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Major Environment - Biodiversity and Conservation (63 credits)

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Note: This is the 2019–2020 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .

Offered by: Bieler School of Environment     Degree: Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)

Program Requirements

This domain (63 credits including core) is open only to students in the B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) Major in Environment or B.Sc. Major in Environment program.

This domain links the academic study of biological diversity with the applied field of conservation biology. The study of biological diversity, or "biodiversity," lies at the intersection of evolution with ecology and genetics, combining the subdisciplines of evolutionary ecology, evolutionary genetics, and ecological genetics. It has two main branches: the creation of diversity and the maintenance of diversity. Both processes are governed by a general mechanism of selection acting over different scales of space and time. This gives rise to a distinctive set of principles and generalizations that regulate rates of diversification and levels of diversity, as well as the abundance or rarity of different species. Conservation biology constitutes the application of these principles in the relevant social and economic context to the management of natural systems, with the object of preventing the extinction of rare species and maintaining the diversity of communities. As the impact of industrialization and population growth on natural systems has become more severe, conservation has emerged as an important area of practical endeavour.

Suggested First Year (U1) Courses

For suggestions on courses to take in your first year (U1), you can consult the "Bieler School of Environment Student Handbook" available on the website (), or contact Kathy Roulet, the Program Adviser (kathy.roulet [at] mcgill.ca).

Program Requirements

Note: Students are required to take a maximum of 30 credits at the 200 level and a minimum of 12 credits at the 400 level or higher in this program. This includes core and required courses.

Location Note: When planning their schedule and registering for courses, students should verify where each course is offered because courses for this program are taught at both º£½ÇÉçÇø's Downtown campus and at the Macdonald campus in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.

Core: Required Courses (18 credits)

Location Note: Core required courses are taught at both º£½ÇÉçÇø's Downtown campus and at the Macdonald campus in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. You should register in Section 001 of an ENVR course that you plan to take on the Downtown campus, and in Section 051 of an ENVR course that you plan to take on the Macdonald campus.

  • ENVR 200 The Global Environment (3 credits)

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : A systems approach to study the different components of the environment involved in global climate change: the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. The interactions among these components. Their role in global climate change. The human dimension to global change.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Fabry, Frederic; McCourt, George; Fyles, James W; Ricciardi, Anthony (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Section 001: Downtown Campus

    • Section 051: Macdonald Campus

  • ENVR 201 Society, Environment and Sustainability (3 credits)

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : This course deals with how scientific-technological, socio-economic, political-institutional and behavioural factors mediate society-environment interactions. Issues discussed include population and resources; consumption, impacts and institutions; integrating environmental values in societal decision-making; and the challenges associated with, and strategies for, promoting sustainability. Case studies in various sectors and contexts are used.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Manaugh, Kevin; Badami, Madhav Govind; Barrington-Leigh, Christopher; Cardille, Jeffrey; Kosoy, Nicolas (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Section 001: Downtown Campus

    • Section 051: Macdonald Campus

  • ENVR 202 The Evolving Earth (3 credits)

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : Formation of the Earth and the evolution of life. How geological and biological change are the consequence of history, chance, and necessity acting over different scales of space and time. General principles governing the formation of modern landscapes and biotas. Effects of human activities on natural systems.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: McCourt, George; Beauregard, Frieda; Leung, Brian; Lovat, Christie-Anna; Mahmoudi, Nagissa (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Section 001: Downtown Campus

    • Section 051: Macdonald Campus

  • ENVR 203 Knowledge, Ethics and Environment (3 credits)

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : Introduction to cultural perspectives on the environment: the influence of culture and cognition on perceptions of the natural world; conflicts in orders of knowledge (models, taxonomies, paradigms, theories, cosmologies), ethics (moral values, frameworks, dilemmas), and law (formal and customary, rights and obligations) regarding political dimensions of critical environments, resource use, and technologies.

    Terms: Fall 2019, Winter 2020

    Instructors: Mikkelson, Gregory Matthew; Freeman, Julia (Fall) Vaccaro, Ismael; Hirose, Iwao (Winter)

    • Fall - Macdonald Campus; Winter - Downtown

    • Section 001: Downtown Campus

    • Section 051: Macdonald Campus

  • ENVR 301 Environmental Research Design (3 credits)

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : Techniques used in design and completion of environmental research projects. Problem definition, data sources and use of appropriate strategies and methodologies. Principles underlying research design are emphasized, including critical thinking, recognizing causal relationships, ideologies and bias in research, and when and where to seek expertise.

    Terms: Fall 2019, Winter 2020

    Instructors: Sengupta, Raja; Vaccaro, Ismael (Fall) Cardille, Jeffrey; Gobby, Jennifer (Winter)

    • Fall - Downtown campus; Winter - Macdonald campus

    • Section 001: Downtown Campus

    • Section 051: Macdonald Campus

    • Restrictions: Restricted to U2 or higher

    • Prerequisite(s): Completion of U1 Required courses in Environment, or permission of instructor.

  • ENVR 400 Environmental Thought (3 credits)

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : Students work in interdisciplinary seminar groups on challenging philosophical, ethical, scientific and practical issues. They will explore cutting-edge ideas and grapple with the reconciliation of environmental imperatives and social, political and economic pragmatics. Activities include meeting practitioners, attending guest lectures, following directed readings, and organizing, leading and participating in seminars.

    Terms: Fall 2019, Winter 2020

    Instructors: van der Ven, Hamish; Freeman, Julia; Kosoy, Nicolas (Fall) Freeman, Julia; Sieber, Renee; Ellis, Jaye Dana; Kosoy, Nicolas (Winter)

    • Fall - Macdonald Campus; Winter - Downtown

    • Section 001: Downtown Campus

    • Section 051: Macdonald Campus

    • Prerequisite: ENVR 203

    • Restriction: Open only to U3 students, or permission of instructor

Core: Complementary Course - Senior Research Project (3 credits)

Only 3 credits will be applied to the program; extra credits will count as electives.

  • AEBI 427 Barbados Interdisciplinary Project (6 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : The planning of projects and research activities related to tropical food, nutrition, or energy at the local, regional, or national scale in Barbados. Projects and activities designed in consultation with university instructors, government, NGO, or private partners, and prepared by teams of 2-3 students working cooperatively with these mentors.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Corequisite(s): AEBI 421, AEBI 423 and AEBI 425

    • Restriction(s): Restricted to students that are participating in the Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies Field Semester

    • **Since this course is being taught abroad, the Victoria Day statutory holiday will not be taken into consideration. Therefore, students are expected to attend their lecture on Monday, May 18, 2020.

    • **Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the third lecture day and withdrawal is the sixth lecture day.

  • AGRI 519 Sustainable Development Plans (6 credits)

    Offered by: Bioresource Engineering (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Agriculture : Geared for solving real-world environmental problems related to water at the local, regional and international scale in Barbados. Projects to be designed by instructors in consultation with university, government and NGO partners and to be conducted by teams of 2 to 4 students in collaboration with them.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Alli, Inteaz (Fall)

    • Restrictions: Enrolment in full "Barbados Field Study Semester". Not open to students who have taken CIVE 519 or URBP 519.

  • ENVR 401 Environmental Research (3 credits)

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : Students work in an interdisciplinary team on a real-world research project involving problem definition, methodology development, social, ethical and environmental impact assessment, execution of the study, and dissemination of results to the research community and to the people affected. Teams begin defining their projects during the preceding summer.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: McCourt, George; Sieber, Renee; Badami, Madhav Govind; Sengupta, Raja; Leung, Brian (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite(s): ENVR 301 and MATH 203 or equivalent.

    • Restriction: Open only to U3 students in their final year in the following programs, or by permission of the instructor: B.A. Faculty Program in Environment, B.A.&Sc. Interfaculty Program in Environment , B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) and B.Sc. Major in Environment, Diploma in Environment, and B.Com. Major in Managing for Sustainability.

  • ENVR 451 Research in Panama (6 credits)

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : Research projects will be developed by instructors in consultation with Panamanian universities, government agencies and non-governmental organizations. Project groups will consist of four to six students working with a Panamanian institution. Topics will be relevant to Panama: e.g., protection of the Canal watershed, economical alternatives to deforestation, etc.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Barrios, Eliseo Hector (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Restriction: students in the Panama Field Semester program. Offered in Panama only

Domain: Complementary Courses (43 credits)

42-43 credits of complementary courses are selected as follows:

9 credits - basic courses in the Biological Principles of Diversity, Systematics, and Conservation
3 credits - Ecology
3 credits - Statistics
9 credits - Interface between Science, Policy, and Management
3-4 credits - Field Courses
6 credits - General Scientific Principles
3 credits - Social Science
6 credits - Organisms and Diversity

Biological Principles of Diversity/Systematics/Conservation:

9 credits are chosen from basic courses in the biological principles of diversity, systematics, and conservation as follows:

3 credits from:

  • AEBI 212 Evolution and Phylogeny (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : A phylogenetic-based overview of the tree of life and examination of relationships between major taxa, from bacteria and archaea to eukaryotes. Evolution will be discussed via topics including: evolution by natural selection, neo-Darwinism and alternatives, myths and misconceptions in evolution, species and speciation.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Lovat, Christie-Anna; Gillung, Jessica (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 212.

  • BIOL 304 Evolution (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : A comprehensive introduction to evolutionary biology. It covers both short-term and long-term evolutionary processes. Topics include the history of life, the origin of species, adaptation, natural selection and sexual selection.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Bell, Graham (Fall)

3 credits from:

  • AEBI 211 Organisms 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : Introduction to the biology, physiology, structure and function of heterotrophs and their interactions with other organisms. This course will focus on animals in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. Topics include bioenergetics and functional metabolism, adaptations to environments, animal-animal, animal-plant, and animal-pathogen interactions.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Head, Jessica (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 200

  • BIOL 305 Animal Diversity (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : The characteristics of the major groups of animals, their ancestry, history and relationship to one another. The processes of speciation, adaptive radiation and extinction responsible for diversity. Methods for constructing of phylogenies, for comparing phenotypes, and for estimating and analyzing diversity.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Larsson, Hans Carl; Green, David M; Hendry, Andrew; Millien, Virginie; Bell, Graham (Winter)

3 credits from:

  • BIOL 465 Conservation Biology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Discussion of relevant theoretical and applied issues in conservation biology. Topics: biodiversity, population viability analysis, community dynamics, biology of rarity, extinction, habitat fragmentation, social issues.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Chapman, Lauren; Gonzalez, Andrew (Fall)

  • WILD 421 Wildlife Conservation (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Resource Development : Study of current controversial issues focusing on wildlife conservation. Topics include: animal rights, exotic species, ecotourism, urban wildlife, multi-use of national parks, harvesting of wildlife, biological controls, and endangered species.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Elliott, Kyle (Winter)

    • Winter

    • 3 lectures

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken NRSC 421.

Ecology:

3 credits from:

  • BIOL 308 Ecological Dynamics (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Principles of population, community, and ecosystem dynamics: population growth and regulation, species interactions, dynamics of competitive interactions and of predator/prey systems; evolutionary dynamics.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Guichard, Frederic (Fall)

  • ENVB 305 Population & Community Ecology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Environmental Biology : Interactions between organisms and their environment; historical and current perspectives in applied and theoretical population and community ecology. Principles of population dynamics, feedback loops, and population regulation. Development and structure of communities; competition, predation and food web dynamics. Biodiversity science in theory and practice.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: McKinney, Melissa (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 205

Statistics:

3 credits from the following Statistics courses or equivalent:
Note: Credit given for Statistics courses is subject to certain restrictions. Students should consult the "Course Overlap in the Course Requirements" section for the Faculty of Science.

  • AEMA 310 Statistical Methods 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Mathematics (Agric&Envir Sci) : Measures of central tendency and dispersion; binomial and Poisson distributions; normal, chi-square, Student's t and Fisher-Snedecor F distributions; estimation and hypothesis testing; simple linear regression and correlation; analysis of variance for simple experimental designs.

    Terms: Fall 2019, Winter 2020

    Instructors: Claveau, Yves; Moreno García, Lizzette (Fall) Hoyos-Villegas, Valerio (Winter)

    • Two 1.5-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab

    • Please note that credit will be given for only one introductory statistics course. Consult your academic advisor.

  • BIOL 373 Biometry (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Elementary statistical methods in biology. Introduction to the analysis of biological data with emphasis on the assumptions behind statistical tests and models. Use of statistical techniques typically available on computer packages.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Leung, Brian (Fall)

    • Fall

    • 2 hours lecture and 2 hours laboratory

    • Prerequisite: MATH 112 or equivalent

    • You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.

Science, Policy, and Management:

9 credits are chosen from interface between science, policy, and management as follows:

* Note: You may take AGEC 200 or ECON 208, but not both.

** Note: You may take BIOL 451 or NRSC 451, but not both.

  • AEBI 423 Sustainable Land Use (3 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : Management, preservation, and utilization of forage crops in sustainable tropical environments; examination of their value as livestock feed in terms of nutritional composition and impact on animal performance; land use issues as it pertains to forage and animal production in insular environments.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Corequisite(s): AEBI 421, AEBI 425, AEBI 427

    • Restriction: Restricted to students that are participating in the Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies Field Semester

    • **Since this course is being taught abroad, la Fête Nationale du Québec (June 24th) and Canada Day (July 1st) statutory holidays will not be taken into consideration. Therefore, students are expected to attend their lectures on both Wednesday, June 24 and Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

    • **Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the second lecture day and withdrawal is the fifth lecture day.

  • AGEC 200 Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits) *

    Offered by: Agricultural Economics (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Agricultural Economics : The field of economics as it relates to the activities of individual consumers, firms and organizations. Emphasis is on the application of economic principles and concepts to everyday decision making and to the analysis of current economic issues.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Diarra, Gaoussou (Fall)

    • Fall

    • 3 lectures

  • AGRI 550 Sustained Tropical Agriculture (3 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Agriculture : Contrast theory and practice in defining agricultural environmental "challenges" in the Neotropics. Indigenous and appropriate technological means of mitigation. Soil management and erosion, water scarcity, water over-abundance, and water quality. Explore agro-ecosystem protection via field trips and project designs. Institutional context of conservation strategies, NGO links, and public participation.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Major, Julie (Winter)

    • Prerequisites: HISP 218 or equivalent; MATH 203 or AEMA 310 or equivalent

    • Restriction: Restricted Enrolment. Location in Panama. Student must be registered for a full semester of studies in Panama

  • ANTH 418 Environment and Development (3 credits)

    Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Anthropology : Advanced study of the environmental crisis in developing and advanced industrial nations, with emphasis on the social and cultural dimensions of natural resource management and environmental change. Each year, the seminar will focus on a particular set of issues, delineated by type of resource, geographic region, or analytical problem.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Galaty, John (Fall)

  • BIOL 451 Research in Ecology and Development in Africa (3 credits) **

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Development of observation and independent inquiry skills through: 1) participation in short-term project modules in collaboration with existing researchers; 2) participation in interdisciplinary team research on topics selected to allow comparative analysis of field sites; 3) active and systematic observation, documentation, and integration of field experience in ecology and development issues.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Chapman, Lauren (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Open only to U2 or later students in the AFSS.

    • Corequisite(s): ANTH 451 or GEOG 451

    • Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking NRSC 451.

  • ECON 208 Microeconomic Analysis and Applications (3 credits) *

    Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Economics (Arts) : A university-level introduction to demand and supply, consumer behaviour, production theory, market structures and income distribution theory.

    Terms: Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Summer 2020

    Instructors: El-Attar Vilalta, Mayssun; Dickinson, Paul; Sen Choudhury, Eesha; Hayati, Sara (Fall) Dickinson, Paul (Winter) El-Attar Vilalta, Mayssun (Summer)

  • ECON 225 Economics of the Environment (3 credits)

    Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Economics (Arts) : A study of the application of economic theory to questions of environmental policy. Particular attention will be given to the measurement and regulation of pollution, congestion and waste and other environmental aspects of specific economies.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Li, Yifan (Fall)

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken 154-325 or 154-425

  • ENVB 415 Ecosystem Management (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Environmental Biology : Through the examination of cases studies presented in a modular format, students will be exposed to a variety of ecosystem processes. Choice of components, interactions and type of management to achieve desired endpoints will be discussed.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Higgins, Kellina (Fall)

  • ENVB 437 Assessing Environmental Impact (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Environmental Biology : Theories and procedures of assessing environmental impact. An examination of the environmental impact of existing programs and projects to examine their accuracy in predicting consequences and attenuating undesirable effects.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Hickey, Gordon (Winter)

    • Winter

    • 2 lectures

    • Restrictions: U2 students and above. Not open to students who have taken WILD 437 or NRSC 437.

  • ENVR 422 Montreal Urban Sustainability Analysis (3 credits)

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : Applied and experience-based learning opportunities are employed to critically assess Montreal as a sustainable city through research, discussion, and field trips. The urban environment is considered through various specific dimensions, ranging from: waste, energy, urban agriculture, green spaces and design, or transportation.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite(s): ENVR 301 or equivalent, or permission from the instructor.

    • Corequisite(s): ENVR 421

  • GEOG 302 Environmental Management 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : An ecological analysis of the physical and biotic components of natural resource systems. Emphasis on scientific, technological and institutional aspects of environmental management. Study of the use of biological resources and of the impact of individual processes.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Meredith, Thomas C (Fall)

    • 3 hours

    • Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in Geography or MSE or BIOL 308 or permission of instructor.

  • GEOG 360 Analyzing Sustainability (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : Examines challenges to sustainability through a series of case studies to illustrate the analytical approaches used to understand the linkages between scientific-technological, socio-economic, political-institutional, ethical, and human behavioural aspect of systems. Includes cases that are thematic and place-based, national and international, spanning from the local to global scales.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: MacDonald, Graham (Winter)

  • GEOG 408 Geography of Development (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : Examines the geographical dimensions of development policy, specifically the relationships between the process of development and human-induced environmental change. Focuses on environmental sustainability, struggles over resource control, population and poverty, and levels of governance (the role of the state, non-governmental organizations, and local communities).

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Unruh, Jon (Fall)

  • GEOG 410 Geography of Underdevelopment: Current Problems (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : An examination of the cultural, political, and economic mechanisms and manifestations of contemporary underdevelopment and the response to it from different regional and national peripheral societies within the dominant world economic system.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

    • 3 hours

    • Prerequisite: GEOG 216 or permission of instructor

  • NRSC 451 Research in Ecology and Development in Africa (3 credits) **

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Natural Resource Sciences : Development of observation and independent inquiry skills through: 1) participation in short-term project modules in collaboration with existing researchers; 2) participation in interdisciplinary team research on topics selected to allow comparative analysis of field sites; 3) active and systematic observation, documentation, and integration of field experience in ecology and development issues.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOL 451. Open to U2 or later students in the African Field Study Semester (AFSS).

    • Corequisites: ANTH or GEOG 451 Society & Development in Africa

  • PLNT 312 Urban Horticulture (3 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Plant Science : Selection, use and care of plants in urban environments for the benefit of urban populations: landscape design, turf and green space management, urban trees, green roofs and walls, design and management of community gardens, urban agriculture.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • URBP 507 Planning and Infrastructure (3 credits)

    Offered by: Urban Planning (Faculty of Engineering)

    Overview

    Urban Planning : An exploration of the interrelationship between land-use planning and infrastructure provision, especially water and sewerage. An examination of their policy and regulatory frameworks and other methodology of plan making and evaluation.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Bornstein, Lisa; Gagnon, Maxime; Lakis, Julie (Fall)

    • (8-.5-.5)

    • Restriction: Must be enrolled in the Barbados Field study Semester.

Field Courses

3-4 credits from:

  • AGRI 452 Water Resources in Barbados (3 credits)

    Offered by: Bioresource Engineering (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Agriculture : Physical environment challenges, centered on water, being faced by an island nation. Guest speakers, field study tours and laboratory tests. Private, government and NGO institutional context of conservation strategies, and water quantity and quality analyses for water management specific to Barbados.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Gehr, Ronald; Keane, Angela (Fall)

    • Restrictions: Enrolment in full "Barbados Field Study Semester". Not open to students who have taken CIVE 452.

  • BIOL 240 Monteregian Flora (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Field studies of ferns, fern allies, conifers and flowering plants; the use of keys for plant identification.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or permission

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken PLNT 358

    • Note: Taught at the Gault Nature Reserve. Contact instructor for specific dates, logistics: (virginie.millien [at] mcgill.ca).

    • This course is offered in the summer.

    • This course, given at the University’s Gault Nature Reserve in Mont St. Hilaire, has an additional fee of $445.48 which includes a hand lens, a textbook, handouts, lodging and supper each day.

  • BIOL 331 Ecology/Behaviour Field Course (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Methods of sampling natural populations. Testing hypotheses in nature.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Reader, Simon; Barrett, Rowan; Hargreaves, Anna (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Prerequisites: BIOL 206 and BIOL 215

    • Note: This course has an additional fee of $607.85 which includes room and board and handouts.The Department of Biology subsidizes a portion of the cost for this activity.

  • BIOL 334 Applied Tropical Ecology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Relevant to agriculture, forestry, fisheries and conservation of natural resources. Field component taught at the University's Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados, for two weeks in early May. The course is organized in a series of small-group field projects of 2-3 days each. Interested students should contact the Undergraduate Office and fill out an application form.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Guichard, Frederic; Nilson, Laura; Price, Neil (Winter)

    • Summer

    • Prerequisites: BIOL 206; and BIOL 215 or both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202; and permission of the instructor.

    • This course, given in Barbados, has an additional fee of $1450 to cover the costs of room and board at Bellairs Research Institute, the course pack and all other expenses during the course. It does not cover tuition, airfare, flight insurance, airport taxes, meals in transit, or the cost of supplementary health insurance. The fee is refundable during the period where a student can drop the course with full refund. The Department of Biology subsidizes a portion of the cost for this activity.

  • BIOL 335 Marine Mammals (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Biology of marine mammals with special emphasis on seals and whales of the Bay of Fundy. Taught at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews, N.B., for two weeks in August. The course combines lectures, laboratory exercises, field trips, and individual projects.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: BIOL 205

    • This course is offered in the summer.

    • Apply first to Huntsman, then contact susan.gabe [at] mcgill.ca.

  • BIOL 553 Neotropical Environments (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Ecology revisited in view of tropical conditions. Exploring species richness. Sampling and measuring biodiversity. Conservation status of ecosystems, communities and species. Indigenous knowledge.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Potvin, Catherine (Winter)

  • ENTO 340 Field Entomology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Entomology : A field course and project about arthropod taxonomy, field methods and experimental design in entomology. Includes natural history observation, and experimental approaches to arthropod population and community ecology.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Summer

  • ENVB 410 Ecosystem Ecology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Environmental Biology : Biotic and abiotic processes that control the flows of energy, nutrients and water through ecosystems; emergent system properties; approaches to analyzing complex systems. Labs include collection and multivariate analysis of field data.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Turney, Shaun (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Prerequisites: ENVB 222, AEMA 310 or permission of instructor

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WOOD 410

    • This course carries an additional charge of $17.60 to cover the cost of transportation (bus rental) for local field trips.The fee is refundable only during the withdrawal with full refund period.

  • GEOG 495 Field Studies - Physical Geography (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : Field research projects in physical geography. Held locally in Monteregian or Eastern Township regions. The course is organised around field projects designed to formulate and test scientific hypotheses in a physical geography discipline. May Summer session.

    Terms: Summer 2020

    Instructors: von Sperber, Christian (Summer)

  • GEOG 499 Subarctic Field Studies (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : An introduction to the geography of the subarctic with emphasis on the application of field methods in physical and/or human geography.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: GEOG 203 or GEOG 301

    • Instructor's approval required.

    • A fee of $2,056.65 is charged to all students registered in GEOG 499 Subarctic Field Studies. This course is held at Schefferville, Quebec in late August through early September. The fee is used to support the cost of transportation, accommodations, local fees and all meals. The department subsidizes a portion of the cost of this compulsory activity for each student registered in a Geography Major or Honours program.

  • PLNT 358 Flowering Plant Diversity (3 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Plant Science : Principles of classification and identification of flowering plants and ferns, with emphasis on 35 major families of flowering plants and the habitats in which they grow.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Beauregard, Frieda (Fall)

    • 2 lectures, one 3-hour lab, plus a 4-day field week held the week preceding the start of classes

    • Prerequisite: PLNT 201 or AEBI 210 or ENVR 202 or permission of instructor

    • A $56.14 fee is charged to all students registered in this course, which has a fieldwork component prior to the beginning of classes in August. This fee is used to support the cost of excursions, a hand lens, instructional handouts and identification aids. Students who have already received a hand lens may request a reimbursement of a portion of this charge through their department.

  • PLNT 460 Plant Ecology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Plant Science : Theory and practice of plant ecology with an emphasis on the interaction between patterns and ecological processes and the dynamics, conservation and management of plant populations and communities over a range of temporal and spatial scales.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Lovat, Christie-Anna (Fall)

    • 3 lectures and one 3-hour lab

    • Prerequisite: AEMA 310 or permission of instructor.

    • This course carries an additional charge of $28.07 to cover the cost of transportation (bus rental) for local field trips. The fee is refundable only during the withdrawal with full refund period.

  • WILD 401 Fisheries and Wildlife Management (4 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Resource Development : Principles of fisheries and wildlife management are considered and current practices of research and management are discussed.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Elliott, Kyle; Renaud, Limoilou-Amélie; McKinney, Melissa; Roy, Denis (Fall)

    • Fall

    • 3 lectures, one 2-hour lab and one week field laboratory prior to fall term

    • Prerequisite: WILD 307 or permission of instructor

    • A $352.02 fee is charged to all students registered in WILD 401, Fisheries and Wildlife Management, a course that has a required field trip. This fee is used to support the cost of excursions, accommodations, food and fees associated with visiting a research facility in New York. The Department of Natural Resource Sciences subsidizes a portion of the cost of this compulsory activity.

  • WILD 475 Desert Ecology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Resource Development : A three week field course exploring relationships between climate, geology, landforms, biodiversity, biotic adaptations and ecosystem conditions in the arid regions of Arizona and southern California. Focus is on the Sonoran and Mojave deserts but includes the transitions to adjacent grassland and forest biomes of the Sky Islands and Colorado Plateau. Exploration of issues arising from human use of land and water, and conservation in arid environments. Experiential learning involving team and individual projects and assignments before and during the field trip.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Odd-numbered Winter terms; enrollment limited to 20.

    • The course begins and ends in Phoenix AZ. Students are responsible for their transportation to/from Phoenix.

    • A course fee of $1476.62 covers the cost of transportation, camping, admissions and most meals during the field trip.

    • The course requires camping and living under desert conditions.

    • Restriction(s): Restricted to U2 and U3 students.

    • Prerequisite(s):Permission of the instructors is required to register. To be eligible students are required to have at least one systems-focused course, one ecology course and two organismal courses. Students should consult the instructors for list of appropriate courses.

  • WOOD 441 Integrated Forest Management (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Woodland Resources : The study of silviculture and silvics and their application to forest management to sustain the production of wood and other ecological goods and services such as wildlife, water and landscape in natural forests and rural environments (agroforestry). Acquisition of practical skills in forest surveying and computer simulation of forest growth.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Cote, Benoit (Winter)

General Scientific Principles

6 credits of general scientific principles selected from the following:

* Note: You may take only one of BREE 529, ENVB 529 or GEOG 306.

** Note: You may take GEOG 322 or BREE 217, but not both.

*** Note: You may take ANSC 326 or BIOL 324, but not both.

  • ANSC 326 Fundamentals of Population Genetics (3 credits) ***

    Offered by: Animal Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Animal Science : Population genetics mechanisms in mammals, birds and plant. Factors influencing gene, genotype, and phenotypic frequencies. Effects of different types of selection, Hardy-Weinberg, linkage and recombination, polymorphisms and heterozygosity, population size, random drift and inbreeding on gene and genotype frequencies. Relationship between quantitative genetic parameters and gene frequencies.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Cue, Roger I (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Prerequisites: AEMA 310 or equivalent or permission of instructor and CELL 204 or LSCI 204 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

  • BIOL 202 Basic Genetics (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Introduction to basic principles, and to modern advances, problems and applications in the genetics of higher and lower organisms with examples representative of the biological sciences.

    Terms: Winter 2020, Summer 2020

    Instructors: Moon, Nam Sung; Nilson, Laura; Schoen, Daniel J; Western, Tamara (Winter) Dankort, David; Hipfner, David (Summer)

    • Winter, Summer

    • 3 hours lecture, 1 hour optional tutorial

    • Prerequisite: BIOL 200.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking LSCI 204.

  • BIOL 324 Ecological Genetics (3 credits) ***

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Presents evolutionary genetics within an ecological context. Covers theoretical and applied topics together with relevant data from natural populations of plant and animals.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Schoen, Daniel J (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: BIOL 202

    • Two lectures per week; one required computer lab or conference per week

  • BIOL 342 Contemporary Topics in Aquatic Ecology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : An introduction to freshwater and marine biology and ecology. Topics include structure and function of the major aquatic ecosystems and how these are affected by environmental change.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • BIOL 432 Limnology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : A study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of lakes and other inland waters, with emphasis on their functioning as systems.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Fussmann, Gregor (Fall)

    • Fall

    • 2 hours lecture; 2 weekends at field station equivalent to 3 hours laboratory per week

    • Prerequisites: BIOL 206 and BIOL 215 or permission of instructor.

    • This course, involving two field weekends, has an additional fee of $332.72, which includes room and board and transportation. The fee is refundable during the period where a student can drop the course with full refund. The Department of Biology subsidizes a portion of the cost for this activity.

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking ENVB 315.

  • BIOL 434 Theoretical Ecology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Study of theoretical ecology and of mathematical tools available to explore the dynamical behaviour of model populations, communities and ecosystems. Models addressing major ecological theories including population stability, community dynamics and ecosystem functioning, epidemic and disturbance dynamics, spatial models, game theory.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

    • 3 hours lecture

    • Prerequisites: BIOL 308 or BIOL 309 or permission of instructor.

  • BIOL 441 Biological Oceanography (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : An introduction to how the ocean functions biologically: biology and ecology of marine plankton; regulation, extent and fate of production in the sea.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Price, Neil (Winter)

  • BIOL 515 Advances in Aquatic Ecology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Aquatic ecology and the major issues challenging the field.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

    • 3 hours seminar

    • Prerequisite(s): BIOL 432 or BIOL 441 or permission of the instructor

  • BREE 217 Hydrology and Water Resources (3 credits) **

    Offered by: Bioresource Engineering (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Bioresource Engineering : Measurements and analysis of components of the water cycle. Precipitation, evaporation, infiltration and groundwater. Analysis of hydrologic data. Hydrograph theory. Hydrologic estimations for design of water control projects; flood control and reservoir routing. Integrated watershed management and water conservation. Water management systems for environmental protection.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Prasher, Shiv (Winter)

    • 3 lectures, one 2-hour lab

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ABEN 217.

    • This course carries an additional course charge of $33.12 to cover transportation costs for two field trips, which may include a visit to a national weather station and a trip to gain hands-on experience on monitoring water flow in streams.

    • Measurements and analysis of components of the water cycle. Precipitation, evaporation, infiltration and groundwater. Analysis of hydrologic data. Hydrograph theory. Hydrologic estimations for design of water control projects; flood control and reservoir routing. Integrated watershed management and water conservation. Water management systems for environmental protection.

  • BREE 529 GIS for Natural Resource Management (3 credits) *

    Offered by: Bioresource Engineering (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Bioresource Engineering : Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques to the presentation and analysis of ecological information, including sources and capture of spatial data; characterizing, transforming, displaying spatial data; and spatial analysis to solve resource management problems.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Adamchuk, Viacheslav; Cardille, Jeffrey (Fall)

    • Prerequisite(s): At least one environmental science course and one ecology course or permission of instructor

    • Restriction(s): U2 students and above. Not open to students who have taken GEOG 201, GEOG 306, GEOG 307, ENVB/BREE 430, or ENVB 529. Limited to 32 students.

    • Fall

  • ENVB 313 Phylogeny and Biogeography (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Environmental Biology : Phylogeny reconstruction; principles of systematics; predictive power of phylogenetic trees; theory and principles of biogeography; historical biogeography of plants and animals; role of abiotic and biotic factors in shaping distributions.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • ENVB 529 GIS for Natural Resource Management (3 credits) *

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Environmental Biology : Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques to the presentation and analysis of ecological information, including sources and capture of spatial data; characterizing, transforming, displaying spatial data; and spatial analysis to solve resource management problems.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Cardille, Jeffrey; Adamchuk, Viacheslav (Fall)

    • Prerequisite(s): At least one environmental science course and one ecology course or permission of instructor

    • Restriction(s): U2 students and above. Not open to students who have taken GEOG 201, GEOG 306 or GEOG 307, ENVB/BREE 430, or BREE 529. Limited to 32 students.

    • Fall

  • GEOG 272 Earth's Changing Surface (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : Introduction to the study of landforms as products of geomorphic and geologic systems acting at and near the Earth's surface. The process geomorphology approach will be used to demonstrate how landforms of different geomorphic settings represent a dynamic balance between forces acting in the environment and the physical properties of materials present.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Pollard, Wayne H (Fall)

    • Fall

    • 3 hours

  • GEOG 306 Raster Geo-Information Science (3 credits) *

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : Formal introduction to a computer-based Geographical Information System (GIS). Topics will focus on map analysis and on transforming and displaying spatial data. GIS will be used by students to solve problems in both physical and human geography.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: McKenzie, Grant (Winter)

    • Winter

    • 2 hours and laboratory

    • Prerequisite: GEOG 201

  • GEOG 321 Climatic Environments (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : The earth-atmosphere system, radiation and energy balances. Surface-atmosphere exchange of energy, mass and momentum and related atmospheric processes on a local and regional scale. Introduction to measurement theory and practice in micrometeorology.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • GEOG 322 Environmental Hydrology (3 credits) **

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : Quantitative, experimental study of the principles governing the movement of water at or near the Earth's surface and how the research relates to the chemistry and biology of ecosystems.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Rankin, Tracy; Roulet, Nigel Thomas (Winter)

    • Winter

    • 3 hours

    • Prerequisite: GEOG 203 or equivalent

  • GEOG 350 Ecological Biogeography (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : The study of the patterns of distribution of organisms in space and time with emphasis on plant communities. Ecological, geographical, historical and anthropological factors affecting these distribution patterns will be discussed. Particular consideration is given to methods for description and classification of plant communities.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • LSCI 204 Genetics (3 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Life Sciences : The course integrates classical, molecular and population genetics of animals, plants, bacteria and viruses. The aim is to understand the flow of genetic information within a cell, within families and in populations. Emphasis will be placed on problem solving based learning. The laboratory exercises will emphasize the interpretation of genetic experimental data.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Charron, Jean-Benoit (Fall)

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken BIOL 202.

  • MICR 331 Microbial Ecology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Microbiology (Agric&Envir Sc) : The ecology of microorganisms, primarily bacteria and archaea, and their roles in biogeochemical cycles will be discussed. Microbial interactions with the environment, plants, animals and other microbes emphasizing the underlying genetics and physiology. Diversity, evolution (microbial phylogenetics) and the application of molecular biology in microbial ecology.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Driscoll, Brian T (Winter)

A second field course from the domain curriculum may also be taken.

Social Science:

3 credits from:
* Note: You may take ANTH 451 or GEOG 451, but not both.

  • AGEC 333 Resource Economics (3 credits)

    Offered by: Agricultural Economics (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Agricultural Economics : The role of resources in the environment, use of resources, and management of economic resources within the firm or organization. Problem-solving, case studies involving private and public decision-making in organizations are utilized.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Thomassin, Paul (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Prerequisites: AGEC 200 or equivalent

  • AGRI 411 Global Issues on Development, Food and Agriculture (3 credits)

    Offered by: Animal Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Agriculture : International development and world food security and challenges in developing countries. Soil and water management, climate change, demographic issues, plant and animal resources conservation, bio-products and biofuels, economic and environmental issues specially in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Globalization, sustainable development, technology transfer and human resources needs for rural development.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Machado Dallago, Gabriel; Monardes, Humberto (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Two 2-hour conferences

  • ANTH 339 Ecological Anthropology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Anthropology : Intensive study of theories and cases in ecological anthropology. Theories are examined and tested through comparative case-study analysis. Cultural constructions of "nature" and "environment" are compared and analyzed. Systems of resource management and conflicts over the use of resources are studied in depth.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Scott, Colin H (Winter)

  • ANTH 416 Environment/Development: Africa (3 credits)

    Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Anthropology : Study of environmental effects of development in East Africa, especially due to changes in traditional land tenure and resource use across diverse ecosystems. Models, policies and cases of pastoralist, agricultural, fishing, wildlife and tourist development will be examined, across savanna, desert, forest, highland and coastal environments.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Pollini, Jacques (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Restriction: Open only to students in the Study in Africa program, a full-term field study program in East Africa

    • Prerequisite: One prior course in Anthropology, Geography or Environmental Studies

  • ANTH 451 Research in Society and Development in Africa (3 credits) *

    Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Anthropology : Instruction focuses on three goals: 1) existing research in selected core thematic areas, 2) participating in interdisciplinary team research, 3) developing powers of observation and independent inquiry. Students will be expected to develop research activities and interdisciplinary perspectives, and to become conversant with advances in local research in their field.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Unruh, Jon (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: Open to U2 or later students in the AFSS.

    • Corequisite: NRSC 452.

    • Restriction: Open only to AFSS students during the year of participation in the field. Not open to students who have taken GEOG 451.

  • ECON 326 Ecological Economics (3 credits)

    Offered by: Economics (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Economics (Arts) : Macroeconomic and structural aspects of the ecological crisis. A course in which subjects discussed include the conflict between economic growth and the laws of thermodynamics; the search for alternative economic indicators; the fossil fuels crisis; and "green'' fiscal policy.

    Terms: Fall 2019, Winter 2020

    Instructors: Naylor, Robin Thomas (Fall) Naylor, Robin Thomas (Winter)

  • ENVR 421 Montreal: Environmental History and Sustainability (3 credits)

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : This course will focus on the role of place and history in the cities in which we live and in our understanding of sustainability. Each year, students will work to develop a historical reconstruction of the natural environment of Montreal and of its links to the cultural landscape, building on the work of previous cohorts of students.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Each year focuses on making a specific and unique contribution to The Hochelaga Project; topics vary as required.

    • Prerequisite(s): ENVR 301 or equivalent, or permission from the instructor.

    • Corequisite(s): ENVR 422

  • ENVR 519 Global Environmental Politics (3 credits)

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : How the problem of environmental degradation is dealt with at the international level. The scope and nature of global environmental protection issues that cross boundaries, both physical and conceptual. Actors, structures and processes of international society. Consideration of global commons and transnational resources and of environmental externalities.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ENVR 201 or ENVR 203 or permission of instructor

    • Restrictions: Open to students in the Environment Graduate Option (available to other students with permission of instructor). (Not open to students who have taken ENVR 580 -- section 001 -- in Winter 2002, Fall 2003, or Fall 2004

    • Note: This course has been offered three times as a Topics in Environment Course

  • GEOG 404 Environmental Management 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : Practical application of environmental planning, analysis and management techniques with reference to the needs and problems of developing areas. Special challenges posed by cultural differences and traditional resource systems are discussed. This course involves practical field work in a developing area (Kenya or Panama).

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Meredith, Thomas C (Winter)

    • Winter

    • 3 hours

    • Prerequisite: GEOG 302 or permission of instructor

  • GEOG 451 Research in Society and Development in Africa (3 credits) *

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : Three intersecting components: 1) core development themes including culture change, environmental conservation, water, health, development (urban and rural), governance and conflict resolution, 2) research techniques for topics related to core themes, including ethics, risk, field methods and data analysis, 3) field documentation, scientific recording and communication.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Unruh, Jon (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: Open to U2 or later students in the AFSS.

    • Corequisite: NRSC 452.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken, or are taking ANTH 451.

  • GEOG 498 Humans in Tropical Environments (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : Focus on understanding of inter-relations between humans and neotropical environments represented in Panama. Study of contemporary rural landscapes, their origins, development and change. Impacts of economic growth and inequality, social organization, and politics on natural resource use and environmental degradation. Site visits and field exercises in peasant/colonist, Amerindian, and plantation communities.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Coomes, Oliver T (Winter)

    • Winter

    • 6 hours lecture for 4 weeks, 3 hours seminar, 2 hours laboratory, 8 hours conference

    • Restriction: Location in Panama. Student must register for a full semester of studies in Panama

    • Prerequisites: HISP 218, MATH 203 or equivalents

  • URBP 520 Globalization: Planning and Change (3 credits)

    Offered by: Urban Planning (Faculty of Engineering)

    Overview

    Urban Planning : Economic and social issues related to planning for sustainable development, with a focus on water. Political and environmental determinants of resource use. Impact of global, regional and local institutions, programs and plans in Barbados and in the field locale in general.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Alli, Inteaz; Melgar-Quiñonez, Hugo (Fall)

    • (3-3-3)

    • Restriction: Must be enrolled in the Barbados Field Study Semester.

Organisms and Diversity:

6 credits of organisms and diversity selected as follows:

* Note: You may take only one of ENTO 330, BIOL 350 or ENTO 350.

** Note: You may take BIOL 540 or ENVR 540, but not both.

  • AEBI 421 Tropical Horticultural Ecology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : A comprehensive survey of the major fruit, vegetable, turf, and ornamental crops grown in Barbados. Effect of cultural practices, environment, pests and pathogens, social and touristic activities, and importation of horticultural produce on local horticulture.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Corequisite(s): AEBI 423, AEBI 425, AEBI 427

    • Restriction: Restricted to students that are participating in the Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies Field Semester

    • **Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the third lecture day and withdrawal is the sixth lecture day.

  • AGRI 340 Principles of Ecological Agriculture (3 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Agriculture : Focus on low-input, sustainable, and organic agriculture: the farm as an ecosystem; complex system theory; practical examples of soil management, pest control, integrated crop and livestock production, and marketing systems.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Begg, Caroline B (Winter)

    • 3 lectures and one 2-hour seminar

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken AGRI 250

  • ANTH 311 Primate Behaviour and Ecology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Anthropology : Critical evaluation of theories concerning primate behaviour with emphasis on the importance of ecological factors in framing behaviour, including mating behaviour, parent care, social structures, communication, as well as various forms of social interaction such as dominance, territoriality and aggressive expression.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: Any 200 level course in a social or biological science.

  • BIOL 310 Biodiversity and Ecosystems (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Ecological bases of the natural causes and consequences of current global environmental changes, including how biodiversity and ecosystem processes are defined and measured, how they vary in space and time, how they are affected by physical and biological factors, and how they affect each other and human societies.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Sunday, Jennifer; Gonzalez, Andrew; Pollock, Laura (Winter)

    • Winter

    • 3 hours lecture

    • one-day field trip to Mont St-Hilaire

    • Prerequisite: BIOL 215; or ENVR 200 and ENVR 202; MATH 112 or equivalent; or permission of the instructor

  • BIOL 350 Insect Biology and Control (3 credits) *

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Introduction to insect structure, physiology, biochemistry, development, systematics, evolution, ecology and control. Stress on interrelationships and integrated pest control.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Dunphy, Gary Brian (Fall)

    • Fall

    • 3 hours lecture

    • Prerequisite: BIOL 205 or permission of instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking ENTO 330 or ENTO 350.

    • Note: This course is also offered as ENTO 350 in the winter term.

  • BIOL 355 Trees: Ecology & Evolution (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Functional ecology and evolution of trees: patterns in the diversity of tree form and function, the nature of tree adaptation to environment from the scale of habitat to global biogeography.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Fall

    • 3 hours lecture

    • Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 215 or permission of instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOL 555.

  • BIOL 427 Herpetology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Principles of biology as exemplified by amphibians and reptiles. Topics include: adaptation, social behaviour, reproductive strategies, physiology, biomechanics, ecology, biogeography and evolution. Laboratories will emphasize structure, systematics and identification of local and world herpetofauna as well as field methods.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Fall

    • 2 hours lecture; 3 hours laboratory

    • Prerequisite: BIOL 205 and BIOL 305 or permission of instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken BIOL 327.

  • BIOL 540 Ecology of Species Invasions (3 credits) **

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Causes and consequences of biological invasion, as well as risk assessment methods and management strategies for dealing with invasive species.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Ricciardi, Anthony (Winter)

    • Winter

    • 3 hours lecture

    • Prerequisite(s): BIOL 215 (or ENVR 200 plus ENVR 202), and at least one 300- or 400-level course in ecology, evolution, or conservation biology.

    • Restriction: Not open to U1 or U2 students

    • Restriction: Not open to students who are taking or have taken ENVR 540.

  • ENTO 330 Insect Biology (3 credits) *

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Entomology : Insect structure and function, development and specialization; ecology and behavior; diversity, evolution and classification of insect orders and common families; pest management.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Boucher, Stephanie (Fall)

    • Fall

    • 2 lectures and one 2-hour lab

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken NRSC 330

  • ENTO 350 Insect Biology and Control (3 credits) *

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Entomology : Introduction to insect structure, physiology, biochemistry, development, systematics, evolution, ecology and control. Stress on interrelationships and integrated pest control.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

    • 3 hours lecture

    • Prerequisite: BIOL 205 or permission of instructor

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking ENTO 330 or BIOL 350

    • Note: Offered on the downtown campus. This course is also offered as BIOL 350 in the Fall term.

  • ENTO 352 Biocontrol of Pest Insects (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Entomology : Modern concepts of integrated control techniques and principles of insect pest management, with emphasis on biological control (use of predators, parasites and pathogens against pest insects), population monitoring, and manipulation of environmental, behavioral and physiological factors in the pest's way of life. Physical, cultural, and genetic controls and an introduction to the use of non-toxic biochemical controls (attractants, repellents, pheromones, antimetabolites).

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Dunphy, Gary Brian; Driscoll, Brian T (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have previously taken ENTO 452

    • 3 lectures

  • ENTO 440 Insect Diversity (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Entomology : Ecology, evolution and systematics of insects and their relatives. Classification and phylogeny of selected insect families; use of diagnostic characters and taxonomic keys. Ecological interactions at an individual, population and community level with emphasis on diversity patterns in space and time.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Fall

    • Combined lecture/demonstration

    • Prerequisite: ENTO 330 or permission of instructor

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ENTO 425

  • ENVR 540 Ecology of Species Invasions (3 credits) **

    Offered by: Bieler School of Environment (School of Environment)

    Administered by: Faculty of Science

    Overview

    Environment : Causes and consequences of biological invasion, as well as risk assessment methods and management strategies for dealing with invasive species.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Ricciardi, Anthony (Winter)

    • 3 hours lecture

    • Prerequisite: BIOL 215 (or ENVR 200 plus ENVR 202), and at least one 300- or 400-level course in ecology, evolution, or conservation biology.

    • Restrictions: Not open to U1 or U2 students. Not open to students who are taking or have taken BIOL 540.

  • PARA 424 Fundamental Parasitology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Parasitology (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Parasitology : Systematics, morphology, biology and ecology of parasitic protozoa, flatworms, roundworms and arthropods with emphasis on economically and medically important species.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Rohrbach, Petra; Salavati, Reza (Winter)

    • Prerequisite(s): AEBI 211 or LSCI 230 or permission of instructor

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 424.

  • PLNT 304 Biology of Fungi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Plant Science : This course describes the various groups of fungi and explores in depth their biology and physiology, their ecological niches and the role in various ecosystems and their benefits and uses in industry and biotechnology.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Jabaji, Suha (Winter)

    • 3 lectures and one 3-hour lab

    • Restriction: U2 or above, or permission of instructor.

  • PLNT 434 Weed Biology and Control (3 credits)

    Offered by: Plant Science (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Plant Science : A study of the biology of undesirable vegetation as related to the principles of prevention and physical, biological, managerial and chemical control. Emphasis on the environmental impact of the different methods of weed control.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • REDM 400 Science and Museums (3 credits)

    Offered by: Redpath Museum (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Redpath Museum : Natural history museums and their collections, how collections are created and maintained and how collections are used in scientific research. Context of natural history museums, collections-based research and curatorial methods.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Gray, Heather; Green, David M; Barrett, Rowan; Millien, Virginie (Winter)

    • Winter: Course consists of lectures, practical labs, field trips and individual term-projects.

    • Prerequisites: A 200- or 300-level course that deals with diversity of specimens or objects relevant to Museum-based research and collections. e.g. BIOL 215, BIOL 305, EPSC 210, EPSC 233, ANTH 208, ANTH 310, PLNT 358, WILD 212, WILD 313, or permission of instructor.

  • WILD 307 Natural History of Vertebrates (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Resource Development : The diversity and natural history of Canadian vertebrates illustrated with trophic, phylogenetic, and macroecological approaches.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Choy, Emily (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Lectures and modules

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ZOOL 307

    • This course carries an additional charge of $17.60 to cover the cost of transportation (bus rental) for local field trips. The fee is refundable only during the withdrawal with full refund period.

  • WILD 350 Mammalogy (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Resource Development : This course focuses on the evolution, classification, ecology and behaviour of mammals and relations between humans and mammals. Also structure, systematics and identification of local and world mammals, as well as field methods will be emphasized.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Lovat, Christie-Anna (Winter)

    • Winter

    • 2 lectures and one 3-hour lab

    • Prerequisites: AEBI 211 or WILD 200 (formerly AEBI 200), and WILD 307 (formerly ZOOL 307)

    • A fee of $16.79 is charged to all students registered in WILD 350, Mammalogy, a course that has a required field trip. This fee is used to support the cost of excursions and equipment associated with local field trips. The fee is only refundable prior to the deadline to withdraw with full refund.

  • WILD 420 Ornithology (3 credits)

    Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    Overview

    Resource Development : Taxonomic relationships and evolution of birds are outlined. Reproduction, migration and population processes of North American birds are examined.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Elliott, Kyle (Fall)

    • 3 lectures and occasional field trips

    • Prerequisite: WILD 307 (formerly ZOOL 307) or permission of instructor

    • This course is scheduled for video-conferencing.

    • This course carries an additional charge of $17.60 to cover the cost of transportation (bus rental) for local field trips. The fee is refundable only during the withdrawal with full refund period.

º£½ÇÉçÇø School of Environment—2019-2020 (last updated Aug. 20, 2019) (disclaimer)
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