- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
This course presents a broad overview of Earth systems, global change, and environmental policy to provide a foundation for further study in sustainable business. Using a nested circle framework for sustainable business, this course contextualizes economic structures within broader societal and environmental systems and impacts. Key topics include Earth and environmental systems, cycles, and processes; human interactions with the environment; global change; environmental management and policy; and the sustainable business landscape. Over the course of the term, students apply their knowledge and skills to assess the environmental impacts of a resource development project.
Prerequisite(s)
- Acceptance into the Sustainable Business Advanced Certificate, Sustainable Business Leadership Advanced Diploma, or Bachelor of Business Administration program.
Credits
4.0
Domestic fees
$879.13 - $907.41 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
- Describe fundamental Earth systems concepts, including cycles, feedbacks, and uncertainty
- Describe the broader global change processes underlying present day environmental issues, including climate change
- Map and interpret environment and sustainability-related policy frameworks at regional, national, and international scales
- Draw on a multidisciplinary portfolio of environmental management tools and concepts
- Evaluate business impacts and processes in the context of natural and policy systems
- Conduct secondary research and review academic literature
- Critically analyze environmental and sustainability claims from a range of sources
- Concisely and effectively communicate technical information through a range of platforms, including reports and presentations
Effective as of Fall 2020
Related Programs
Earth Systems and Environmental Policy (BSUS 5140) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Business + Media
- Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration Full-time/Part-time
- Sustainable Business
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Sustainable Business Leadership
Advanced Diploma Full-time
- Sustainable Business Leadership
Advanced Diploma Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2025
Below is one offering of BSUS 5140 for the Fall 2025 term.
CRN 47078
Dates
Sep 03 - Dec 10 Loading
- CRN 47078
- $907.41 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
Alan Shapiro
Course outline
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- Reserved for Sustainable Business Leadership (SBL) and BBA students. SBL students are pre-approved to register. BBA students please email sbl@bcit.ca with your ID for departmental approval. If you are not in either of these programs at BCIT and are seeking special permission to register, please email SBL@bcit.ca Course includes a combination of live in-person and work-at-your-own pace online learning each week.
Status
Winter 2026
Below is one offering of BSUS 5140 for the Winter 2026 term.
CRN 90676
Dates
Jan 08 - Apr 16 Loading
- CRN 90676
- $879.13 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
Alan Shapiro
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Internet delivery format.
- Departmental approval needed
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- Class will NOT be held on February 16 (Family Day) and April 6 (Easter Monday) This course is reserved for students enrolled in BCIT’s BBA, Sustainable Business Advanced Certificate, and Advanced Diploma programs. • Sustainable Business students complete registration online. • BBA students contact sbl@bcit.ca to register. This is an online course that will include 2 hours of synchronous (live online) and 2 hours of asynchronous instruction each week.
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.