Environmental Science
Environmental Science Major (HBSc)
Program Overview
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates the study of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics, in order to address many of the world’s complex environmental challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss and conservation, food security, natural resource management, and pollution and human health. Our Environmental Science programs will provide you with hands-on science education and training and will instill you with a broad range of skills that can prepare you to solve environmental problems at any sector of the man made and natural world. Through a powerful combination of field and lab courses, our Environmental Science programs will thoroughly train you for a career in the environment in consulting, government, non-government, research and teaching.
Complementary Programs: Environmental Studies, Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Health Science, Sociology.
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Use observations
- samples
- and specimens to explore theoretical concepts and conduct research
- Analysis of contaminants and pollutants
- Qualitative and quantitative approaches for environmental impact assessments and audits
- Statistical reasoning and methods
- Climate change modelling and impact assessment
- Design
- implementation and reporting of research (lab & field) works
Careers for Graduates
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Planner
- Natural Resources Education Coordinator
- Environmental Management Services
- Field Technician for Resource Management and Conservation
- Environmental Sustainability
- Environmental Educator
- Environmental Technician/Technologist
- Program Coordinator in Provincial/National Parks
- Climate Services
- Food and Agriculture
Further Education
- Environmental Science
- Planning
- Environmental Technology
- Environmental Regulations
- Environmental Health and Safety
- Environmental Law
- Climate change and its impact on Environment
- Environmental Sustainability
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, [MATA20H3 or MATA30H3], [MATA21H3 or MATA35H3 or MATA36H3], [PHYA10H3 or PHYA11H3], EESA06H3.
- Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
- Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your courses and program.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend Facilitated Study Groups.
- Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth library research assistance.
- Writing support is available at the Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) Writing Centre.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join the Environmental and Physical Sciences Students’ Association (EPSA) and get involved in their activities.
- Volunteer in the Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU's Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- STAB22H3 and 1.5 credits from: EESB03H3, EESB04H3, EESB05H3, EESB15H3, EESB16H3; AND 0.5 credit from: BIOB50H3, EESB02H3, EESB17H3, PHYB57H3, PSCB90H3, CHMB55H3.
- Use Degree Explorer and meet with your Program Advisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Check the Research Catalogue and jobs on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
- Enroll in PSCB90H3: Physical Sciences Research Experience.
- Drop by the Math & Statistics Learning Centre to have your course-related questions answered.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Check out Global Research Abroad opportunities through the International Student Centre (ISC) to gain valuable international and research experiences.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Look into Global Learning opportunities, such as the Summer Abroad, Explore, or Student Exchange programs.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you choose the right courses.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 2.0 credits at the C- or D-level in EES courses (taken in year 3 and 4) with at least 0.5 credit at the D-level; OR 1.5 credits at the C- or D-level in EES courses and PSCD11H3 (Communicating Science: Film, Media, Journalism, and Society).
- Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Enter to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum. Enroll in EESC24: Directed Readings in Environmental Science.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Consider running for an elected position in EPSA or another campus club.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
- Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September to explore your options.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
- Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Apply for the Academic Travel Fund through DSL to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.
- Enroll in EESD09/EESD10: Research Project in Environmental Science.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning into the work field or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
- Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors; get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.
Glossary
- AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
- CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
- CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
- CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
- EPSA - Environmental and Physical Sciences Students Association (https://www.myepsa.ca)
- SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
Contacts
- Departmental ContactHeidi Daxbergerheidi.daxberger@utoronto.caEV416-208-5136https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/physsci/environmental-science
- Environmental Science LibrarianSarah Guaysarah.guay@utoronto.caEV364416-287-7497
- Academic Advising & Career CentreRoom AC213416-287-7561utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
- Department of Student LifeRoom SL157416-208-4760http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
- Environmental & Physical Sciences Students’ Association (EPSA)https://www.myepsa.ca/
Did You Know?
Environmental Science offers three combined Master’s degree programs: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/physsci/master-environmental-science-overview