Bachelor of Arts and Science in Climate and Environment

Program Overview

The Climate and Environment (CLEN) program at St. Francis Xavier University is an interdisciplinary BASc degree that equips students with a holistic understanding of climate change and environmental issues. Through a combination of scientific analysis and societal understanding, the program prepares graduates for careers in diverse fields related to climate and environment, such as policy analysis, consulting, sustainability management, and research. The program emphasizes experiential learning, including fieldwork, research projects, and internships, and offers opportunities for co-op, study abroad, and research involvement.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Through the exploration of a variety of disciplines, students gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills while building a strong foundation in various aspects of climate and environmental science.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to critically analyze climate and environmental issues.
• Foster an understanding of the interconnectedness of social, economic, scientific, and political factors influencing environmental challenges.
• Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills to address complex environmental issues.
• Prepare students for further studies or careers in diverse fields related to climate and environment.

Description:

• The CLEN program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career aspirations.
• Students choose courses from a wide range of disciplines, including biology, sociology, economics, computer science, math, and environmental studies.
• The program features a strong emphasis on experiential learning, including opportunities for field work, research projects, and internships.
• Students work closely with faculty members who are experts in their fields and actively engaged in cutting-edge research.
• In their fourth year, students undertake a capstone project, where they apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world environmental challenge.

Outline:

First Year:

• Introduction to Climate and Environmental Issues
• Biology
• Sociology
• Economics
• Computer Science or Math

Second and Third Years:

• Students take a combination of core courses and electives in areas such as:
• Climate Science
• Environmental Policy
• Sustainable Development
• Environmental Law
• Environmental Economics
• Environmental Communication
• Research Methods

Fourth Year:

• Capstone Project: Students work on a year-long project addressing a real-world environmental challenge.
This project allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to make a meaningful contribution to the field.

Modules:

The specific modules offered within the CLEN program may vary depending on the year and faculty availability. However, some examples of modules include:

• Introduction to Climate Change
• Environmental Policy and Governance
• Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
• Environmental Justice
• Renewable Energy Technologies
• Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
• Environmental Communication and Advocacy
• GIS Applications in Environmental Management
• Environmental Research Methods

Assessment:

• Exams: Assess students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Essays and Research Papers: Encourage students to develop critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
• Presentations: Allow students to share their findings and engage in discussions with their peers.
• Group Projects: Foster collaboration and teamwork skills while addressing real-world problems.
• Capstone Project: Assesses students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills to solve complex environmental challenges.

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Interactive lectures: Encourage student participation and discussion.
• Seminars: Facilitate in-depth exploration of specific topics.
• Fieldwork and Lab exercises: Provide hands-on learning experiences.
• Guest lectures: Offer insights from experts in various fields.
• Online resources: Enhance learning beyond the classroom.

Careers:

• Climate Change Policy Analyst
• Environmental Consultant
• Sustainability Manager
• Renewable Energy Engineer
• Environmental Educator
• Environmental Lawyer
• Research Scientist
• Non-profit Organization Leader
• Community Development Officer

Other:

• Co-operative Education Program: Provides paid work experience in organizations related to climate and environment.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Students can contribute to community organizations and projects addressing environmental issues.
• Study Abroad Programs: Allows students to study and conduct research in different countries around the world.
• Research Opportunities: Students can participate in faculty-led research projects, gaining valuable experience in conducting and analyzing research.