XII. Course Descriptions
Environmental Sciences
School of Environmental Sciences
Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
The program in Environmental Sciences is interdisciplinary, involving courses from several different departments. See the
B.Sc.(Env.) program information in Section X--Undergraduate Degree Programs.
| ENVS*1030 Introduction to Environmental Sciences F (6-0) [1.00] |
| This course introduces students to what it means to think critically from an environmental sciences perspective. It covers
an introduction to: philosophy of science, philosophy of the environment, the evaluation of scientific evidence, and scientific
arguments. The course focuses on how we understand and recognize environmental problems, how we decide what to do about them,
and what role science can and should play in these discussions.
|
| Restriction(s): |
ENVS*1100 Registration in the BSC(Env) program or BBRM.EM
|
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*1060 Principles of Geology S,F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides an introduction to geological principles, their historical development and application to interpreting
Earth materials and processes. This course is suitable for those wishing a general knowledge of Earth sciences.
|
| Offering(s): |
Offered through Distance Education format only. |
| Equate(s): |
GEOL*1100 |
| Restriction(s): |
May not be taken for credit by students in BBRM, BSC or BSC(Env). |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*1100 Fundamentals of Environmental Sciences F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course introduces students to what it means to think critically from an environmental sciences perspective. It covers
an introduction to: philosophy of science, philosophy of the environment, the evaluation of scientific evidence, and scientific
arguments. The course focuses on how we understand and recognize environmental problems, how we decide what to do about them,
and what role science can and should play in these discussions.
|
| Restriction(s): |
ENVS*1030 Not available to students registered in BSC(Env) program and BBRM.EM
|
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2060 Soil Science S,F (3-2) [0.50] |
| This course is an introduction to the principles of soil science - the origin of soils, their classification and interpretation
in natural and modified environments. Soil will be studied as a product of the natural environment, with a focus on formation
processes and changes which occur when it is modified through use. A variety of uses including agriculture, forestry, recreation,
and urban development will be considered.
|
| Offering(s): |
Also offered through Distance Education format. |
| Equate(s): |
SOIL*2010 |
| Restriction(s): |
AGR*2320.
|
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2070 Environmental Perspectives and Choice F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This is an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues which offers opportunities to investigate social processes and
philosophical considerations with respect to the position and influence of humankind, and the development of social conditions,
values and economic activities that have led to our present situation. These investigations are carried out within the context
of physical environmental considerations, such as the state of the earth, forests, air water and our use of energy, and will
lead the student to a detailed consideration of the future.
|
| Offering(s): |
Offered through Distance Education format only. |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2080 Introduction to Environmental Microbiology W (2-3) [0.50] |
| This course will introduce students to environmental microbiology, with a focus on the important roles of microorganisms in
various environments such as soil, water and sediments. Discussion will emphasize the physiology, biochemistry, molecular
biology and ecology of microorganisms, and how a good understanding of these microbial processes can enable beneficial applications
of microorganisms in biotechnology and bioremediation.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1070, BIOL*1090 |
| Restriction(s): |
ENVM*1020, ENVS*2320 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2120 Introduction to Environmental Stewardship F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides an introduction to the concepts of resource management, environmental planning and assessment, land stewardship
and sustainable development. Case studies of specific issues such as parks and natural heritage conservation, agricultural
land loss, and integrated rural resources management will provide insight on approaches to decision making. Included will
be discussion of the concept of stewardship as an environmental ethics.
|
| Offering(s): |
Offered through Distance Education format only. |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2130 Eating Sustainably in Ontario F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course is intended to introduce students to the science behind food related issues within the context of Ontario agriculture
and food systems. The course will provide students with an overview of the history of agriculture in Ontario and an opportunity
to discuss both sides of current debates over food production and associated environmental and human health issues.
|
| Offering(s): |
Also offered through Distance Education format. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
4.00 credits |
| Restriction(s): |
May not be taken by students in the BAS, BBRM, BSC, BSC(Agr) or BSC(Env) programs |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2210 Apiculture and Honey Bee Biology F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course is designed to acquaint the student with the broad field of beekeeping. It will include honey bee biology and
behaviour, management for honey production, products of the hive, pests and enemies and the value of bees as pollinators of
agricultural crops.
|
| Offering(s): |
Also offered through Distance Education format. |
| Equate(s): |
ENVB*2210 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2230 Communications in Environmental Science F,W (4-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides students with direct training in the academic skills used in researching and communicating environmental
science. Within the context of current problems in environmental science, students will develop skills in library research,
statistical interpretation, oral and poster presentation and written communication to diverse audiences. Students will research
and report on scientific issues within environmental issues being reported in the media.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of ENVM*1000, ENVM*1200, ENVS*1030 |
| Restriction(s): |
Registration in BBRM, BSC(Env) or BSC(Agr) programs. |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2240 Fundamentals of Environmental Geology F (3-3) [0.50] |
| This course introduces the concepts and real-world examples of environmental issues related to plate tectonics, natural resources
and igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes and rocks, groundwater and structural geology. Students will develop laboratory
skills in rock and mineral identification, geological map interpretation and site characterization.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*1300 |
| Restriction(s): |
ENVS*1050 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2250 Geology of Natural Disasters S,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course will offer insight into the mechanisms of natural geological disasters and their effects on Planet Earth, human
civilization and life in general. Events before, during and after geological disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,
meteorite impact and climate change will be the focus of this course. This course will not count as a science credit for B.Sc.
students.
|
| Offering(s): |
Offered through Distance Education format only. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of ENVS*1050, ENVS*1060, GEOL*1050, GEOL*1100, GEOG*1300, GEOG*1350 |
| Equate(s): |
GEOL*2250 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2270 Impacts of Climate Change F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course will provide students with an overview of recent research into what climate change means for Canada and Canadians.
Students will learn about evidence for significant changes to the Boreal forests and about the potential impacts of climate
change on human health through increasing heat waves and the heat stress on individuals. The course is intended to bridge
the gap between abstract discussion of the climate and understand what these changes mean at both personal and societal levels.
|
| Offering(s): |
Also offered through Distance Education format. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
Minimum of 4.00 credits |
| Restriction(s): |
May not be taken by students in the BAS, BBRM, BSC, BSC(Agr) or BSC(Env) programs |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2310 Introduction to Biogeochemistry W (4-0) [0.50] |
| This course explores quantitatively and qualitatively how biological processes control element fluxes between water, air,
and earth materials. Students will gain an understanding of the cycles for major elements (C, N, P, S etc.) in Earth’s surface
environments, including soil, rivers, lakes and oceans. Topics of current interest, such as resource extraction, climate change
and geoengineering will be discussed in terms of their contributions to major element cycles. Seminars include quantitation
exercises, hands-on exercises, and discussions to complement topics covered in the lectures.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1070, CHEM*1040 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*2330 Current Issues in Ecosystem Science and Biodiversity F (4-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides an introduction to a range of specific environmental and scientific issues relating to ecological sciences.
Issues to be covered include the biology of climate change, forest science and management of terrestrial ecosystems. Three
examples of current problems of societal concern will be used as starting points to examine the role of science in addressing
them, while developing students' knowledge of the underlying science and its relation to policy and economics.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of BIOL*1050, BIOL*1070, ENVM*1000, ENVM*1200, ENVS*1030 |
| Equate(s): |
ENVB*2030 |
| Restriction(s): |
ENVB*3330, ENVS*2150 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3000 Nature Interpretation F,W (2-3) [0.50] |
| This course explores communication and experiential learning theories and their application to natural history interpretation
and environmental education program design and delivery. Students will develop interpretive materials, plan an interpretive
walk and deliver the interpretive walk to a community group.
|
| Offering(s): |
Also offered through Distance Education format. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 |
| Equate(s): |
ENVB*3000 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3010 Climate Change Biology S,F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course examines the impacts of climate change on living organisms, biological communities and ecosystems. The course
focuses on what is known, and what is not known, about the ways in which the suite of changing climate variables influence
biological systems.
|
| Offering(s): |
Also offered through Distance Education format. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 |
| Equate(s): |
ENVB*3010 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3050 Microclimatology W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course examines natural and intentionally-modified microclimates near the earth's surface; energy budgets; transport
of mass and heat. Familiarization with some instruments for microclimatic measurements will be required.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
ENVS*2030 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3060 Groundwater W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides a general understanding of the physical and chemical processes that operate in the groundwater zone under
natural and human-induced conditions. The interrelations between the groundwater regime and the other components of the hydrological
cycle are studied. Considerable emphasis is placed on the applied aspects of topics such as exploration, testing and development
of aquifers for water supply, the chemical quality of groundwater, and the hydrogeological aspects of waste disposal.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
AGR*2320 or ENVS*2060 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3080 Soil and Water Conservation F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course examines the processes leading to deterioration of soil and water quality, the impact of deterioration on use,
and preventative or corrective measures: soil erosion by water and wind, soil compaction and salinization, drainage channel
maintenance, sedimentation and nutrient enrichment of water, conservation programs and policies, and reclamation of severely
disturbed soils and saline-sodic soils. Emphasis will be on concepts and solutions to problems in a systems approach.
|
| Offering(s): |
Offered through Distance Education format only. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of AGR*2320, ENVS*2060, SOIL*2010 |
| Equate(s): |
SOIL*3080 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3140 Management of Turfgrass Diseases F (2-2) [0.50] |
| In this course ecology of turfgrass diseases and cultural methods of management will be emphasized, in addition to field recognition
and microscopic diagnosis of diseases. Advances in biological and chemical control measures and their impact on turfgrass
ecosystems and surrounding environments will also be discussed.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
HORT*2450 |
| Equate(s): |
ENVB*3160 |
| Restriction(s): |
DTM*3200 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3150 Aquatic Systems W (3-2) [0.50] |
| In this course students will be taught how to apply quantitative methods to the analysis of aquatic systems of the earth from
many simultaneous perspectives. The material will include the physical, chemical and biological components of the various
liquid surficial structures and processes and also how they interact with humans. The economic, social and policy implications
of humans interacting with aquatic systems will also be emphasized. The history of the analysis of aquatic systems will be
systematically included in the material.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
10.00 credits including (BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040) or (BIOL*1070, BIOL*1090), CHEM*1040 |
| Restriction(s): |
BIOL*3450 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3180 Sedimentary Environments F (3-3) [0.50] |
| This course examines the principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy as applied to various ancient and modern sedimentary
systems. Students will learn to describe and interpret sedimentary deposits in terrestrial and marine systems as well as the
larger forces that control the preservation and evolution of these sedimentary systems over geological time. The course includes
several field trips.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
ENVS*1050 or ENVS*2240 |
| Restriction(s): |
ENVS*2400 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3210 Plant Pathology F (2-3) [0.50] |
| This course examines the nature of disease in plants, including their causal agents, etiology, biology, epidemiology, and
management. Emphasis is placed on the historical and social importance of plant diseases, and on current issues in plant health.
Each student is required to make a collection of 20 plant disease specimens. Students must contact the course instructor before
starting their collection.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of BIOL*1040, BIOL*1050, BIOL*1070 |
| Equate(s): |
ENVB*3210 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3220 Terrestrial Chemistry F (4-0) [0.50] |
| This course surveys the behaviour of elements in the Earth's surface environments, encompassing soils and saturated (wetland,
lake, river) sediments. The course is focused on understanding the factors that control the chemical processes governing soils
and freshwater sediments through the reactions of the elements and molecules that they contain. Students will extend their
fundamental understanding of chemistry to the materials of the Earth's upper crust.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
CHEM*1050, ( 1 of ENVS*1050, ENVS*2060, ENVS*2240)
|
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3230 Agroforestry Systems F (2-2) [0.50] |
| The planned and systematic integration of trees into the agricultural landscape can potentially result in sustainable environmental,
ecological, economic and social benefits. The key aspects of deriving these benefits, associated science and management considerations,
application potentials at the landscape level and adoption challenges will be discussed. Common temperate and tropical agroforestry
systems (e.g. intercropping of trees and crops) will be discussed. Emphasis will be given to successful research and development
case studies.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
5.00 credits, (1 of BIOL*1040, BIOL*1050, BIOL*1070)
|
| Equate(s): |
ENVB*3230 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3250 Forest Health and Disease F (2-2) [0.50] |
| The impact of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms on forest health, and the biology and management of tree diseases in
natural and urban ecosystems is covered in this course. Emphasis will be placed on ecological processes, host-pathogen interactions,
mutualistic associations, wood decay, and human impacts on tree health.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of BOT*2100, ENVB*2030, ENVS*2040, ENVS*2330 |
| Equate(s): |
ENVB*3250 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3270 Forest Biodiversity W (4-0) [0.50] |
| This course examines biodiversity in forest ecosystems at a variety of scales from genes to landscapes. Relationships between
biodiversity and forest ecosystem structure, function, and stability are explored. Approaches to conserving biodiversity in
managed forests are discussed and evaluated. Analysis of the relevant scientific literature and practical experience with
methods of quantifying biodiversity are emphasized in the weekly seminar.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of BIOL*2060, BOT*3050, ENVS*2330 |
| Equate(s): |
ENVB*3270 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3290 Waterborne Disease Ecology F (3-2) [0.50] |
| This course examines emerging and re-emerging waterborne diseases (bacterial, protozoan, and viral) as a function of environmental
change (including chemical and biological pollution and climate change). Waterborne diseases, in freshwater and marine ecosystems,
will be examined from historical and contemporary issues as they relate to public and environmental health from regional,
national, and international perspectives. Topics presented within the course will include current waterborne diseases of humans
and aquatic fauna, detection of waterborne pathogens, microbial evolution, microbial physiology, water regulations and protection
of drinking water.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
(ENVS*2080 or ENVS*2320 or [MBG*2040, (BIOL*2060 or MICR*2420)]
|
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3300 Introduction to Controlled Environment Systems W (3-0) [0.50] |
| Canada is among the world’s leading providers of research and technology development devoted to “biological life support”
for humans on long duration space exploration missions. Students will be exposed to the broad scope of research activities
and infrastructure at the UoG's Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility which represents Canada's main contribution
to this field internationally. Discussions will focus on the technical challenges faced by space explorers and how the solutions
relate to knowledge and technology transfer to Earth-based problems in issues from the environment to the economy. Students
will prepare papers and discussions on relevant topics.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1050 or BIOL*1070 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3310 Soil Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function W (4-0) [0.50] |
| Soils are the site of complex interactions between minerals, water, air, organic matter and living organisms. This course
will focus on the organisms that live in the soil and their activities in soil ecosystems, soil as a habitat for organisms,
the key role of microorganisms in nutrient cycles and plant-microbe relationships and will review basic soil microbial and
ecological principles.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
10.00 credits including (1 of AGR*2320, ENVS*2060, SOIL*2010)
|
| Equate(s): |
ENVS*3200, SOIL*3200 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3340 Environmental Data Analysis F (2-3) [0.50] |
| This course is focused on interpreting data of the physical environment. Students will access various online databases, such
as meteorological and hydrological time series, and perform and interpret statistical analysis with the data. Issues around
errors and data collection will be explored by performing simple experiments. Students will make a numerical simulation of
a dynamic environmental phenomenon. Students will produce and interpret graphical presentations of data.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of ECON*2740, GEOG*2460, STAT*2040, STAT*2060, STAT*2230 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*3370 Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology W (3-0) [0.50] |
| In this course, the ecosystem is the biological level of organization of interest. Living organisms and their physical environment
are considered as components of an integrated system. Key ecosystem processes such as energy flow, carbon and nutrient cycling,
and succession, and the controls on these processes, are examined. The impacts of human activity and global change on ecosystem
structure and function are investigated.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 or ENVS*2330 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4000 Toxicological Risk Assessment W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This advanced course will give students a working knowledge of current processes and techniques for toxicological risk characterization.
The course material will cover problem definition, effect characterization, exposure characterization, risk assessment and
risk management decision making.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
TOX*2000 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4001 Project in Environmental Sciences F (3-0) [0.50] |
| First part of the two-semester course ENVS*4001/2. The course permits the student the opportunity to integrate both the skills and knowledge acquired in earlier courses through
application to current environmental problems and issues. Group research problems and exposure to critical environmental policy
issues will form the core elements of the course. This is a two-semester course offered over consecutive semesters. When you
select it you must select ENVS*4001 in the Fall semester and ENVS*4002 in the Winter semester. A grade will not be assigned to ENVS*4001 until ENVS*4002 is completed.
|
| Equate(s): |
ENVS*4011 |
| Restriction(s): |
12.00 credits, Registration in the BSC(Env) program. |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4002 Project in Environmental Sciences W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This is the second part of the two-semester course ENVS*4001/2. The course permits the student the opportunity to integrate both the skills and knowledge acquired in earlier courses through
application to current environmental problems and issues. Group research problems and exposure to critical environmental policy
issues will form the core elements of the course. This is a two-semester course offered over consecutive semesters. When you
select it you must select ENVS*4001 in the Fall semester and ENVS*4002 in the Winter semester. A grade will not be assigned to ENVS*4001 until ENVS*4002 is completed.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
ENVS*4001 |
| Equate(s): |
ENVS*4012 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4030 Ecohydrology W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course introduces the emerging discipline of ecohydrology, which focuses on interactions and feedbacks between the elements
of the water cycle, ecosystems and organisms. The emphasis will be on how hydrological processes regulate ecological ones
but also on the mechanisms of ecological regulation of hydrological processes – which are often ignored in traditional hydrologic
investigations. Students will learn about complex dynamics prevailing in ecohydrological systems using a blend of theory,
quantitative tools and case studies. Students will also learn to synthesize recent literature, collect and analyze relevant
data from open-access databases, and perform holistic ecohydrological system analysis through a term project.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
(BIOL*3130 or GEOG*3610), (1 of GEOG*2460, STAT*2040, STAT*2060, STAT*2120, STAT*2230)
|
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4070 Pollinator Conservation W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course will explore the ecology of pollination with an emphasis on the roles animals play in pollen movement. Students
will critically examine hypothesized drivers of regional, national and global pollinator declines, and the range of potential
strategies suggested to mitigate or reverse these declines. Students will examine the efficacy of a wide range of pollinator
conservation strategies in different geographical, ecological and economic contexts to help them build an understanding of
the available toolbox for conservation.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*3130 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4090 Soil Management F (3-1) [0.50] |
| A lecture-tutorial course on the practical aspects of soil management for crop production as they relate to the physical,
chemical and biological properties of soils; major emphasis is placed on soil fertility as related to field soil properties
and fertilizer, lime and manure use, soil and plant testing for mineral nutrients. The beneficial aspects of drainage, irrigation,
erosion control and related tillage practices on soil fertility are also presented. Due regard is given to both economic and
environmental aspects of soil management practices.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of AGR*2301/2, AGR*2320, ENVS*2060, SOIL*2010 |
| Equate(s): |
SOIL*4090 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4180 Insecticide Biological Activity and Resistance W (4-0) [0.50] |
| This course explores the diverse modes of action of botanical, microbial and synthetic insecticides. Detoxification mechanisms,
selectivity, resistance management and the process of pesticide discovery and development are also considered. The course
includes a review of insect physiological systems and discussion of the stability and distribution of pesticides in the environment.
|
| Offering(s): |
Offered in even-numbered years. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
Minimum of 12.00 credits |
| Restriction(s): |
ENVB*4240. Registration in the BAS, BBRM, BSC, BSC(Agr) or BSC(Env) program
|
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4190 Biological Activity of Herbicides W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course explores the diverse modes of action of botanical, microbial and synthetic herbicides. Detoxification mechanisms,
selectivity, resistance management and the process of herbicide discovery and development are also considered. The course
includes a review of plant physiological systems and discussion of the stability and distribution of herbicides in the environment.
|
| Offering(s): |
Offered in odd-numbered years. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
Minimum of 12.00 credits |
| Restriction(s): |
ENVB*4240. Registration in the BAS, BBRM, BSC, BSC(Agr) or BSC(Env) program.
|
| Department(s): |
Department of Plant Agriculture |
| ENVS*4210 Meteorological and Environmental Instrumentation W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course covers the design and implementation of measurement systems for atmospheric and environmental studies. Principles
of operation and practical consideration of various meteorological and soil sensors will be discussed along with overall design
and implementation procedures for environmental monitoring. Students will propose and perform a small independent experiment
or field measurement of their own design.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of ENVS*3050, ENVS*3130, ENVS*3340, PHYS*3100 |
| Equate(s): |
MET*4210 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4260 Field Entomology F,W (1-6) [0.50] |
| This course is taught in late April or May. Students may enroll in either the preceding Winter semester or following Fall
semester. The course provides an introduction to insect sampling, observation, identification, and experimentation in field
settings. Student activities are divided equally between observing, collecting and identifying specimens from more than 20
families and an experimental component involving one or more studies to test hypotheses about the ecology or behaviour of
insects. There are occasional lectures and discussions to highlight particularly interesting observations of insects. Student
evaluation is based on the student's insect collection and associated logbook, a written paper describing their experiment,
contributions to class discussions and activities, and peer evaluation. The field site is generally in the USA or South America.
Course fees cover costs of room, board, supplies, and transportation to the field site(s). This course must be recorded as
part of the student's Fall or Winter course selection and tuition and compulsory fees will be calculated accordingly. Detailed
information is available from the Office of the Director - School of Environmental Sciences.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
(ENVB*3090 or ENVS*3090) or (ENVB*4040 or ENVS*4040)
|
| Equate(s): |
ENVB*4260 |
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4320 Laboratory and Field Methods in Soil Biodiversity W (1-3) [1.00] |
| This course will use a hand-on approach to investigate concepts and develop skills needed for understanding key soil functions.
Emphasis will be on the transformation of nutrients and contaminants in soils and groundwater by microorganisms. Approaches
for analyzing microbial populations and activities in the environment, including molecular techniques will be covered.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
ENVS*3200 or ENVS*3310 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4350 Forest Ecology F (3-3) [0.50] |
| This course will explore aspects of forest ecology with an emphasis on the ecological principles needed for sound forest management.
Biotic and abiotic components of forest ecosystems will be discussed in the context of energy flow, nutrient cycling, forest
succession and appropriate silvicultural systems.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 or ENVS*2330 |
| Equate(s): |
ENVB*4780 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4360 Glacial Environments W (4-0) [0.50] |
| This course will explore modern to ancient glacial environments, focusing on the sedimentary record they leave behind and
applications of glacial geology including reconstructing past environments, examining how glacial deposits affect the distribution
of resources or groundwater contaminants, and discovering the response of glaciers to recent and past climate change. Students
will develop skills in critically evaluating literature and geological data, description and identification of glacial deposits.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
ENVS*2400 or ENVS*3180 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4370 Natural and Anthropogenic Compounds in the Environment W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course discusses the chemical processes that influence organic compounds in the air, water, and soil. The relationships
between anthropogenic compounds (pollutants, pesticides, etc.), natural organic matter (humic materials, dissolved organic
matter, biomolecules) and environmental quality will be discussed. Topics include: the persistence and degradation of contaminants
in the environment, environmental analysis, environmental forensics, organic aerosols, aquatic dissolved organic matter, and
soil organic matter.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of CHEM*3360, ENVS*3020, ENVS*3220, TOX*3360 |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4390 Soil Variability and Land Evaluation F (3-2) [1.00] |
| This course integrates formal in-field (including a two-day camp & excursions during orientation week) and laboratory training,
with classroom discussions of concepts, to guide independent group projects on the gathering and interpreting of soilscape
information. The principal focus is on soil, as a spatially- and temporally-variable product and component of ecosystems;
special consideration is given to the factors controlling soil processes, from local to global scales. An examination of methods,
for describing and quantifying the distribution of soils, includes survey and sensor-based techniques, in conjunction with
data trend analysis and modelling. Students are required to notify the instructor in the preceding Winter semester of their
intention to participate.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
15.00 credits including (1 of AGR*2320, ENVS*2060, ENVS*2310, ENVS*2340, SOIL*2010)
|
| Restriction(s): |
ENVS*3120, ENVS*4150, ENVS*4250, SOIL*4250.
|
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4410 Introduction to Advanced Independent Research S,F,W (1-0) [0.50] |
| In this course the student will undertake an independent research project of a practical or theoretical nature that relates
to environmental sciences and is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. This course is designed to provide senior
undergraduate students with an introduction to independent research work. The course includes work with a faculty advisor
to develop a research project, formulate hypotheses/objectives, design and conduct preliminary experiments to test the hypotheses.
Students must make arrangements with both a faculty supervisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance.
A school registration form must be obtained from the course coordinator and submitted no later than the second class day of
the semester in which the course is taken.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
Minimum of 10.00 credits. Minimum cumulative average of 70%. |
| Restriction(s): |
Registration in BSC(Env), BSC(Agr), BSCH or BBRM. Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4420 Advanced Independent Research S,F,W (1-0) [0.50] |
| In this course the student will undertake an independent research project of a practical or theoretical nature that relates
to environmental sciences and is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. This course is designed to provide a
research intensive experience. This course is designed to be the completion of the research proposal developed in ENVS*4410. In this course the student will undertake an independent research project of a practical or theoretical nature that relates
to environmental sciences and is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. This course is designed to provide a
research intensive experience. This course is designed to be the completion of the research proposal developed in which the
course is taken.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
ENVS*4410. Minimum cumulative average of 70%.
|
| Restriction(s): |
ENVS*4430. Registration in BSC(Env), BSC(Agr), BSCH or BBRM. Instructor consent required.
|
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4430 Advanced Independent Research S,F,W (0-12) [1.00] |
| In this course the student will undertake an independent research project of a practical or theoretical nature that relates
to environmental sciences and is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. This course is designed to be the completion
of the research proposal developed in ENVS*4410 by the student in consultation with a faculty advisory. This course can be selected in place of ENVS*4420 if the student and faculty advisor deem the project to be of sufficient scope to necessitate a 1.00 credit course. Students
must arrangements with both a faculty supervisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance. A school registration
form must be obtained from the course coordinator and submitted no later than the second class day of the semester in which
the course is taken.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
ENVS*4410. Minimum cumulative average of 70%.
|
| Restriction(s): |
ENVS*4420. Registration in BSC(Env), BSC(Agr), BSCH or BBRM. Instructor consent required.
|
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
| ENVS*4510 Topics in Environmental Sciences S,F,W (0-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides an opportunity for students to engage in advanced independent research and study. Students will undertake
a project based on research in the literature that relates to environmental sciences. Projects will be designed to be completed
in a single semester. Students must make arrangements with both a faculty supervisor and the course coordinator at least one
semester in advance. A School registration form must be obtained from the course coordinator and submitted no later than the
second class day of the semester in which the course is taken.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
Minimum of 10.00 credits. Minimum cumulative average of 70%. |
| Restriction(s): |
Restricted to students in the BBRM.EM, BSCH, BSC(Agr), BSC(Env) Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): |
School of Environmental Sciences |
