PCDR
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Environment and Resource Management Co-op Information for Employers

Adding Value to Your Team

The University of Guelph’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences (B.Sc.(Env.)) is a unique interdisciplinary program which integrates the sciences and social sciences and builds skills in communication, management, and decision-making. Students within the program learn and practice a well-rounded approach to addressing environmental problems. In this program, students gain the skills and expertise needed to solve the complex environmental problems that the government, industry, the private sector, and society are currently addressing.

University of Guelph Advantage

To become competent environmental scientists, students follow a unique curriculum. Their common first year provides a firm foundation in science before students branch out into their chosen area of expertise or major.

As they complete their first year, students select a major to focus their studies. Students do not begin their first work term until they have completed 1.5 years of study and have mastered the core competencies needed to be successful in their work terms. During their academic career, students build academic expertise examining the scientific, economic, political, legislative and philosophical aspects of environmental problem solving. Environmental Sciences students work in environmentally related positions in the government and private sectors. They may conduct research in a variety of disciplines; perform environmental assessments or land evaluations; or contribute to large environmental projects.

Student Strengths

 Comprehensive Understanding

Broad-based knowledge and understanding in the sciences combined with in-depth knowledge and understanding in a particular scientific area.

 Critical Thinking

Management and decision-making skills for the application of scientific knowledge to environmental problems, and the evaluation of appropriate environmental policies.

 Communication

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Environment and Resource Management Co-op Work Term Schedule

YEAR
 

FALL

 

WINTER

 

SUMMER

ONEAcademicAcademicOff
TWOAcademicAcademicWork
THREEAcademicAcademicWork
FOURWorkWorkOff
FIVEAcademicAcademic 

Environment and Resource Management Course Sequencing

Please see the current undergraduate calendar for more information.

Fall

  • Discovering Biodiversity
  • General Chemistry I
  • Introduction to Environmental Sciences
  • Elements of Calculus I

Winter

  • Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • General Chemistry II
  • Introduction to Co-operative Education
  • Introduction to Environmental Economics, Law and Policy
  • Introduction to the Biophysical Environment

Fall

  • Geomorphology
  • Analysis in Geography
  • One of:
    • Economic Growth and Environmental Quality
    • Survey of Natural Resource Economics
  • 2 electives/restricted electives

Winter

  • Climate and the Biophysical Environment
  • Environment and Resources 
  • Mapping and GIS
  • 2 electives/restricted electives

Summer

Work Term One

Fall

  • Introduction to Environmental Stewardship
  • Fluvial Processes
  • Biogeography
  • Indigenous-Settler Relationships in Environmental Governance
  • 1 elective/restricted elective

Winter

  • GIS and Spatial Analysis
  • 4 electives/restricted electives

Summer

Work Term Two

Fall

Work Term Three

Winter

Work Term Four

Fall

  • Project in Environmental Sciences
  • Environmental Systems Analysis
  • Environmental Governance
  • 1 elective/restricted elective

Winter

  • Project in Environmental Sciences
  • 4 electives/restricted electives
Restricted Electives

Restricted electives include a minimum of 2 of the following courses:

  • Introduction to Programming
  • Soil Variability and Land Evaluation
  • Local Environmental Management
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • An additional 1.0 credits in Geography at the 3000-level or higher