نظرة عامة على البرنامج
Algoma University's Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science is a four-year interdisciplinary program that combines biology, chemistry, and geography to equip students with critical thinking skills for addressing environmental challenges. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through field research and internships, and prepares graduates for diverse careers in the environmental sector, including research, consulting, and environmental management. The program is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, with access to diverse natural ecosystems for study.
مخطط البرنامج
Degree Overview:
Algoma University offers a four-year Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. The program is interdisciplinary, integrating core courses in biology, chemistry, and geography. Its objective is to equip students with critical thinking skills to contribute solutions to environmental, social, and economic challenges. The program addresses concerns like global climate change, invasive species, biodiversity loss, and agricultural soil degradation. The program's location in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, provides access to diverse natural ecosystems (forests, fields, rivers, swamps, bogs, and the St. Mary's River) for hands-on learning and examination of the human-environment relationship. The program is approved for a 7-year term starting 01/12/2017, with renewal subject to the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development guidelines. However, it mentions several key aspects of the program's content:
- Integration of multiple disciplines: Biology, chemistry, and geography are core components.
- Hands-on learning: Students conduct field research in the Algoma district.
- Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis: This course covers experimental design and statistical methods relevant to environmental science, including practical assignments using SPSS.
- Honours Thesis course (or alternative): Students can either complete a research project with a supervisor, aiming for publication and display at the Essar Convergence Centre, or participate in a second internship.
- Third-year internship: An 80-hour internship is required within the Algoma region, with opportunities at various local companies and research institutes (e.g., Tarentorus Fish Hatchery, Ontario Forest Research Institute, Graystone Environmental Ltd., Department of Fisheries). The mention of practical assignments in the Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis course and the Honours Thesis project suggests these are assessment components, but further details are absent.
Teaching:
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, including field research and internships. The faculty are described as caring and experts in their fields. Several faculty members are named and their expertise is outlined (see below). The small class sizes at Algoma University are highlighted as beneficial for undergraduate learning.
Careers:
Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in the environmental sector, addressing the current shortage of skilled workers. Potential career paths include: researcher, research assistant, environmental consultant, environmental educator, project manager, environmental sales professional, environmental risk manager, coordinator for environmental initiatives, environmental technician, environmental communicator, climatologist, biochemist, oceanographer, seismologist, biologist, ecologist, meteorologist, and entomologist. The text also states that over two-fifths of employers anticipate increased need for environmental workers, with 75% expected to hire in the next two years, and over 340,000 employees expected to retire from the sector in the next 10 years.
Other:
- The program is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, which is described as an ideal location due to its diverse natural habitats.
- The program aims to develop skills applicable to solving critical environmental problems.
- The Environmental Science faculty includes: Dr. Brandon Schamp (Department Chair, Biology), Dr. István Imre (Associate Vice President, Academic and Continuing Education), Dr. Pedro Antunes (Canada Research Chair for Invasive Species), Dr. Nairne Cameron (Department Chair, Geography, Geology and Land Stewardship), Dr. Jennifer Foote, Dr. Isabel Molina, Dr. Chunhua Zhang, and Dr. William Dew (all Professors in Biology). Brief biographies are provided for each faculty member, detailing their credentials, research interests, and contact information.