Course Description

Program Description The Environmental Science program examines the increased impacts of global climate change, the spread and threats of invasive species, the continued loss of biodiversity and degradation of agricultural soil quality and availability, and other environmental challenges. Students in Algoma’s program can take courses in the social sciences, including courses in political science, sociology, economics, and law and justice. This diverse collection of courses provide students with a broad understanding of social, cultural, legal, and ethical matters and with a variety of perspectives, sought after by many employers. The Environmental Science Course Map (PDF) outlines the program requirements for the Honours Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. HON) in Environmental Science. Students in the Environmental Science program benefit from countless hands-on learning opportunities. These opportunities are enriched by the surrounding natural environment, a high level of interaction with faculty, and partnerships with scientists at local federal and provincial research laboratories. In the third year of the program, students participate in an 80-hour internship within the Algoma region. Students can complete their internship with a variety of local companies and research institutes, including the Tarentorus Fish Hatchery, Ontario Forest Research Institute, Graystone Environmental Ltd., the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, among others. This internship equips students with the practical skills and experience needed to enter the workforce upon graduation. The internship allows students to further develop skills they have learned in their courses, develop strong communication skills, network with professionals in the industry, and build their résumés. In the fourth year of study, students can undertake an honours thesis project. Students work with a supervisor to perform background research, plan a research strategy, and carry-out a scientific project with the goal of publishing their findings. Their research findings will then be placed on display in the Essar Convergence Centre for all University members and the public to see. Students may also elect to take the non-thesis option in their fourth year, instead participating in a second internship in their final year of study. Graduates of the program have the knowledge and skills needed to fill the current shortage of skilled workers in the environmental sector. Plus, being located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, students will have ample opportunity to work in the various natural ecosystems which encircle the city. Sault Ste. Marie is at a crossroads between nature and industry, providing endless opportunities for students to examine first-hand the relationship between human begins and the environment. Within the city limits are large tracts of forests and fields, fast moving rivers, swamps, bogs, and St. Mary’s River. Not many cities can boast that kind of habitat diversity, or the biological diversity associated with it, making Algoma U and Sault Ste. Marie the ideal location to study Environmental Science.

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