Graduate Courses
Please review the course selection guidelines for guidance
ENSC 801 - Methodological and Conceptual Basis for Environmental Studies
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.
Permission of Instructor Required, Registration by Academic Change Form
ENSC 802 - Global Environmental Problems: Issues in Sustainability
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.
Permission of Instructor Required, Registration by Academic Change Form
ENSC 840 - Directed Studies
This course provides an opportunity for students to independently study a selected topic under the supervision of one of more faculty members. For detailed information, consult course coordinator. Three term-hours; Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer. Course coordinator: Graduate Chair.
Course Instructor to provide written details of independent study. Permission of Coordinator Required, Registration by Academic Change Form
ENSC 841 or 842 - Special Topics
These courses focus 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 course instructor. Field Trip fees may apply, normally less than $50. Three term-hours: Fall, Winter or Summer. Course coordinator: Graduate Chair. Prerequisite: permission of course instructor. Exclusion: varies depending on instructor
SGS 804 - Course in Research Ethics
If your research involves human participants, you are required to complete a short online tutorial known as the Course on Research Ethics (CORE).
SGS 901 - Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
The Centre for Teaching and Learning offers this cross-discipline Graduate level course.
E Thesis Tutorial
Queen’s University requires students to submit their theses and dissertations (ETDs) electronically. Students can use the available MS Word template to write their theses, store and develop their thesis in a secure online environment (QShare), and submit their final, accepted thesis electronically (in PDF format ) for archiving and distribution via the Queen’s digital repository, QSpace. Powerpoint Tutorial.
The following list contains links to departments that MES and PhD students have found to offer relevant and enlightening courses that have positively impacted their progress through their graduate degree. This list is not intended to be exhaustive. Its primary purpose is to suggest to students the various educational directions into which the pursuit of a graduate degree in Environmental Studies may take them. MES students are allowed to take one 400 or 500 level course for credit toward their degree as long as the Instructor agrees to a graduate level of content and assessment.
Remember: Course offerings change from year to year due to students' interests and the availability of instructors. Please check the various departmental websites for course outlines and timetables to ascertain what courses are offered during a particular term.
Please be aware of the registration procedures in each department. You will need an academic change form and permissions.
Art / Biology / Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (incl. Pharmacology & Toxicology) / Chemical Engineering / Civil Engineering / Commerce / Epidemiology / Global Development Studies / Geography and Urban Planning / Gender Studies / Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering / Law / Mechanical & Materials Engineering / Mining Engineering / Philosophy / Policy Studies / Political Studies / Religious Studies / Sociology