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
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$879.13 - $926.04 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
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
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of BSUS 5140 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 66972
Dates
Jul 07 - Aug 25 Loading
- CRN 66972
- $879.13 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
8 weeks
Instructor
Alan Shapiro
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Reserved for students registered in BCIT’s Sustainable Business or BBA programs. Sustainable Business students, can register themselves online. BBA students, please contact sbl@bcit.ca to register. The course includes 2 hours synchronous and class and 5.5 hour asynchronous per week, for a total of 7.5 hours of instruction, combining live sessions with independent study.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of BSUS 5140 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 47078
Dates
Sep 08 - Dec 08 Loading
- CRN 47078
- $926.04 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
14 weeks
Instructor
Alan Shapiro
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course is open only to students in the Sustainable Business Leadership (SBL) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs. • SBL students: You are pre-approved to register. • BBA students: Please email sbl@bcit.ca with your student ID to request departmental approval. • All others: If you are not in either program and wish to request special permission, please email sbl@bcit.ca. Each week includes a mix of: • 2 hours live online instruction (MS Teams) • 2 hours asynchronous online learning with active instructor involvement (students will receive guidance, support, and/or feedback during this time)
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.