Appendix A - Courses
Environmental Sciences
| ENVS*6000 Physical Environment of Crops and Forests F [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Recent literature on temperature, humidity, radiation, wind, gases and particles in crop and forest environments; evapotranspiration and photosynthesis of plant communities; modification of microclimates; applied micrometeorology. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered in even-numbered years. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6040 Molecular Basis of Plant-Microbe Interactions F [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| A lecture and seminar course on recent advances in the study of plant-microbe interactions. Topics included are the biochemical, physiological and genetic aspects of plant defenses and the interaction of plants with pathogenic and mutualistic bacteria, fungi and viruses. Offered in conjunction with PBIO*4000. Extra work is required of graduate students. | |
| Restriction(s): | Credit may be obtained for only one of ENVS*6040 or PBIO*4000. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6050 Micrometeorology W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Exchanges of mass, momentum and energy between the surface and the atmosphere will be studied in the context of larger-scale meteorology. Diffusion and turbulence in and above plant canopies will be examined from theoretical and practical perspectives. Topics include time-series analysis, micrometeorological measurement theory, and basic principles of atmospheric science. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered in even-numbered years. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6060 Meteorological Instrumentation W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Theoretical and practical aspects of electronic circuits, sensors, and equipment used in meteorological research. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | ENVS*4210 or equivalent |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6190 Environmental Microbial Technology U [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Current topics in selected areas of environmental microbial technology. An emphasis will be placed on the physiology and genetics of microorganisms useful in environmental biotechnology. The course involves extensive use of current journal articles. | |
| Restriction(s): | Undergraduate degree in microbiology or related discipline. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6242 Special Topics in Atmospheric Science F,W,S [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Students will explore topics within atmospheric science such as climatology, animal biometeorology, air pollution meteorology, and hydrometeorology. Normally, an independent course of study will be developed with a faculty advisor and one or more students in the semester prior to enrollment. Occasionally, the course will be offered as a lecture/seminar in a particular area, to be advertised in the semester prior to offering. Typically, students will produce a major paper or scientific report. | |
| Restriction(s): | Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6280 Soil Physics W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| The soil as a physical system with special regard to soil water movement and the diffusion and dispersion of chemical substances. Numerical techniques and computer solutions will be developed. | |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6300 Quantitative Pedology F [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Pedology considers the morphology, survey, geography, characterization and analysis, development, classification, and interpretation of soil. This course focuses on the quantification of pedology, employing modern digital instrumentation, computational capacity and analytical strategies. Students explore how such multi-scale, spatial-temporal information is used in critical zone modeling. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | At least an introductory soil, ecology or physical geography course. |
| Co-requisite(s): | Students with only an introductory level soil course are encouraged to audit ENVS*4390. |
| Restriction(s): | Students who have received credit for ENVS*6250 will not be able to register for this course. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6340 Colloquium in Insect Systematics W [0.25] | |
|---|---|
| Weekly discussions and seminars dealing with current topics in systematic entomology. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered in odd-numbered years. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6350 Soil Organic Matter and Biochemistry F [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| (1) Soil organic matter characterization, (2) dynamics of soil organic matter, (0.5) nutrient cycling. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered in odd-numbered years. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6360 Soil and Water Chemistry F [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Thermodynamics of soil solutions; solution-solid phase equilibria; reaction kinetics; computer modelling of solute-mineral interactions. | |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6400 Soil Nitrogen Fertility and Crop Production W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Emphasis will be placed on soil N transformations and processes, and N sources for crops; field experimentation methods; environmental issues. | |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6440 Field Sampling Strategies and Geostatistics W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Concepts and practical aspects of collecting, synthesizing and interpreting data from spatially and temporally variable and/or correlated fields. Hands-on experience in describing spatial structure of large data sets (supplied by student or instructor) using available software. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered in even-numbered years. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6450 Multivariate Environmental Data Analysis W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course will examine the application of statistical techniques to analyzing multivariate environmental data. Methods will include Ordination (e.g., Principal Components Analysis, NDMS), Multivariate Regression (e.g., Partial Least Squares Regression), and Structural Equation Modelling. Emphasis will be placed on peer and collaborative learning through discussion, and comparative application of analyses to multivariate environmental data. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | At least one undergraduate course in statistics. |
| Restriction(s): | Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6452 Special Topics in Ecosystem Science and Biodiversity F,W,S [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Students will explore topics within ecosystem science such as terrestrial ecology, forest science, aquatic systems and environmental biology. Normally, an independent course of study will be developed with a faculty advisor and one or more students in the semester prior to enrollment. Occasionally, the course will be offered as a lecture/seminar in a particular area, to be advertised in the semester prior to offering. Typically, students will produce a major paper or scientific report. | |
| Restriction(s): | Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6460 Environmental Remediation W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course will discuss environmental remediation topics including, but not limited to, using plants, microorganisms and substrates (e.g., soil and engineered materials) to improve air, water and soil quality. For example, this course will explore the current sciences and technologies of living walls to improve indoor air quality, green roofs to manage storm water and air pollutants, and constructed wetlands to treat wastewater. Environmental remediation is, by nature, multidisciplinary, involving chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, landscape design, etc. | |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6470 The Science and Management of Multiple Stressors in the Great Lakes F [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| In this two-week lecture-field course, students will learn about historical and current environmental issues affecting the Great Lakes basin from the perspective of multiple stressors and their cumulative impacts. The importance of linking science and policy, and the role important of governments, are emphasized. | |
| Restriction(s): | Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6500 Environmental Sciences Research Project U [1.00] | |
|---|---|
| A concise, critical review of an area of study related to the field chosen by the student including analyses and interpretation of relevant data. The project will be written in the form of a scientific paper and presented to the department as a seminar. | |
| Restriction(s): | Available only to students registered in the Environmental Sciences: MES program. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6501 Integrating Science and Policy in Environmental Science F [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| A case-study approach, based on current and historical issues, and involving presentations from faculty, professionals and students, will be used to develop an advanced understanding of current issues in the environmental sciences, including examination of the underlying science and management of the issues, and the effectiveness of associated policies. | |
| Restriction(s): | Preference will be given to students in the MES.ENVS:L. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6502 Seminar in Environmental Sciences W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course will provide an interactive and critical forum for students to participate in an advanced discussion and debate on current environmental issues, and to learn about the practical skill set(s) required by various employment sectors in solving these issues. | |
| Restriction(s): | Instructor consent required. Preference will be given to students in the MES program. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6503 Biogeochemistry of Wetlands S [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course is focused on the role of wetlands in maintaining healthy ecosystems and in controlling contaminant fluxes to water. Lectures complement field and laboratory assessments of wetlands to understand element biogeochemical cycles in these transitional environments. The course includes field trips to Ontario wetlands. | |
| Restriction(s): | Preference will be given to students in MES.ENVS:L, MSc.ENVS and PhD.ENVS |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6505 Soil Survey and Interpretation S [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Students will learn concepts, techniques and analysis related to the characterization of soil in the landscape. Focus will be given to soilscapes encountered in southern Ontario. Course involves multiple field excursions to examine the distribution of soils in this region. | |
| Restriction(s): | Preference will be given to students in MES.ENVS:L, MSc.ENVS, PhD.ENVS |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6506 Forest Ecosystem Patterns and Processes S [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Students will learn concepts, techniques and analysis related to the ecological characterization of forests. Focus will be on southern and mid-central Ontario forests and will involve periodic excursions to various locations for the purpose of demonstrating theoretical principles, sampling techniques, in-field measurements, and collecting samples for in-lab assessment. | |
| Restriction(s): | Preference will be given to students in MES.ENVS:L, MSc.ENVS, PhD.ENVS |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6520 Pollinator Biology F [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| The biology of pollinators will be discussed in lectures and seminars stressing fundamental and applied aspects. The honey bee will be used as the model system. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered in odd-numbered years. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6530 Pollinator Conservation W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| In this course students will explore the ecology of pollination with an emphasis on the factors affecting declines in pollinating insects as well as potential mitigation strategies to ensure long-term stability of food production and maintenance of biodiverse wild plant communities. Offered in conjunction with ENVS*4070. Extra work is required of graduate students. | |
| Restriction(s): | Credit may be obtained for only one of ENVS*6530 or ENVS*4070. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6540 Integrated Pest Management - Insects W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Concepts associated with integrated pest management of insect pests of various plant hosts will be introduced to students in an interactive lecture and laboratory format. Experiential learning and skill development, associated with economic entomology, will also be emphasized. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered annually |
| Restriction(s): | Credit may be obtained for only one of ENVS*6540 and ENVS*4100 |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6550 Bioactivity and Metabolism of Insecticides W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| The basis of insecticide bioactivity will be examined, with emphasis on mode of action, structure-activity relationships and analytical methods. Students will choose a specific insecticide or class of insecticides as their primary topic of study for the semester. Students will participate in seminars, prepare a conference poster and complete a research paper. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered in even-numbered years. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6560 Forest Ecosystem Dynamics F [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| An exploration of energy flow and distribution in forest ecosystems. Both components will be examined in the context of biomass and productivity, perturbations and resilience. Some aspects of modelling will be covered. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered in odd-numbered years. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6582 Special Topics in Soil Science F,W,S [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Students will explore topics within soil science such as soil physics, pedology, soil chemistry and microbiology. Normally, an independent course of study will be developed with a faculty advisor and one or more students in the semester prior to enrollment. Occasionally, the course will be offered as a lecture/seminar in a particular area, to be advertised in the semester prior to offering. Typically, students will produce a major paper or scientific report. | |
| Restriction(s): | Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6700 Glacial Sedimentary Environments U [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Students will learn about the processes and deposits of glacial environments as well as the use of sedimentary records to reconstruct past glacial environments. Case studies from modern to ancient glacial sedimentary environments will be used. Field trip included. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered only as needed |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6710 Advanced Sedimentology U [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Topics covered through case studies of sedimentary deposits and environments include facies analysis, large scale controls, and novel techniques in sedimentology. Topics may also include specific sedimentary environments or specific sedimentary deposits such as turbidites, cross-bedded strata or seismites depending on student interest. (Offered only as needed) | |
| Offering(s): | Offered only as needed |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6720 Geology of Groundwater Systems W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course will examine the geological characteristics and processes that influence groundwater flow systems and contaminant transport and fate in different geological settings. The course will include seminar discussions of readings, guest speakers from industry and government agencies as well as hands-on exercises in class. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered in alternate years |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6730 Special Topics in Environmental Earth Science F,W,S [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Students will explore topics within environmental earth science such as glacial geology, environmental geophysics and hydrogeology. Normally, an independent course of study will be developed with a faculty advisor and one or more students in the semester prior to enrollment. Occasionally, the course will be offered as a lecture/seminar in a particular area, to be advertised in the semester prior to offering. Typically, students will produce a major paper or scientific report. | |
| Restriction(s): | Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6740 Environmental Organic Chemistry W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course explores the chemical processes that influence organic compounds in the environment. Topics discussed include: the transformation of anthropogenic organic contaminants, the form and function of natural organic matter, and analytical methods including compound specific stable isotope analysis and environmental nuclear magnetic resonance. Offered in conjunction with ENVS*4370. Extra work is required of graduate students. | |
| Restriction(s): | Credit may be obtained for only one of ENVS*6740 or ENVS*4370. Preference will be given to students in the MES.ENVS, MSc.ENVS and PhD.ENVS programs. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6882 Special Topics in Plant and Environmental Health F,W,S [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Students will explore topics within plant and environmental health such as integrated pest management, apiculture and environmental microbiology. Normally, an independent course of study will be developed with a faculty advisor and one or more students in the semester prior to enrollment. Occasionally, the course will be offered as a lecture/seminar in a particular area, to be advertised in the semester prior to offering. Typically, students will produce a major paper or scientific report. | |
| Restriction(s): | Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*6900 Research Seminar in Environmental Sciences F-W [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course provides information and training in scientific presentations for thesis-based Environmental Sciences (ENVS) programs. Students will prepare a written research proposal and make an oral presentation of their proposed studies. Students are expected to complete this course in their second or third semester of study. | |
| Restriction(s): | Offered only to MSC.ENVS and PHD.ENVS students |
| Department(s): | School of Environmental Sciences |