York University
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Environmental Science explores the impact of human activities on our planet through the study of biology, chemistry, physics and physical geography. Students gain a scientific foundation in the biological and physical sciences needed to address urgent environmental and urban challenges and generate and communicate solutions.

The Environmental Science program offers two streams of study, and students select your stream in Year 2 of the program:
1. In the Environmental Dynamics stream, students will specialize in physical geography, studying the interactions between land, air, water, and biological organisms to understand how the natural environment responds to stressors.
2. In the Biodiversity and Conservation stream, students will specialize in environmental biology to understand how organisms and ecological communities are impacted by environmental stressors and learn to apply this knowledge to protect species and biodiversity.

Students will explore these critical issues:
- Climate change impacts and adaptation
- Biodiversity and conservation of species and habitats
- Water security and water quality
- Pollution
- Erosion

"The Ecosystem Management program brings together the Sustainable Environmental Management (BES) program offered by the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change with the Ecosystem Management Technology program offered by Fleming College. This dual-credential program is focused on teaching students how we can sustain and revitalize our natural environments through the conservation and restoration of our ecosystems. Students can explore basic concepts of ecology, ecosystem management, policy and the social, economic, legal and political nature of environmental issues. Topics of study include:
- Restoration/conservation of ecosystems
- Habitat assessment
- Geographic Information Systems
- Ecological research
- Rural and urban planning
- Environmental protection
- Urban ecology
- Sustainable and just transitions"

The Lassonde School of Engineering offers three streams in this program: Atmospheric Science, Geomatics Science, and Space Science.
- Atmospheric Science explores meteorology from the turbulent micro scale to the large synoptic scale weather systems. In our program, students learn how we use computer models to forecast the weather and will develop a deeper understanding of the processes that drive severe weather, climate and climate change.
- In Geomatics Science, students will study about modern geophysics, Earth’s gravity field, satellite geodesy, reference systems, plus surveying and mapping with emphasis in the areas of geospatial science and applications. - Space Science explores planetary space environments as well as instrument design. Students will gain the knowledge and skills to investigate and establish new satellite programs for optical aeronomy, dynamics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere and monitoring the recovering ozone layer. Featured Courses
- Climate and Climate Change: Students will explore concepts in natural variability, anthropogenic climate change, oceanic circulation, derived reanalysis, impacts of recent and future climate change, as well as potential mitigation and adaptation strategies. This course puts into perspective the science behind global warming and how it is so important to invest in climate change research and improve the climate models that are in use right now. - Storms: This course provides a conceptual and comprehensive understanding of storms and mesoscale weather systems in order to prepare you for a weather-related career as a forecaster, consultant, or future scientist.

The Responsible Business specialization at the Schulich School of Business offers students the chance to focus their study around emerging social, ethical and environmental concerns that are at the forefront of business, and to prepare themselves for the management challenges that lie ahead. Courses in this specialization enable students to focus on responsible business issues as they relate to different core business functions (e.g. Strategy, Accounting, Marketing, etc.) and to different sectors (business, nonprofit and public).

To specialize in Responsible Business, students must enrol in at least 4 courses from Schulich, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies or the Faculty of Environmental Change. Examples of courses are as follows: MGMT 4300 3.00 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
SUST 4400 3.00 SUSTAINABILITY ACCOUNTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
ES/ENVS 3130 3.00 Energy and the Environment in Canada
ES/ENVS 3400 3.00 Introduction to Climate Change Science and Policy

A degree minor in Environmental Studies is open to students whose home Faculty is AMPD, Health, Liberal Arts and Professional Studies or Science, who want to pursue a minor in environmental studies.