Programs in Environmental Science
The program in Environmental Science is available at both a BSc and BSc (Honours) level. While the professional practice of environmental science is not (yet) codified, the Acadia program satisfies proposals for professional registration and has been accredited by the Canadian Environmental Accreditation Commission. It includes a core of courses at the first and second-year levels in Biology, Geology and Chemistry, with a central theme of Environmental Science courses that provide a thread tying the other courses together. Focus areas in the four-year program may be designed to address individual needs but can be selected from:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Environmental Geology/Terrain Analysis
- Environmental Policy
- Sustainable Development
Community Involvement is a primary consideration for the program, which uses a variety of means to go beyond the university setting. The degree requires an intensive field course in environmental science and a thesis project for Honours students. A Co-op Option is also available to enable students to alternate work terms with their study terms.
Acadia's research environment provides extensive opportunities for community-based projects. The Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, the Centre for Analytical Research on the Environment, and the Centre for Wildlife and Conservation Biology have pioneered approaches for enhancing community involvement in environmental action. Students in the environmental courses have also participated in and made submissions to public discussions regarding the proposed Nova Scotia Environment Act, the Nova Scotia Waste Management Strategy, and other issues of local, provincial, and national concern.
Acadia's Environmental Science program also offers an opportunity to study abroad under an exchange program with universities such as the University of Plymouth, UK, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, University of South Queensland, etc..
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Environmental Science
1. 6h in English/languages/writing (6 h selected from English, Art at the 1000-level, Classics, Comparative Religion, a single language other than English, History, Music (not applied, vocal, or instrumental methods, or practical studies), Philosophy, Theology, or Women's and Gender Studies)
2. 6h from the Faculty of Arts (not Econ 2613, 2623, or Soci 3103)
3. 6h from either the Faculty of Arts (not Econ 2613, 2623, or Soci 3103) or from the Faculty of Professional Studies or 3h from each.
4. 87h to complete science requirements
a) Biol 1113, 1123, 2053, 3033 and 3h additional biology at or above the 3000 level (15h)
b) Chem 1013/1023 or 1113/1123, 2513, 2813 or 2853 (12h)
c) Envs 1013, 1023, 2523 (or an approved alternative field course), 3423, 4423, 4613, 4996 and one of Envs 3113, Hist 2283, Esst 2013, Pols 3213 (27h) (Biol 3013 may be used as a free elective)
d) Geol 1013, 1023, 2703, and two of Geol 2133, 2043, 2753, 3723, 4713 (15h)
e) 9h additional from advanced level science courses, Hist 2283, Esst 2013, Pols 3213, 3883, 4843 chosen on an individual basis in consultation with the department (9h)
f) Math 2233/2243 or 2213/2223 (6h)
g) Phys 1053 or 1563 (3h)
5. 15h university electives
6. 120 hours are required in all. 48h of courses offered to fulfill science requirements 4 (a) through (d) must be completed with a grade of B- or better.
7. A minimum of 120h must be completed with a program GPA of 3.00 or better.
Bachelor of Science with Major in Environmental Science
1. 6h in English/languages/writing (6 h selected from English, Art at the 1000-level, Classics, Comparative Religion, a single language other than English, History, Music (not applied, vocal, or instrumental methods, or practical studies), Philosophy, Theology, or Women's and Gender Studies)
2. 6h from the Faculty of Arts (not Econ 2613, 2623, or Soci 3103)
3. 6h from either the Faculty of Arts (not Econ 2613, 2623, or Soci 3103) or from the Faculty of Professional Studies or 3h from each.
4. 81h to complete science requirements
a) Biol 1113, 1123, 2053, 3033 and 3h additional biology at or above the 3000 level (15h)
b) Chem 1013/1023 or 1113/1123, 2513, 2813 or 2853 (12h)
c) Envs 1013, 1023, 2523 (or an approved alternative field course), 3423, 4423, 4613, 4996 and one of Envs 3113, Hist 2283, Esst 2013, Pols 3213 (27h) (Biol 3013 may be used as a free elective)
d) Geol 1013, 1023, 2703, and two of Geol 2133, 2043, 2753, 3723 (15h)
e) 9h additional from advanced level science courses, Hist 2283, Esst 2013, Pols 3213, 3883, 4843 chosen on an individual basis in consultation with the department (9h)
f) Math 2233/2243 or 2213/2223 (6h)
g) Phys 1053 or 1563 (3h)
5. 21h university electives
6. 120 hours are required in all. 72h, including 48h of courses offered to fulfill science requirement 4 (a to d), must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
7. A minimum program GPA of 2.00 is required to be eligible to graduate
See flowchart for normal progression through the degree program
Information session by Dr. O'Driscoll for ENVS course registration