors.
5. Enhance scientific literacy and communication skills through research, data analysis, and effective
communication of environmental issues.
COURSE TOPICS
1. Introduction to Environmental Science
a. Overview of the course and its objectives
b. Introduction to key environmental concepts and principles, such as sustainability, carrying
capacity, and ecological footprint
2. Ecosystems and Biodiversity
a. Understanding the structure and function of ecosystems
b. Exploring the importance of biodiversity and its role in ecosystem stability and resilience
c. Research on the impact of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity loss
3. Climate Change and Global Warming
a. Causes and consequences of climate change
b. The role of greenhouse gases and their impact on the Earth's climate system.
c. Mitigation and adaptation strategies to address climate change at local, national, and
global levels.
4. Air and Water Pollution
a. Sources and effects of air pollution, including the impact on human health and
ecosystems.
b. Understanding water pollution and its consequences for aquatic ecosystems and human
populations.
c. Examination of pollution control measures and technologies.
5. Land and Soil Degradation
a. Deforestation and its impact on biodiversity and climate change
b. Soil erosion, desertification, and their implications for agriculture and food security
c. Strategies for sustainable land and soil management
MAKATI SCIENCE TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES
4410 ERL Building, Teresa St., Old Sta. Mesa, Manila
COLLEGE DEPARTMENT
6. Energy and Resource Management
a. Exploration of renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
b. Analysis of energy consumption patterns and their environmental implications.
c. Sustainable resource management practices to ensure long-term availability and
minimize environmental impact.
7. Waste Management and Recycling
a. Types of waste and their disposal methods, including landfilling, incineration, and
recycling.
b. Examination of waste management strategies, such as waste reduction, reuse, and
recycling.
c. Case studies on successful waste management initiatives.
8. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
a. Critique of industrial agriculture and its environmental consequences.
b. Introduction to sustainable farming practices, including organic farming, permaculture,
and agroforestry.
c. Exploration of alternative food systems, such as local food movements and
community-supported agriculture.
9. Conservation and Restoration of Natural Resources
a. Principles and strategies of conservation biology.
b. Examination of conservation efforts for endangered species and habitats.
c. Introduction to restoration ecology and its importance in ecosystem recovery.
10. Environmental Ethics and Justice
a. Ethical considerations in environmental decision-making, including anthropocentrism,
ecocentrism, and biocentrism.
b. Exploration of environmental justice issues, including the disproportionate impact of
environmental problems on marginalized communities.
c. Case studies on ethical dilemmas and conflicts related to environmental issues.
11. Environmental Policy and Governance
a. Introduction to environmental policies and regulations at local, national, and international
levels.
b. Analysis of the role of government, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders in
environmental governance.
c. Evaluation of the effectiveness of environmental policies in addressing environmental
challenges.
12. Sustainable Development and Green Technologies
a. Overview of sustainable development goals and strategies.
b. Exploration of green technologies and their potential to address environmental
challenges.
c. Case studies on successful sustainable development projects.
CASE STUDIES
1. Introduction to Environmental Science
2. Ecosystems and Biodiversity
○ Case Study: "The Impact of Urban Development on the Arroceros Forest Park
Biodiversity"
■ Description: Explore how urbanization in Metro Manila affects the biodiversity of
the Arroceros Forest Park, including the implications for local flora and fauna.
MAKATI SCIENCE TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES
4410 ERL Building, Teresa St., Old Sta. Mesa, Manila
COLLEGE DEPARTMENT
3. Climate Change and Global Warming
○ Case Study: "Climate Change and Urban Flooding in Metro Manila"
■ Description: Analyze the relationship between climate change and the increased
frequency of flooding in Metro Manila, using recent flooding events as case
examples, and discuss local mitigation and adaptation strategies done by the
local government unit.
4. Air and Water Pollution
○ Case Study: "Water Pollution in the Pasig River: Sources, Effects, and Rehabilitation
Efforts"
■ Description: Examine the causes of water pollution in the Pasig River, its effects
on local communities and ecosystems, and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing
rehabilitation projects of the local government unit.
5. Land and Soil Degradation
○ Case Study: "Urbanization and Soil Degradation in Metro Manila's Green Spaces"
■ Description: Investigate how rapid urbanization in Metro Manila leads to soil
degradation in the city's remaining green spaces and discuss sustainable land
management strategies.
6. Energy and Resource Management
○ Case Study: "The Role of Solar Energy in Metro Manila: The Case of Solar Rooftops"
■ Description: Assess the impact of solar rooftop installations in Metro Manila on
local energy consumption patterns, benefits, challenges, and the potential for
expanding renewable energy use.
7. Waste Management and Recycling
○ Case Study: "Solid Waste Management Practices in Metro Manila: Successes and
Challenges"
■ Description: Explore the current waste management practices in Metro Manila,
highlighting successful initiatives and ongoing challenges, and propose solutions
to improve waste reduction and recycling rates.
8. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
○ Case Study: "Urban Farming in Metro Manila: Benefits and Challenges"
■ Description: Analyze the rise of urban farming initiatives in Metro Manila, their
environmental impact, benefits to local communities, and challenges faced in
sustaining urban agricultural practices.
9. Conservation and Restoration of Natural Resources
○ Case Study: "Mangrove Restoration in the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and
Ecotourism Area"
■ Description: Evaluate the mangrove restoration efforts in the Las
Piñas-Parañaque area, their effectiveness in conserving biodiversity, and
challenges encountered in these projects.
10. Environmental Ethics and Justice
○ Case Study: "Environmental Justice in the Manila Bay Rehabilitation"
■ Description: Examine the environmental justice issues involved in the Manila
Bay rehabilitation, focusing on the displacement of informal settlers and the
balancing of environmental and social considerations.
MAKATI SCIENCE TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES
4410 ERL Building, Teresa St., Old Sta. Mesa, Manila
COLLEGE DEPARTMENT
11. Environmental Policy and Governance
○ Case Study: "The Impact of the Clean Air Act of 1999 on Air Quality in Metro Manila"
■ Description: Investigate how the implementation of the Clean Air Act has
affected air quality in Metro Manila, analyzing policy successes, shortcomings,
and areas for improvement.
12. Sustainable Development and Green Technologies
○ Case Study: "Green Building Initiatives in Makati: A Model for Sustainable Urban
Development"
■ Description: Explore the adoption of green building technologies in Makati City,
their benefits for sustainable urban development, and the potential for replicating
these initiatives in other parts of Metro Manila.
GRADING POLICIES
1. Attendance and Participation: 20%
a. Attendance will be recorded in each class session.
b. Active participation in discussions, group activities, and case studies is expected.
2. Quizzes and Midterm Examination: 20%
a. Regular quizzes will be conducted to assess understanding of key concepts.
b. Midterm and final exams will cover the material taught throughout the semester.
3. Case Studies: 40%
a. Completion of group case studies that require critical thinking, research, and analysis.
4. Final Examination: 20%
a. A comprehensive final exam will assess the overall understanding of the course material.
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND PARTICIPATION
1. Attend all classes and actively participate in discussions and activities.
2. Respect the opinions and ideas of others, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning
environment.
3. Complete all output on time, demonstrating a commitment to academic integrity.
4. Use appropriate language and behavior during class, showing respect for the instructor and fellow
students.
5. Follow the rules and regulations set by Makati Science Technological Institute of the Philippines.
CONSULTATION TIME
The instructor is available for consultation after class hours. Take note of the given schedule below.
● Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
● Friday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
● Saturday and Sunday: by appointment thru e-mail.
NOTE
This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. Any modifications will be
communicated to the students in a timely manner.
