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Program Requirements
Revision, June 2012. Start of revision.
The quest for sustainable paths to economic development requires scholars and practitioners to transcend the boundaries of traditional disciplines. This domain offers students sufficient depth and breadth of study to acquire a strong grasp of current theories, concepts, and approaches to environment and development. It prepares them for graduate study in interdisciplinary programs (e.g., development studies or environmental studies) as well as in integrative social sciences (e.g., anthropology, geography, etc.).
Program Prerequisites or Corequisites
To graduate from the Faculty Program in Environment, students are required to complete these courses by the end of their U1 year. These courses can be taken using the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option. See: for details.
Calculus
3 credits of calculus from the following, or equivalent (e.g., CEGEP objective OOUN):
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MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus (4 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Review of trigonometry and other Precalculus topics. Limits, continuity, derivative. Differentiation of elementary functions. Antidifferentiation. Applications.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Hundemer, Axel W (Fall)
Fall
4 hours lecture, 1 hour tutorial
Prerequisite: a course in functions
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken CEGEP objective 00UN or equivalent.
Restriction Note B: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 122, except by permission of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Students continue in MATH 141
Each Tutorial section is enrolment limited
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MATH 140 Calculus 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Review of functions and graphs. Limits, continuity, derivative. Differentiation of elementary functions. Antidifferentiation. Applications.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Summer 2013
Instructors: Trudeau, Sidney; Drury, Stephen W; Fox, Thomas F (Fall) Topaloglu, Ihsan (Winter) de Quehen, Victoria (Summer)
3 hours lecture, 1 hour tutorial
Prerequisite: High School Calculus
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken MATH 120, MATH 139 or CEGEP objective 00UN or equivalent
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 122 or MATH 130 or MATH 131, except by permission of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Each Tutorial section is enrolment limited
Basic Science
3 credits of basic science from the following, or equivalent (e.g., CEGEP objectives: Biology OOUK, Chemistry OOUL, Physics OOUR):
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BIOL 111 Principles: Organismal Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to the phylogeny, structure, function and adaptation of unicellular organisms, plants and animals in the biosphere.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Hendry, Andrew; Dhindsa, Rajinder S; Krahe, Rudiger (Fall)
Fall
2 hours lecture and 3 hours laboratory
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken CEGEP objective 00UK or equivalent; or BIOL 115.
This course serves as an alternative to CEGEP objective code 00UK
May require departmental approval.
Open to all students wishing introductory biology.
Attendance at first lab is mandatory to confirm registration in the course.
This class will use a Student Response System (clicker) which can be obtained from the Bookstore.
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CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 (4 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : A study of the fundamental principles of atomic structure, radiation and nuclear chemistry, valence theory, coordination chemistry, and the periodic table.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Gauthier, Jean-Marc; Kakkar, Ashok K; Fenster, Ariel; Bohle, David (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisites/corequisites: College level mathematics and physics or permission of instructor; CHEM 120 is not a prerequisite
Each lab section is limited enrolment
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PHYS 101 Introductory Physics - Mechanics (4 credits)
Overview
Physics : An introductory course in physics without calculus, covering mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, energy, and rotational motion), oscillations and waves, sound, light, and geometrical optics.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Ragan, Kenneth J (Fall)
Fall
3 hours lectures; 2 hours laboratory; tutorial sessions
Restriction: Not open to students taking or having taken PHYS 131, CEGEP objective 00UR or equivalent
Laboratory sections have limited enrolment
Suggested First Year (U1) Courses
For suggestions on courses to take in your first year (U1), you can consult the "MSE Student Handbook 2012-2013" available on the MSE website (), or contact Ms. Kathy Roulet, the Program Adviser (kathy.roulet [at] mcgill.ca).
Program Requirements
Note: Students are required to take a maximum of 30 credits at the 200 level and a minimum of 12 credits at the 400 level or higher in this program. This includes core and required courses, but does not include the domain prerequisites or corequisites listed above.
Location Note: When planning your schedule and registering for courses, you should verify where each course is offered because courses for this program are taught at both McGill's Downtown campus and at the Macdonald campus in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.
Core: Required Courses (18 credits)
Location Note: Core required courses are taught at both McGill's Downtown campus and at the Macdonald campus in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. You should register in Section 001 of an ENVR course that you plan to take on the Downtown campus, and in Section 051 of an ENVR course that you plan to take on the Macdonald campus.
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ENVR 200 The Global Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : A systems approach to study the different components of the environment involved in global climate change: the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. The interactions among these components. Their role in global climate change. The human dimension to global change.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Ricciardi, Anthony; McCourt, George; Atallah, Eyad Hashem; Fyles, James W; Fabry, Frederic (Fall)
Fall
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 201 Society, Environment and Sustainability (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : This course deals with how scientific-technological, socio-economic, political-institutional and behavioural factors mediate society-environment interactions. Issues discussed include population and resources; consumption, impacts and institutions; integrating environmental values in societal decision-making; and the challenges associated with, and strategies for, promoting sustainability. Case studies in various sectors and contexts are used.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Badami, Madhav Govind; Bennett, Elena; Kosoy, Nicolas (Fall)
Fall
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 202 The Evolving Earth (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Formation of the Earth and the evolution of life. How geological and biological change are the consequence of history, chance, and necessity acting over different scales of space and time. General principles governing the formation of modern landscapes and biotas. Effects of human activities on natural systems.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Leung, Brian; Lechowicz, Martin J; Paquette, Jeanne; McCourt, George; de Blois, Sylvie (Winter)
Winter
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 203 Knowledge, Ethics and Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Introduction to cultural perspectives on the environment: the influence of culture and cognition on perceptions of the natural world; conflicts in orders of knowledge (models, taxonomies, paradigms, theories, cosmologies), ethics (moral values, frameworks, dilemmas), and law (formal and customary, rights and obligations) regarding political dimensions of critical environments, resource use, and technologies.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013
Instructors: Goodin, David (Fall) Ellis, Jaye Dana; Sieber, Renee; Hirose, Iwao (Winter)
Fall - Macdonald Campus; Winter - Downtown
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 301 Environmental Research Design (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Techniques used in design and completion of environmental research projects. Problem definition, data sources and use of appropriate strategies and methodologies. Principles underlying research design are emphasized, including critical thinking, recognizing causal relationships, ideologies and bias in research, and when and where to seek expertise.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013
Instructors: Vaccaro, Ismael; Gray, Suzanne; Barrington-Leigh, Christopher (Fall) Cardille, Jeffrey; Kroemker, Doerthe (Winter)
Fall-Downtown Campus: Section 001
Winter-Downtown Campus: Section 001; Macdonald Campus: Section 051
Restrictions: Restricted to U2 or higher
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ENVR 400 Environmental Thought (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Students work in interdisciplinary seminar groups on challenging philosophical, ethical, scientific and practical issues. They will explore cutting-edge ideas and grapple with the reconciliation of environmental imperatives and social, political and economic pragmatics. Activities include meeting practitioners, attending guest lectures, following directed readings, and organizing, leading and participating in seminars.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013
Instructors: Mikkelson, Gregory Matthew; Dressel, Holly; Brown, Peter Gilbert; Kosoy, Nicolas (Fall) Hirose, Iwao; Goodin, David; Posthumus, Stephanie (Winter)
Fall - Macdonald Campus; Winter - Downtown
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
Prerequisite: ENVR 203
Restriction: Open only to U3 students, or permission of instructor
Core: Complementary Course - Senior Research Project (3 credits)
Only 3 credits will be applied to the program; extra credits will count as electives.
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AEBI 427 Barbados Interdisciplinary Project (6 credits)
Overview
Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : The planning of projects and research activities related to tropical food, nutrition, or energy at the local, regional, or national scale in Barbados. Projects and activities designed in consultation with university instructors, government, NGO, or private partners, and prepared by teams of 2-3 students working cooperatively with these mentors.
Terms: Summer 2013
Instructors: Donnelly, Danielle J (Summer)
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AGRI 519 Sustainable Development Plans (6 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Geared for solving real-world environmental problems related to water at the local, regional and international scale in Barbados. Projects to be designed by instructors in consultation with university, government and NGO partners and to be conducted by teams of 2 to 4 students in collaboration with them.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Alli, Inteaz (Fall)
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ENVR 401 Environmental Research (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Students work in an interdisciplinary team on a real-world research project involving problem definition, methodology development, social, ethical and environmental impact assessment, execution of the study, and dissemination of results to the research community and to the people affected. Teams begin defining their projects during the preceding spring.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Fabry, Frederic; McCourt, George; Sieber, Renee (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: ENVR 301
Restriction: B.A. Faculty Program in Environment, B.A.&Sc. Faculty Program in Environment , B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) and B.Sc. Major in Environment, and Diploma in Environment.
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ENVR 451 Research in Panama (6 credits)
Overview
Environment : Research projects will be developed by instructors in consultation with Panamanian universities, government agencies and non-governmental organizations. Project groups will consist of four to six students working with a Panamanian institution. Topics will be relevant to Panama: e.g., protection of the Canal watershed, economical alternatives to deforestation, etc.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Potvin, Catherine (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: students in the Panama Field Semester program. Offered in Panama only
Domain: Required Courses (12 credits)
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ANTH 339 Ecological Anthropology (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Intensive study of theories and cases in ecological anthropology. Theories are examined and tested through comparative case-study analysis. Cultural constructions of "nature" and "environment" are compared and analyzed. Systems of resource management and conflicts over the use of resources are studied in depth.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Scott, Colin H (Winter)
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ECON 313 Economic Development 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : Microeconomic theories of economic development and empirical evidence on population, labour, firms, poverty. Inequality and environment.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Summer 2013
Instructors: Laszlo, Sonia; Chemin, Matthieu (Fall) Kurien, John C (Winter) Sen Choudhury, Eesha (Summer)
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ECON 314 Economic Development 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : Macroeconomic development issues, including theories of growth, public finance, debt, currency crises, corruption, structural adjustment, democracy and global economic organization.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Summer 2013
Instructors: Rakovski, Tzvetana (Fall) Sen Choudhury, Eesha; Rakovski, Tzvetana (Winter) Sen Choudhury, Eesha (Summer)
Prerequisite: ECON 313
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken 154-313D
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GEOG 302 Environmental Management 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : An ecological analysis of the physical and biotic components of natural resource systems. Emphasis on scientific, technological and institutional aspects of environmental management. Study of the use of biological resources and of the impact of individual processes.
Terms: Fall 2012, Summer 2013
Instructors: Meredith, Thomas C (Fall) Akman, Geraldine (Summer)
3 hours
Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in Geography or MSE or BIOL 208 or permission of instructor.
Domain: Complementary Courses (21 credits)
21 credits of complementary courses are chosen from various categories as follows:
Microeconomics
One of:
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AGEC 200 Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits)
Overview
Agricultural Economics : The field of economics as it relates to the activities of individual consumers, firms and organizations. Emphasis is on the application of economic principles and concepts to everyday decision making and to the analysis of current economic issues.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Naseem, Anwar (Fall)
Fall
3 lectures
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ECON 208 Microeconomic Analysis and Applications (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : A university-level introduction to demand and supply, consumer behaviour, production theory, market structures and income distribution theory.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Summer 2013
Instructors: El-Attar Vilalta, Mayssun; Dickinson, Paul (Fall) Dickinson, Paul (Winter) Japaridze, Irakli (Summer)
Statistics
3 credits, one of the following Statistics courses or equivalent:
Note: Credit given for Statistics courses is subject to certain restrictions. Students should consult the "Course Overlap" information in the "Course Requirements" section for the Faculty of Arts.
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AEMA 310 Statistical Methods 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics (Agric&Envir Sci) : Measures of central tendency and dispersion; binomial and Poisson distributions; normal, chi-square, Student's t and Fisher-Snedecor F distributions; estimation and hypothesis testing; simple linear regression and correlation; analysis of variance for simple experimental designs.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013
Instructors: Bona, Kelly Ann; Lucier, Jason (Fall) Bona, Kelly Ann; Gravel, Valérie (Winter)
Two 1.5-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab
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GEOG 202 Statistics and Spatial Analysis (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Exploratory data analysis, univariate descriptive and inferential statistics, non-parametric statistics, correlation and simple regression. Problems associated with analysing spatial data such as the 'modifiable areal unit problem' and spatial autocorrelation. Statistics measuring spatial pattern in point, line and polygon data.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Berrang Ford, Lea (Fall)
Fall
2.5 hours and lab
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
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MATH 203 Principles of Statistics 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Examples of statistical data and the use of graphical means to summarize the data. Basic distributions arising in the natural and behavioural sciences. The logical meaning of a test of significance and a confidence interval. Tests of significance and confidence intervals in the one and two sample setting (means, variances and proportions).
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Summer 2013
Instructors: Reynolds, Patrick; Genest, Christian (Fall) Correa, Jose Andres (Winter) Harel, Daphna (Summer)
No calculus prerequisites
Restriction: This course is intended for students in all disciplines. For extensive course restrictions covering statistics courses see Section 3.6.1 of the Arts and of the Science sections of the calendar regarding course overlaps.
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar. Students should consult for information regarding transfer credits for this course.
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PSYC 204 Introduction to Psychological Statistics (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : The statistical analysis of research data; frequency distributions; graphic representation; measures of central tendency and variability; elementary sampling theory and tests of significance.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Summer 2013
Instructors: Amsel, Rhonda N (Fall) Ostry, David J (Winter) Darainy, Mohammad (Summer)
Fall and Winter
Restriction: Not open to students who have passed a CEGEP statistics course(s) with a minimum grade of 75%: Mathematics 201-307 or 201-337 or equivalent or the combination of Quantitative Methods 300 with Mathematics 300
This course is a prerequisite for PSYC 305, PSYC 406, PSYC 310, PSYC 336
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
Advanced Development Courses
6 credits from:
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AGEC 442 Economics of International Agricultural Development (3 credits)
Overview
Agricultural Economics : The course deals with economic aspects of international development with emphasis on the role of food, agriculture and the resource sector in the economy of developing countries. Topics will include world food analysis, development project analysis and policies for sustainable development. Development case studies will be used.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Naseem, Anwar (Winter)
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AGRI 411 Global Issues on Development, Food and Agriculture (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : International development and world food security and challenges in developing countries. Soil and water management, climate change, demographic issues, plant and animal resources conservation, bio-products and biofuels, economic and environmental issues specially in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Globalization, sustainable development, technology transfer and human resources needs for rural development.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Monardes, Humberto (Winter)
Winter
Two 2-hour conferences
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GEOG 310 Development and Livelihoods (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Geographical dimensions of rural/urban livelihoods in the face of socioeconomic and environmental change in developing regions. Emphasis on household natural resource use, survival strategies and vulnerability, decision-making, formal and informal institutions, migration, and development experience in contrasting global environments.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Coomes, Oliver T; Wenzel, George; Unruh, Jon (Winter)
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GEOG 408 Geography of Development (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Examines the geographical dimensions of development policy, specifically the relationships between the process of development and human-induced environmental change. Focuses on environmental sustainability, struggles over resource control, population and poverty, and levels of governance (the role of the state, non-governmental organizations, and local communities).
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Unruh, Jon (Fall)
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GEOG 409 Geographies of Developing Asia (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Current development questions that are of concern to the Asian region. Emphasis on critically studying the major processes of social, economic and environmental change through regional case studies in rural, peri-urban and urban contexts. Covers important debates and considerations that lie at the heart of development geography.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Turner, Sarah (Fall)
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GEOG 410 Geography of Underdevelopment: Current Problems (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : An examination of the cultural, political, and economic mechanisms and manifestations of contemporary underdevelopment and the response to it from different regional and national peripheral societies within the dominant world economic system.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Akman, Geraldine (Winter)
Winter
3 hours
Prerequisite: GEOG 216 or permission of instructor
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URBP 520 Globalization: Planning and Change (3 credits)
Overview
Urban Planning : Economic and social issues related to planning for sustainable development, with a focus on water. Political and environmental determinants of resource use. Impact of global, regional and local institutions, programs and plans in Barbados and in the field locale in general.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Phillip, Leroy E; Alli, Inteaz (Fall)
(3-3-3)
Restriction: Must be enrolled in the Barbados Field Study Semester.
Natural Sciences
3 credits from:
* Note: You may take BIOL 308 or ENVB 305 but not both; you may take BIOL 465 or WILD 421 but not both; you may take ENVB 210 or GEOG 305 but not both; you may take BREE 217 or GEOG 322 but not both.
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AEBI 421 Tropical Horticultural Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : A comprehensive survey of the major fruit, vegetable, turf, and ornamental crops grown in Barbados. Effect of cultural practices, environment, pests and pathogens, social and touristic activities, and importation of horticultural produce on local horticulture.
Terms: Summer 2013
Instructors: Begg, Caroline B (Summer)
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AGRI 550 Sustained Tropical Agriculture (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Contrast theory and practice in defining agricultural environmental "challenges" in the Neotropics. Indigenous and appropriate technological means of mitigation. Soil management and erosion, water scarcity, water over-abundance, and water quality. Explore agro-ecosystem protection via field trips and project designs. Institutional context of conservation strategies, NGO links, and public participation.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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BIOL 308 Ecological Dynamics (3 credits) *
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Principles of population, community, and ecosystem dynamics: population growth and regulation, species interactions, dynamics of competitive interactions and of predator/prey systems; evolutionary dynamics.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Fussmann, Gregor; Guichard, Frederic (Fall)
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BIOL 451 Research in Ecology and Development in Africa (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Development of observation and independent inquiry skills through: 1) participation in short-term project modules in collaboration with existing researchers; 2) participation in interdisciplinary team research on topics selected to allow comparative analysis of field sites; 3) active and systematic observation, documentation, and integration of field experience in ecology and development issues.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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BIOL 465 Conservation Biology (3 credits) *
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Discussion of relevant theoretical and applied issues in conservation biology. Topics: biodiversity, population viability analysis, community dynamics, biology of rarity, extinction, habitat fragmentation, social issues.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Chapman, Lauren; Green, David M; Gonzalez, Andrew (Fall)
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BIOL 553 Neotropical Environments (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Ecology revisited in view of tropical conditions. Exploring species richness. Sampling and measuring biodiversity. Conservation status of ecosystems, communities and species. Indigenous knowledge.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Potvin, Catherine (Winter)
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BREE 217 Hydrology and Water Resources (3 credits) *
Overview
Bioresource Engineering : Measurements and analysis of components of the water cycle. Precipitation, evaporation, infiltration and groundwater. Analysis of hydrologic data. Hydrograph theory. Hydrologic estimations for design of water control projects; flood control and reservoir routing. Integrated watershed management and water conservation. Water management systems for environmental protection.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Prasher, Shiv (Winter)
3 lectures, one 2-hour lab
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ABEN 217.
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ENVB 210 The Biophysical Environment (3 credits) *
Overview
Environmental Biology : With reference to the ecosystems in the St Lawrence lowlands, the principles and processes governing climate-landform-water-soil-vegetation systems and their interactions will be examined in lecture and laboratory. Emphasis on the natural environment as an integrated system.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Begg, Caroline B (Fall)
Fall
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken SOIL 210
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ENVB 305 Population & Community Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : Interactions between organisms and their environment; historical and current perspectives in applied and theoretical population and community ecology. Principles of population dynamics, feedback loops, and population regulation. Development and structure of communities; competition, predation and food web dynamics. Biodiversity science in theory and practice.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Buddle, Christopher (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 205
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GEOG 305 Soils and Environment (3 credits) *
Overview
Geography : Discussion of the major properties of soils; soil formation, classification and mapping; land capability assessment; the role and response of soils in natural and disturbed environments (e.g. global change, ecosystem disturbance).
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Moore, Timothy R (Fall)
Fall
3 hours and laboratory
Prerequisite: GEOG 203 or introductory course in biology or geology
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GEOG 322 Environmental Hydrology (3 credits) *
Overview
Geography : Quantitative, experimental study of the principles governing the movement of water at or near the Earth's surface and how the research relates to the chemistry and biology of ecosystems.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Roulet, Nigel Thomas (Winter)
Winter
3 hours
Prerequisite: GEOG 203 or equivalent
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NRSC 451 Research in Ecology and Development in Africa (3 credits)
Overview
Natural Resource Sciences : Development of observation and independent inquiry skills through: 1) participation in short-term project modules in collaboration with existing researchers; 2) participation in interdisciplinary team research on topics selected to allow comparative analysis of field sites; 3) active and systematic observation, documentation, and integration of field experience in ecology and development issues.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Meredith, Thomas C (Winter)
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NUTR 403 Nutrition in Society (3 credits)
Overview
Nutrition and Dietetics : Sociocultural and economic influences on food choice and behaviour; health promotion and disease prevention through nutrition, particularly in high risk populations; the interaction of changing environment, food availability and quality as they affect health.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013
Instructors: Gray-Donald, Katherine (Fall) Johns, Timothy A (Winter)
Fall
3 hour conference
Prerequisite: NUTR 337
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NUTR 501 Nutrition in Developing Countries (3 credits)
Overview
Nutrition and Dietetics : This course will cover the major nutritional problems in developing countries. The focus will be on nutrition and health and emphasize young children and other vulnerable groups. The role of diet and disease for each major nutritional problem will be discussed.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Fall
2 lectures and one seminar
Prerequisite: For undergraduate students, consent of instructor required
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PARA 410 Environment and Infection (3 credits)
Overview
Parasitology : Infectious pathogens of humans and animals and their impact on the global environment are considered. The central tenet is that infectious pathogens are environmental risk factors. The course considers their impact on the human condition and juxtaposes the impact of control and treatment measures and environmental change.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Scott, Marilyn (Winter)
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WILD 421 Wildlife Conservation (3 credits) *
Overview
Resource Development : Study of current controversial issues focusing on wildlife conservation. Topics include: animal rights, exotic species, ecotourism, urban wildlife, multi-use of national parks, harvesting of wildlife, biological controls, and endangered species.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Bird, David M (Winter)
Winter
3 lectures
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken NRSC 421.
Social Sciences
6 credits from:
* Note: You may take GEOG 221 or NRSC 221, but not both.
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AEBI 423 Sustainable Land Use (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : Management, preservation, and utilization of forage crops in sustainable tropical environments; examination of their value as livestock feed in terms of nutritional composition and impact on animal performance; land use issues as it pertains to forage and animal production in insular environments.
Terms: Summer 2013
Instructors: Seguin, Philippe; Mustafa, Arif (Summer)
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AEBI 425 Tropical Energy and Food (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : Tropical biofuel crops, conversion processes and final products, particularly energy and greenhouse gas balances and bionutraceuticals. Topics include effects of process extraction during refining on biofuel economics, the food versus fuel debate and impact of biofuels and bioproducts on tropical agricultural economics.
Terms: Summer 2013
Instructors: Smith, Donald L; Kubow, Stan; Lefsrud, Mark (Summer)
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AGEC 333 Resource Economics (3 credits)
Overview
Agricultural Economics : The role of resources in the environment, use of resources, and management of economic resources within the firm or organization. Problem-solving, case studies involving private and public decision-making in organizations are utilized.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Thomassin, Paul (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisites: AGEC 200 or equivalent
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AGRI 452 Water Resources in Barbados (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Physical environment challenges, centered on water, being faced by an island nation. Guest speakers, field study tours and laboratory tests. Private, government and NGO institutional context of conservation strategies, and water quantity and quality analyses for water management specific to Barbados.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Gehr, Ronald; Keane, Angela (Fall)
Restrictions: Enrolment in full "Barbados Field Study Semester". Not open to students who have taken CIVE 452.
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ANTH 451 Research in Society and Development in Africa (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Instruction focuses on three goals: 1) existing research in selected core thematic areas, 2) participating in interdisciplinary team research, 3) developing powers of observation and independent inquiry. Students will be expected to develop research activities and interdisciplinary perspectives, and to become conversant with advances in local research in their field.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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CANS 407 Regions of Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : Canadian regionalism and its manifestations in literature and the media, as well as in social and public policy, focusing on one region in Canada.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Prerequisite: CANS 200 or permission of instructor
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ECON 326 Ecological Economics (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : Macroeconomic and structural aspects of the ecological crisis. A course in which subjects discussed include the conflict between economic growth and the laws of thermodynamics; the search for alternative economic indicators; the fossil fuels crisis; and "green'' fiscal policy.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Naylor, Robin Thomas (Fall)
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ECON 347 Economics of Climate Change (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : The course focuses on the economic implications of, and problems posed by, predictions of global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases. Attention is given to economic policies such as carbon taxes and tradeable emission permits and to the problems of displacing fossil fuels with new energy technologies.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Galiana, Isabel (Winter)
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ECON 405 Natural Resource Economics (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : Topics include: Malthusian and Ricardian Scarcity; optimal depletion of renewable and non-renewable resources; exploration, risk and industry structure, and current resources, rent and taxation. Current public policies applied to the resource industries, particularly those of a regulatory nature.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Long, Ngo Van (Winter)
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GEOG 201 Introductory Geo-Information Science (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : An introduction to Geographic Information Systems. The systematic management of spatial data. The use and construction of maps. The use of microcomputers and software for mapping and statistical work. Air photo and topographic map analyses.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Kalacska, Margaret; Sengupta, Raja (Fall)
Fall
3 hours and lab
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GEOG 221 Environment and Health (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : This course introduced physical and social environments as factors in human health, with emphasis on the physical properties of the atmospheric environment as they interact with diverse human populations in urban settings.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Strachan, Ian Brett; Ross, Nancy (Winter)
Winter
3 hours
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking NRSC 221.
Note: This course is also offered as NRSC 221. Students enrolled in downtown campus programs register in GEOG 221; students enrolled in Macdonald campus programs register in NRSC 221. In Winter 2013, GEOG 221/NRSC 221 will be taught on the downtown campus.
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GEOG 300 Human Ecology in Geography (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : The course will examine research approaches in human ecology since its inception early in this century. Emphasis will be placed on the theoretical shifts that have led to its emergence as an important social science perspective. The course will also involve case studies to evaluate the methodological utility of the approach.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Wenzel, George (Winter)
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GEOG 311 Economic Geography (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Different theories and approaches to understanding the spatial organization of economic activities. Regional case studies drawn from North America, Europe and Asia used to reinforce concepts. Emphasis also on city-regions and their interaction with the global economy.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Winter
3 hours
Prerequisite: GEOG 216 or permission of instructor
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GEOG 331 Urban Social Geography (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Social space and social time. The reflection of social structure in the spatial organization of the city. Historical perspective on changing personal mobility, life cycle, family structure and work organization. The appropriation and alienation of urban spaces.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Oswin, Natalie (Fall)
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GEOG 404 Environmental Management 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Practical application of environmental planning, analysis and management techniques with reference to the needs and problems of developing areas. Special challenges posed by cultural differences and traditional resource systems are discussed. This course involves practical field work in a developing area (Kenya or Panama).
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Meredith, Thomas C; Blair, Alec (Winter)
Winter
3 hours
Prerequisite: GEOG 302 or permission of instructor
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GEOG 406 Human Dimensions of Climate Change (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : This course will examine the human dimensions of climate change focusing on the vulnerability of human systems, climate change adaptation and mitigation, key policy debates, and current and future challenges. Case studies will be utilized to provide context and help investigate and understand key concepts, trends, and challenges.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Ford, James (Winter)
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GEOG 416 Africa South of the Sahara (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : A synthetic overview of physical and cultural geography examining particularly the relation of African peoples to their landscapes, the causes and consequences of environmental changes, and the idea of sustainable development as it applies to African landscapes, resource systems and economies.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Brownhill, Leigh (Winter)
Winter
Offered in Kenya as part of the African Field Studies semester.
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GEOG 451 Research in Society and Development in Africa (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Three intersecting components: 1) core development themes including culture change, environmental conservation, water, health, development (urban and rural), governance and conflict resolution, 2) research techniques for topics related to core themes, including ethics, risk, field methods and data analysis, 3) field documentation, scientific recording and communication.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Meredith, Thomas C (Winter)
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GEOG 496 Geographical Excursion (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Lecture course on the geography of a region and excursion through the selected country or region including landscape interpretation and field study projects.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Meredith, Thomas C (Winter)
Winter
Prerequisites: GEOG 290 and permission of instructor
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GEOG 498 Humans in Tropical Environments (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Focus on understanding of inter-relations between humans and neotropical environments represented in Panama. Study of contemporary rural landscapes, their origins, development and change. Impacts of economic growth and inequality, social organization, and politics on natural resource use and environmental degradation. Site visits and field exercises in peasant/colonist, Amerindian, and plantation communities.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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GEOG 510 Humid Tropical Environments (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Focus on the environmental and human spatial relationships in tropical rain forest and savanna landscapes. Human adaptation to variations within these landscapes through time and space. Biophysical constraints upon "development" in the modern era.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Fall
3 hours
Prerequisite: GEOG 203 or equivalent and written permission of the instructor
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GEOG 514 Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : A critical examination of: the theoretical and conceptual evolution of climate change vulnerability and adaptation research; methodological developments from the role of model-driven assessments to the rise of participatory case study research, and the integration of vulnerability research into adaptation planning.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Ford, James (Winter)
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HIST 510 Environmental History of Latin America (Field) (3 credits)
Overview
History : Human-nature interactions over different scales of time in Latin America (with an emphasis on neo-tropical environments) and the application of the historical perspective to contemporary environmental issues, including historiography and methodology; cultures of environmental knowledge.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Studnicki-Gizbert, Daviken (Winter)
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MGPO 440 Strategies for Sustainability (3 credits)
Overview
Management Policy : This course explores the relationship between economic activity, management, and the natural environment. Using readings, discussions and cases, the course will explore the challenges that the goal of sustainable development poses for our existing notions of economic goals, production and consumption practices and the management of organizations.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Graham, Margaret (Winter)
Restriction: Open to U2, U3 students only
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NRSC 221 Environment and Health (3 credits) *
Overview
Natural Resource Sciences : Introduction to physical and social environments as factors contributing to the production of human health, with emphasis on the physical properties of the atmospheric environment as they interact with diverse human populations in urban settings.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Strachan, Ian Brett; Ross, Nancy (Winter)
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POLI 445 International Political Economy: Monetary Relations (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Advanced course in international political economy; the politics of international of monetary relations, such as international rules governing international finance, the reasons for and consequences of financial flows, and the functioning of international financial bodies such as the IMF and World Bank.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Prerequisites: POLI 243 or permission of the instructor.
Note: The field is International Politics.
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URBP 507 Planning and Infrastructure (3 credits)
Overview
Urban Planning : An exploration of the interrelationship between land-use planning and infrastructure provision, especially water and sewerage. An examination of their policy and regulatory frameworks and other methodology of plan making and evaluation.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Bornstein, Lisa; Braiden, Heather (Fall)
(8-.5-.5)
Restriction: Must be enrolled in the Barbados Field study Semester.
Revision, June 2012. End of revision.
McGill School of Environment—2012-2013 (last updated Dec. 20, 2012) (disclaimer)
