X. Degree Programs

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 years 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, Faculty of Environmental Sciences. 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 Section 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)

Office of the Associate Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences.

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 program 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 (Section VIII--Undergraduate Degree Regulations & Procedures).

3 co-op work terms (COOP*1000, COOP*2000, COOP*3000) are required. An optional 4th co-op work term (COOP*4000) is available. COOP*1100 must be completed during semester 2.

Year

Fall

Winter

Spring

1

Academic Term 1

Academic Term 2

Off

2

Academic Term 3

COOP*1000

Academic Term 4

3

COOP*2000

Academic Term 5

COOP*3000

4

Academic Term 6

Academic Term 7

COOP*4000 (Optional)

5

Academic Term 8

Since some of the program 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:

  1. 5.00 First Year Curriculum

  2. 5.00 Environmental Sciences Core

  3. 7.00 Environmental Sciences Major

  4. 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.

* There are not specific subject requirements for the elective courses, however, you may NOT select the following: BOT*1200, CHEM*1100, CIS*1000, GEOL*1100, MATH*1050, MET*1000, MICR*1010, MICR*1020, MBG*1000, PHYS*1600, ZOO*1500.

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.

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.

Semester 1
BIOL*1030 [0.50] Biology I
CHEM*1040 [0.50] General Chemistry I
ENVS*1020 [0.50] Introduction to Environmental Sciences
MATH*1080 [0.50] Elements of Calculus I
PHYS*1080 [0.50] Physics for Life Sciences
Semester 2
BIOL*1040 [0.50] Biology II
CHEM*1050 [0.50] General Chemistry II
ECON*1050 [0.50] Introductory Microeconomics
GEOG*1300 [0.50] Introduction to the Biophysical Environment
PHYS*1130 [0.50] Physics with Applications
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:

BIOL*2060 [0.50] Ecology
ENVS*2150 [0.50] Terrestrial Systems
ENVS*3150 [0.50] Aquatic Systems
ENVS*3160 [0.50] Atmospheric Systems
ENVS*4011/2 [0.50] Project in Environmental Sciences
ENVS*4300 [0.50] Environmental Law & Regulation
PHIL*2070 [0.50] Philosophy of the Environment
One of:
AGEC*2700 [0.50] Survey of Natural Resource Economics
ECON*2100 [0.50] Economic Growth and Environmental Quality
One of:
GEOG*3210 [0.50] Management of the Biophysical Environment
POLS*3370 [0.50] Environmental Politics and Governance
ZOO*4050 [0.50] Natural Resources Policy
One of:
ECON*2740 [0.50] Economic Statistics
GEOG*2460 [0.50] Analysis in Geography
STAT*2040 [0.50] Statistics I
Note: the statistics course required is prescribed by the student's choice of major.

Environmental Sciences Majors

Earth and Atmospheric Science

Ecology

Environmental Biology

Environmental Economics and Policy

Environmental Geography

Environmental Monitoring and Analysis

Environmetrics and Modelling

Natural Resources Management

Requirements for each of these majors are described in the detailed schedules of studies below.

University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1

Canada
519-824-4120