ENVS 200
Introduction to Environmental Science
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

This course provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science. Students will learn about the relationships between geological materials, air, water, soil, and ecosystems and the interconnections between biology, Earth science, and environmental science. Human interactions with the environment and environmental change will be examined on local and global scales by exploring issues such as climate change (past, present, and future), environmental pollution, environmental monitoring and remediation, endangered species, habitat loss, and land reclamation. Aspects of environmental policy and assessment will be introduced.

Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C- in EASC 102 and in BIOL 108.

ENVS 201
Scientific and Technical Writing for Environmental Sciences
3 Credits          Weekly (3-0-0)

In this course, students will learn writing skills for effective communication of scientific concepts to technical and non-technical experts. Students will analyze and apply the principles of good writing, including choosing an appropriate writing style for the given audience, formulating a clear and logical structure and ensuring all ideas within the writing have sufficient development and a clear purpose. Students will examine and evaluate samples of academic and technical environmental scientific writing, such as literature reviews and books, academic manuscripts, technical reports, grant applications and news communications. Students will create a portfolio of written scientific and technical work and provide effective peer review to fellow students in the class.

Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in six credits of university-level English and in any two 100-level courses in BIO, CHEM, EASC, or PHYS.

ENVS 300
Principles of Environmental Science
3 Credits          Weekly (3-1.5-0)

This course provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science. Students will learn about the relationships between geological materials, air, water, soil, and ecosystems, and the interconnections between ecology, Earth science, and chemistry. Human interactions with the environment and environmental change will be examined on local and global scales by exploring issues such as climate change (past, present, and future), environmental pollution, environmental monitoring and remediation, endangered species, habitat loss, and land reclamation. Aspects of environmental policy and assessment will be introduced.

Prerequisite: Minimum grades of C- in BIOL 208, EASC 102, EASC 221, and CHEM 261.

ENVS 398
Independent Study
3 Credits          Total (0-0-72)

This course permits an intermediate-level student to work with a faculty member to explore a specific topic in depth through research or through directed reading of primary and secondary sources. The student plans, executes, and reports the results of their research or study project under the direction of a faculty supervisor. To be granted enrollment in the course, the student must have made prior arrangements with a faculty member willing to supervise their project. This course can be taken twice for credit.

ENVS 447
Environmental Sciences Field Course
3 Credits          Weekly (3-3-0)

A short-duration, intensive field school introducing environmental data collection, mapping, and instrumentation across local landscapes. Daily field excursions and a pre-trip safety session support team-based investigations using methods from GIS/remote sensing, mapping, soils and sediment description, hydrology and water-quality sampling, and biological surveys of flora and fauna. Students will collect field data, analyze and interpret results, and communicate findings in professional formats (field notebook, short exercise briefs, group report and presentation). Emphasis on safety, ethical practice, and respectful engagement. This course will take place off campus and additional course fees will be required to be paid by the student.

Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C- in ENVS 200 and a 300-level or higher BIOL or EASC or ENVS course, consent of the department, and third-year standing.

ENVS 495
Special Topics in Environmental Sciences
3 Credits          Weekly (0-0-3)

This course involves reading, discussing, and critically evaluating current research on specialized topics in Environmental Science. Topics covered vary with the interests of students and faculty. Note: This course is intended for students in the final year of their degree. This course may be taken twice for credit, provided the course topic is different.

ENVS 496
Environmental Sciences Capstone
3 Credits          Weekly (0-3-3)

In this course, students design, execute, and communicate an applied project that integrates environmental science with modern methods, including GIS/remote sensing, soil science, hydrogeology, ecology, and environmental chemistry. Selected projects address current environmental problems and may be co-scoped with a campus and/or community partner. The course emphasizes ethical practice, respectful engagement with Indigenous communities and knowledges where appropriate, and communication with diverse audiences. Students will work in teams to design and complete an environmental research or consulting project that involves data collection and analysis, literature synthesis, and professional communication. The specific topic of the capstone may vary from year to year depending on the instructor. Students may be required to present specific course prerequisites. This is a classroom-based course where meet regularly. Note: This course is intended for students in the final year of their degree.

Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C- in ENVS 200 and a 300-level or higher BIOL, CHEM, EASC or ENVS course relevant to the specific topic and consent of the department.

ENVS 497
Environmental Sciences Internship
3 Credits          Total (0-0-135)

Students engage in off-campus work-integrated learning in an approved environmental sciences professional setting, typically over one academic term. Through a supervised placement, students apply knowledge and skills from their program to environmental science practice, develop professional competencies, and reflect on their learning in relation to academic and career goals. Prior to starting the placement, students submit a learning plan for departmental approval that outlines intended learning outcomes, planned activities, supervision, and evaluation. During the placement, students complete a minimum of 90 hours of environmental work, maintain professional and ethical standards, and document their progress. The course culminates in a critical analysis and demonstration of the learning accomplished. Students typically take this course in their final year of study and may receive credit for the course twice, provided they secure a different placement project. Acceptance into the internship is competitive and subject to an application process, which includes an interview. All placements require departmental approval.

Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C- in ENVS 200, either SCIE 201 or BIOL 337, and a minimum of 6 credits of any 300-level BIOL, CHEM , EASC, or ENVS courses and department consent.

ENVS 498
Advanced Independent Study
3 Credits          Total (0-0-72)

This course permits a senior-level student to work with a faculty member to explore a specific topic in depth through research or through directed reading of primary and secondary sources. The student plans, executes, and reports the results of their research or study project under the direction of a faculty supervisor. To be granted enrollment in the course, the student must have made prior arrangements with a faculty member willing to supervise their project. This course can be taken twice for credit.

Prerequisites: A minimum grade of B- in at least one 300-level course in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or Earth and Planetary Sciences; faculty mentors may require specific prerequisites according to the project needs.