University of Alberta
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

This program is for students interested in the natural world and its management, conservation, and ecological perspectives. Students evaluate the effects of human land use on plants, soil, water, animals, and human resources to assess and facilitate conservation, reclamation and remediation measures for ecosystems.

Through this program, students understand the role that social, economic, and political forces play in natural resource management. They integrate knowledge from many disciplines and are cognizant of the various philosophies on the role of humans in the environment. Students also learn to employ balanced judgement based on a foundation of environmental ethics and philosophy while suggesting appropriate use of natural resources.

These interdisciplinary studies examine natural processes in our environment, the dependence of human society on nature, and our impact on nature through culture and technology. Both streams 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.

This is a joint program of the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. This degree educates students in the scientific, cultural, economic, moral, political and social dimensions of environmental issues. As the subject matter transcends the boundaries of any single discipline or faculty, this degree is offered through a collaborative program that draws on the Faculties of Native Studies and Science.

In addition to core course requirements, students major in one of the following specialization areas:

- Environment and Peoples of Canada: Students will understand environmental challenges facing Canadians, including indigenous perspectives and issues in environmental and resource management.
- Food & Society: Students will explore issues related to sustainable food and agriculture, incorporating social, political, cultural, economic, ethical and feminist perspectives on issues of contemporary food production.
- Politics, Society and the Global Environment: Students will learn about political and social methodologies relevant for understanding environmental issues from a global perspective.

Bachelor of Science, Honors in Environmental Earth Sciences
https://www.ualberta.ca/earth-atmospheric-sciences/undergraduate-studies/degree-programs/environmental-earth-sciences

Bachelor of Arts, Major in Planning
https://www.ualberta.ca/earth-sciences/urban-regional-planning/undergraduate-programs/ba-major.html

Bachelor of Science, Specialization in Planning
https://www.ualberta.ca/earth-sciences/urban-regional-planning/undergraduate-programs/bsc-specialization.html

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 & Conservation Science and 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, Major in Northern Systems, 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 that students make in sustainability of natural resources, urban design, energy and water systems, landscape management and the myriad of collective goods that bring health, wellness, creativity, and resilience, among other areas. The Certificate in Sustainability demonstrates students' commitment to being a serious contributor to a sustainable world, and demonstrates students’ leadership in the workplace, community, university, or other group settings 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 that students earn the designation while completing their undergraduate program in their respective faculties. Students have the opportunity to pursue the certificate in eleven different faculties: ALES, Arts, Augustana, Business, Faculté Saint-Jean, Education, Engineering, Extension, Native Studies, Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation, and Science.

Upon completion of the certificate, students may hone their knowledge in a number of sustainability topic areas including: the history of sustainability and current controversies around the social, economic and environmental changes that are necessary for sustainability; the systemic nature of sustainability challenges; the theories, methods, techniques and experiments associated with transitioning to a more sustainable future; application and implementation of knowledge of sustainability at a personal, academic, and professional level.

In cooperation with the Alberta School of Business, the Department of Economics offers a Certificate in the Economics and Management of Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment (EMNREE). The purpose of this certificate program is to provide access for economics undergraduate students to a structured program in 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 develop business and analytical skills that are applicable to the natural resources and energy markets, while acquiring a broad understanding of the resource and energy industries. Linkages between resource and energy questions and environmental issues are also examined.

This 5-year integrated program is offered jointly by the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Native Studies. The “Human Dimensions of Environmental Management” major focuses on Indigenous history, politics, and cultural values, natural resource management, and the stewardship of Indigenous lands, within the context of government policies and industrial development. Students also have the opportunity to attend a three-week environmental field school.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBLE PARTIES:

Mara Metz
Project & Administrative Assistant
Sustainability Council