Overview

The Environmental Science Major provides an interdisciplinary foundation for understanding and addressing critical environmental challenges, including climate change and ecological sustainability. Students integrate concepts from Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Science, with coursework in ecology, environmental chemistry, environmental sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS). Emphasizing experiential learning and analytical skills, the program will equip students with knowledge, skills, and analytical tools to recognize the impact of human activity on the environment and to innovate solutions for maintaining ecological balance, reversing damage, and preventing future impact. Coursework from the major can be applied toward the Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.), Professional Biologist (P.Biol.), or Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) designations.

Contact Information

Department of Physical Sciences
Room 5-132, City Centre Campus
10700 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-4490

Arts and Science Academic Advising
Room 6-211, City Centre Campus
T: 780-497-4505
E: artsandscience@macewan.ca

Bachelor of Science

Faculty of Arts and Science
MacEwan.ca/Science

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a foundational general degree that provides broad and widely applicable knowledge and abilities rather than a niche specialization. This broad base equips graduates with generalist knowledge and skills that give the flexibility and agility so highly valued in a dynamic world economy. It also offers students a solid foundation to specialize in future employment or further schooling.

The degree provides a breadth of study across various Arts and Science disciplines and sets the foundation for later years. The major and minor areas of study allow students to focus and gain in-depth expertise in complementary or entirely disparate disciplines; there is a wide array of possible combinations. Finally, options enable students to explore courses outside their disciplines or even within their program, enhancing their diversity of learning. The small classes, close interaction between instructors and students, opportunities for individual study, and faculty with a strong focus on teaching are signature strengths of this program.

General Program Information

The BSc requires students to complete 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. The BSc emphasizes breadth and depth and has been designed for exceptional flexibility and customization. Students can complete a major and a minor, a double major, or a major and two minors. Students can choose a secondary major in an Arts or Science discipline, but the primary major must be in a Science discipline.

All newly admitted students enter the BSc program as “Undeclared.”  Undeclared means a student has not yet chosen their major(s) and minor(s). Students may declare at any time after being accepted to the BSc, and typically, they declare after completing a minimum of 45 credits. The Arts and Science Academic Advising Office will send information about majors and minors via email and newsletters; please contact the Advising Office if you require further assistance with this decision.

Science Disciplines

Arts Disciplines

Out of Faculty Minors

Laddering a Diploma into the Bachelor of Science

Students with an accredited diploma can ladder into the Bachelor of Science (BSc) and use some of their diploma coursework towards their degree requirements. If you have questions about the diploma laddering process, please visit www.macewan.ca/bscstudent or contact artsandscience@macewan.ca.

Preparing for Professional Studies

Students intending to enter professional programs at other universities can take their pre-professional programs in the Faculty of Arts and Science at MacEwan University. The university offers the first and second years of several pre-professional programs, including chiropractic medicine, dental hygiene, dentistry, medical laboratory science, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. All courses in these pre-professional programs are credit courses, and, as such, they may apply to the degrees offered by MacEwan University.

Students are advised to consult the admissions requirements for the universities and programs of their choice and to select their MacEwan University courses accordingly. Completing pre-professional courses at MacEwan University does not guarantee admission to the subsequent professional program. Each professional program requires a separate application, and entry is competitive, not automatic.

Degree Requirements

Breadth Requirements 

All Bachelor of Science degrees require Breadth Requirements. Courses can satisfy both the breadth requirements and requirements for the major(s), minor(s), Honours, or options. BIOL, CHEM, EASC, or PHYS courses must include a laboratory component.

Bachelor of Science Degree

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Multi-disciplinary majors consist of 60-84 junior- and senior-level credits. Students who declare a multi-disciplinary major may pursue a minor but are not required to do so.

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Students can take up to 3 credits from Physical Activity (PACT), Emergency Communications and Response (ECRP), Travel (TRVL), or Office Assistant (OAAS, OADM, OALS, or OAMS) to fulfill out-of-faculty options.

Environmental Sciences Major

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Sciences requires the completion of 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. As a multidisciplinary major, Environmental Sciences provides sufficient breadth and depth to allow students the option of not declaring a minor. To meet degree requirements, students must complete designated option courses. All BSc degrees are subject to Breadth Requirements. Individual courses may be used to satisfy both Breadth Requirements and requirements for the major, minor (if declared), or option courses.

The Environmental Sciences Major is 72 to 84 credits, with a maximum of 21 credits at the 100-level, a minimum of 18 credits at the 300-level, and 9 credits at the 400-level. Students must complete all Specific Major Requirements and choose 21 to 33 credits from the Major Electives. 

NOTE: Students majoring in Environmental Sciences are required to complete prerequisite courses ECON 101, MATH 114, STAT 151, and POLS 244. These courses do not count towards the program of study but are used as Options and fulfill the Mathematics and Social Sciences Breadth Requirements for the Bachelor of Science.  

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Sciences Major

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Students can take up to 3 credits from Physical Activity (PACT), Emergency Communications and Response (ECRP), Travel (TRVL), or Office Assistant (OAAS, OADM, OALS, or OAMS) to fulfill out-of-faculty options.

List of Major Electives

Choose 21 to 33 credits in Major Electives (see list below), including courses from at least three of the following six disciplinary categories: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Physics, and the interdisciplinary grouping of Economics, Political Science, Sustainability, and Writing. Students may use up to 6 credits (two courses) from the interdisciplinary grouping of Economics, Political Science, Sustainability, and Writing to fulfill major requirements ².

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Additional courses from the Economics, Political Science, Sustainability, and Writing interdisciplinary grouping can be used to fulfill option requirements within the BSc.

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Courses not used to fulfill the Specific Major Requirements can be used as a Major Elective.

Environmental Sciences Minor

The Environmental Sciences Minor requires 18 credits (six courses) with a minimum of six credits (two courses) at the 300- or 400-level. Students are limited to a maximum of three courses from within one discipline to fulfill minor requirements. The requirement to take courses from different disciplines helps ensure the program’s interdisciplinary nature.

Degree Regulations

Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from the faculty advisors about program planning.

Academic Residency - Credit Requirements 

In addition to the academic residency requirements of the University, while enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (BSc), students must complete at MacEwan University:

• A minimum of 24 credits at the senior-level in the major discipline, with 12 of those senior credits completed at the 300- or 400-level. All 400-level requirements are to be completed at MacEwan University.
• If applicable, a minimum of nine credits in a minor at the senior-level, with at least three of those credits completed at the 300- or 400-level.

Students with a previous MacEwan University credential are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits while enrolled in the BSc. 

Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from another post-secondary institution must complete a minimum of 60 additional MacEwan University credits applicable to the BSc. Forty-five of these credits must be completed while the students is enrolled in the BSc. This credit requirement applies to students who began their studies at MacEwan University and completed a credential at another institution. 

Students who interrupt their program and who must apply for readmission to the program will be required to comply with any new regulations upon resumption of their studies.

Breadth Requirements 

Courses taken to fulfil the major, minor, or option requirements can also be used to satisfy breadth requirements.

Declaration of a Major and Minor 

Students are advised to declare a primary major and minor, a primary major and a secondary major, a major and two minors, or a multi-disciplinary major by the time they have completed 45 credits. Primary majors are selected from Science disciplines and consist of 42 to 60 junior- and senior-level credits; multi-disciplinary majors consist of 60 to 84 junior- and senior-level credits. Students who declare a multidisciplinary major may pursue a minor but are not required to do so. Secondary majors can be from a Science or Arts discipline. Students cannot combine a major with a multidisciplinary major. Except for students in an Honours program, a maximum of 60 credits may be completed from any one discipline for credit towards the degree. A major and minor cannot be in the same discipline and students may not declare more than one out-of-faculty minor. Students can re-declare their major(s) and/or minor(s) if required.

For students completing multiple majors or minors, the Faculty cannot guarantee a schedule of classes that will permit students to complete their degree in eight consecutive fall and winter semesters. Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the student's degree, meeting the requirements for the degree may require the completion of more than 120 credits for graduation. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science Advising Office and a discipline advisor in their major and minor prior to this declaration.

Restricted Enrolment Courses

The Faculty of Arts and Science strives to accommodate all students wishing to enrol in a given course when it is appropriate to their program: however, classes in some courses must, for academic reasons, be restricted in size. If such a course is found to be oversubscribed, priority in registration will be given to those students whose programs may require it (e.g., majors, Honours, and/or minors) and then to other students as space permits.

Graduation Grade Point Average 

As part of the Graduation Grade Point Average regulation, Bachelor of Science students must obtain an overall GGPA of 2.0 or higher, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses credited toward the major(s) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses credited toward the minor(s).

Graduation Requirements 

Graduation requirements are governed by the date on which a student declares their major(s) and minor(s). Students who declare their major(s) and minor(s) on or before the published deadline are bound by the requirements of the current academic year. Those students who declare after this date are bound by the programs of study and degree requirements of the upcoming academic year as published in the MacEwan Academic Calendar.

Junior - and Senior-Level Courses 

Courses numbered from 100 to 199 are considered junior-level and courses numbered from 200 to 499 are considered senior-level.

Major or Minor 300- and 400- Level Requirements 

The 300- and 400-level requirements in the major or minor cannot consist solely of project, field placement, and/or individual study courses.

Maximum Individual Learning Courses 

The maximum number of credits for individual learning courses, including projects, field placement, internship, work-integrated learning, community-service learning, or independent study (excluding the Honours Thesis), is 15. Specific disciplines may have further restrictions. 

Maximum Junior-Level Courses 

A maximum of 48 credits at the 100-level are permitted in completion of the B.Sc. degree. Additional courses at the 100-level are extra to the 120 credits required to complete the B.Sc. degree and will not be counted toward fulfilment of graduation requirements.

Minimum Science Courses 

Students are required to complete successfully a minimum of 72 total credits from Science courses.

Minimum Passing Grade 

A minimum grade of D or credit CR is required for all Science degree courses unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study. 

Minimum Transfer Grade for Credit 

A minimum grade of D is required on any transfer credit granted for the program. Unless otherwise stated, Arts and Science courses require a minimum grade of C- when the course is used as a prerequisite. Transfer credit decisions made by the university are final and cannot be appealed.

Out-of-Faculty Options Requirements 

Students may take a maximum of 18 credits from courses offered by a MacEwan University Faculty or School other than Arts and Science. Students completing an out-of-faculty minor or laddering students who have met the minor requirements with a MacEwan University diploma must complete their degree requirements from courses offered within the Faculty of Arts and Science or from the list of Cross-Faculty Course Recognitions in the Academic Calendar. Courses deemed as Cross-Faculty Course Recognitions are used to fulfill in-Faculty courses within the BSc and do not count as out-of-Faculty options. 

Progression of Studies 

Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisite and/or co-requisite requirements as noted on all courses that may fulfill Bachelor of Science program requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Faculty of Arts and Science Degree-Level Learning Outcomes

Thinking about knowledge is at the core of University education and learning within the Faculty of Arts and Science. Students develop capacities to “think-through” - to practice wonder, reflection, and engage in thoughtful inquiry and dialogue. Thinking-through involves questioning beyond the confines of one's immediate personal, social, and disciplinary surroundings. First, knowledge is acquired and understood. Learning moves beyond acquiring information and data to a formally disciplined manner of thinking about knowledge. Next, knowledge is interrogated by asking and answering questions, distinguishing between opinion and knowledge, and developing tools to assess reasons and evidence. Finally, knowledge is synthesized as students develop coherent arguments, and link ideas together beyond what is immediately apparent. Learning is a lifelong creative process of discovery and action that happens beyond the classroom and the degree. Our graduates interact with and contribute to their community by integrating and applying the research and communication skills and ways of knowing developed through their education. Learning outcomes capture the observable knowledge, skills, and abilities graduates acquire that are the foundation of learning.

Graduates will demonstrate their ability to “think-through” by:

1. Analysing puzzles, problems, concepts, and theories.
2. Conceptualizing questions based on disciplinary knowledge.
3. Evaluating knowledge within and across disciplines in ways that acknowledge historical, cultural, and social contexts.

Graduates will demonstrate research and scholarship skills by:

1. Applying appropriate research skills and ethical principles.
2. Interpreting results appreciating the value and limits of conclusions.
3. Recognizing how research involves an ongoing process of reflection, dialogue, and reassessment.

Graduates will demonstrate diverse skills for communication by:

1. Conveying complex ideas coherently in a variety of formats.
2. Appraising information in ways that consider context and audience.
3. Interpreting the ideas and arguments of others in ways that reflect their knowledge, judgement, and comprehension.

Graduates will demonstrate durable skills necessary for learning beyond their degree by:

1. Collaborating with diverse groups.
2. Examining different perspectives and challenging biases and preconceptions.
3. Exploring the continuous impact and limitations of disciplinary knowledge and expertise.

Environmental Sciences Major Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a BSc with a major in Environmental Sciences, students will be able to:

1. Apply Environmental Sciences concepts to address real-world environmental issues and propose effective solutions by incorporating data and knowledge from appropriate subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences.

2. Gather and analyze environmental data in the field and the laboratory using appropriate tools and techniques.

3. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of standard laboratory equipment and classical laboratory techniques, and demonstrate knowledge in the use, theory, and application of modern chemistry laboratory techniques and instrumentation.

4. Effectively communicate environmental science concepts in styles and formats appropriate for the purpose and the audience, including local and Indigenous communities, regulators, and stakeholders.

5. Adopt ethical and environmentally responsible professional practices.

6. Develop hands-on experience through research projects, fieldwork, or work-integrated learning, providing a background in practical applications of environmental science to bridge theory with real-world solutions.

7. Analyze and evaluate the impacts of human activities on the environment, including air, soil and water pollution, climate change, habitat destruction, and resource management.

8. Collaborate effectively in teams by recognizing each member's diverse skills and knowledge while acknowledging the limitations of their own expertise.

9. Apply the principles of sustainability and be able to evaluate and balance the economic, social, and political impact of human activities on the environment.

Student Plan

• The student plan provides a suggested course sequence with the minimum number of credits required for the major
• The suggested course sequence depends on course availability, the student's schedule, and the student's choice of minor(s) or secondary major
• It is highly recommended that students complete their Breadth Requirements by the end of year 2

Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:

Regular Admission

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:

1. ELA 30-1
2. Mathematics 30-1
3. Two of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Mathematics 31, Physics 30, or Computing Science-Advanced Career and Technology Studies (5 credits)
4. One subject from Group A, B, C or D

Notes:

• A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g., two 3-credit subjects).

Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.

Mature Admission

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must be Canadian Applicants, 20 years of age or older, and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 60 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:

1. ELA 30-1
2. Mathematics 30-1
3. Two of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Mathematics 31, Physics 30, or Computing Science-Advanced Level Career and Technology Studies (5 credits)

Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.

Previous Post-Secondary Work 

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.

Applicants must have successfully completed the following:

• A minimum of 24 university-level credits, from a recognized institution, with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• The required mathematics and science courses listed under the Regular or Mature Admission category.

Additional Admission Criteria

All applicants must meet the following:

1. English Language Proficiency

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to All Admission Categories

All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.

2. Other Admission Criteria

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to All Admission Categories

Applicants who have been assigned two unsatisfactory academic records within the past five years will not be considered for admission or re-admission to the program until a minimum three years from the date of the assignment of the last unsatisfactory academic record. For the purpose of admission or re-admission, an unsatisfactory record is defined as a transcript with the notation ‘required to withdraw’ or equivalent.

3. Internationally or Out-of-Province Educated Applicants

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to Regular and Mature admission categories

The Office of the University Registrar will assess high school/senior secondary applicants’ academic preparedness based on an informed consideration of the academic curriculum completed by the applicant.

General Admission Criteria for Internationally Educated Applicants or Applicants Educated Out of Province:

1. Senior Secondary school credential appropriate for entry to university in the system or country of education; and
2. Program-specific prerequisite admission subjects, which must be completed at the senior/grade 12 level or equivalent for program preparedness; and
3. Minimum average required for regular or competitive admission on all academic subjects successfully completed in the final year of secondary education.

Environmental Sciences Courses