Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences [B.Sc.(Env.)]
Program Information
Objectives of the Program
The Environmental Sciences program is designed to provide a strong interdisciplinary grounding in specific environmental sciences including the socioeconomic context in which environmental issues are resolved.
There is an emphasis on management and decision-making skills for the application of scientific knowledge to environmental problems, and the evaluation of appropriate environmental policies. A practical perspective based on defining and resolving problems is central to the program, and this is often done in the context of group work.
Substantial emphasis is placed on communication skills, including the development of competence in both written and oral presentations. These skills will be progressively developed in core courses from the first to the fourth year. Students in the final year of their program will be expected to take part in more intensive communication skill development. Graduates will seek employment in a range of fields, from government agencies to private industry and research.
Academic Counselling
General information on the degree program is available from the Program Counsellor. Advising for each major is available through the assigned faculty advisor responsible for the major. Students are encouraged to seek the advice of the faculty advisors when choosing restricted electives and planning course selections.
Degree
The degree granted for the successful completion of this honours program will be the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences--B.Sc.(Env.).
Continuation of Study
Students are advised to consult the regulations for Continuation of Study in Chapter VIII--Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Procedures of this Calendar.
Conditions for Graduation
In order to graduate from the B.Sc.(Env.) program, students must successfully complete a minimum of 20.00 credits including all the stated course requirements for the program. As well, students must achieve a cumulative average of 60% or higher over all course attempts.
Environmental Sciences (Co-op)
A 5-year Honours Program in Environmental Sciences is offered as a Co-operative Education Program. This option is offered within the B.Sc. (Env.) degree and is available to all majors. The course requirements are the same as those listed for the regular B.Sc. (Env.) program, by the Co-operative Education Program and as outlined in the Continuation of Study policy (Chapter VIII--Undergraduate Degree Regulations & Procedures).
Ecology, Environmental Economics and Policy, and Environmental Sciences Co-op Work Term Schedule
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academic Semester 1 | Academic Semester 2 | Off |
| 2 | Academic Semester 3 | COOP*1000 Work Term I | COOP*2000 Work Term II |
| 3 | Academic Semester 4 | Academic Semester 5 | COOP*3000 Work Term III |
| 4 | COOP*4000 Work Term IV | Academic Semester 6 | Off |
| 5 | Academic Semester 7 | Academic Semester 8 | N/A |
Environment and Resource Management Co-op Work Term Schedule
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academic Semester 1 | Academic Semester 2 | Off |
| 2 | Academic Semester 3 | Academic Semester 4 | COOP*1000 Work Term I |
| 3 | Academic Semester 5 | Academic Semester 6 | COOP*2000 Work Term II |
| 4 | COOP*3000 Work Term III | COOP*4000 Work Term IV | Off |
| 5 | Academic Semester 7 | Academic Semester 8 | N/A |
Since some of the course requirements in the degree program (core or major) are not offered each semester, careful planning and program consultation with the Faculty Co-op Advisor is essential. In particular, students are encouraged to seek advice when choosing for their Summer academic semester.
The Environmental Sciences Program
The degree in Environmental Sciences consists of a minimum of 20.00 credits, as follows:
- 7.00 Environmental Sciences Core
- 8.00 - 10.50 Environmental Sciences required courses and restricted electives according to major.
- Free Electives
Within these courses, students must include at least 6.00 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, and no program may include more than 7.00 credits at the 1000 level.
Please note that not all courses in the "One of:" options are available each semester (F, W, S). Students are encouraged to seek advice from the appropriate advisor when selecting and scheduling courses.
Minors and Double Counting
Students may also take a minor in another subject area. A maximum of 2.50 credits required for the B.Sc.(Env.) program may be applied to meet the requirements of a minor. Students should note that completion of a minor may require additional credits beyond the 20.00 required for the program. Students intending to acquire a minor should consult with their Program Counsellor.
First Year Curriculum
The first year courses have been selected to provide students with sufficient background and knowledge to enter any one of the Environmental Sciences majors.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| BIOL*1070 | Discovering Biodiversity | 0.50 |
| CHEM*1040 | General Chemistry I | 0.50 |
| ENVS*1030 | Introduction to Environmental Sciences | 1.00 |
| MATH*1080 | Elements of Calculus I | 0.50 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| BIOL*1090 | Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology | 0.50 |
| CHEM*1050 | General Chemistry II | 0.50 |
| FARE*1040 | Introduction to Environmental Economics, Law and Policy | 1.00 |
| GEOG*1300 | Introduction to the Biophysical Environment | 0.50 |
Note: Co-op students must select COOP*1100 Introduction to Co-operative Education
Environmental Sciences Core
In addition to the common first year curriculum, students are required to take the following core Environmental Sciences courses in the semesters recommended in the schedule of studies:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENVS*4001 | Project in Environmental Sciences | 0.50 |
| ENVS*4002 | Project in Environmental Sciences | 0.50 |
| Select 0.50 credits from the following: | ||
| ECON*2100 | Economic Growth and Environmental Quality | 0.50 |
| FARE*2700 | Survey of Natural Resource Economics | 0.50 |
| GEOG*2210 | Environment and Resources | 0.50 |
A required statistics course is prescribed by the student's choice of major.
Environmental Sciences Majors
- Ecology
- Environment and Resource Management
- Environmental Economics and Policy
- Environmental Sciences
Requirements for each of these majors are described in the detailed schedules of studies.