This course focuses on the interactions between the mineral industry and living world. Topics include: fundamentals of biogeochemical prospecting; use of microbes in mineral extraction; effects of environmental contamination on ecosystems; waste disposal; rehabilitation of damaged ecosystems; environmental impact assessment; methods and interpretation. PREREQ: BIOL 1000 or 1506/7 plus 2356 (may be taken concurrently). Normally offered every three years. (lec 3, exp) cr 3