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 them 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 Bachelor of Science (BSc) requires the completion of 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. The degree provides both breadth and depth while offering students considerable flexibility in designing their program of study.

Students may complete:

• a primary major and a minor;
• a primary major and a secondary major; 
• a major and two minors; or
• a multidisciplinary major.

The primary major must be selected from a Science discipline. A secondary major may be selected from either an Science or an Arts discipline.

Students may declare a major when they apply to the BSc or enter the program as undeclared and declare a major later. Students must declare their major and minor, or other approved program structure, by the time they have completed 45 credits.

The Arts and Science Academic Advising Office provides information about majors and minors through email and newsletters. Students who require assistance selecting a program of study should contact the Advising Office.

Science Disciplines

BA/BS Disciplines

Discipline	Major	Minor	Honours
Applied Statistics	⦿	-	⦿
Biological Sciences	⦿	⦿	⦿
Chemistry	⦿	⦿	-
Computer Science	⦿	⦿	-
Cybersecurity Studies	-	⦿	-
Data Science	⦿	-	-
Earth and Planetary Sciences	-	⦿	-
Environmental Sciences	⦿	⦿	-
Mathematics	⦿	⦿	⦿
Mathematical Sciences	⦿	-	-
Planetary Physics	-	⦿	-
Physical Sciences	⦿	-	-
Physics	-	⦿	-
Psychology	⦿	⦿	⦿
Statistics	-	⦿	-

Arts Disciplines

BA Arts/Science Disciplines

Discipline	Major	Minor
Anthropology	⦿	⦿
Classics		⦿
Creative Writing		⦿
Economics	⦿	⦿
English	⦿	⦿
Film		⦿
French		⦿
Gender Studies		⦿
History	⦿	⦿
Indigegogy		⦿
Philosophy	⦿	⦿
Political Science	⦿	⦿
Sociology	⦿	⦿
Spanish		⦿
Urban Wellness		⦿

Out of Faculty Minors

In addition to minors offered by the Faculty of Arts and Science, Bachelor of Science students may complete eligible minors offered by other programs across the University. Please refer to the Minor Eligibility page in the Academic Calendar for a list of minors available to BSc students.

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.

Breadth Requirements

Breadth Element	Description	Credits
Biological or Earth and Planetary Sciences	BIOL or EASC (not including BIOL 101, BIOL 102, or BIOL 103)	6
Chemistry or Physics	CHEM or PHYS	6
English	ENGL 102 and 3 credits in university English (not including ENGL 111, ENGL 108, or ENGL 211)	6
Humanities	CLAS, COMP, HIST, HUMN, PHIL or a language other than English	6
Mathematical Sciences	One of MATH 114, MATH 120, or MATH 125, and 3 credits in MATH, STAT, or CMPT (not including CMPT 104)	6
Social Sciences	ANTH, ECON, GEND, INDG, LING, POLS, PSYC, or SOCI	6

Bachelor of Science Degree

Program of Study

Program Element	Description	Credits
Primary Major	The Science major will range from 42 to 60 credits with a minimum 36 credits taken at the senior-level.1	42-60
Secondary Major or Minor(s)	Students have the option of completing a second Science or Arts major, or one or two minors. Minor courses must be completed at the senior-level.1	18-60
Options	Students can choose from Arts and Science courses or up to 21 credits in out-of-faculty options.2	Up to 60
	Total Degree Credits Including Breadth	120

¹

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.

²

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

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Specific Major Requirements
Junior-Level Courses
BIOL 108	Introduction to Evolution	3
CHEM 101	Introductory University Chemistry I	3
CHEM 102	Introductory University Chemistry II	3
EASC 101	Introduction to Physical Science	3
EASC 102	Introduction to Environmental Earth Science	3
Foundation Courses
BIOL 208	Principles of Ecology	3
CHEM 261	Organic Chemistry I	3
CHEM 372	Environmental Chemistry	3
or EASC 322	Biogeochemistry
EASC 221	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems	3
EASC 226	Introduction to Soil Science	3
EASC 323	Hydrogeology	3
ENVS 200	Introduction to Environmental Science	3
SCIE 201	Scientific Process: From Research Questions to Printed Manuscript	3
or BIOL 337	Biostatistics and Research Design
Experiential Learning Courses
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from the following:		3
BIOL 497	Biology Work Placement
ENVS 447	Environmental Sciences Field Course
ENVS 496	Environmental Sciences Capstone
ENVS 497	Environmental Sciences Internship
ENVS 498	Advanced Independent Study
Economics or Policy Studies
ECON 369	Economics of the Environment	3
or POLS 343	Environmental Policy and Politics
Indigenous Studies
ANTH 250	Introduction to Indigenous Peoples in Canada	3
or INDG 250	Introduction to Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Major Electives
Choose 24 to 36 credits (8 to 12 courses) from the list of Major Electives (see below).		24-36
Minor
Students have the option of completing a minor. Minor courses must be completed at the senior level.		0-18
Options (includes Breadth Requirements and Prerequisite Courses)
ECON 101	Introduction to Microeconomics	3
MATH 114	Elementary Calculus I	3
STAT 151	Introduction to Applied Statistics	3
POLS 244	Introduction to Policy Studies	3
ENGL 102	Analysis and Argument	3
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from the following (Breadth)		3
ENGL 103	Approaches to Literature: Trends and Traditions
ENGL 104	Approaches to Literature: Narrative Across Media
ENGL 105	Approaches to Literature: Contemporary Literature and Culture
Choose 6 credits (2 courses) from CLAS, COMP, HIST, HUMN, PHIL or a language other than English (Breadth)		6
Remaining option courses 1		0-21
Total Credits		120

¹

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 24 to 36 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, and Sustainability. Students may use up to 6 credits (two courses) from the interdisciplinary grouping of Economics, Political Science, and Sustainability to fulfill major requirements ².

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Biological Sciences
BIOL 107	Introduction to Cell Biology
BIOL 207	Principles of Genetics
BIOL 211	Introduction to Microbiology
BIOL 245	Fundamentals of Plant Biology
BIOL 310	Freshwater Ecology
BIOL 312	Terrestrial Ecology
BIOL 314	Population Ecology
BIOL 316	Community Ecology
BIOL 337	Biostatistics and Research Design 3
BIOL 361	Marine Biology
BIOL 365	Tropical Rainforest Ecology
BIOL 367	Conservation Biology
BIOL 371	Animal Behaviour
BIOL 410	Techniques in Field Ecology
BIOL 414	Invasion Ecology and Management
BIOL 422	Methods in Experimental Ecology
BIOL 445	Plant Symbiotic Interactions
BIOL 467	Advanced Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology
BIOL 477	Contemporary Issues in Freshwater Ecology
BIOL 495	Special Topics
BIOL 497	Biology Work Placement
ZOOL 224	Vertebrate Adaptations and Evolution
ZOOL 241	Animal Physiology I: Homeostasis
ZOOL 242	Animal Physiology II: Intercellular Communication
ZOOL 250	Invertebrate Zoology
ZOOL 325	Entomology
Chemistry
CHEM 211	Applied Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 372	Environmental Chemistry 3
CHEM 472	Environmental Fate of Organic Contaminants
CHEM 474	Environmental Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 484	Sustainable and Green Chemistry
Earth and Planetary Science
EASC 200	Introduction to Earth Science Field Skills
EASC 205	Catastrophic Events and Hazards on Earth
EASC 219	Mineralogy
EASC 225	Introduction to Geomorphology
EASC 230	Invertebrate Paleontology
EASC 238	Geology of Natural Resources
EASC 240	Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
EASC 270	The Atmosphere
EASC 271	The Oceans
EASC 320	Introduction to Geochemistry
EASC 321	Structural Geology and Tectonics
EASC 322	Biogeochemistry 3
EASC 324	Quaternary Environments
EASC 326	Soil Chemistry
EASC 334	Remote Sensing
EASC 373	Anthropogenic Climate Change
EASC 375	Paleoclimatology
EASC 397	Earth Science Field Techniques
EASC 409	Geology of Western Canada
EASC 495	Special Topics
Environmental Sciences
ENVS 201	Scientific and Technical Writing for Environmental Sciences
ENVS 398	Independent Study
ENVS 447	Environmental Sciences Field Course 3
ENVS 495	Special Topics in Environmental Sciences
ENVS 497	Environmental Sciences Internship
ENVS 498	Advanced Independent Study
Physics
PHYS 124	Physics for Life Sciences I
PHYS 126	Physics for Life Sciences II
PHYS 144	Mechanics
PHYS 146	Electromagnetism
PHYS 252	Physics of the Earth
PHYS 261	Physics of Heat and Energy
Economics, Political Science, and Sustainability Courses
ECON 261	Introduction to Agricultural Economics
ECON 355	Economics of Project Evaluation
ECON 365	Resource Economics
ECON 366	Energy Economics
ECON 369	Economics of the Environment 3
ECON 467	Environmental and Natural Resource Policy
POLS 343	Environmental Policy and Politics 3
POLS 344	Fundamentals of Policy Analysis
SUST 201	Introduction to Sustainability
SUST 301	Sustainability Challenges
SUST 302	Systems Thinking
SUST 310	Indigenous and Western Perspectives of Sustainability: Walking Side-by-Side
SUST 390	Topics in Sustainability

²

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

³

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

Environmental Sciences Minor

The Environmental Sciences Minor is available to students in eligible degree programs. All students in the minor must complete prerequisite courses BIOL 108, CHEM 101, CHEM 102, EASC 102, and CHEM 261. In addition, students in the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science must complete 18 credits in senior-level courses, including at least 6 credits at the 300- or 400-level. Students in other degree programs may use a junior-level prerequisite in place of one 300- or 400-level course and therefore must complete 15 credits in senior-level courses, including at least 3 credits at the 300- or 400-level. To preserve the interdisciplinary nature of the minor, courses must be selected from more than one discipline, and no more than three courses may be taken in a single discipline.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
BIOL 208	Principles of Ecology	3
EASC 221	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems	3
ENVS 200	Introduction to Environmental Science	3
Choose 9 credits (3 courses) from the following with no more than 6 credits (2 courses) in any one discipline (BIOL, CHEM, EASC, or ENVS) 1		9
BIOL 310	Freshwater Ecology
BIOL 312	Terrestrial Ecology
BIOL 314	Population Ecology
BIOL 316	Community Ecology
BIOL 361	Marine Biology
BIOL 365	Tropical Rainforest Ecology
BIOL 367	Conservation Biology
BIOL 410	Techniques in Field Ecology
BIOL 414	Invasion Ecology and Management
BIOL 422	Methods in Experimental Ecology
BIOL 467	Advanced Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology
BIOL 477	Contemporary Issues in Freshwater Ecology
CHEM 372	Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 472	Environmental Fate of Organic Contaminants
CHEM 474	Environmental Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 484	Sustainable and Green Chemistry
EASC 200	Introduction to Earth Science Field Skills
EASC 205	Catastrophic Events and Hazards on Earth
EASC 225	Introduction to Geomorphology
EASC 226	Introduction to Soil Science
EASC 238	Geology of Natural Resources
EASC 240	Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
EASC 270	The Atmosphere
EASC 271	The Oceans
EASC 320	Introduction to Geochemistry
EASC 321	Structural Geology and Tectonics
EASC 322	Biogeochemistry
EASC 323	Hydrogeology
EASC 326	Soil Chemistry
EASC 334	Remote Sensing
EASC 373	Anthropogenic Climate Change
EASC 375	Paleoclimatology
EASC 397	Earth Science Field Techniques
ENVS 201	Scientific and Technical Writing for Environmental Sciences
ENVS 300	Principles of Environmental Science
ENVS 398	Independent Study
ENVS 447	Environmental Sciences Field Course
ENVS 495	Special Topics in Environmental Sciences
ENVS 498	Advanced Independent Study
Total Credits		18

¹

Students in programs other than the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science may substitute a junior-level prerequisite for one 300- or 400-level course requirement.

Degree Regulations

Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from the academic advisors about academic planning for completing degree requirements at MacEwan University.

Academic Residency - Credit Requirements 

In addition to meeting the University’s academic residency requirements, students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (BSc) must complete the following credits at MacEwan University:

• At least 24 senior-level credits in the major discipline. Of these, at least 12 credits must be at the 300- or 400-level, and all required 400-level courses must be completed at MacEwan University.
• If completing a minor, at least nine senior-level credits in the minor. Of these, at least three credits must be at the 300- or 400-level.

Students who previously completed a MacEwan University credential must complete at least 45 additional credits while enrolled in the BSc. 

Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from another post-secondary institution must complete at least 60 additional credits at MacEwan University that are applicable to the Bachelor of Science. At least 45 of these credits must be completed while the student is enrolled in the BSc. This requirement also applies to students who began their studies at MacEwan University but subsequently completed a credential at another institution.

Students who interrupt their studies and are required to apply for readmission must comply with the program regulations in effect when they resume their studies.

Breadth Requirements 

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

Declaration of a Major and Minor 

Bachelor of Science students may declare a major either at the time of application or after beginning their degree program. By the time students have completed 45 credits, they must have declared a primary major and a minor; a primary major and a secondary major; a major and two minors; or a multidisciplinary major.

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 multi-disciplinary major may pursue a minor but are not required to do so. Secondary majors can be from a Science or an Arts discipline. Except for students in an Honours program, a maximum of 60 credits may be completed in any one discipline 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.

Minors offered by the Faculty of Arts and Science to BA and BSc students consist of 18 senior-level credits. Arts and Science minors offered to students in other degree programs may include up to 3 junior-level credits. Similarly, minors offered by other Faculties or Schools to BA and BSc students may include up to 3 junior-level credits.

Students who complete multiple majors or minors may not be able to finish their degree within eight consecutive fall and winter terms. Depending on the combination selected, students may also need to complete more than 120 credits to satisfy all degree requirements.

Before declaring multiple majors or minors, students are strongly encouraged to consult both an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science Advising Office and discipline advisors in their intended majors and minors.

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 21 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 and the student's schedule
• It is highly recommended that students complete their Breadth Requirements by the end of year 2

Year 1	Credits
BIOL 108	3
CHEM 101	3
CHEM 102	3
EASC 101	3
EASC 102	3
ECON 101	3
ENGL 102	3
MATH 114	3
STAT 151	3
Breadth requirement	3
	30
Year 2	Credits
ANTH 250 or INDG 250	3
BIOL 208	3
CHEM 261	3
EASC 221	3
EASC 226	3
ENVS 200	3
POLS 244	3
SCIE 201 or BIOL 337	3
Breadth, Option, Minor, or Major Requirements	6
	30
Year 3	Credits
EASC 323	3
CHEM 372 or EASC 322	3
ECON 369 or POLS 343	3
Choose 9 credits (3 courses) from the list of Major Electives at the 300 level	9
Breadth, Option, Minor, or Major Requirements	12
	30
Year 4	Credits
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from the following:	3
BIOL 497
ENVS 447
ENVS 496
ENVS 497
ENVS 498
Choose 6 credits (2 courses) from the list of Major Electives at the 400 level	6
Choose 9 credits (3 courses) from the list of Major Electives	9
Breadth, Option, Minor, or Major Requirements	12
	30
Total Credits 120

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:

• Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 are required for majors in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, and Psychology.
• Chemistry 30 is required for a major in Physical Sciences.
• Applicants who declare Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or Physical Sciences should have Physics 20.
• 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 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 Level Career and Technology Studies (5 credits)

Notes:

• Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 are required for majors in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, and Psychology.
• Chemistry 30 is required for a major in Physical Sciences.
• Applicants who declare Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or Physical Sciences should have Physics 20.

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.

Notes:

• Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 are required for majors in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, and Psychology.
• Chemistry 30 is required for a major in Physical Sciences.
• Applicants who declare Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or Physical Sciences should have Physics 20.

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