Queen's University : Courses of Instruction

AVAILABILITY
The School of Environmental Studies does not offer all of the courses listed in the�Calendar�every year. For the most up-to-date information on the availability of courses offered in the current year, check QCARD�or consult with the Departmental website at: http://www.queensu.ca/ensc.

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ENSC-200*/0.5

Environmental History

2L;1S

A history of the relations between humans and nature through time, with special emphasis on how science has influenced how we perceive our place in nature, and how we define and understand environmental issues.

NOTE�� Field trip: estimated cost $20.

EXCLUSION�� HIST 257*.

ENSC-201*/0.5

Environmental Toxicology and Chemical Risks

2L;1S

Introduction to global issues and problems in environmental toxicology. Possible topics include waste disposal, pesticides, chemical warfare, pulp and paper mills and genetically modified foods. This course will be of interest to students with either a science or a humanities background.
NOTE�� Field trip: estimated cost $20.

ENSC-203*/0.5

Explorations in Environmental Studies

An interdisciplinary approach to complex environmental problems, and the formulation of decisions relevant to environmental management and conservation. The course emphasizes the importance of comprehending the diverse contributions of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences regarding human/environment interactions, and the challenges of building interdisciplinary approaches. PREREQUISITE Second-year standing.

PREREQUISITE OR COREQUISITE�� BIOL 102* or BIOL 111*.

ENSC-290*/0.5

Introduction to Ecological Economics

This course includes a combination of lectures, assignments and case studies that are designed to introduce students to the ecological critique of the standard neo-classical economic analysis of environmental degradation and depletion. Students will also be asked to consider the more holistic approach to calculating the costs and benefits of economic activity proposed by ecological economists.

NOTE�� Not available as a credit towards Economics concentrations.

ENSC-301*/0.5

Environmental Assessment

2L;1S

Lecture/seminar course that focuses on assessing the ecological value of natural heritage features such as wetlands and wildlife habitat, and their sensitivity to anthropogenic impacts, all within the context of the planning process, and federal and provincial legislation.
NOTE�� Field trip: estimated cost $60.
PREREQUISITE Second-year standing.

EXCLUSION ENSC 401*.

ENSC-305*/0.5

Environmental Sociology

2L;1S

Examines the evolution and paradigms of environmental sociology, develops an understanding of the relationship between humans and nature, considers the social basis of environmental concern, probes environmental studies within the context of knowledge and language, and explores principles of sustainable development and "Green Social Theory". PREREQUISITE�� Third-year standing or above, or permission of the School.

ENSC-307*/0.5

Marine Environmental Issues

Marine issues such as fisheries and aquaculture, climate change, oil and gas development, shipping, coastal development and marine protected areas will be explored in the context of factors that create environmental problems and the steps that are being taken to solve them. Assignments are modeled on real-world examples to develop skills for creating positive change to promote sustainable practices.�This course will be highly complementary to other courses in Oceanography or Limnology (GEOL 200*, BIOL 335*, GPHY 303*).
NOTE�� Field trip: estimated cost $35. PREREQUISITE Third-year standing or above, or permission of the School.

ENSC-310*/0.5

Environmental Policy

2L;1S

This course introduces political science and public policy within the context of environmental politics, policy, and administration, the institutional context of environmental policy-making, the parliamentary tradition and Canadian federalism. Canadian environmental policies and a field trip to Toronto or Ottawa will be used to illustrate the theory.

NOTE�� Field trip: estimated cost $20.

PREREQUISITE�� Third-year standing or above, or permission of the School.

ENSC-315*/0.5

Global Food Security, Agriculture, and Environment

2L;1T

National and global review of current and projected adequacy of food supplies, as affected by soil and water resources, climate and climate change, and human population growth. Reviews different scenarios for meeting food needs over the next 50 years, including technological, social, economic, and political factors. PREREQUISITE�� Second-year standing or above.

ENSC-320*/0.5

Wildlife Issues in a Changing World

A lecture/seminar course focusing on the notion of wildlife; laws governing wildlife protection and use; the effects of overexploitation, habitat destruction, and introduced species, and management plans and strategies. PREREQUISITE�� Third-year standing.

ENSC-321*/0.5

Environmental Justice in Global Context

Examines the socially uneven effects across race, class, gender and nation of environmental problems such as toxic waste disposal, air pollution, climate change, deforestation and environmental disasters and the responses to them from local to global movements, protests and politics.�� PREREQUISITE�� ENSC 203 or GNDS 212* or DEVS 230* or permission of the School.

ENSC-325*/0.5

Ecotoxicology

2L;1T

An exploration of the interactions among chemical exposure, toxicity to individual organisms, and effects on ecosystem structure and function. Mechanisms of toxicity will be linked to effects at different levels of organization up to the level of the ecosystem, using case studies to explore the complexities of exposure and response.
NOTE�� Field trip: estimated cost $50. PREREQUISITES�� ENSC 201*, BIOL 201*, BIOL 202*, CHEM 112 or CHEM 116, or permission of the School.

ENSC-390*/0.5

Sustainability

2L;1S

The concept of sustainability provides a focus for discussing global and regional environmental issues in the broadest possible perspective. This course will examine the meaning of sustainability and ways in which it is assessed at various levels including individual lifestyles, ecological, agricultural and industrial systems, urban areas, regions within countries, nations, and the world as a whole. Case studies will be used to illustrate the general principles. PREREQUISITE�� Third-year standing.

ENSC-407*/0.5

Global Water Issues

2L;1S

Increasing demands on water resources and widespread pollution of surface and groundwater has led many experts to predict a looming water crisis. This course will develop a global perspective on issues that include water distribution, management, pollution, conservation, conflict and policy. This course will be of interest to students in science, applied science or the humanities.

NOTE�� Field trip: estimated cost $50.

PREREQUISITE�� Third-year standing or above.

ENSC-420*/0.5

Gender and Environments

This course considers feminist approaches to environmental issues in western and non-western contexts, with attention to both theories and activism.

NOTE�� This course is recommended for students in Environmental Studies, Women's Studies, Development Studies or Health Studies.

PREREQUISITE�� Third-year standing or above.

ENSC-430/1.0

Honours Projects in Environmental Sustainability

2L;1S

Interdisciplinary study of the scientific, socio-political, and economic aspects of selected local, national, or global issues related to environmental sustainability. Teamwork is emphasized. One full-day weekend field trip.
NOTE�� Field trip: estimated cost $20.
PREREQUISITE Admission to Honours in Environmental Studies.

EXCLUSION ENSC 410*.

ENSC-471*/0.5

Environmental Analysis Methods

30L; 40P; 2 wks.

Two weeks of intensive study in Environmental Analysis. Fundamentals of sample collection and preparation, including statistics and extraction methods, plus instrumental techniques including chromatography, atomic spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, and automated analysis techniques. Laboratory experiments in each of these areas. Enrolment limited. Offered in Spring Term only.

NOTE�� Field trip: estimated cost $15.

PREREQUISITE�� CHEM 213* or CHEM 278*, or permission of the School.

EXCLUSIONS�� CHEM 321*, ENSC 371*.

ENSC-480*/0.5

Special Topics in Environmental Science I

3L/S

This course will provide intensive coverage of a topic that is current and/or of special interest in Environmental Science. The course will be multidisciplinary, but with a science focus. Offered periodically by visiting professors or members of faculty. The topic for each year will be announced in advance of course selection and will be made available on the ENSC web page.�Students are advised to consult with their academic counsellor and/or the course instructor prior to registration. PREREQUISITE Third-year standing in an ENSC program or permission of the School.

ENSC-481*/0.5

Special Topics in Environmental Science II

3L/S

For a complete description, see ENSC 480*. PREREQUISITE Third-year standing in an ENSC program or permission of the School.

ENSC-482*/0.5

Special Topics in Environmental Studies

3L/S

This course will provide intensive coverage of a topic that is current and/or of special interest in Environmental Studies. The course will cover mainly social science-based material, but will be multidisciplinary. Offered periodically by visiting professors or members of faculty. The topic for each year will be announced in advance of course selection and will be made available on the ENSC web page. Students are advised to consult with their academic counsellor and/or the course instructor prior to registration. PREREQUISITE Third-year standing in an ENSC program or permission of the School.

ENSC-490*/0.5

The Economics of Sustainable Development

2L;1S

This course adopts a quantitative approach to the definition, measurement and assessment of sustainable development. The combination of lectures, seminars, and directed studies is intended to accommodate a broad range of student interest and experience. Firm specific, policy specific and nation specific case studies may be considered. PREREQUISITES�� ENSC 290* or ECON 290* or permission of the School.

ENSC-501/1.0

Independent Environmental Study

Independent study of an environmental topic by individuals or inter-disciplinary groups; groups to select one topic and integrate their disciplinary perspectives in a team report. Topics will be selected andgroups formed in consultation with the instructor.

NOTE�� Enrolment is limited.

PREREQUISITE�� Open to students admitted to fourth year of an honours program in any discipline and with permission of the instructor of the course and of the department of the intended concentration.

ENSC-502/2.0

Research project in Sustainability

This is an interdisciplinary research project related to environmental sustainability, with supervision and training in appropriate research methods by faculty members of the School of Environmental Studies. The course includes supervised research including a�research proposal, a seminar,�a poster presentation and a final thesis and oral defence. PREREQUISITE Open to students admitted to fourth-year or an honours program in Environmental Studies at Queen's and permission of the instructor.

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