Global Environmental Change Specialist (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Physical & Environmental Sciences
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Program Overview
This program was formerly known as Specialist in Environmental Biology.
Humans are considered to be the dominant force shaping nearly all of Earth鈥檚 biotic and abiotic patterns and processes, including those within the world鈥檚 atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Many scientists now suggest that anthropogenic impacts on the environment are so pervasive, that they have moved Earth into a novel geological epoch called 鈥淭he Anthropocene鈥: a time in Earth鈥檚 4.6 billion-year history where humans are the dominate force shaping the environment. In the Specialist program in Global Environmental Change students will gain a deep understanding of: 1) the fundamental environmental processes occurring within Earth鈥檚 spheres; 2) how humans are profoundly influencing these processes at local and global scales; and 3) how anthropogenic changes to Earth鈥檚 environment are both unfolding rapidly, and unique in the context of Earth鈥檚 history. The program entails learning these themes through a comprehensive mix of: 1) core and advanced scientific courses; 2) applied environmental skills courses; and 3) undergraduate environmental research opportunities.
Complementary Programs:
SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE COOP (SCIENCE)
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Focus on geoscience, ecology, and evolutionary biology
- Environmental management
- Understanding of biodiversity science, conservation biology, and other environmental science disciplines.
- Focus on climatology, soil science, biogeochemistry, hydrology, and ecosystem science.
- Intersection of environmental science, environmental studies, and environmental change.
- Theory and skills related to research in the areas of environmental science and global environmental change.
- Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative the environmental sciences
- Qualitative methods associated with the physical, environmental, and biological sciences.
Careers for Graduates
- Ecologist with regional Conservation Authorities
- Environmental Scientist or Biologist with government, or planning and engineering firms
- Environmental Impact Assessor in environmental consulting firms
- Conservation Biologist in governmental, or national and international conservation organizations
- Climate Change Risk Assessor in the private sector
- Environmental planner in the fisheries, forestry, or mining sector
Further Education
- Environmental Science 鈥揗aster/ PhD.
- Environmental Engineering 鈥 Master/ PhD
- Conservation Biology 鈥 Master/ PhD
- Environmental Biology 鈥 Master/ PhD
- Biotechnology 鈥 Master/ PhD
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Life on Earth: Unifying Principles
- Life on Earth: Form, Function and Interactions
- Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
- Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms
- Introduction to Environmental Science
- Introduction to Planet Earth
- Calculus I for Physical Sciences
- [ Calculus II for Biological Sciences or Calculus II for Physical Sciences or Calculus II for Mathematical Sciences]*
- [ Physics I for the Physical Sciences or Physics I for the Life Sciences]
- *Note: cannot be used to fulfill the prerequisites for
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend Facilitated Study Groups.
- Schedule an appointment with your 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 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 (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
[ Introduction to Computer Science I or Introduction to Programming]
Ecology
Evolutionary Biology
Environmental Chemistry
Principles of Climatology
Principles of Hydrology
Principles of Soil Science
Introduction to Environmental Studies
Statistics I
and
0.5 credit from the following:
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Laboratory
Earth History
Feeding Humans - The Cost to the Planet
Physical Sciences Research Experience
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Check the Research Catalogue and jobs on for possible research opportunities.
- Drop by the to have your course-related questions answered.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Check out 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 , Explore, or Student Exchange programs.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you choose the right courses.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚 Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Third and Fourth Years (5.0 credits):
3.5 credits as follows:
Biological Consequences of Global Change
Conservation Biology
Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing
Biodiversity and Biogeography
Environmental Microbiology
/ The Anthropocene
Climate Change Impact Assessment
and
1.5 credits from the following, of which 0.5 credit must be at the D-level:
Plants: Life on the Edge
Tropical Biodiversity Field Course
Ecology Field Course
Biodiversity and Conservation
Applied Conservation Biology
Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing
Field Camp I
Limnology
Oceanography
Geochemistry
Advanced Readings in Environmental Science
Contaminant Hydrogeology
Research Project in Environmental Science
Research Project in Environmental Sciences
Advanced Watershed Hydrology
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Enter to win the or .
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 or another campus club.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
- Check 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
3.5 credits as follows:
- Biological Consequences of Global Change
- Conservation Biology
- Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing
- Biodiversity and Biogeography
- Environmental Microbiology
- / The Anthropocene
Climate Change Impact Assessment
and 1.5 credits from the following, of which 0.5 credit must be at the D-level:
- Plants: Life on the Edge
- Tropical Biodiversity Field Course
- Ecology Field Course
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Applied Conservation Biology
- Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing
- Field Camp I
- Limnology
- Oceanography
- Geochemistry
- Advanced Readings in Environmental Science
- Contaminant Hydrogeology
- Research Project in Environmental Science
- Research Project in Environmental Sciences
- Advanced Watershed Hydrology
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.
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鈥檚 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鈥檚 Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥 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.