Literacy - mainly through an essay in which the writing skills of the student will be examined. The intent of this course is to review the various types of radiation, both man-made and natural which occur in the environment. The first section of the course will deal with the electromagnetic spectrum, extending from gamma radiation to radio-wave radiation, but special attention will be paid to the solar spectrum and the factors which lead to the determination of the Earth's albedo. This will lead directly into analysis of the Earth's energy balance and the relationship between atmospheric characteristics and the greenhouse effect. Also included under electromagnetic spectrum will be discussions of ultraviolet, infrared, microwave radiations and an analysis of the concerns related to long-wavelength exposure near power transmission lines.
Acoustical noise is a modern day problem in cities and in buildings.
A section of the course will deal with the measurement and absorption of sound with a view toward understanding sound suppression technologies. Medical applications of ultrasonic radiation will be discussed. The last section of the course will be concerned with radioactivity and radiation fields. Properties of both natural and man-made radiations in the environment will be described, along with an overview of their effects on materials and living organisms. This is a core course in the Environmental Analysis option in the B.Sc.