Environmental Science
Faculty List
B.
Greenwood, B.Sc., Ph.D. (Bristol), Ph.D. (Hons. Causa, Uppsala),
Professor Emeritus
A.G.
Price, B.Sc. (Wales), M.Sc., Ph.D. (McGill), Associate Professor
Emeritus
J.A.
Westgate, B.Sc. (Reading), Ph.D. (Alberta), Professor Emeritus
D.D.
Williams, B.Sc. (North Wales), Dip. Ed. (Liverpool), M.Sc., Ph.D.
(Waterloo), D.Sc. (Wales), Professor Emeritus
N.
Eyles, B.Sc. (Leicester), M.Sc. (Memorial University NFLD), Ph.D.
(East Anglia), D.Sc. (Leicester), P. Geo., Professor
K.W.F.
Howard, B.Sc. (Exeter), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Birmingham), P.Geo., C.Geol.F.G.S.,
P.H.G., Professor
F.
Wania, Dipl.Geook. (Bayreuth), Ph.D. (Toronto), Professor
G.B.
Arhonditsis, B.Sc., M.SC. (Agricultural Univ. of Athens, Greece),
Ph.D. (Univ. of the Aegean, Greece), Associate Professor
R.R. Fulthorpe, B.Sc., M.Sc. (Toronto), Ph.D. (Carleton), Associate
Professor
W.A.
Gough, B.Sc. (Waterloo), M.Sc. (Toronto), Ph.D. (McGill), Associate
Professor
A.
Simpson, B.Sc., Ph.D. (Birmingham), Associate Professor
M.J.
Simpson, B.Sc., Ph.D. (Alberta), Associate Professor
M.
Dittrich, M.S. (Moscow), Ph.D. (Humbolt), Assistant Professor
M.E.
Isaac, Ph.D. (Toronto), Assistant Professor
C.
Mitchell, B.Sc. (McMaster), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Toronto), Assistant
Professor
M.
Wells, B.Sc., Ph.D. (Australian National), Assistant Professor
M.
Meriano, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Toronto), Lecturer
T.
Mohsin, B.Sc. (Dhaka), M.Sc. (Dhaka), M.E.S. (Newcastle), Ph.D.
(Toronto), Lecturer
Human activity is a major cause of environmental change. Study of
the dynamics of both natural and anthropogenic changes requires knowledge
spanning many scientific disciplines. Recent environmental degradation
such as surface and subsurface water pollution, air and soil pollution,
climate change, depletion of resources, extinction of species and
problems of waste disposal are all a result of the lack of understanding
of environmental systems and processes. Environmental degradation
has an impact not only on human beings but on all species and most
natural systems, so that its understanding requires approaches and
skills from many disciplines such as biology, chemistry, geology,
geography, mathematics, physics, and ecology.
The following programs in Environmental Science are available at UTSC:
- Four Specialist Programs (Environmental Biology, Environmental
Chemistry, Environmental Geoscience and Environmental Physics)
- A Major Program in Environmental Science
- A Minor Program in Environmental Science
- In addition a Joint Specialist Program in Environmental Science
and Technology is offered in collaboration with the School of Engineering
Technology and Applied Science of Centennial College. (For more
information see the Environmental
Science and Technology section of this Calendar.)
The overall purpose of the various programs in Environmental Science
is to provide education and training which will produce highly qualified
scientists with excellent field and laboratory experience, with a view
to future employment in consulting, government, non-governmental organizations
and research and teaching.
The Specialist Programs in Environmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry,
Environmental Geoscience and Environmental Physics and the Major Program
in Environmental Science are eligible for inclusion in the Co-operative
Program in Physical Sciences. Please refer to the
Physical
Sciences and the
Co-operative
Program sections of this
Calendar for further
details.
Science Engagement Courses
For science experiential learning through community outreach, classroom
in-reach and team research, please see the
Science
Engagement section of this
Calendar.
SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY (SCIENCE)
Supervisor of Studies: M. Isaac (416-287-7276) Email:
marney.issac@utoronto.ca
Program Requirements
Total requirements: 14.5 full credits
First Year:
EESA01H3 Introduction
to Environmental Science
EESA06H3 Introduction
to Planet Earth
BIOA01H3 Life on Earth:
Unifying Principles
BIOA02H3 Life on Earth:
Form, Function and Interactions
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry
I: Structure and Bonding
CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry
II: Reactions and Mechanisms
MATA30H3 Calculus I for Biological
and Physical Sciences
[MATA35H3 Calculus II for
Biological Sciences or MATA36H3
Calculus II for Physical Sciences or MATA37H3
Calculus II for Mathematical Sciences]
[PHYA10H3 Introduction to Physics
IA or PHYA11H3 Introduction to
Physics IB]
Second Year:
BIOB50H3 Ecology
BIOB51H3 Evolutionary
Biology
BIOB52H3 Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology Laboratory
EESB15H3 Earth History
EESB16H3 Feeding
Humans - The Cost to the Planet
STAB22H3 Statistics I
[PSCB57H3 Introduction
to Scientific Computing or CSCA08H3
Introduction to Computer Programming]
and
1.0 full credit from the following:
EESB03H3 Principles
of Climatology
EESB04H3 Principles
of Hydrology
EESB05H3 Principles
of Soil Science
CHMB55H3 Environmental Chemistry
Third and Fourth Years:
2.5 credits from:
EESC03H3 Geographic
Information Systems and Remote Sensing
EESC04H3 Biodiversity
and Biogeography
EESC30H3 Microbial
Biogeochemistry
EESC13H3 Environmental
Impact Assessment and Auditing
EESC15H3 Research
in Environmental Science
2.0 credits from:
BIOC51H3 Tropical
Biodiversity Field Course
BIOC52H3 Ecology Field
Course
BIOC58H3 Biological
Consequences of Global Change
BIOC59H3 Advanced
Population Ecology
BIOC61H3 Community
Ecology and Environment Biology
BIOC65H3 Environmental
Toxicology
BIOC62H3 The Role
of Zoos in Conservation
BIOC63H3 Conservation
Biology
BIOC67H3 Inter-University
Biology Field Course
1.0 credit from:
EESD02H3 Contaminant
Hydrogeology
EESD06H3 Climate
Change Impact Assessment
EESD15H3 Cleaning
Up our Mess: Remediation of Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments
EESD32H3 Contaminant
Fate in Terrestrial Environments
EESD09H3 Research
Project in Environmental Science
EESD10Y3 Research
Project in Environmental Sciences
BIOD52H3 Special Topics
in Biodiversity and Systematics
BIOD60H3 Spatial Ecology
BIOD66H3 Causes and
Consequences of Biodiversity
BIOD95H3 Supervised
Study in Biology
BIOD98Y3 Research
Project in Biology
SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (SCIENCE)
Supervisor of Studies: Effie Sauer (416-287-7209 or 416-287-7220
(Alt)) Email: esauer@utsc.utoronto.ca
Advisor: J. Donaldson (416-287-7213)
Program Requirements
Total requirements: 15.0 full credits
First Year:
EESA01H3 Introduction
to Environmental Science
EESA06H3 Introduction
to Planet Earth
BIOA01H3 Life on Earth:
Unifying Principles
BIOA02H3 Life on Earth:
Form, Function and Interactions
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry
I: Structure and Bonding
CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry
II: Reactions and Mechanisms
MATA30H3 Calculus I for Biological
and Physical Sciences
[MATA35H3 Calculus II for
Biological Sciences or
MATA36H3 Calculus II for Physical
Sciences or MATA37H3 Calculus
II for Mathematical Sciences]
[PHYA10H3 Introduction to Physics
IA or PHYA11H3 Introduction to
Physics IB]
Second Year:
BIOB50H3 Ecology
CHMB20H3 Chemical Thermodynamics
and Elementary Kinetics
CHMB21H3 Chemical Structure
and Spectroscopy
CHMB41H3 Organic Chemistry I
CHMB42H3 Organic Chemistry II
CHMB55H3 Environmental Chemistry
STAB22H3 Statistics I
and
1.0 full credit from the following:
EESB03H3 Principles
of Climatology
EESB04H3 Principles
of Hydrology
EESB05H3 Principles
of Soil Science
EESB15H3 Earth History
Third Year:
EESC03H3 Geographic
Information Systems and Remote Sensing
EESC07H3 Groundwater
EESC13H3 Environmental
Impact Assessment and Auditing
EESC15H3 Research
in Environmental Science
CHMB16H3 Techniques in Analytical
Chemistry
CHMB31H3 Introduction to Inorganic
Chemistry
PSCB57H3 Introduction
to Scientific Computing
Fourth Year:
EESD02H3 Contaminant
Hydrogeology
EESD15H3 Cleaning
Up Our Mess: Remediation of Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments
EESD32H3 Contaminant
Fate in Terrestrial Environments
CHMC11H3 Principles of Analytic
Instrumentation
and
0.5 credit from the following:
CHMC21H3 Topics in Biophysical
Chemistry
CHMC31Y3 Intermediate Inorganic
Chemistry
CHMC41H3 Intermediate Organic
Chemistry
CHMC47H3 Bio-Organic Chemistry
SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCE (SCIENCE)
Supervisor of Studies: M. Dittrich (416-208-2786) Email:
mdittrich@utsc.utoronto.ca
Program Requirements
Total requirements: 15.0 full credits of which 1.0 must be at the
D-level as follows:
First Year:
EESA01H3 Introduction
to Environmental Science
EESA06H3 Introduction
to Planet Earth
BIOA01H3 Life on Earth:
Unifying Principles
BIOA02H3 Life on Earth:
Form, Function and Interactions
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry
I: Structure and Bonding
CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry
II: Reactions and Mechanisms
MATA30H3 Calculus I for Biological
and Physical Sciences
[MATA35H3 Calculus II for
Biological Sciences or MATA36H3
Calculus II for Physical Sciences or MATA37H3
Calculus II for Mathematical Sciences]
[PHYA10H3 Introduction to Physics
IA or PHYA11H3 Introduction to
Physics IB]
Second Year:
BIOB50H3 Ecology
CHMB55H3 Environmental Chemistry
EESB02H3 Principles
of Geomorphology
EESB03H3 Principles
of Climatology
EESB04H3 Principles
of Hydrology
EESB05H3 Principles
of Soil Science
EESB15H3 Earth History
PSCB57H3 Introduction
to Scientific Computing
STAB22H3 Statistics I
Third Year:
EESC03H3 Geographic
Information Systems and Remote Sensing
EESC04H3 Biodiversity
and Biogeography
EESC07H3 Groundwater
EESC13H3 Environmental
Impact Assessment and Auditing
EESC15H3 Research
in Environmental Science
EESC31H3 Principles
of Glacial Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
EESC32H3 Mineralogy
and Petrology
and
0.5 credit from the following:
EESC18H3 The Great
Lakes: An Introduction to Physical Limnology
EESC19H3 Marine
Systems
Fourth Year:
1.0 full credit from the following:
EESC21H3 Urban Environmental
Problems of the Greater Toronto Area
EESD02H3 Contaminant
Hydrogeology
EESD06H3 Climate
Change Impact Assessment
EESD09H3 Research
Project in Environmental Science
EESD10Y3 Research
Project in Environmental Science
EESD11H3 Process
Hydrology
EESD15H3 Cleaning
Up Our Mess: Remediation of Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments
EESD32H3 Contaminant
Fate in Terrestrial Environments and
1.0 full credit from any other EES courses
Strongly recommended: EESC16H3
Field Camp I or EESD07H3
Field Camp II
SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS (SCIENCE)
Supervisor of Studies: Mathew Wells (416-208-4879 or 416-287-7359
(ALT)) Email: wells@utsc.utoronto.ca
Advisor: M. Wells (416-208-4879) Email: wells@utsc.utoronto.ca
Program Requirements
Total Requirements: 15.5 full credits
First Year:
PHYA10H3 Introduction to Physics
IA
PHYA21H3 Introduction to Physics
IIA
MATA30H3 Calculus I for Biological
and Physical Sciences
MATA36H3 Calculus II for Physical
Sciences
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry
I: Structure and Bonding
CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry
II: Reactions and Mechanisms
EESA01H3 Introduction
to Environmental Science
EESA06H3 Introduction
to Planet Earth
MATA23H3 Linear Algebra I
Second Year:
(PHYB20H3) Vibrations and
Waves
PHYB54H3 Mechanics: From Oscillations
to Chaos
EESB02H3 Principles
of Geomorphology
EESB03H3 Principles
of Climatology
EESB04H3 Principles
of Hydrology
EESB05H3 Principles
of Soil Science
MATB41H3 Techniques of Calculus
of Several Variables I
MATB42H3 Techniques of Calculus
of Several Variables II
Third Year:
PHYB10H3 Intermediate Physics
Laboratory I
(PHYB11H3) Intermediate
Physics Laboratory II
PHYC11H3 Intermediate Physics
Laboratory II
PHYB21H3 Electricity and Magnetism
PSCB57H3 Introduction
to Scientific Computing
STAB22H3 Statistics I
EESB15H3 Earth History
EESC03H3 Geographic
Information Systems and Remote Sensing
EESC15H3 Research
in Environmental Science
EESC07H3 Groundwater
[EESC18H3 The Great
Lakes: An Introduction to Physical Limnology or EESC19H3
Marine Systems]
Fourth Year:
EESC13H3 Environmental
Impact Assessment and Auditing
PSCD01H3 The Physical
Sciences in Contemporary Society
And
1.5 full credits from:
CHMB55H3 Environmental Chemistry
EESC21H3 Urban Environmental
Problems of the Greater Toronto Area
EESD02H3 Contaminant
Hydrogeology
EESD06H3 Climate
Change Impact Assessment
EESD09H3 Research
Project in Environmental Science
EESD10Y3 Research
Project in Environmental Science
EESD11H3 Process
Hydrology
EESD32H3 Contaminant
Fate in Terrestrial Environments
PSCD10H3 Physical Sciences
Project
MAJOR PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (SCIENCE)
Supervisor of Studies: C. Mitchell (416-208-2744) Email:
carl.mitchell@utoronto.ca
Program Requirements
This program requires 8.5 full credits as follows:
First Year
BIOA01H3 Life on Earth:
Unifying Principles
BIOA02H3 Life on Earth:
Form, Function and Interactions
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry
I: Structure and Bonding
CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry
II: Reactions and Mechanisms
[(MATA20H3) Calculus A
or MATA30H3 Calculus I for
Biological and Physical Sciences]
[(MATA21H3) Calculus B
or MATA35H3 or MATA36H3
Calculus II for Biological/Physical Sciences]
[PHYA10H3 or PHYA11H3
Introduction to Physics IA or IB]
EESA06H3 Planet
Earth
Second Year
STAB22H3 Statistics I
and
1.5 credits from:
EESB03H3 Principles
of Climatology
EESB04H3 Principles
of Hydrology
EESB05H3 Principles
of Soil Science
EESB15H3 Earth History
EESB16H3 Feeding
Humans - The Cost to the Planet
and
0.5 credits from:
BIOB50H3 Ecology
EESB02H3 Principles
of Geomorphology
EESB17H3 Hydro Politics
and Transboundary Water Resource Management
PSCB57H3 Introduction
to Scientific Computing
CHMB55H3 Environmental Chemistry
Third & Fourth Years
2.0 credits from C- & D-level EES courses with at least 0.5 credit
at the D-level
MINOR PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (SCIENCE)
Supervisor of Studies/Advisor: G. Arhonditsis (416-208-4858)
Email: georgea@utsc.utoronto.ca
The Minor Program is designed to provide insights into the basic principles
of Environmental Science and its application to current environmental
issues. It is intended for students with an interest in environmental
issues but who do not have the necessary background for specialization
in the field.
In addition to science students, it is appropriate for students pursuing
a degree in the social sciences or in management and economics.
Program Requirements
Total requirements: 4.0 full credits
First Year:
EESA01H3 Introduction
to Environmental Science
EESA06H3 Introduction
to Planet Earth
Second Year:
Any 1.5 full credits from the following:
EESB02H3 Principles
of Geomorphology
EESB03H3 Principles
of Climatology
EESB04H3 Principles
of Hydrology
EESB05H3 Principles
of Soil Science
EESB15H3 Earth History
Third Year:
1.5 full credits of any other EES courses of which 1.0 full credit
must be at the C- or D-level.
MAJOR PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - GENERAL
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE STREAM (SCIENCE)
This stream has been withdrawn from the curriculum. Every effort
will be made to allow students enrolled in the stream to complete
it.
MAJOR PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - ENVIRONMENTAL
BIOLOGY STREAM (SCIENCE)
This stream has been withdrawn from the curriculum. Every effort
will be made to allow students enrolled in the stream to complete
it.
MAJOR PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - WATER SCIENCE
STREAM (SCIENCE)
This stream has been withdrawn from the curriculum. Every effort
will be made to allow students enrolled in the stream to complete
it.
SPECIALIST (JOINT) PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY (SCIENCE)
See the Environmental
Science and Technology section of this Calendar
for program requirements.
SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN NATURAL SCIENCES (SCIENCE)
See the Physical Sciences
section of this Calendar for program requirements.
EESA01H3
Introduction to Environmental Science
The scientific method and its application to natural systems. The
physical and biological processes which drive ecosystem functions.
Anthropogenic changes in ecosystem functions at local and global scales.
Emphasis on the degradation of the atmosphere, soil, water and biological
resources caused by human activity. Renewable and non-renewable resource
sustainability.
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESA05H3
Environmental Hazards
This course is an investigation of the geological background and possible
solutions to major hazards in the environment. Environmental hazards
to be studied include: landslides, erosion, earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, asteroid impacts, flooding, glaciation, future climate
change, subsidence, and the disposal of toxic wastes. This may be
of interest to a wide range of students in the life, social, and physical
sciences; an opportunity for the non-specialist to understand headline-making
geological events of topical interest. No prior knowledge of the Earth
Sciences is required.
Exclusion: GLG103H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESA06H3
Introduction to Planet Earth
This course explores the composition, structure and origin of the
Earth and the physical and biological processes that operate in and
on it; the history of the Earth as revealed in the rock record. The
flows of energy and mass through natural systems, and the impact of
human activity on system processes, with particular reference to land
use change, soil degradation and atmospheric pollution.
Exclusion: GGR100Y, GLG110H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESA07H3
Water
This course consists of a survey of the planet's water resources and
the major issues facing the use of water. Topics include: Earth, the
watery planet; water, the last great resource; Canada's waters; Ontario's
waters; water and man; water contamination; and protecting our waters.
Case studies such as the Walkerton tragedy will be studied. No prior
knowledge of environmental science is required.
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESA09H3
Wind
A survey of the science, history and applications of wind. Topics
include storms including hurricanes, tornadoes and midlatitude cyclones,
global circulation, local circulations, measurement of winds, impact
of winds on land surfaces, wind power, winds and pollution, historical
and literary winds, and contemporary wind research. No prior knowledge
of environmental science is required.
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESA10H3
Human Health and the Environment
Because of pollution, our surroundings are becoming increasingly hazardous
to our health. The past century has seen intense industrialization
characterized by the widespread production and use of chemicals and
the intentional and unintentional disposal of a wide range of waste
materials. This course explores the relationship between the incidence
of disease in human populations and the environmental pollution. Emphasis
will be placed on understanding where and what pollutants are produced,
how they are taken up by humans and their long term effects on health;
the role of naturally-occurring carcinogens will also be examined.
The course will include a view of risk assessment and toxicology using
case studies. No prior knowledge of environmental or medical science
is required.
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESA11H3
Environmental Pollution
This course illustrates the environmental effects of urban expansion,
changing methods of agriculture, industrialization, recreation, resource
extraction, energy needs and the devastation of war. Drawing on information
from a wide spectrum of topics - such as waste disposal, tourism,
the arctic, tropical forests and fisheries - it demonstrates what
we know about how pollutants are produced, the pathways they take
through the global environment and how we can measure them. The course
will conclude with an examination of the state of health of Canada's
environments highlighting areas where environmental contamination
is the subject of public discussion and concern. No prior knowledge
of environmental science is required.
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESB02H3
Principles of Geomorphology
The physical and chemical processes responsible for the development
of regolith at the surface of the earth and the mechanics of entrainment,
transport and deposition of mass by rivers, wind, glaciers, water
waves, gravitational stresses, etc., which control the evolution of
surface morphology. Field excursions and laboratory exercises will
allow students to apply theory to natural systems and to understand
the dynamics of one man-modified geomorphic system.
Prerequisite: EESA06H3
Exclusion: GGR201H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESB03H3
Principles of Climatology
This is an overview of the physical and dynamic nature of meteorology,
climatology and related aspects of oceanography. Major topics include:
atmospheric composition, nature of atmospheric radiation, atmospheric
moisture and cloud development, atmospheric motion including air masses,
front formation and upper air circulation, weather forecasting, ocean
circulation, climate classification, climate change theory and global
warming.
Prerequisite: EESA06H3
or EESA09H3
Exclusion: GGR203H, GGR312H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESB04H3
Principles of Hydrology
The water and energy balances; fluxes through natural systems. Process
at the drainage basin scale: precipitation, evaporation, evapotranspiration
and streamflow generation. The measurement of water fluxes, forecasting
of rainfall and streamflow events. Human activity and change in hydrologic
processes.
Prerequisite: EESA01H3
or EESA06H3 or any
B-level EES course.
Exclusion: GGR206H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESB05H3
Principles of Soil Science
A study of the processes of pedogenesis and the development of diverse
soil profiles, their field relationships and their response to changing
environmental conditions. An examination of the fundamental soil properties
of importance in soil management. An introduction to the techniques
of soil examination in the field, soil analysis in the laboratory
and the basic principles of soil classification.
Prerequisite: EESA01H3
or EESA06H3
Exclusion: GGR205H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESB15H3
Earth History
Planet Earth is at least 4,400 million years old and a geological
record exists for at least the last 3,900 million years in the form
of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. The changing dynamics
of convection deep within the Earth's mantle and associated super-continent
assembly and breakup along with meteorite impacts, are now recognized
as the major controls on development of the planet's atmosphere, oceans,
biology, climate and geo-chemical cycles. This course reviews this
long history and the methods and techniques used by geologists to
identify ancient environments.
Prerequisite: [EESA01H3
& EESA06H3]
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESB16H3
Feeding Humans - The Cost to the Planet
Examines the origins and systems of production of the major plants
and animals on which we depend for food. Interactions between those
species and systems and the local ecology will be examined, looking
at issues of over harvesting, genetic erosion, soil erosion, pesticide
use, and impacts of genetically modified strains.
Prerequisite: BIOA01H3
& BIOA02H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESB17H3
Hydro Politics and Transboundary Water Resources Management
Competition for water resources between countries is common; population
and economic growth are exacerbating this. The socio-political, environmental
and economic aspects of transboundary water transfers are explored;
the success of relevant international treaties and conventions, and
the potential for integrated management of transboundary waters are
assessed. Examples from Asia, Africa and the Middle East are presented.
Prerequisite: EESA01H3
or EESA07H3
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences
EESC03H3
Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing
This course focuses on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
and Remote Sensing (RS) for solving a range of scientific problems
in the environmental sciences and describing their relationship with
- and applicability to - other fields of study (e.g. geography, computer
science, engineering, geology, ecology and biology). Topics include
(but are not limited to): spatial data types, formats and organization;
geo-referencing and coordinate systems; remotely sensed image manipulation
and analysis; map production.
Prerequisite: EESA06H3
& 1.5 full credits in B- or C-level EES courses.
Recommended Preparation: A prior introductory GIS course and some
experience with the use of computers (Windows or Unix-based.)
Breadth Requirement: Quantitative Reasoning
EESC04H3
Biodiversity and Biogeography
Theoretical and practical aspect of the evolution of organismal diversity
in a functional context; examination of species distributions and
how these are organized for scientific study. Emphasis will be on
the highly diverse invertebrate animals. Topics include biomes, dispersal,
adaptation, speciation, extinction and the influence of climate history
and humans.
Prerequisite: BIOB50H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC07H3
Groundwater
Groundwater represents the world's largest and most important fresh
water resource. This basic course in hydrogeology introduces the principles
of groundwater flow and aquifer storage and shows how a knowledge
of these fundamental tools is essential for effective groundwater
resource management and protection. Special emphasis is placed on
the practical methods of resource exploration and assessment; examples
of the approach are given for aquifers under environmental stress
in southern Ontario, the US and Africa.
Prerequisite: EESA06H3
& 1.0 full credit in B-level EES courses
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC13H3
Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing
To familiarize students with the relevant legislation, qualitative
and quantitative approaches and applications for environmental impact
assessments and environmental auditing. The focus will be on the assessment
of impacts to the natural environment, however, socio-economic impacts
will also be discussed. Environmental auditing and environmental certification
systems will be discussed in detail. Examples and case studies from
forestry, wildlife biology and land use will be used to illustrate
the principles and techniques presented in the course. Students will
acquire "hands-on" experience in impact assessment and environmental
auditing through case studies.
Prerequisite: 2.5 full credits of EES courses
Exclusion: GGR393H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC15H3
Research in Environmental Science
Concepts and methods developed in Environmental Science will be applied
to practical environmental problems, within the framework of individual
or group projects; a research proposal and a research seminar will
be produced. The course is also designed to ensure interaction between
students from disparate streams of environmental science through participation
in joint seminars with faculty and with environmental practitioners
from the community at large.
Prerequisite: Permission of co-ordinator
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC16H3
Field Camp I
Many environmental problems can only be assessed by collecting geological
and other environmental data in the field. This course will provide
students with the necessary skills for fieldwork investigations in
a range of environments. The camp is held annually either in May or
late August. Locations for the camp include Costa Rica, Rockies, Arizona,
and Appalachians.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructors.
Recommended Preparation: EESB15H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC18H3
The Great Lakes: An Introduction to Physical Limnology
North America is endowed with eight of the twelve largest fresh-water
lakes in the world. The hydrodynamics and hydraulics of the Canadian
Great Lakes are used as examples of large lacustrine systems. Fundamental
concepts in physical and biological limnology are related to features
found in the Great Lakes. Topics include: classification and origin
of lakes, temperature structure, seasonal circulation, heat budgets,
Langmuir circulation, seiches, waves and water levels, eutrophication
and invasive species.
Prerequisite: EESB03H3
Recommended Preparation: EESB02H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC19H3
Marine Systems
The world's oceans constitute more than 70% of the earth's surface
environments. This course will introduce students to the dynamics
of ocean environments, ranging from the deep ocean basins to marginal
seas to the coastal ocean. The large-scale water circulation is examined
from an observationally based water mass analysis and from a theoretical
hydro-dynamical framework. The circulation of marginal seas, the role
of tides, waves and other currents are studied in terms of their effects
upon the coastal boundary.
Prerequisite: EESB03H3
Recommended Preparation: EESB02H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC21H3
Urban Environmental Problems of the Greater Toronto Area
Urban areas such as the GTA are the focus of many acute environmental
problems such as the disposal of solid and liquid wastes, and the
contamination of soil, air and water by industrial activity. Specific
cases of such problems drawn from the GTA will be reviewed, with reference
to field investigations, environmental audits, due diligence and liability,
and remedial solutions. Students will carry out their own field investigations
and will report on specific issues, paying particular regard to government
legislation and guidelines issued by regulatory agencies. This course
is essential to students in the Environmental Science Program, but
is also directly relevant to business and management students.
Prerequisite: 10 full credits in an EES Program.
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC24H3
Advanced Readings in Environmental Science
An advanced supervised readings course that can be taken in any session.
Students will follow structured independent readings in any area of
Environmental Science. A description of the objectives and scope of
the individual offering must be approved by the Supervisor of Studies.
Two papers are required in the course; the supervisor and one other
faculty member will grade them. The course may not be used as a substitute
for EES Program requirements.
Prerequisite: A minimum GPA of 2.5, and 3 full credits in EES courses.
Permission of the Supervisor of Studies.
EESC30H3
Microbial Biogeochemistry
This course examines the diversity of microorganisms, their adaptations
to special habitats, and their role in the ecosystem and geochemical
cycling. Other topics include microbial phylogeny, physiological diversity,
species interactions and state of the art methods of detection and
enumeration.
Prerequisite: CHMA10H3 & CHMA11H3
& BIOB50H3 & BIOB51H3
Exclusion: (BGYC55H3)
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC31H3
Principles of Glacial Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
The last 2.5 million years has seen the repeated formation of large
continental ice sheets over North America and Europe. The landscape
of Ontario is a fossil landscape inherited from the last Laurentide
Ice Sheet that disappeared only 10,000 years ago; much of southern
Ontario is buried by glacial sediments and the Great Lakes are the
direct result of glaciation. The course will review the cause of glaciations
and their geological and geomorphological effects paying special regard
to the long record of past glacial and interglacial climates preserved
in the Toronto region.
Prerequisite: EESA06H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC32H3
Mineralogy and Petrology
This course provides an overview of common mineral and rock types
and the methods for describing and identifying them. The fundamentals
of crystal structure will be reviewed and used as a basis for mineralogical
classification. Simple microscopic techniques for mineral identification
and the mineralogy and origin of the more common sedimentary, igneous
and metamorphic rock types are presented. This course is necessary
for those students who wish to seek professional registration as a
Professional Geoscientist in Ontario.
Prerequisite: EESA01H3
& EESA06H3
Exclusion: GLG206H, ERS201H, ERS203H
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC33H3
Environmental Science Field Course
A field course on selected topics in aquatic environments. Aquatic
environmental issues require careful field work to collect related
hydrological, meteorological, biological and other environmental data.
This hands-on course will teach students the necessary skills for
fieldwork investigations on the interactions between air, water, and
biota.
Prerequisite: 1.5 full credits at the B-level or higher in EES & permission
of instructor.
Exclusion: (EEB310H)
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESC34H3
Sustainability in Practice
This course is intended for students who would like to apply theoretical
principles of environmental sustainability learned in other courses
to real world problems. Students will identify a problem of interest
related either to campus sustainability, a local NGO, or municipal,
provincial, or federal government. Class meetings will consist of
group discussions investigating key issues, potential solutions, and
logistical matters to be considered for implementation of proposed
solutions. Students who choose campus issues will also have the potential
to actually implement their solutions. Grades will be based on participation
in class discussions, as well as a final report and presentaiton.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Environmental Studies major program
and 9.5 credits
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESD02H3
Contaminant Hydrogeology
Natural hydrochemical processes; the use of major ions, minor ions,
trace metals and environmental isotopes in studying the occurrence
and nature of ground water flow. Point and non-point sources of ground
water contamination and the mechanisms of contaminant transport.
Prerequisite: At least 1 full credit in Environmental Science at the
C-level.
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESD06H3
Climate Change Impact Assessment
Climate change over the last 150 years is reviewed by examining the
climate record using both direct measurements and proxy data. Projection
of future climate is reviewed using the results of sophisticated climate
modeling. The climate change impact assessment formalism is introduced
and applied to several examples. Students will acquire practical experience
in climate change impact assessment through case studies.
Prerequisite: EESB03H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESD07H3
Field Camp II
This field camp will familiarize students with several geological
settings and modern environments. The camp is held annually either
in May or late August. Locations for the camp include Costa Rica,
Rockies, Arizona, and Appalachians.
Prerequisite: EESC16H3
& permission of the instructors
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESD09H3
EESD10Y3
Research Project in Environmental Science
The design, implementation, and reporting of a substantial research
project involving laboratory and/or fieldwork. Existing faculty research
allows a broad range of possible topics. The course should be undertaken
after the end of the 3rd Year, subject to faculty availability. Faculty
permission and supervision is required; open only to those students
who have either completed or are undertaking specialist courses in
the area of intended study. Students having a B+ or higher standing
may be eligible for summer financial support from research projects.
Permission of the co-ordinator must be obtained.
Prerequisite: EESC15H3
Exclusion: GLG470Y, GLG471H
EESD11H3
Process Hydrology
The motion of water at the hill slope and drainage basin scales. The
relationship between surface and subsurface hydrological processes.
Soil hydrologic processes emphasizing infiltration. Stream flow generation
mechanisms, hydrometric and isotopic research methods. Problems of
physically based and empirical modelling of hydrological processes.
Snowmelt energetics and modelling.
Prerequisite: EESB04H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESD15H3
Cleaning Up Our Mess: Remediation of Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments
This course consists of a study of the ways in which hazardous organic
and inorganic materials can be removed or attenuated in natural systems.
The theory behind various technologies, with an emphasis on bioremediation
techniques and their success in practice. An introduction to the unique
challenges associated with the remediation of surface and ground water
environments, soils, marine systems, and contaminated sediments.
Prerequisite: BIOA01H3
& BIOA02H3 & CHMA10H3
& CHMA11H3 & [PHYA10H3
or PHYA11H3]
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESD16H3
Project Management in Environmental Studies
Students will select a research problem in an area of special interest.
Supervision will be provided by a faculty member with active research
in geography, ecology, natural resource management, environmental
biology, or geosciences as represented within the departments. Project
implementation, project monitoring and evaluation will form the core
elements for this course.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Environmental Studies major program
and 14.5 credits
Enrolment Limits: 30
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESD17Y3
Cohort Capstone Course in Environmental Studies
This course is designed to provide a strong interdisciplinary focus
on specific environmental problems including the socioeconomic context
in which environmental issues are resolved. The cohort capstone course
is in 2 consecutive semesters, providing final year students the opportunity
to work in a team, as environmental researchers and consultants, combining
knowledge and skill-sets acquired in earlier courses. Group research
to local environmental problems and exposure to critical environmental
policy issues will be the focal point of the course. Students will
attend preliminary meetings schedules in the Fall semester.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Environmental Studies major program
and 14.5 credits
Enrolment Limits: 30
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESD18H3
Environmental Studies Seminar Series
This course will be organized around the DPES seminar series, presenting
guest lecturers around interdisciplinary environmental themes. Students
will analyze major environmental themes and prepare presentations
for in-class debate.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Environmental Studies major program
and 14.5 credits
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
EESD32H3
Contaminant Fate in Terrestrial Environments
This course will present fundamental chemical concepts and reactions
that occur in soils with emphasis on contaminant behaviour. Students
will learn the basics of soil chemistry and how these processes relate
to quantities, attenuation, sequestration, and movement of ions, heavy
metals, and organic molecules in terrestrial environments.
Prerequisite: CHMB55H3 & EESB05H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences