Environmental and Sustainability Science (BSc)

Why study Environmental and Sustainability Science?

Climate change, loss of biodiversity, severe weather events, pollution and the unsustainable use of the Earth’s resources are some of the most pressing challenges of our time. If you are fascinated by the science behind how human activity affects our planet, and passionate about creating a more sustainable future, the Environmental and Sustainability Science program is for you.

Following one of the three program streams (Earth Systems and Climate Science, Environmental Biology or Environmental Chemistry), you will learn to understand and assess the impact of human activity on natural cycles, ecosystems, species and landforms, while specializing in one particular disciplinary approach to environmental issues.

Students in all streams will take courses in geography, geology, biology and chemistry to develop the skills and knowledge needed for a career or further studies in the environmental sciences. You will:

• Learn about the physical and chemical processes that shape our planet
• Study the evolution and conservation of biodiversity on earth
• Study the causes and consequences of climate change and environmental pollution
• Learn to design experiments and gather and interpret statistical data
• Acquire technical knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing
• Learn to develop effective policies for environmental management and the protection of endangered wildlife

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec CEGEP: 25 overall, 24 in math / sciences
  • Admission is based on the CRC requirements indicated above and completion of the following classes as part of their DEC: Calculus 1 and Calculus 2; Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Wave, Optics and Modern Physics; General Chemistry and Chemistry of Solutions; General Biology (OR Cellular Biology AND Ecology and Evolution)
  • Additional information for CEGEP applicants
    
• High School: B overall, B in math / sciences
  
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
    
  • Accepted international qualifications
    
  • One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
    
  • Two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
    
  • ACT or SAT is not required
    
  • AP exams are not required but may qualify you for advanced standing
    
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 29 overall, 4 HL or 5 SL math, 5 HL science
  • one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
  • one science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology, either SL or HL)
  • one of the math or science courses must be completed at the HL level
• International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 4.8/7 overall, 4 HL or 5 SL math, 5 HL science
  • one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
  • one science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology, either SL or HL)
  • one of the math or science courses must be completed at the HL level
  • Additional Career-related Programme (CP) course requirements
• Baccalauréat français: 13 overall, 13 in math / sciences
  
  • Première: Spécialité mathématiques and Spécialité physique-chimie
    
  • Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques (also accepted, Spécialité Physique-Chimie and Mathématiques Complémentaires)
    
  • Additional information for Baccalauréat français applicants
    
• British system of education (GCE):
  • A-levels: At least two A-level exams CC, C in math, C in science or
  • AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
  • BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
  • Students without math or science A-levels may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
  • Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
• University transfers (internal/external): B overall, B in math / sciences
  
  • Courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

After your degree

After graduation, your knowledge and technical skills will prepare you for careers with environmental consulting companies, natural resource agencies and NGOs, or for graduate studies in each of the three core disciplines (Geography, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry), in addition to the interdisciplinary field of Environmental and Sustainability Science.

Alumni have established careers in a range of fields including:

• Environmental impact assessment
• Resource conservation
• Environmental analysis and pollutant management
• Environmental consulting
• Geographic Information Systems analysis
• Wildlife and fisheries biology