Program Requirements
The resources necessary for human society are extracted from the Earth, used as raw materials in our factories and refineries, and then returned to the Earth as waste. Geological processes produce resources humans depend on, and they also determine the fate of wastes in the environment. Understanding Earth's geologic processes provides us with the knowledge to mitigate many of our society's environmental impacts due to resource extraction and waste disposal. Additionally, economics frequently affects what energy sources power our society and how our wastes are treated. Earth sciences and economics are essential for our understanding of the many mechanisms, both physical and social, that affect Earth's environment.
This domain includes the fundamentals of each discipline. Students learn of minerals, rocks, soils, and waters and how these materials interact with each other and with the atmosphere. Fundamental economic theory and the economic effects of public policy toward resource industries, methods of waste disposal, and the potential effects of global warming on the global economy are also explored.
Suggested First Year (U1) Courses
For suggestions on courses to take in your first year (U1), you can consult the "Bieler School of Environment Student Handbook" available on the website (), or contact Kathy Roulet, the Program Adviser (kathy.roulet [at] mcgill.ca).
Program Requirements
Note: Students are required to take a maximum of 34 credits at the 200 level and a minimum of 15 credits at the 400 level or higher in this program. This includes core and required courses.
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 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Ricciardi, Anthony; Lovat, Christie (Fall) Lovat, Christie; Favret, Karen (Winter)
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 2024
Instructors: Badami, Madhav Govind; Cardille, Jeffrey; Garver, Geoffrey (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 2025
Instructors: Leung, Brian; Sengupta, Raja; Soper, Fiona; Lovat, Christie (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 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Kosoy, Nicolas; Freeman, Julia (Fall) Hirose, Iwao; Janzwood, Amy (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 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Sengupta, Raja (Fall) Freeman, Julia; Khattar, Gabriel (Winter)
Fall - Downtown campus; Winter - Macdonald campus
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
Restrictions: Restricted to U2 or higher
Prerequisite(s): Completion of U1 Required courses in Environment, or permission of instructor.
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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 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Kosoy, Nicolas; Freeman, Julia (Fall) Sieber, Renee; Horner, Hervé Robert; Janzwood, Amy (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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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 summer.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Soper, Fiona; Sieber, Renee; Lovat, Christie; Manaugh, Kevin; Gobby, Jen (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite(s): ENVR 301 and MATH 203 or equivalent, or by permission of the instructor
Restriction: Only open to U3 students in their final year in the following programs: B.A. Faculty Program in Environment, B.A.& Sc. Interfaculty 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 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Winter
Restriction: students in the Panama Field Semester program. Offered in Panama only
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FSCI 444 Barbados Research Project (6 credits)
Overview
Faculty of Science : A research project that is supervised by McGill academic staff and is conducted in collaboration with local partners. The project topic must relate to the field of sustainability relating to the Caribbean or Barbados specifically.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Millien, Virginie (Fall)
Domain: Required Courses (21 credits)
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ECON 230D1 Microeconomic Theory (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : The introductory course for Economics Major students in microeconomic theory. In depth and critical presentation of the theory of consumer behaviour, theory of production and cost curves, theory of the firm, theory of distribution, welfare economics and the theory of general equilibrium.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Gendron-Carrier, Nicolas; Boone, Claire (Fall)
Students must register for both ECON 230D1 and ECON 230D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ECON 230D1 and ECON 230D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ECON 230D2 Microeconomic Theory (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : See ECON 230D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Saltiel, Fernando (Winter)
Prerequisite: ECON 230D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ECON 230D1 and ECON 230D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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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 2025
Instructors: Cairns, Robert D (Winter)
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EPSC 210 Introductory Mineralogy (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : Elementary crystallography, chemistry and identification of the principal rock-forming and ore minerals, in hand specimens and using optical microscopy. Demonstrations of other techniques applied to the identification of minerals and to the analysis of their composition and structure. Optional 2-day field trip.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Paquette, Jeanne; Baker, Don (Fall)
Fall
2 hours lectures, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 110 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
A nominal fee is charged to cover expenses of materials and supplies for identification kits (pen magnet, streak plate, hand lens and acid bottle) used to identify minerals during laboratory exercises.
Des frais seront prelevés pour couvrir l'usage des collections d'enseignement et les accessoires (loupe, aimant, bouteille d'acide chlorhydrique dilué, plaque de porcelaine) essentiels à l'identification des minéraux pendant les travaux pratiques.
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EPSC 212 Introductory Petrology (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : A survey of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and the processes responsible for their formation. The laboratory will emphasize the recognition of rocks in both hand-specimen and thin section using optical microscopes.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Berlo, Kim (Winter)
Winter
2 hours lectures, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: EPSC 210
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EPSC 220 Principles of Geochemistry (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : Basic concepts in geochemistry and the application of geochemical principles of chemistry to geological subdisciplines. Particular emphasis on origin of elements, controls on their distribution in Earth and cosmos, isotopes, organic geochemistry and water chemistry. Application of phase diagrams to geology.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Baker, Don (Fall)
Fall
2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
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EPSC 240 Geology in the Field (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : Lectures and field-based exercises, held locally on campus and in the Montreal area, introduce students to the reading and interpretation of a topographic map, the basic description of a stratigraphic section and the inference of its depositional environment, the nature of intrusive contacts, and the field measurement of some structural features and geophysical properties. Students plot geological information on a map, identify landforms in aerial views and learn the tectonic features diagnostic of plate margins. By the end of the course, the students relate a geological map to the geological history of Quebec.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Boianju, Inga; Minarik, William (Fall)
Restriction: Priority is given to students in programs for which this course is required.
Open to U0 students with permission of the instructor.
Domain: Complementary Courses (24 credits)
24 credits of complementary courses are selected as follows:
3 credits - Statistics courses
12 credits - Economic Resources
9 credits - Natural Resources
Statistics:
One of the following Statistics courses or equivalent.
Note: Credit given for Statistics courses is subject to certain restrictions. Students in Science should consult the "Course Overlap" information in the "Course Requirements" section for the Faculty of Science.
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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 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Dutilleul, Pierre R L (Fall) Dhiman, Jaskaran (Winter)
Two 1.5-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab
Please note that credit will be given for only one introductory statistics course. Consult your academic advisor.
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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 2024
Instructors: Mahmud, Mallik (Fall)
3 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 2024, Winter 2025, Summer 2025
Instructors: Stephens, David; Correa, Jose Andres (Fall) Sajjad, Alia (Winter)
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.
Economic Resources
12 credits from:
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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 2024
Instructors: Karaguesian, Julian (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisites: AGEC 200 or equivalent
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ECON 209 Macroeconomic Analysis and Applications (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : A university-level introduction to national income determination, money and banking, inflation, unemployment and economic policy.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Summer 2025
Instructors: Dickinson, Paul (Fall) El-Attar Vilalta, Mayssun (Winter)
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ECON 305 Industrial Organization (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : The course analyzes the structure, conduct, and performance of industries, particularly but not exclusively in Canada. Topics include effects of mergers, barriers to entry, product line and promotion policies, vertical integration, and R & D policies of firms.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Benchekroun, Hassan (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 2024, Winter 2025, Summer 2025
Instructors: Grimard, Franque (Fall) Ajzenman, Nicolas (Winter)
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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 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Chemin, Matthieu (Fall) Grimard, Franque (Winter)
Prerequisite: ECON 313
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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: Winter 2025
Instructors: Babcock, Michael (Winter)
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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 2025
Instructors: Cairns, Robert D (Winter)
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ECON 408 Public Sector Economics 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : Theoretical and empirical economic analysis of the public sector with an emphasis on public goods and government spending. Study of Canadian institutions in international perspective.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Engle-Warnick, James (Fall)
Prerequisite: ECON 230D1/D2 or 250D1/D2 or permission of the instructor.
Not open to students who have already completed ECON 408D1/D2.
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ECON 409 Public Sector Economics 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : Theoretical and empirical economic analysis of the public sector with an emphasis on taxation. Study of Canadian institutions in international perspective.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Zhang, Ling Ling (Winter)
Prerequisite: ECON 408 or permission of the instructor
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ECON 408D1/D2
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ECON 416 Topics in Economic Development 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : This course gives students a broad overview of the economics of developing countries. The course covers micro and macro topics, with particular emphasis on the economic analysis at the micro level.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Amodio, Francesco; Grimard, Franque (Winter)
Prerequisite(s): ECON 230 or ECON 250 and ECON 227D1/D2 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
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ECON 511 Energy, Economy and Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : Interdisciplinary study of the short-term and long-term interactions between economic activity, energy usage and the environment. Implications of rising fossil fuels usage for environmental damage and its consequences for the future. The political economy of energy in national politics and international relations; the interface of energy and financial flows; the challenge of globally managing toxic residues.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite(s): 3 credits of microeconomics and 3 credits of macroeconomics.
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ECON 525 Project Analysis (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : A course in cost benefit analysis for graduate and advanced undergraduate students.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ENVB 437 Assessing Environmental Impact (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : Principles and practice of Environmental Assessment (EA) in Canada and internationally. Exploration of issues surrounding impact assessment for sustainable development in different sectors, including their limitations.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Hickey, Gordon (Winter)
Open to U2 students and above.
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ENVR 422 Montreal Urban Sustainability Analysis (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Applied and experience-based learning opportunities are employed to critically assess Montreal as a sustainable city through research, discussion, and field trips. The urban environment is considered through various specific dimensions, ranging from: waste, energy, urban agriculture, green spaces and design, or transportation.
Terms: Summer 2025
Instructors: Freeman, Julia; Lovat, Christie; Manaugh, Kevin (Summer)
Natural Resources
9 credits from:
* ANTH 451 or GEOG 451 can be taken, but not both; BIOL 451 or NRSC 451 can be taken, but not both; ENVB 529 or GEOG 201 can be taken, but not both.
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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 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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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 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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BIOL 343 Biodiversity in the Caribean (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Biodiversity loss and the measure of ecological integrity of ecosystems, patterns of diversification and evolution of terrestrial and oceanic biotas in the Caribbean.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Millien, Virginie (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: Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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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 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ENVB 500 Advanced Topics in Ecotoxicology (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : Exploring the impact of environmental chemicals on biological organisms in an ecological context. Basic topics in ecotoxicology, such as source and fate, routes of exposure, bioavailability, dose-response, biomarkers, and risk assessment will be covered from both theoretical and applied perspectives. The processes by which pollutants are tested, regulated, and monitored will be critically examined.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Head, Jessica (Fall)
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ENVB 529 GIS for Natural Resource Management (3 credits) *
Overview
Environmental Biology : Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques to the presentation and analysis of ecological information, including sources and capture of spatial data; characterizing, transforming, displaying spatial data; and spatial analysis to solve resource management problems.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Cardille, Jeffrey; Adamchuk, Viacheslav; Dhiman, Jaskaran (Fall)
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ENVR 421 Montreal: Environmental History and Sustainability (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : This course will focus on the role of place and history in the cities in which we live and in our understanding of sustainability. Each year, students will work to develop a historical reconstruction of the natural environment of Montreal and of its links to the cultural landscape, building on the work of previous cohorts of students.
Terms: Summer 2025
Instructors: Freeman, Julia; Lovat, Christie; Manaugh, Kevin (Summer)
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EPSC 325 Environmental Geochemistry (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : The basic concepts and calculations needed to quantitatively understand the geochemical processes occurring between minerals and waters in Earth’s near-surface environment. The important concepts of thermodynamics and kinetics will be exemplified using examples that concentrate on reactions between minerals and water and their impact on the environment.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Baker, Don (Winter)
Prerequisites: CHEM 110 or some familiarity with the basic principles of the periodic table (high school/cegep general chemistry is acceptable), or permission of the instructor
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EPSC 331 Field School 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : Two week field studies in selected branches of the geosciences.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Two-week intensive field school to a range of national and international locations.
Prerequisites: EPSC 240, enrolment in U2 or U3 EPS program, and permission of the instructor.
Alternates years with EPSC 341.
The field school will be based around the Bay of Fundy, and central Nova Scotia and has an additional fee of $611.92 to cover the costs of transportation and accommodation as well as other field expenses. Six days will be spent around the Chignecto peninsula, including visits to Parrsboro, Joggins, and Cape Chignecto park. The remaining time will be spent between Pictou, Wolfville and the Annapolis valley, and the coast south of Halifax.
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EPSC 341 Field School 3 (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : Two week field studies in selected branches of the geosciences to examine processes in geology.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Two week intensive field school to a range of national and international locations.
Prerequisites: EPSC 240, enrolment in U2 or U3 EPS program and permission of the instructor.
Alternates years with EPSC 331.
This course, given every alternate year, has an additional fee of $611.92 to cover the costs of airfare, meals and accommodation as well as other field expenses. The fee is only refundable prior to the deadline to withdraw with full refund. The department of Earth and Planetary Science subsidizes a portion of the cost for this activity.
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EPSC 355 Sedimentary Geology (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : The origin, classification, diagenesis and economic importance of sedimentary rocks. The physical properties of sedimentary rocks, the processes by which sediments are transported and deposited, and the environments in which they accumulate. Introduction to techniques for describing and analyzing sedimentary rocks in thin section, hand specimen, and on the outcrop.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Halverson, Galen (Winter)
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EPSC 425 Sediments to Sequences (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : Advanced techniques for interrogating the sedimentary record. Exploration of both descriptive and quantitative approaches to describing and interpreting the stratigraphic record, including sedimentary facies analysis, seismic stratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, and chemostratigraphy. Other topics include methods for dating and age-calibrating the stratigraphic record and approaches to analyzing sedimentary cycles.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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EPSC 435 Applied Geophysics (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : Methods in geophysical surveying including gravity, magnetism, electromagnetism, resistivity and seismology; application to exploration and near surface environmental and hydrological targets are included, along with field applications of techniques.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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EPSC 452 Mineral Deposits (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : A systematic review of the nature and origin of the major types of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits; typical occurrences; geographic distribution; applications to exploration. Emphasis on magmatic ores, massive sulfides, iron formations.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Williams-Jones, Anthony E (Fall)
Fall
2 hours lectures, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: EPSC 220, enrolment in U2 or U3 EPS program
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EPSC 519 Isotopes in Earth and Environmental Science (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : The theory and application of stable and radioactive isotope measurements in the Earth and environmental sciences, including applications in geology, hydrology, climatology, biogeochemistry, and ecology.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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EPSC 549 Hydrogeology (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : Introduction to groundwater flow through porous media. Notions of fluid potential and hydraulic head. Darcy flux and Darcy's Law. Physical properties of porous media and their measurement. Equation of groundwater flow. Flow systems. Hydraulics of pumping and recharging wells. Notions of hydrology. Groundwater quality and contamination. Physical processes of contaminant transport.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: McKenzie, Jeffrey (Winter)
Winter
3 hours lectures
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor
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EPSC 590 Applied Geochemistry Seminar (3 credits)
Overview
Earth & Planetary Sciences : Seminar course devoted to field case studies that illustrate the applications of geochemical principles to solving geologic problems. Each student will prepare and lead a class devoted to a geochemical subject of their own choosing.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Williams-Jones, Anthony E; van Hinsberg, Vincent Johan (Winter)
Winter
3 hours seminar
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
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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 2024
Instructors: Elrick, Tim (Fall)
Fall
3 hours and lab
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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 2024
Instructors: Harris, Sarah (Fall)
3 hours
Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in Geography or MSE or BIOL 308 or permission of instructor.
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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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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: Fall 2024
Instructors: Lehner, Bernhard; Ali, Genevieve (Fall)
Winter
3 hours
Prerequisite: GEOG 203 or equivalent
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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 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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MIME 320 Extraction of Energy Resources (3 credits)
Overview
Mining & Materials Engineering : The extraction of energy resources, i.e. coal, gas, oil and tar sands. After a brief geological review, different extraction techniques for these substances will be discussed. Emphasis on problems such as northern mining and offshore oil extraction with reference to Canadian operations. Transportation and marketing.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Hassani, Ferri (Fall)
(3-0-6)
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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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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SOIL 300 Geosystems (3 credits)
Overview
Soil Science : Interactions between Earth's various geologic systems and how these interactions lead to mineral and rock formation. Geomorphic processes and how various landforms are created by the interactions at the Earth's surface between the various geologic systems.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Winter
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken SOIL 200. Restricted to U2 students and above.
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SOIL 315 Soil Nutrient Management (3 credits)
Overview
Soil Science : Plant nutrients in the soil, influence of soil properties on nutrient absorption and plant growth, use of organic and inorganic fertilizers.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Whalen, Joann (Fall)
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SOIL 326 Soils in a Changing Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Soil Science : Soil processes responsible for soil formation will be studied and the impact of changes to the physical and chemical environment will be discussed.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Fall
3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
Prerequisite: A previous course in soil science, geography, geology or permission of instructor.
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SOIL 535 Soil Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Soil Science : Exploration of the unique soil habitat for organisms with a focus on the variables that affect the abundance, diversity and interactions of soil biota and, in turn, their influence on soil physicochemical properties, biogeochemical cycles and other factors impacting ecosystem sustainability. Topics include survey of soil fauna, soil food webs, microbial ecology, biological carbon and nitrogen cycling, plant-soil interactions, and the effects of human activities and management on soil ecology, including synthesizing concepts and a critical analysis and interpretation of primary scientific literature in soil ecology.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
