M. Sc. (Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies) course list

HENV 605 Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

The research seminar examines concepts relevant to human interventions in the environment, where ‘environment’ broadly encompasses the natural or bio-physical environment, the urban, built, or designed environment, and the human, cultural or behavioural environment. Students will benefit from the interdisciplinary nature of the program by learning more about research design issues and ethical notions in different fields and contexts. The course also allows students to develop their own research methodologies among a peer group of students.  Back to top

HENV 610 Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)

This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of experimental design and data analysis in Geography and Environmental Sciences. The course will focus on statistical analysis of quantitative data, using the R programming environment. Specific topics will include data exploration and plotting, basic statistical tests, linear regression, statistical model selection, non-parametric tests and mixed effects models.  Back to top

HENV 615 Research Group Seminar (3 credits)

This seminar provides an opportunity to extend, deepen, and apply the conceptual and methodological frameworks presented in the core and elective courses. Students are required to participate in one of the proposed research groups, comprised of faculty members and other graduate students who share a particular thematic or methodological focus (e.g. GIS, sustainable communities, environmental change, sustainable transportation). Each research - group - is administered by a faculty member and supported by graduate students who will serve as co-coordinators to the research group.  Back to top

HENV 635 Spatial Analysis (3 credits)

This course examines analytical methods for handling specifically spatial data, where the arrangement of observations in space is thought to be of significance. The emphasis is on the choice and application of appropriate methods for the analysis of various types of data that are encountered in Geography, Planning and Environmental Studies. Procedures for analyzing spatial distributions of phenomena, temporal dynamics and change are examined in relation to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tools and statistical techniques.  Back to top

HENV 640 Reshaping the City (3 credits)

This seminar explores various social processes that contribute to the shaping and reshaping of our cities’ material and spatial forms, by relying upon an array of theoretical formulations informed by political-economy, economic geography, urban morphology, urban sociology, anthropology and ecology.  Back to top

HENV 645 Behaviour and the Urban Environment (3 credits)

This course provides a basic understanding of the relationship between people and the urban environment. The focus is on the collective and individual responses of people to the built or designed environment, and the way in which these responses can be used to guide projects, plans and policies. The basic studies for the location of commercial facilities and the modeling of human spatial behaviour are introduced.  Back to top

HENV 655 Environmental Modelling (3 credits)

The different approaches to modelling the bio-physical, built or human environment are examined. The conceptualization of simple models to examine how human interventions affect the environment is investigated. Different modeling approaches such as system models, computer visualization and simulation are covered. Students develop a model scheme related to their thesis topic. Lectures and laboratory.  Back to top

HENV 665 Special Topics Seminar (3 credits)

This course is designed to meet the special needs of individual or groups of graduate students. Topics vary to permit investigation of current and developing theories and research areas. Content involves presentation, discussion, and critical analysis of information from relevant scientific literature. The course will also take advantage of visiting expertise.  Back to top

HENV 675 Community Participation in Environmental Conservation (3 credits)

This course addresses the question of ‘how’ community participation can be achieved in conservation and development initiatives. Focusing on the particular experience of local communities, it presents participatory concepts, principles, tools, and processes that have practical application to a broad range of contexts and settings (e.g. environmental assessment, protected area establishment, co-management, wildlife conservation).  Back to top

HENV 685 Thesis Proposal (3 credits)

Students are required to select their research topic and formulate a research proposal under the supervision of a thesis supervisor and with input from a thesis committee. The written proposal will include a sound rationale for the proposed research, a detailed description of the research design and methodology, and a comprehensive literature review. Students are also required to present an oral presentation of their proposal to the Department. The thesis proposal must be formally approved by the thesis committee and the Graduate Program Director before research activities can begin. The thesis proposal should be completed before the end of the second semester of residency in the Program and after a minimum of 6 credits in the Program have been taken.  Back to top

HENV 695 Thesis (30 credits)

Students are required to demonstrate their ability to carry out original, independent research. The thesis, which will be researched and written under the direction of a supervisor and thesis committee, should normally not exceed 100 pages. Upon completion of the thesis, the student will be required to defend his/her thesis before an external examiner and his/her thesis committee.  Back to top

GEOG 625 Directed Studies (3 credits)

Note: Students enrolled in the MSc program must take this course under the instruction of someone other than their thesis supervisor.  Back to top

M. Env. (Environmental Assessment) course list

ENVS 601 EA: Concepts, Principles and Practice (6 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission of the EA Graduate Program Director.
This course aims to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge related to environmental assessment and its role in project planning and policy development. The evolution of environmental assessment (EA), its current practices and functions including ethical consideration, as well as future directions are discussed. The roles and components of EA and EA procedures in Quebec and the rest of Canada (at both the federal and provincial levels) will be emphasized. Guest speakers, regular readings and in-class discussions will supplement the lectures.
Note: Students who have received credit for ENVS 501 may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

ENVS 603 Water Resource Management (3 credits)

This course examines the complexity of, and necessity for, improved water resource management from the viewpoint of ecological and economic sustainability as well as social equity and basic human health and dignity. Topics include: the qualities, values and uses of water-consumptive and non-consumptive, economic and environmental; major regional and global water management issues; factors affecting water supply reliability and challenges to maintain and improve long-term quality and equitable service in different situations; and the ways domestic, industrial and agricultural water users can conserve water.
Note: Students who have received credit for this topic under an ENVS 503 number may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

ENVS 605 Environmental Standards (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission of the EA Graduate Program Director.
This course provides an overview of the International Standards Organization (ISO) standards and guidelines for industry to implement a sound Environmental Management System (EMS). These guidelines are outlined in a series of publications designated as ISO 14000. Topics covered will include: the evolution and benefits of EMS, the ISO 14001 principles, integration between ISO 9001 and 14001, the registration process, auditing an EMS, life cycle assessment, and environmental labelling. Upon successful completion of the course, students are encouraged to pursue formal accreditation.
Note: Students who have received credit for this topic under an ENVS 505 number may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

ENVS 606 Seminar in Environmental Earth Science (3 credits)

An understanding of the biogeophysical environment is crucial for informed policy decisions. Current issues in environmental earth science are examined, including earth system interactions, feedback loops, climate change, the carbon cycle, energy and air quality stratospheric ozone, water resources, and life on earth. Public policy as it pertains to these issues is discussed.
Note: Students who have received credit for this topic under an ENVS 506 number may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

GEOG 607 Indigenous Resource Management (3 credits)

This course examines the relationship between indigenous peoples and their environment. It focuses on two primary themes; first, it looks at ways in which ecological knowledge shapes indigenous resource management, land tenure, and sea-rights systems; and second, it examines the roles of indigenous peoples and state authorities in land, sea and resource management.
Note: Students who have received credit for this topic under a GEOG 507 number may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

GEOG 610 Impact Assessment (3 credits)

This course examines the conceptual bases, procedures, and methodology of environmental and social impact assessment. Consideration is given to political-administrative constraints, public participation, and the procedures involved in Federal and Provincial impact statements. The conceptual bases of impact statements, such as weightings, reference points, and impact boundaries are critically examined. The methodologies of impact statements are evaluated in the context of problems of measuring direct and indirect impacts, predicting the timing of impacts, and the separation of means and ends.  Back to top

GEOG 670 Environmental Management (3 credits)

This course applies fundamental principles concerning the biophysical environment to the development of strategies and policies for managing the environment. It takes a case study approach to the coastal and fluvial environments. Topics covered include strategies and policies involved in sea defence, beach protection, integrated coastal zone management, flood alleviation, river stabilization and river restoration schemes.
Note: Students who have received credit for this topic under a GEOG 570 number may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

GEOG 674 Forest Management (3 credits)

This course looks at the changes in the exploitation and management of the forest resource in Canada. Topics include the history of cutting strategies and their effect on species composition; the effects of technological changes in harvesting, transportation and milling on forests; and the evolution of modern forest management philosophies and approaches.
Note: Students who have received credit for this topic under a GEOG 574 number may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

ENVS 662 Data Collection and Analysis for EA (6 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission of the EA Graduate Program Director.
This course focuses on methods and issues in data collection and analysis appropriate for impact prediction in the abiotic, biotic and built environment, including air, surface and ground water, soil, landscape, biodiversity, noise, cultural and socio-economic conditions. Students will conduct their own studies and present them in the form of EA reports.
Note: Students who have received credit for ENVS 562 may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

ENVS 663 Geographical Information Systems for EA (6 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission of the EA Graduate Program Director.
This course examines the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Environmental Impact Assessment (EA), particularly focusing on the role of GIS in the analysis of environmental data and in decision-making processes. Topics covered include data acquisition (e.g. digitizing, integrating data from different sources), multi-criteria decision analysis, fuzzy sets, interpolation techniques and error analysis. The instruction is built around a series of practical exercises mainly using industry-standard GIS software. The differences between raster and vector approaches are stressed throughout the course. The objective of the course is to provide a sound theoretical and practical background in the use of GIS for EA applications.
Note: Students who have received credit for ENVS 563 or for this topic under an ENVS 598 number may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

ENVS 695 Internship in EA (15 credits)

Prerequisite: Completion of ENVS 601, 662 and 663 and permission of the EA Graduate Program Director.
This internship is a 4-month placement in either the public or private sector where EA work is being undertaken. It is intended to maximize the educational experience and bridge the gap between what employers consider necessary job skills and what the university considers essential for a practitioner. Students work with their faculty supervisor to prepare a written research paper which is presented in an oral examination. It should be an original work which adds to the theory, concepts or methods of environmental assessment.
Note: Students are assisted in their efforts to obtain a relevant placement by the Internship Coordinator and all placements must be approved by the EA Graduate Program Director.  Back to top

M. Env. (Environmental Assessment) Elective Course List

BIOL 557 Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course applies principles of ecology at the individual, population, community and ecosystem level to identify and solve practical environmental problems. Topics include pollution, climate change, farming, harvesting renewable resources, designing nature reserves and conserving biodiversity
Note: Students who have received credit for BIOL 457 may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

BIOL 601 Readings in Ecology and Behaviour I (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission of the Department.
The content of this course will vary from year to year.  Back to top

BIOL 618 Ecology for Environmentalists (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission of the EA Graduate Program Director.
This course discusses the principles of the ecology of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems and the effects of environmental disturbances ranging from immediate pollution to long-term climate change.
Note 1: Students who have received credit for BIOL 508 may not take this course for credit.
Note 2: Students registered in a graduate program in Biology may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

ECON 591 Advanced Environmental Economics (3 credits)

This course deals with the economics of the management and use of environmental resources. This course focuses primarily on two aspects of environmental issues; 1) the economic rationale of government policies and 2) programmes for environmental protection. Case studies will be drawn from taxation, pollution, property rights, emission permits, public goods, conservation, sustainable development, evaluation of environmental damage, and environmental ethics.
Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor/Department.  Back to top

ECON 659 Economics for Environmentalists (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission of the EA Graduate Program Director.
This course considers one of the most serious problems facing our global civilization: the on-going conflict between economic activity and the bio-physical world upon which all human activity ultimately depends. The course explains the basic theoretical framework most economists use to describe economic activities and the relationship between these activities and the natural world. Understanding the logical apparatus of economics theory shows why market forces and environmental integrity are often in conflict and why economic arguments dominate environmental policy debates at both national and international levels.
Note 1: Students who have received credit for ECON 559 may not take this course for credit.
Note 2: Students registered in programs in Economics, or programs in the John Molson School of Business, may not take this course for credit.  Back to top

POLI 605 Environmental Law (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission of the Political Science Graduate Program Director.
This course introduces students to environmental law from the viewpoint of the scientific, political and economic issues underlying environmental conflicts pertaining to air and water pollution, toxic substances, solid waste, and hazardous waste disposal. The course provides an overview of issues such as statutory, regulatory and case analysis, liability, natural resource damages, settlement strategies, due diligence and cleanup standards and technologies. Canadian public policy and the role of government as policy-maker/regulator are discussed with comparative legislation, policy and management on the US and international fronts.  Back to top

POLI 634 Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor/Department.
This course focuses upon methods of assessing consequences of public policies. The main purpose of the course is to allow students to survey evaluation research in political science and to present research designs that will enable them to make plausible assumptions about the outcome of governmental programs in the absence of experimental control.   Back to top