Environmental Science | University of Lethbridge

Faculty of Arts & Science

Environmental Science

Be wise about resources Are you fascinated by the natural environment? Are you concerned about climate change, sustainability, the health of our water resources, or the loss of biodiversity? Would you like to learn how ecosystems function or why biodiversity is important to our future?

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Environmental Science at ULethbridge The environmental sciences focus on understanding the Earth’s natural systems and how we, as humans, interact with them.

Environmental scientists study the impact of these interactions on the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere using an interdisciplinary and integrative approach. They provide us with the information we need to address some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today — such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity.

The major in environmental science will provide you with an appropriate background in the natural and physical sciences that is needed to understand how natural and humanmade systems function. It will provide you with a broad perspective that is required to appreciate the role of humanity in global environmental change.

As an environmental science student, you will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including those present in the Alberta Water and Environmental Sciences Building. These facilities house the infrastructure used in ground-breaking research by our award-winning faculty — ensuring that you are exposed to cutting-edge, multidisciplinary environmental research throughout your degree.

You will also be provided with the flexibility and versatility to obtain the essential skills that are required to answer pressing research questions in sub-disciplines such as ecology (aquatic, riparian and grassland), remote sensing, geographical information science (GIS), biodiversity assessments, conservation, ecophysiology and environmental toxicology.

Once you have completed your degree, you may apply for membership in professional societies such as the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) and Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB). Contact us early in your degree for further information.

Environmental Science Degrees. You can complete a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in environmental science in one of two ways: by direct enrolment in the 40-course program or as a Post-Diploma BSc student. You can also choose to pursue a concentration in geographical information science (GIS).

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Bachelor of Science: The BSc in environmental science is a 40-course multidisciplinary major. The program will provide you with comprehensive science-based training, complemented by one semester of technical instruction at Lethbridge College in your third year.

Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science: If you already have an approved diploma, this two-year program is for you. Its primary focus is to enhance your previous technical and practical training with extensive knowledge in the core sciences. You may also declare an optional concentration in GIS.

Environmental Science Courses. Course selections for the program will vary depending on your degree, but may include: • Principles of Ecology • Integrated Watershed • Weather & Climate Management • Principles of Genetics • Geographic Data & Analysis • Population Biology • Geographical Information Systems • Evolution (GIS) • Aquatic Ecology • Ecosystem & Community Ecology • Aquatic Health • Toxicology • Biostatistics • Remote Sensing • Microclimatology • Conservation Biology • Field Biology Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs. Learn more at ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors.

Honours Thesis. If independent research is your passion, you should consider registering for an honours thesis course or one of our other undergraduate thesis courses.

The focus of an honours thesis is the completion of an independent research project under the supervision of one of our award-winning faculty.

Learn more about environmental science at ULethbridge, visit ulethbridge.ca/environmentalscience

Our Faculty & Their Research Faculty in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Geography & Environment are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects, using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Our faculty members often collaborate with other departments and with local, provincial and federal research institutes. Many of our students gain employment with researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ducks Unlimited, Nature Conservancy Canada and the Alberta Conservation Association.

Current Research & Areas of Interest: • Water Resources • Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture • Satellite & Airborne Remote Sensing & GIS • Glaciers & Glaciology • Floodplain Biodiversity & Restoration • Prairie Conservation • Plant/Insect Interactions

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Aquatic Ecotoxicology Parasite/Host Interactions Biodiversity Science Aquatic & Streamside Ecosystems Ecosystem Ecology Plant Ecophysiology Chemical Processes in Plant Disease Microbial Populations in the Oldman River Basin

Your Future Prospects Skills Acquired. In addition to developing a keen understanding of environmental systems and problems, you will develop scientific field and laboratory research techniques and methodologies. You will also develop highly valued technical skills in information management, spatial analysis, remote sensing, statistics and risk assessment. You will leave the program with strong analytical problem-solving skills and the ability to effectively summarize and communicate your research findings to others.

Related Fields. A degree in environmental science will provide you with an exciting, thought-provoking and dynamic career. In addition to having a positive impact on the surrounding world, you will also be able to get out of the office regularly and, in some cases, travel to research sites around the world.

Here are just a few of the numerous career options open to you once you’ve earned your degree: • Environmental Impact Analyst • Interpretive Naturalist • Ecologist • Renewable Resource Manager • Air & Water Quality Specialist • Environmental Auditor • GIS Specialist/Technician • Environmental Education • Hydrologist Coordinator • Natural Resource Specialist • Cartographer • Environmental Protection Officer • Fisheries Biologist • Graduate Research • Conservation Biologist

“The environment plays an important role in our daily lives, and the interdisciplinary nature of this subject made me pursue higher education in this field. With my training as an environmental scientist from the U of L, I hope to be a part of the solution to combat the environmental crisis facing our planet.”

- Humaira, Environmental Science (Co-op)

Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the Master and Doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at ULethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Professional Disciplines. Your undergraduate degree in environmental science provides an excellent foundation for environmental law, management and education.

Be wise about resources in Environmental Science.

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University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 403-332-4040 environmental@uleth.ca ulethbridge.ca/environmentalscience

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Put Your Knowledge to Work Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.

Applied Studies

Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

ULethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary.

Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kickstart to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop

Participate in Research

In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.

Contact your department to learn more!

Academic Advising Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at ULethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.

To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

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*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.