XII. Course Descriptions

Environmental Sciences

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

The program in Environmental Sciences is interdisciplinary, involving courses from several different departments. See the B.Sc.(Env.) program information in Section X--Undergraduate Degree Programs.

ENVS*1020 Introduction to Environmental Sciences F (3-2) [0.50]
Students will be shown how to recruit their skills as scientists to identify, characterize, and analyze environmental problems. The course will emphasize the history of environmental science by focusing on how problems were first identified and then solved at different stages of human understanding of biology, chemistry, physics, economics, law, and religion. Students will be taught to communicate their understanding of environmental science to specialized audiences and to the public.
Restriction(s): Registration in the B.Sc. (Env.) program.
ENVS*2150 Terrestrial Systems F (3-2) [0.50]
In this course students will be taught how to apply quantitative methods to the analysis of terrestrial systems of the earth from many simultaneous perspectives. The material will include the physical, chemical and biological components of landforms and how they interact with humans. The economic, social and policy implications of humans interacting with terrestrial systems will also be emphasized. The history of the analysis of terrestrial systems will be systematically included in the material.
Prerequisite(s): ENVS*1020, GEOG*1300
Restriction(s): Registration in the B.Sc. (Env.) program.
ENVS*3100 Internship/Externship in Environmental Sciences S,F,W (0-6) [0.50]
This is a student initiated experiential learning opportunity to be undertaken either on or off campus, and developed in consultation with the Associate Dean's Office (Faculty of Environmental Sciences). Details of the proposed activites will be outlined in a learning contract inititated by the student and agreed by the Associate Dean and an appointed project advisor prior to the commencement of the work experience. The supervisor will also provide a description of the project and/or the work experience. The course is designed to meet the needs of B.Sc. (Env.) students. (This is not available to students in the B.Sc. (Env.) Co-op program.)
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits including ENVS*2010
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
ENVS*3150 Aquatic Systems W (3-2) [0.50]
In this course students will be taught how to apply quantitative methods to the analysis of aquatic systems of the earth from many simultaneous perspectives. The material will include the physical, chemical and biological components of the various liquid surficial structures and processes and also how they interact with humans. The economic, social and policy implications of humans interacting with aquatic systems will also be emphasized. The history of the analysis of aquatic systems will be systematically included in the material. (First offering - Winter 2010)
Prerequisite(s): 11.00 credits including ENVS*1020, ENVS*2150, CHEM*1050
Restriction(s): Registration in the B.Sc. (Env.) program.
ENVS*3160 Atmospheric Systems W (3-2) [0.50]
In this course students will be taught how to apply quantitative methods to the analysis of atmospheric systems of the earth from many simultaneous perspectives. The material will include the physical, chemical and biological components of atmospheric structures and processes and also how they interact with humans. The economic, social and policy implications of humans interacting with atmospheric systems will also be emphasized. The history of the analysis of atmospheric systems will be systematically included in the material. (First offering - Winter 2010)
Prerequisite(s): 11.00 credits including ENVS*1020, ENVS*2150
Restriction(s): Registration in the B.Sc. (Env.) program.
ENVS*4011 Project in Environmental Sciences F (0-1) [0.00]
First part of the two-semester course ENVS*4011/2. Refer to ENVS*4011/2 for course description.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in semester 6 or 7 of the B.Sc.(Env.) degree program.
ENVS*4011/2 Project in Environmental Sciences F-W [0.50]
The course permits the student the opportunity to integrate both the skills and knowledge acquired in earlier courses through application to current environmental problems and issues. Group research problems and exposure to critical environmental policy issues will form the core elements of the course. Students must be registered and attend preliminary organizational meetings scheduled in the Fall semester. This is a two-semester course offered over consecutive semesters. When you select it you must select ENVS*4011 in the Fall semester and ENVS*4012 in the Winter semester. A grade will not be assigned to ENVS*4011 until ENVS*4012 is completed.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in semester 6 or 7 of the B.Sc.(Env.) degree program.
ENVS*4012 Project in Environmental Sciences W (0-3) [0.50]
Second part of the two-semester course ENVS*4011/2. Refer to ENVS*4011/2 for course description.
Prerequisite(s): ENVS*4011
ENVS*4300 Environmental Law & Regulation F (3-0) [0.50]
In this course, students will be asked to recruit their expertise in all of the basic and applied sciences to the task of understanding, participating in, and modifying where necessary the economic and legal systems of the world to deal with human exploitation of the earth. The course will include a discussion of the history of the success and failure of different economic and legal models and their impact on the sustainability of the earth's resources.
Prerequisite(s): 14.00 credits
Restriction(s): Registration in the B.Sc. (Env.) program.
ENVS*4500 International Environmental Field Course F (0-6) [0.50]
This is an interdisciplinary field course to be held overseas. The course will include a common curriculum for all students, dealing with the historical, geographical, cultural and biological aspects of the location. Students will also undertake a project which would normally relate to their own specific interest. Formal instruction on the common core element of the course will be given either by Guelph faculty and/or by faculty from the host country. Each student will submit both a paper developed from the general core of the course and also a project report. This course will run as Interdisciplinary Field Studies in Iceland in odd numbered years and will normally be held for a three-week period in August. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply directly to the course coordinator in the appropriate semester as indicated on the Faculty of Environmental Sciences webpage.
Prerequisite(s): 12.50 credits
Restriction(s): Approval of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences.
University of Guelph
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Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1

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519-824-4120