OHS102 - Environmental Management: An Introduction
| Semester | |
| School | |
| Last revision date | 2024-01-29 01:14:58.356 |
| Last review date | 2024-02-05 00:15:08.391 |
Subject Title
Environmental Management: An Introduction
Subject Description
The development of analytical and evaluation skills is required in the management of environmental issues. Students are exposed to environmental policies, legislation procedures, and become familiar with the implications and effects of environmental management strategies. The application and development of site inspections and program auditing are explored to assist in the recognition and analysis of potential environmental risks as they would apply in the development of an environmental management system.
Credit Status
One credit toward the Occupational Health and Safety Certificate and/or one credit toward the Environmnetal Management Certificate.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
1. Acknowledge the complexity of environmental policies, legislation and procedures.
2. Explain an Environmental Management System (EMS).
3. Demonstrate an understanding of environmental assessment/screening.
5. Explain environmental programs and audits.
6. Describe the principles of environmental monitoring.
7. Explain the principles of transportation and handling of dangerous goods.
8. Identify types and sources of hazardous and toxic materials.
9. Explain the principles of spill prevention, response, preparedness and reporting.
10. Explain the basics of pollution control systems.
11. Discuss various methods of waste management and disposal (municipal, industrial and hazardous wastes)
Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).
Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.
Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.
Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.
Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.
By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Topic Outline
Environmental Policies, Legislation and Procedures
- Key components of regulations/procedures
- Distinguish between mandatory action requirements and best practices
- Review the complexity of various regulations and codes and their relationship
General Environmental Terms and Concepts
- Identify and explain environmental terms and concepts
Principles of an Environmental Management System (EMS)
- Identify the key steps associated in development of an EMS
- Gain an understanding of implementation of an EMS
- Explain the importance of sub-components of the ISO14001 standard
Environmental Assessment/Screening
- Demonstrate an ability to apply the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
- Conduct a screening of environmental projects using CEAA exclusion and inclusion lists
- Prepare a report based on findings of screening
- Apply basic audit techniques
- Develop audit protocols based on existing environmental regulations
- Explain the types of audit protocols and their application
Environmental Monitoring
- Understand the methods for testing and monitoring air, water and soil media
- Explain the application of environmental monitoring
Transportation and Handling of Dangerous Goods
- Gain an understanding of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and its application
- TDG certificates
Types and Sources of Hazardous and Toxic Materials
- Demonstrate an ability to apply WHMIS regulations
- Identify types and sources of hazardous/ toxic materials
Principles of Spill Prevention, Response, Preparedness and Reporting
- Understand pollution prevention practices and emergency response preparedness
- Explain actions to be taken in response to a spill and associated reporting requirements
Basics of Pollution Control Systems
- Explain methods and systems used to protect air and water quality
Waste Management and Disposal (municipal, industrial and hazardous wastes)
- Understand waste audits/waste reduction work plans
- Identify the handling and disposal of recyclables, land fill waste and hazardous waste
Mode of Instruction
Online
This will involve the use of digital materials and/or a text, mandatory group discussions, interaction with your instructor and online activities.
Learning Activities and Assessment
Samples of learning activities include:
- Gathering, reframing and integrating research material
- Participation in discussion forums
- Lesson content quizzes to reinforce learning and improve retention
- Written assignments
- Mid-term Test (online)
- Final Exam (online)
Prescribed Texts
No books required for this course.
A list of links to online resources will also be provided within the course material.
Reference Material
None
Required Supplies
None
Student Progression and Promotion Policy
http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html
Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html
| A+ | 90% to 100% |
| A | 80% to 89% |
| B+ | 75% to 79% |
| B | 70% to 74% |
| C+ | 65% to 69% |
| C | 60% to 64% |
| D+ | 55% to 59% |
| D | 50% to 54% |
| F | 0% to 49% (Not a Pass) |
| OR | |
| EXC | Excellent |
| SAT | Satisfactory |
| UNSAT | Unsatisfactory |
For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).
Modes of Evaluation
All the academic policies of the College at which you registered apply. This includes, but is not limited to policies related to grading, supplemental exams, deferred exams and accommodations.
Grading is based on the following marking scheme:
| Online | |
| Assignment 1 | 15% |
| Assignment 2 | 15% |
| Assignment 3 | 20% |
| Discussions | 20% |
| Quizzes | 30% |
Final Exam Format : No exam requirement.
The passing grade for this course is: 60%.
MINIMUM PERFORMANCE FOR GRADUATION
No student will be eligible to graduate with a Seneca College certificate or diploma if, in more than 30% of the subjects required for graduation, the student has received a "D" grade.
Assignments
- Assignments are due on the date given by the instrtuctor.
- A late penalty of 10% per day is assessed for late assignments, including those not handed in at the beginning of class when due.
- Material will not be accepted after one week following the due date and/or when the marked material is returned to students, whichever comes first.
- Assignments are to be prepared by computer.
Absenteeism and Exams
- Students who are absent for an examination due to an emergency (e.g., motor vehicle accident, hospitalization or death in the family) may provide official documentation within five days of the missed exam and be provided a deferred exam at a later date. Official documentation includes a death notice or an original doctor’s certificate identifying the date, length of time expected absence and the specific reason for the absence. Examinations missed without official documentation and approval result in a grade of zero.
- There are no deferred options for missed tests.
English Proficiency
- All written work should demonstrate the following characteristics for clarity and conciseness:
-spelling and punctuation are correct
-sentences are structured correctly
-main ideas are supported with specific, relevant examples and reasons
-work flows logically through supporting statements/paragraphs
-work is arranged in correct format (e.g., as a report, essay)
-up to 10% of the final grade may be deducted on all work if the above English competencies are not met.