University of Alberta
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

The B.Sc. in Environmental and Conservation Sciences program is for students interested in the natural world, its management, conservation and ecological perspectives. Graduates have a strong background in basic and applied sciences. Students evaluate effects of human land use on plant, soil, water, animal, and human resources and to assess and facilitate conservation, reclamation and remediation measures for natural, managed and damaged ecosystems. Graduates understand the role that social, economic, and political forces play in natural resource management. They integrate knowledge from various disciplines and are cognizant of the various philosophies about the role of humans in the environment. They are able to employ balanced judgment based on a foundation of environmental ethics and philosophy, and suggest appropriate use of natural resources.

Environmental Science and Environmental Studies are growing areas of concern in society. These interdisciplinary areas of study examine natural processes in our environment, the dependence of human society on nature, and our impact on nature through culture and technology. Environmental Science emphasizes a natural science curriculum, while Environmental Studies integrates natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities. Both Environmental Science and Environmental Studies explore issues related to our growing human population, use and overuse of resources, damage caused by pollution and disturbance, and the endangerment and extinction of species and natural ecosystems. These programs include an outdoor or experiential education component (from biology, geography, or physical education-outdoor education) giving graduates a connection to the physical environment, the people, and the organisms impacted by society. In addition, Augustana Campus' location in Camrose, Alberta, provides rural perspectives and rural opportunities for action. Finally, these programs conform to the competency profile for environmental employment as provided by the Environmental Careers Organization and by the Canadian Council of University Environmental Science Program Heads.

Environmental Studies is a joint program of the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES). It combines education in the principles of environmental science with a rich appreciation of the social dimensions of environmental issues. Courses drawn from four faculties (Arts, ALES, Native Studies, and Science) prepare students for careers in nature conservation, environmental resource management, law, policy, urban planning, environmental education and more. In addition to core course requirements students must complete a minimum of 30 additional credits in one of the following specialization areas: - Environment and Peoples of Canada: this concentration brings together the diverse knowledge required to understand the environmental challenges facing Canadians including indigenous perspectives and issues in environmental and resource management. - Politics, Society & the Global Environment: this concentration introduces students to political and social methodologies relevant for understanding environmental issues from a global perspective. - Food & Society: this concentration focuses on sustainable food and agriculture, incorporating social, political, cultural, economic, ethical and feminist perspectives on issues of contemporary food production.

Bachelor of Sciences Environmental Earth Sciences https://www.ualberta.ca/earth-atmospheric-sciences/undergraduate-studies/degree-programs/environmental-earth-sciences Bachelor of Arts in Planning http://cms.eas.ualberta.ca/planning/prospective-students/ba-major-in-planning/ Bachelor of Science Specialization in Planning http://cms.eas.ualberta.ca/planning/prospective-students/bsc-specialization-in-planning/ Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Major in Sustainable Agriculture Systems https://www.ualberta.ca/agriculture-life-environment-sciences/programs/undergraduate-programs/degree-programs/agriculture/sustainable-agricultural-systems Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences/Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies Combined Degree https://www.ualberta.ca/agriculture-life-environment-sciences/programs/undergraduate-programs/degree-programs/environmental-conservation-sciences/combined-degree-with-native-studies Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Northern Systems Major, delivered in the Yukon (in partnership with Yukon College) https://www.ualberta.ca/agriculture-life-environment-sciences/programs/undergraduate-programs/degree-programs/environmental-conservation-sciences/northern-systems Bachelor of Science in Forestry https://www.ualberta.ca/agriculture-life-environment-sciences/programs/undergraduate-programs/degree-programs/forestry Bachelor of Science in Forest Business Management https://www.ualberta.ca/agriculture-life-environment-sciences/programs/undergraduate-programs/degree-programs/forest-business-management

The Certificate in Sustainability is a credential for undergraduate students who have a commitment to learning more about sustainability. It celebrates and recognizes the advancements made in sustainability of natural resources, urban design, energy and water systems, landscape management and the myriad of collective goods that bring health, wellness, creativity, resiliency, and hope for present and future generations. It demonstrates students' commitment to knowledge around being a serious contributor to a sustainable world, in which they can carry out leadership in the workplace, community, university, or other group setting, given sustainability's overwhelming importance to the future of a fair and healthy ecosystem and set of interconnected societies. This is an embedded certificate which means students earn the designation while completing their undergraduate program in their respective faculties. Students have the opportunity to pursue the certificate in nine different faculties: ALES, Arts, Augustana, Business, Extension, Education, Native Studies, Physical Education and Recreation, and Science. Upon completion of the certificate, student will: achieve literacy in the history of sustainability and current controversies around the social, economic and environmental changes that are necessary for sustainability; gain basic knowledge about the systemic nature of sustainability challenges; learn about the theories, methods, techniques and experiments associated with transitioning to a more sustainable future; demonstrate an ability to apply and implement knowledge of sustainability at a personal, academic, and professional level.

In cooperation with the Alberta School of Business, the Faculty of Arts offers a Certificate in the Economics and Management of Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment (EMNREE). The purpose of this certificate program is to offer economics undergraduate students access to a structured program in the study of the economics and management of natural resources, energy and the environment. This certificate provides students with a unique cross-disciplinary look at related economic, business, and public policy issues. Students have opportunities to take classes with students having different viewpoints and academic training on these issues. Students develop business and analytical skills that are applicable to the natural resources and energy markets, and acquire a broad understanding of the resource and energy industries. At the same time, the links between resource and energy questions and environmental issues are examined.

The Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES) and the Faculty of Native Studies offer a five-year integrated program leading to either a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts. A better academic understanding of the Aboriginal use of resources can prepare students to work effectively in various contexts where knowledge of Aboriginal and treaty rights and issues is required. These combined degrees are ways for students to specialize in the management of Aboriginal resources.

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES Nicola DiNicola Environmental Studies BA Advising for students in the Faculty of Arts Frank Robinson Certificate in Sustainability for Faculties of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES), Arts and Native Studies. Howie Harshaw Certificate in Sustainability for Faculties of Business, Education, Extension, Physical Education and Recreation, and Science. Lars Hallstrom Director of Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities Karsten Mundel Director & Associate Dean (Academic) Learning, Advising & Beyond