Academic Calendar 2021-2022

Environmental Science (ENSC)

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 calendar. To access the most recent version of the calendar, please visit https://queensu-ca-public.courseleaf.com.

ENSC 2HUM  Unspecified - 200 Level  Units: 3.00  

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 103  Environment and Sustainability  Units: 3.00  

An interdisciplinary approach to complex environmental issues, and diverse perspectives on environmental management and sustainability. The course considers the social and scientific aspects of environmental problems and the production of environmental knowledge alongside global linkages, human health implications and barriers to sustainability.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;12T;24O;60P)
EQUIVALENCY ENSC 203/3.0.

Requirements: Exclusion No more than 3.0 units from ENSC103; ENSC203  
Course Equivalencies: ENSC103; ENSC203  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 200  Environmental History  Units: 3.00  

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.
(24L;12T;84P)

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 2 or above or permission of the School. Exclusion HIST 257.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 201  Environmental Toxicology and Chemical Risks  Units: 3.00  

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.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;12T;84P)

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 2 or above or permission of the School.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 230  Principles of Sustainability  Units: 3.00  

The concept of sustainability provides a focus for discussing global and regional environmental issues in the broadest possible perspective. Frameworks for sustainability and how it is applied in solutions for various environmental problems will be explored, including in terms of messaging, claims, feasibility and expected outcomes.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;12T;36O;48P).

Requirements: Prerequisite ENSC 103. Exclusion ENSC 390.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 240  Intro To Ecological Econ  Units: 3.00  

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 290  Introduction to Ecological Economics  Units: 3.00  

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.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 2 or above or permission of the School. Note This course may not be used towards the requirements of an ECON Plan.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 301  Environmental Assessment  Units: 3.00  

The course explores components of environmental assessment including public consultation, scoping, alternatives, protocols, significance, trade-offs, mitigation and monitoring. Biophysical, cumulative, social, strategic and sustainability assessment through case studies highlight strengths and weaknesses of the environmental assessment process.
LEARNING HOURS 114 (12L;24G;78P).

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above.  
Course Equivalencies: ENSC301, ENSC401  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 305  Social Environments  Units: 3.00  

This course critically examines the complex interaction of material and social processes that define our relationship with the environment. Topics focus on how environmental issues emerge as concerns, are defined by different stakeholders, and their solutions framed through political, economic, cultural, and techno-scientific discourses.
LEARNING HOURS 96 (24L;12G;60P).

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above or permission of the School.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 307  Marine Environmental Issues  Units: 3.00  

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.

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above or permission of the School.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 310  Environmental Policy  Units: 3.00  

This course introduces political science and public policy within the context of environmental politics, policy, and administration. The purposes of policy, the makers of policy, and the tools at their disposal will be analyzed within the institutional context of environmental policy-making.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (24L;12T;36O;60P).

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above or permission of the School.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 311  Applied Environmental Policy  Units: 3.00  

This course investigates the ecological, social and economic dimensions of environmental policy using a comparative approach. This course will normally be offered at an international locations (e.g. BISC) thereby allowing and comparisons/contrasts between Canadian and other context-specific approaches on the role of law, governance, politics, administration and economics towards promotion of 'enlightened' environmental policy.
NOTE Only offered in the Queen's-Blyth International Studies program or at the Bader International Studies Centre, Herstmonceux.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;72G;24P).

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above or permission of the School.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 315  Global Food Security, Agriculture, and Environment  Units: 3.00  

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.
LEARNING HOURS 124 (36L;4Pc;6O;18Oc;60P).

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 320  Wildlife Issues in a Changing World  Units: 3.00  

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.

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above. Exclusion BIOL 422.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 321  Environmental Justice in Global Context  Units: 3.00  

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.
LEARNING HOURS 150 (18L;18S;6O;108P).

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 330  Applications of Sustainability  Units: 3.00  

Applications of sustainability are used to describe environmental solutions in areas from resource management to regional planning. Emphasis will be on multidisciplinary approaches in research and communications. Methods and indicators for sustainability assessment will be critically examined using case studies and considering expected outcomes.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (24L;12T;12G;36O;12Oc;36P).

Requirements: Prerequisite ENSC 230. Exclusion ENSC 390.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 390  Sustainability  Units: 3.00  

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.

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above. Exclusion ENSC 230; ENSC 330.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 391  Practical Applications in Sustainability  Units: 3.00  

Application of approaches and practices of sustainability will be developed with an emphasis on individual or group projects. This course will involve sustainability efforts at a local, regional or national scale.
NOTE Only offered in the Queen's-Blyth International Studies program or at the Bader International Studies Centre, Herstmonceux.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;72G;24P)

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 401  Ecological Assessment  Units: 3.00  

Requirements: Requires a minimum of 48.00 units  
Course Equivalencies: ENSC301, ENSC401  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 407  Global Water Issues  Units: 3.00  

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.

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 410  Hons Proj In Environ Sustain  Units: 3.00  

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 420  Gender and Environments  Units: 3.00  

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

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above. Note This course is recommended for students in Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, Global Development Studies or Health Studies.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 425  Ecotoxicology  Units: 3.00  

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 $20.
LEARNING HOURS 126 (24L;12T;6Oc;84P).

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 4 or above and BIOL 102 and BIOL 103 and CHEM 112. Recommended ENSC 201.  
Course Equivalencies: ENSC325; ENSC 425  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 430  Honours Projects in Environmental Sustainability  Units: 6.00  

Interdisciplinary study of the scientific, socio-political, and economic aspects of selected local, national, or global issues related to environmental sustainability. Teamwork is emphasized.
NOTE One full-day weekend field trip: estimated cost $30.

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 4 or above and registration in an (ENSC Major, ENVS Major, ENVS Medial, EBIO, ECHM, EGEO, EGPY, ELSC or ETOX Plan) or permission of the School.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 471  Environmental Analysis Methods  Units: 3.00  

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.
NOTE Field trip: estimated cost $15.

Requirements: Prerequisite CHEM 213 or permission of the School. Exclusion CHEM 321.  
Course Equivalencies: ENSC371, ENSC471  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 480  Special Topics in Environmental Science  Units: 3.00  

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.

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above and registration in an (ENSC Major, ENVS Major, ENVS Medial, EBIO, ECHM, EGEO, EGPY, ELSC or ETOX plan) or permission of the School.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 482  Special Topics in Environmental Studies  Units: 3.00  

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.

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above and registration in an (ENSC Major, ENVS Major, ENVS Medial, EBIO, ECHM, EGEO, EGPY, ELSC or ETOX plan) or permission of the School.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 483  Special Topics in Environmental Studies II  Units: 3.00  

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. Topic for each year will be announced in advance of course selection and will be made available on the ENSC webpage. Students are advised to consult with their academic counsellor and/or the course instructor prior to registration.

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above and registration in an (ENSC Major, ENVS Major, ENVS Medial, EBIO, ECHM, EGEO, EGPY, ELSC or ETOX plan) or permission of the School.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 501  Independent Environmental Study  Units: 6.00  

Independent study of an environmental topic by individuals or inter-disciplinary groups.
NOTE This course is intended for a self-motivated student with an established record of undergraduate performance, i.e. cumulative GPA of approximately 3.0. It is the responsibility of the student to secure a supervisor prior to registering in the course.
LEARNING HOURS 228 (48I;180P).

Requirements: Prerequisite Open to students in the final year of an Honours Program in any discipline, and with permission of the Instructor of the course and of the Department of the student's Degree Plan.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 502  Research Project Sustainability  Units: 12.00  

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.

Requirements: Prerequisite Open to students in the final year of an Honours Program in any discipline, and with permission of the Instructor of the course and of the Department of the student's Degree Plan.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 594  Independent Study  Units: 3.00  

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 595  Independent Study  Units: 6.00  

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 596  Independent Study  Units: 12.00  

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 801  Environmental Studies Methods  Units: 3.00  

The course examines methodological and conceptual issues arising from Environmental Studies position as an inter-, multi- and/or trans-disciplinary practice. It will focus on the inherent difficulties in overcoming disciplinary fragmentation in approaches to studying complex issues in environmental sustainability that require integrated understandings of the inter-relations between social and natural systems. The course will promote methodological literacy beyond student¿s own area of expertise, develop critical and reflexive thinking about how environmental studies might approach issues of sustainability, and encourage and facilitate communication across disciplinary paradigms. The course precedes and compliments ENSC-802, familiarizing students with the historical origins, philosophical underpinnings and practical deployment of key approaches within the social and natural sciences and humanities. Three term-hours; Fall; A. Goebel, P. Welbourn.

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 802  Global Environmental Problems  Units: 3.00  

This course focuses on real-world environmental problems analyzing their social, ethical, and biogeochemical origins, economic ramifications, and institutional frameworks for their mitigation and resolution in the context of environmental sustainability.  This course would logically follow or run concurrently with ENSC-801*, and will deepen and continue the themes through consideration of the intellectual history of theories and concepts relevant to environmental studies, with a focus on the concepts of ¿sustainability¿ and ¿sustainable development¿. Three term-hours; Winter; S. Brown, G. Whitelaw

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 840  Directed Studies  Units: 3.00  

This course provides an opportunity for students to independently study a selected topic under the supervision of one of more faculty members. This may take the form of a reading course with an assigned paper, but other possible formats would be considered.  For detailed information, consult course coordinator. Three term-hours: Fall, Winter or Summer. Course coordinator: H. Jamieson.

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 841  Special Topics  Units: 3.00  

This course focuses on specific topics related to the environment and sustainability. Special topics are offered under the guidance of a faculty member in an area of the instructor's expertise. For detailed information, consult the course instructor. Three term-hours: Fall, Winter or Summer. Course coordinator: Graduate Chair
PREREQUISITE: permission of the instructor
EXCLUSION: varies depending on instructor

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 842  Special Topics  Units: 3.00  

This course focuses on specific topics related to the environment and sustainability. Special topics are offered under the guidance of a faculty member in an area of the instructor¿s expertise. For detailed information, consult the course instructor. Three term-hours: Fall, Winter or Summer. Course coordinator: Graduate Chair
PREREQUISITE: permission of the instructor
EXCLUSION: varies depending on instructor

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 897  Seminar in Environmental Studies  Units: 3.00  

This half-credit course spans two semesters and requires students to attend a minimum of 20 seminars, chosen from among those offered by the School of Environmental Studies (at least 10) and other units in any faculty at Queen¿s. Within the School¿s annual seminar series, they must also present one seminar on their own project. Total contact hours: 21 hours, up to 2 semesters; Fall & Winter.
PREREQUISITE: permission of course coordinator

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 898  Master's Project  Units: 6.00  

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 899  Master's Thesis  Units: 6.00  

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  
ENSC 999  PhD Thesis  Units: 6.00  

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies