Environmental Sciences

University of Windsor

Environment and Sustainability: blue ink subject illustration

4 years
Duration (years)
4 years
Windsor current calendar normal four-year Honours and professional degree policy
Class-based experiential education
Work experience
Class-based experiential education. The listing does not guarantee a position or establish paid status, term length or individual eligibility.
University-supplied OUInfo programme experiential-learning listing
70% minimum
Academic minimum
The university publishes a 70% academic minimum, not an entering-average range.
OUInfo · university-published Ontario admission-grade minimum for Environmental Science/Environmental Studies

Deadlines

November 2026

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
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30

Next deadlineThursday, November 19, 2026

OUAC. Ontario high schools report midterm/final 4U/M grades
2027 entry
School deadline, not a student task. Universities receive these grades by November 26. Verbatim: "Deadline for the OUAC to receive all midterm or final grades available for 4U/M courses from Ontario high schools. Schools may report in-progress grades for full-year courses as soon as they are available." Universities receive these by the target date of November 26, 2026. This is a deadline on the high school, not on the student, but it governs which grades a university sees in the first round.
Official deadline

Other deadline details

August 1Apply and provide supporting recordsStanding annual Fall entry · Every year

Fall applicants covered by the current calendar all-other-candidates rule
earlier OUAC Group A and outside-North-America recommendations remain distinct
August 1

SourceChecked Oct 12, 2026

No single OUAC deadline, deadlines are set by each university and sometimes by programOUAC Undergraduate application, applicants who are not Ontario high school students (Group B)2026 entry

No single OUAC deadline, deadlines are set by each university and sometimes by program
No single OUAC deadline
University, program, transcript, portfolio, interview, and audition dates still apply

Full source wording

Verbatim: "There is no specific Undergraduate application deadline if you are a Group B applicant. Deadlines vary at each university and sometimes depend on the program. Visit the university websites or contact the universities directly for their deadlines. If you are interested in a program but the deadline has passed, you may contact the university's admission office for help. Be aware of university-specific deadlines for submitting transcripts and portfolios, if required, and for arranging interviews and auditions. You must ensure the OUAC has enough time to process your choices before the universities' program deadlines." OUAC defines Group B as anyone who does not meet the Group A criteria, e.g. not currently taking an Ontario high school course, a Canadian outside Ontario, an international applicant, a postsecondary transfer student, or a mature applicant.

SourceChecked Aug 14, 2026

May 1Recommended overseas application dateStanding annual Fall entry · Every year

Applicants living outside continental North America
recommended Fall application date, not a mandatory closing date
May 1
Allow time for admission and immigration processing
the calendar may accept later applications subject to programme capacity

SourceChecked Oct 12, 2026

Requirements

Admission requirements

High-school prerequisites

MHF4UAdvanced Functions
SCH4UChemistry
SBI4UBiology

BSc Environmental Science: minimum 70% admission average and minimum 70% average across all science and mathematics courses. Physics is recommended; Calculus and Vectors is strongly recommended.

Application steps

Step 1Check the admission requirements
- Check the published entry route for your applicant category.
Windsor university-contributed OUInfo Environmental Science/Environmental Studies admission requirements, 2027/28Windsor university-contributed OUInfo Environmental Science/Environmental Studies admission requirements, 2027/28
Step 2Apply through OUAC
- Create your application and select this program.
OUACOUAC
Step 3Requested academic records and official transcripts
- Applicant uploads in UWinsite are unofficial. When Windsor requests official transcripts, have the institution send them directly from a verifiable institutional email, by mail or through an accepted transcript service. Applicant-sent copies do not count as official.
Windsor official transcript submission instructionsWindsor official transcript submission instructions
Step 4Apply through OUAC to the appropriate first-year entry programme or gateway; submit the required academic records.
- Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
Windsor university-contributed OUInfo Environmental Science/Environmental Studies admission requirements, 2027/28Windsor university-contributed OUInfo Environmental Science/Environmental Studies admission requirements, 2027/28

Applicant pathways

Environmental Science/Environmental Studies: Prerequisites

Ontario high-school applicants entering Environmental Science/Environmental Studies (NLS) in 2027/28. Applies only to the named entry route; later major declaration is separate.

Environmental Studies 70% minimum average
ENG4U
Environmental Science 70% minimum average
MHF4U
SCH4U
SBI4U
SPH4U is recommended, MCV4U is strongly recommended
A minimum 70% average of all science and math courses

Environmental Science/Environmental Studies: Basic Requirements for Undergraduate Admission

Ontario high-school applicants entering Environmental Science/Environmental Studies (NLS) in 2027/28. Applies only to the named entry route; later major declaration is separate.

Ontario high school students must present the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and complete 6 grade 12 4U/M courses. The top 6 courses will be used in the calculation of a student's overall admission average. All programs require a minimum admission average (typically 70%), which may change from year to year, depending on the number of applicants and available seats. A secondary average may be used for specific programs which require academic strength in specific subjects. For example, Nursing applicants have a secondary average requirement which includes Chemistry and Biology course grades.
For program-specific admission requirements, please refer to the UWindsor viewbook , program listing or academic calendar .
For consideration: International applicants are required to have a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to support their study permit application. To receive a PAL, students must first confirm their offer of admission and pay an international tuition fee deposit.

Environmental Science/Environmental Studies: Timing and Process for Admission Decisions

Ontario high-school applicants entering Environmental Science/Environmental Studies (NLS) in 2027/28. Applies only to the named entry route; later major declaration is separate.

UWindsor makes admission decisions for most programs from early November to July. Admission to programs that require the completion of supplemental applications or auditions will be considered after these activities are completed. If you need to complete a supplemental application, you will be alerted when your OUAC application is received. All Group A applicants have until the common response deadline (June 1, 2027), to accept their offer of admission.
Depending on the program, early admission may be provided based on a minimum 80% in final Grade 11 (3U/M) marks, and registration in a minimum of 6 Grade 12 (4U/M) courses, including prerequisites.
Consideration for provisional admission from late January through June is based on a combination of final Grade 11 marks and final or in-progress Grade 12 marks.
Provisional admission requires final grades in a minimum of three 4U/M courses and registration in at least 6 including all 4U prerequisites. Provisional offers will be conditional upon completion of the OSSD. For admission purposes, the average of a minimum of three 4U/M courses, regardless of the number completed or in progress, will be calculated.
If you are not considered for early admission, you will be considered for provisional admission based on the average of your best six 4U/M courses, interim or final, following receipt of interim (late-April) and/or final grades.
If you are not accepted into the program of your choice at UWindsor, you will automatically be considered for alternatives. Alternate offers of admission are typically given beginning in March. We automatically re-assess applicants for their preferred program(s) as new mid-term or final grades are received.
Information on deferrals
For information on scholarship deferral, contact the Student Awards & Financial Aid office .
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Food and water security in North America relies on the Great Lakes and environmental scientists help protect them. Located in the heart of the Great Lakes, we offer balanced training in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere. Using a systems-based approach, you'll gain hands-on experience with scientific tools to study this vital freshwater resource. Our grads have the skills employers need.
Bachelor of Environmental Studies Maintaining environmental quality while supporting human populations is a major global challenge. This unique, multidisciplinary program blends science, law, policy, ethics and management to prepare graduates for careers in human-environment relations. Pursue your passion and gain the skills today’s employers seek.

IB subject equivalents for Ontario prerequisites

Applicants using IB subjects as equivalents for the named program’s Ontario prerequisites; no IB point-to-percentage conversion

The current equivalency table lists IB English SL/HL as the English subject equivalent. Keep the English requirement for your chosen Ontario entry route.
For Advanced Functions, Windsor lists Mathematics Analysis and Approaches SL/HL or Applications and Interpretations HL. For Calculus, it lists Analysis and Approaches HL or Applications and Interpretations HL.
Use the equivalency for the subject your entry route requires. Calculus remains recommended where the program lists it as a recommendation.
Biology and Chemistry may be presented at IB Standard or Higher Level when those sciences are required for the named entry route.

Canadian course package: Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut secondary/CEGEP applicants; only the chosen programme’s actual prerequisites must be matched

ELA30-1 plus four academic courses; prerequisites numbered30-1 or31.
Math30-1 corresponds to Advanced Functions; Math31 to Calculus; Math30-2 to Data Management; Biology30, Chemistry30 and Physics30 match their respective subjects.
These are published course-package/equivalence rules, not a full credential, minimum-average, language or transfer-admission decision. Programme requirements remain controlling.

Canadian course package: British Columbia and Yukon

British Columbia and Yukon secondary/CEGEP applicants; only the chosen programme’s actual prerequisites must be matched

English12 plus four Grade12 academic courses.
Pre-Calculus12 corresponds to Advanced Functions; Calculus12 to Calculus; Foundations of Math12 to Data Management; Anatomy and Physiology12 to Biology. Accepted English alternatives are English12, English Literature12 or English First Peoples12.
These are published course-package/equivalence rules, not a full credential, minimum-average, language or transfer-admission decision. Programme requirements remain controlling.

Canadian course package: Manitoba

Manitoba secondary/CEGEP applicants; only the chosen programme’s actual prerequisites must be matched

English40S plus four Grade12 academic courses.
Pre-Calculus40S corresponds to Advanced Functions; Intro to Calculus45S together with Advanced Mathematics45S to Calculus; Applied Math40S to Data Management. Biology40S, Chemistry40S and Physics40S match their respective subjects.
These are published course-package/equivalence rules, not a full credential, minimum-average, language or transfer-admission decision. Programme requirements remain controlling.

Canadian course package: New Brunswick

New Brunswick secondary/CEGEP applicants; only the chosen programme’s actual prerequisites must be matched

English121 or122 plus five Grade12 academic courses.
Pre-Calculus A120 and B120 together correspond to Advanced Functions; Calculus120 to Calculus; Foundations of Math120 to Data Management. Science equivalents are Biology121/122, Chemistry121/122 and Physics121/122.
These are published course-package/equivalence rules, not a full credential, minimum-average, language or transfer-admission decision. Programme requirements remain controlling.

Canadian course package: Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador secondary/CEGEP applicants; only the chosen programme’s actual prerequisites must be matched

English Language Arts3201 plus five two-credit courses; prerequisites at3000 level.
Math3200 corresponds to Advanced Functions; Math3208 to Calculus; Math3201 to Data Management. Biology3201, Chemistry3202 and Physics3204 match their respective subjects.
These are published course-package/equivalence rules, not a full credential, minimum-average, language or transfer-admission decision. Programme requirements remain controlling.

Canadian course package: Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia secondary/CEGEP applicants; only the chosen programme’s actual prerequisites must be matched

English12 plus four Grade12 academic courses; prerequisites are12 or Advanced12.
Pre-Calculus12 corresponds to Advanced Functions; Calculus12 to Calculus; Math12 to Data Management. Biology12, Chemistry12 and Physics12 match their respective subjects.
These are published course-package/equivalence rules, not a full credential, minimum-average, language or transfer-admission decision. Programme requirements remain controlling.

Canadian course package: Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island secondary/CEGEP applicants; only the chosen programme’s actual prerequisites must be matched

English621A or611A plus four academic courses; prerequisites numbered611 or621.
Math621B corresponds to Advanced Functions; Math611B to Calculus; Math621A to Data Management. Biology621A, Chemistry621A/611A and Physics621A match their respective subjects.
These are published course-package/equivalence rules, not a full credential, minimum-average, language or transfer-admission decision. Programme requirements remain controlling.

Canadian course package: Québec CEGEP

Québec CEGEP secondary/CEGEP applicants; only the chosen programme’s actual prerequisites must be matched

One year comprising12 academic semester courses in a university-preparatory CEGEP programme, including two603/604 English courses.
CalculusI corresponds to Advanced Functions; CalculusII or Linear Algebra to Calculus; Statistics to Data Management. The science equivalents require two101 Biology, two202 Chemistry or two203 Physics courses as applicable.
These are published course-package/equivalence rules, not a full credential, minimum-average, language or transfer-admission decision. Programme requirements remain controlling.

Canadian course package: Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan secondary/CEGEP applicants; only the chosen programme’s actual prerequisites must be matched

ELA A30 and B30 plus five academic courses; prerequisites numbered30.
Pre-Calculus30 corresponds to Advanced Functions; Calculus30 to Calculus; Foundations of Math30 to Data Management. Biology30, Chemistry30 and Physics30 match their respective subjects.
These are published course-package/equivalence rules, not a full credential, minimum-average, language or transfer-admission decision. Programme requirements remain controlling.

Degree requirements

Credits and degree requirements

Total courses: forty
Recommended Course Sequence First Year: ten courses, including BIOL-1111, BIOL-1101, CHEM-1100, CHEM-1110, MATH-1720 (or MATH-1760), STAT-2910, ESCI-2111, ESCI-1100 Second Year: ten courses, including BIOL-2101, ESCI-2111, ESCI-2210, ESCI-2131, ESCI-2141, ESCI-2421 Third and Fourth Years: twenty courses, including ESCI-3801, ESCI-3735 or ESCI-3755, and eleven additional courses from BIOL-2111, BIOL-3250, BIOL-3281, BIOL-4241, BIOL-4270, BIOL-4280, BIOL-4864, CHEM-3210, ESCI-1141, ESCI-2701, ESCI-2721, ESCI-2400, ESCI-2705, ESCI-3310, ESCI-3610, ESCI-3701, ESCI-3751, ESCI-3761, ESCI-4301, ESCI-4500, ESCI-4710, ESCI-4721, ESCI-4911, ESTU-2500 and ESTU-3310.
Recommended Course Sequence First Year: ten courses, including BIOL-1111, BIOL-1101, CHEM-1100, CHEM-1110, MATH-1720 (or MATH-1760), STAT-2910, ESCI-1100, ESCI-1141 (for GIS certificate option), ESCI-1151 . Second Year: ten courses, including BIOL-2101, ESCI-2111, ESCI-2210, ESCI-2131, ESCI-2141, ESCI-2421 Third and Fourth Years: twenty courses, including ESCI-3801, ESCI-3735 or ESCI-3755, ESCI-4900 and nine additional courses from BIOL-2111, BIOL-3250, BIOL-3281, BIOL-4241, BIOL-4270, BIOL-4280, BIOL-4864, CHEM-3210, ESCI-1141, ESCI-2701, ESCI-2721, ESCI-2400, ESCI-2705, ESCI-3310, ESCI-3610, ESCI-3701, ESCI-3751, ESCI-3761, ESCI-4301, ESCI-4500, ESCI-4710, ESCI-4721, ESCI-4911, ESTU-2500 and ESTU-3310.

References

Course planning

(a) ESCI-1100, ESCI-1151, ESCI-2111, ESCI-2131, ESCI-2141, ESCI-2210, ESCI-2421, and ESCI-3735 or ESCI-3755. (b) twelve courses with at least two at the 4xxx* from: BIOL-2111, BIOL-3250, BIOL-3281, BIOL-4241, BIOL-4270, BIOL-4280, BIOL-4864, CHEM-3210, ESCI-1141, ESCI-2710, ESCI-2721, ESCI-2400, ESCI-2705, ESCI-3310, ESCI-3610, ESCI-3701, ESCI-3751, ESCI-3761, ESCI-4301, ESCI-4500, ESCI-4710, ESCI-4721, ESCI-4911, ESTU-2500, ESTU-3310. (ESCI-4911 is a 6-credit course and counts as 2 courses from List (b).) (c) BIOL-1111 or BIOL-1013 (with School of the Environmental approval), CHEM-1100, CHEM-1110, MATH-1720 (or MATH-1760)and STAT-2910. (d) Thirteen additional courses. Minimum of five courses from the Faculty of Science and a minimum of two courses from any area of study other than Science.
Total courses: forty (a) ESCI-1100, ESCI-1151, ESCI-2111, ESCI-2131, ESCI-2141, ESCI-2210, ESCI-2421, ESCI-3735 or ESCI-3755, ESCI-3801, and ESCI-4900.(6 credit Course) (b) ten courses from: BIOL-2111, BIOL-3250, BIOL-3281, , BIOL-4241, BIOL-4270, BIOL-4280, BIOL-4864, CHEM-3210, ESCI-1141, ESCI-2701, ESCI-2721, ESCI-2400, ESCI-2705, ESCI-3310, ESCI-3610, ESCI-3701, ESCI-3751, ESCI-3761, ESCI-4301, ESCI-4500, ESCI-4710, ESCI-4721, ESCI-4911, ESTU-2500, ESTU-3310. (ESCI-4911 is a 6-credit course and counts as 2 courses from List (b).) (c) BIOL-1111 or BIOL-1013 (with School of the Environmental approval), BIOL-2101, CHEM-1100, CHEM-1110, MATH-1720 (or MATH-1760), and STAT-2910. (d) Thirteen additional courses. Minimum of five courses from the Faculty of Science and a minimum of two courses from any area of study other than Science.

References

Program facts

Academic minimum

Work experienceClass-based experiential education

Class-based experiential education. The listing does not guarantee a position or establish paid status, term length or individual eligibility.

Check work experience options

Courses

Exact Winter 2027 undergraduate degree requirements, including named alternatives and optional routes. These courses are not all first-year requirements. The separate suspended-course bank is excluded.

Without thesis; First Year9 listed

Published suggested degree sequence, including listed alternatives. Unnamed choices and elective counts are specified separately.

BIOL-1111Biological Diversity
Study life’s origins and diversity, evolution, reproduction, heredity and ecology.
BIOL-1101Cell Biology
Study the molecular and cellular basis of life, genetics, energy, differentiation and development.
CHEM-1100General Chemistry I
Study atoms, reactions, chemical calculations, energy, bonding, molecular shape and gases.
CHEM-1110General Chemistry II
Continue general chemistry with reaction rates, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics and introductory organic chemistry.
MATH-1720Differential Calculus
Study limits, derivatives, applications and introductory integrals in the route for students with MHF4U and MCV4U.
MATH-1760Functions and Differential Calculus
Study functions and differential calculus in the route for students with MHF4U but without MCV4U.
STAT-2910Statistics for the Sciences
Study probability, distributions, estimation, hypothesis tests and statistical summaries.
ESCI-2111Introduction to Earth Science
Study Earth materials, geological processes, plate tectonics and mineral and energy resources.
ESCI-1100Environmental Systems - An Introduction to Environmental Science
Explore Earth’s environmental systems, energy and matter cycles, and human environmental impacts.

Without thesis; Second Year6 listed

Published suggested degree sequence, including listed alternatives. Unnamed choices and elective counts are specified separately.

BIOL-2101Ecology
Study species distribution, reproduction, population dynamics, species interactions and community ecology.
ESCI-2111Introduction to Earth Science
Study Earth materials, geological processes, plate tectonics and mineral and energy resources.
ESCI-2210Introduction to Climate Change
Study past and future climate change, environmental impacts and the influence of politics and media.
ESCI-2131Introduction to Geochemistry
Apply chemical principles, equilibria, redox processes and isotope geochemistry to environmental materials and problems.
ESCI-2141Hydrology
Study watershed water movement, storage, measurement and forecasting, including snowmelt, wetlands and human impacts.
ESCI-2421Soils and sediments
Study soil and sediment formation, structure, classification, analysis and environmental importance.

Without thesis; Third and Fourth Years28 listed

Published suggested degree sequence, including listed alternatives. Unnamed choices and elective counts are specified separately.

ESCI-3801Scientific Writing and Data Management
Develop scientific writing, presentations, data processing and management skills for research and consulting.
ESCI-3735Field methods for Environmental Science
Collect and analyze environmental field samples and spatial data, then visualize and report findings.
ESCI-3755Methods in Great Lakes Geomicrobiology
Use field and laboratory methods to investigate microbial and biogeochemical processes in Great Lakes sediments and waters.
BIOL-2111Genetics
Study inheritance, gene expression, mutation, population genetics and molecular techniques such as PCR and sequencing.
BIOL-3250Population and Community ecology
Study population growth, regulation, ecological patterns and interactions among species in communities.
BIOL-3281Plant Ecology
Study plant interactions with organisms and environments across individual, population and ecosystem scales.
BIOL-4241Stream Ecology
Study river environments, energy processing, organism adaptations and ecological interactions.
BIOL-4270Conservation biology
Study conservation genetics, habitat fragmentation and threatened-species management through cases.
BIOL-4280Limnology
Study large lakes and estuaries, their physical and chemical dynamics and organisms’ life-history requirements.
BIOL-4864Great Lakes Field Biology
Study Great Lakes ecology, contaminants and species changes through field sampling, a project and seminar.
CHEM-3210Principles of Instrument Analysis
Use modern analytical instruments to assess chemical composition and structure, including spectroscopy and separation methods.
ESCI-1141Cartography and Digital Mapping
Design and interpret maps using projections, coordinate systems, symbols and digital mapping tools.
ESCI-2701Geospatial Data Collection and Database Design
Build spatial databases using geospatial data, SQL, collection tools, quality assurance and metadata.
ESCI-2721Introduction to Image Processing and Remote Sensing
Interpret aerial and satellite imagery and use remote-sensing software to examine environmental change.
ESCI-2400Geomorphology
Study surface processes and landforms shaped by ice, water, wind, gravity and the atmosphere.
ESCI-2705Applied Geophysics
Use geophysical techniques to measure near-surface properties and investigate environmental and related problems.
ESCI-3310Global Water Crisis
Study freshwater pressures and links among water, food, energy, climate, pollution and consumption.
ESCI-3610Environmental Impact Assessment
Apply impact-assessment theory, methods, ethics and Canadian requirements to a major assessment project.
ESCI-3701Spatial Modelling in GIS
Use advanced GIS models for decisions, including calibration, uncertainty, sensitivity and validation.
ESCI-3751Environmental Geochemistry
Study environmental chemical reactions, nutrient cycles, contaminant movement and connections among land and water systems.
ESCI-3761Geostatistical Analysis in GIS
Use geostatistics to analyze spatial patterns, clusters, distributions and relationships.
ESCI-4301Groundwater Resources
Study groundwater occurrence, chemistry, movement, threats, management and advanced applications.
ESCI-4500Ecosystem Health
Analyze ecosystems, human stressors, management and environmental policy through cases and problem-solving.
ESCI-4710Environmental Site Assessment
Study environmental site assessments, risk, corrective action, standards and greenfield and brownfield cases.
ESCI-4721Biogeochemistry
Study element cycles, microbial processes and molecular and isotope techniques for environmental problems.
ESCI-4911GIS Capstone Research Project
Design and complete a GIS research project, including data analysis, literature review, reporting and management.
ESTU-2500Concepts for Ecosystem Management
Connect ecosystem monitoring and management with biodiversity, Canadian policy and Ontario environmental programmes.
ESTU-3310Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
Study Great Lakes water agreements, binational management, policy, science and public participation.

With thesis; First Year10 listed

Published suggested degree sequence, including listed alternatives. Unnamed choices and elective counts are specified separately.

BIOL-1111Biological Diversity
Study life’s origins and diversity, evolution, reproduction, heredity and ecology.
BIOL-1101Cell Biology
Study the molecular and cellular basis of life, genetics, energy, differentiation and development.
CHEM-1100General Chemistry I
Study atoms, reactions, chemical calculations, energy, bonding, molecular shape and gases.
CHEM-1110General Chemistry II
Continue general chemistry with reaction rates, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics and introductory organic chemistry.
MATH-1720Differential Calculus
Study limits, derivatives, applications and introductory integrals in the route for students with MHF4U and MCV4U.
MATH-1760Functions and Differential Calculus
Study functions and differential calculus in the route for students with MHF4U but without MCV4U.
STAT-2910Statistics for the Sciences
Study probability, distributions, estimation, hypothesis tests and statistical summaries.
ESCI-1100Environmental Systems - An Introduction to Environmental Science
Explore Earth’s environmental systems, energy and matter cycles, and human environmental impacts.
ESCI-1141Cartography and Digital Mapping
Design and interpret maps using projections, coordinate systems, symbols and digital mapping tools.
ESCI-1151Fundamentals of GIS
Use geographic information systems to manage, analyze and combine spatial data in laboratory work.

With thesis; Second Year6 listed

Published suggested degree sequence, including listed alternatives. Unnamed choices and elective counts are specified separately.

BIOL-2101Ecology
Study species distribution, reproduction, population dynamics, species interactions and community ecology.
ESCI-2111Introduction to Earth Science
Study Earth materials, geological processes, plate tectonics and mineral and energy resources.
ESCI-2210Introduction to Climate Change
Study past and future climate change, environmental impacts and the influence of politics and media.
ESCI-2131Introduction to Geochemistry
Apply chemical principles, equilibria, redox processes and isotope geochemistry to environmental materials and problems.
ESCI-2141Hydrology
Study watershed water movement, storage, measurement and forecasting, including snowmelt, wetlands and human impacts.
ESCI-2421Soils and sediments
Study soil and sediment formation, structure, classification, analysis and environmental importance.

With thesis; Third and Fourth Years29 listed

Published suggested degree sequence, including listed alternatives. Unnamed choices and elective counts are specified separately.

ESCI-3801Scientific Writing and Data Management
Develop scientific writing, presentations, data processing and management skills for research and consulting.
ESCI-3735Field methods for Environmental Science
Collect and analyze environmental field samples and spatial data, then visualize and report findings.
ESCI-3755Methods in Great Lakes Geomicrobiology
Use field and laboratory methods to investigate microbial and biogeochemical processes in Great Lakes sediments and waters.
ESCI-4900Thesis Research in Environmental Science6 credits
Complete an original supervised environmental-science research project, written report and public seminar.
BIOL-2111Genetics
Study inheritance, gene expression, mutation, population genetics and molecular techniques such as PCR and sequencing.
BIOL-3250Population and Community ecology
Study population growth, regulation, ecological patterns and interactions among species in communities.
BIOL-3281Plant Ecology
Study plant interactions with organisms and environments across individual, population and ecosystem scales.
BIOL-4241Stream Ecology
Study river environments, energy processing, organism adaptations and ecological interactions.
BIOL-4270Conservation biology
Study conservation genetics, habitat fragmentation and threatened-species management through cases.
BIOL-4280Limnology
Study large lakes and estuaries, their physical and chemical dynamics and organisms’ life-history requirements.
BIOL-4864Great Lakes Field Biology
Study Great Lakes ecology, contaminants and species changes through field sampling, a project and seminar.
CHEM-3210Principles of Instrument Analysis
Use modern analytical instruments to assess chemical composition and structure, including spectroscopy and separation methods.
ESCI-1141Cartography and Digital Mapping
Design and interpret maps using projections, coordinate systems, symbols and digital mapping tools.
ESCI-2701Geospatial Data Collection and Database Design
Build spatial databases using geospatial data, SQL, collection tools, quality assurance and metadata.
ESCI-2721Introduction to Image Processing and Remote Sensing
Interpret aerial and satellite imagery and use remote-sensing software to examine environmental change.
ESCI-2400Geomorphology
Study surface processes and landforms shaped by ice, water, wind, gravity and the atmosphere.
ESCI-2705Applied Geophysics
Use geophysical techniques to measure near-surface properties and investigate environmental and related problems.
ESCI-3310Global Water Crisis
Study freshwater pressures and links among water, food, energy, climate, pollution and consumption.
ESCI-3610Environmental Impact Assessment
Apply impact-assessment theory, methods, ethics and Canadian requirements to a major assessment project.
ESCI-3701Spatial Modelling in GIS
Use advanced GIS models for decisions, including calibration, uncertainty, sensitivity and validation.
ESCI-3751Environmental Geochemistry
Study environmental chemical reactions, nutrient cycles, contaminant movement and connections among land and water systems.
ESCI-3761Geostatistical Analysis in GIS
Use geostatistics to analyze spatial patterns, clusters, distributions and relationships.
ESCI-4301Groundwater Resources
Study groundwater occurrence, chemistry, movement, threats, management and advanced applications.
ESCI-4500Ecosystem Health
Analyze ecosystems, human stressors, management and environmental policy through cases and problem-solving.
ESCI-4710Environmental Site Assessment
Study environmental site assessments, risk, corrective action, standards and greenfield and brownfield cases.
ESCI-4721Biogeochemistry
Study element cycles, microbial processes and molecular and isotope techniques for environmental problems.
ESCI-4911GIS Capstone Research Project
Design and complete a GIS research project, including data analysis, literature review, reporting and management.
ESTU-2500Concepts for Ecosystem Management
Connect ecosystem monitoring and management with biodiversity, Canadian policy and Ontario environmental programmes.
ESTU-3310Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
Study Great Lakes water agreements, binational management, policy, science and public participation.

Environmental Science first year: shared recommended courses6 listed

Shared named courses in the recommended first-year sequences with and without thesis. Additional choices complete the ten-course year.

BIOL-1111Biological Diversity
Study life’s origins and diversity, evolution, reproduction, heredity and ecology.
BIOL-1101Cell Biology
Study the molecular and cellular basis of life, genetics, energy, differentiation and development.
CHEM-1100General Chemistry I
Study atoms, reactions, chemical calculations, energy, bonding, molecular shape and gases.
CHEM-1110General Chemistry II
Continue general chemistry with reaction rates, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics and introductory organic chemistry.
STAT-2910Statistics for the Sciences
Study probability, distributions, estimation, hypothesis tests and statistical summaries.
ESCI-1100Environmental Systems - An Introduction to Environmental Science
Explore Earth’s environmental systems, energy and matter cycles, and human environmental impacts.

Environmental Science first year: calculus alternatives2 listed

Choose the calculus route matching prior MCV4U study; these are alternatives, not two required courses.

MATH-1720Differential Calculus
Study limits, derivatives, applications and introductory integrals in the route for students with MHF4U and MCV4U.
MATH-1760Functions and Differential Calculus
Study functions and differential calculus in the route for students with MHF4U but without MCV4U.

Environmental Science first year: route-specific geography3 listed

The non-thesis sequence names ESCI2111. The thesis sequence names ESCI1151 and ESCI1141 for the GIS certificate option. These are not three universally required first-year courses.

ESCI-2111Introduction to Earth Science
Study Earth materials, geological processes, plate tectonics and mineral and energy resources.
ESCI-1141Cartography and Digital Mapping
Design and interpret maps using projections, coordinate systems, symbols and digital mapping tools.
ESCI-1151Fundamentals of GIS
Use geographic information systems to manage, analyze and combine spatial data in laboratory work.

Additional published courses

BIOL-1013Organisms and the Environment
Study organisms and environments for non-majors; the calendar excludes this course from Faculty of Science degree credit.

Elective choices

(a) ESCI-1100, ESCI-1151, ESCI-2111, ESCI-2131, ESCI-2141, ESCI-2210, ESCI-2421, and ESCI-3735 or ESCI-3755. (b) twelve courses with at least two at the 4xxx* from: BIOL-2111, BIOL-3250, BIOL-3281, BIOL-4241, BIOL-4270, BIOL-4280, BIOL-4864, CHEM-3210, ESCI-1141, ESCI-2710, ESCI-2721, ESCI-2400, ESCI-2705, ESCI-3310, ESCI-3610, ESCI-3701, ESCI-3751, ESCI-3761, ESCI-4301, ESCI-4500, ESCI-4710, ESCI-4721, ESCI-4911, ESTU-2500, ESTU-3310. (ESCI-4911 is a 6-credit course and counts as 2 courses from List (b).) (c) BIOL-1111 or BIOL-1013 (with School of the Environmental approval), CHEM-1100, CHEM-1110, MATH-1720 (or MATH-1760)and STAT-2910. (d) Thirteen additional courses. Minimum of five courses from the Faculty of Science and a minimum of two courses from any area of study other than Science.
Recommended Course Sequence First Year: ten courses, including BIOL-1111, BIOL-1101, CHEM-1100, CHEM-1110, MATH-1720 (or MATH-1760), STAT-2910, ESCI-2111, ESCI-1100 Second Year: ten courses, including BIOL-2101, ESCI-2111, ESCI-2210, ESCI-2131, ESCI-2141, ESCI-2421 Third and Fourth Years: twenty courses, including ESCI-3801, ESCI-3735 or ESCI-3755, and eleven additional courses from BIOL-2111, BIOL-3250, BIOL-3281, BIOL-4241, BIOL-4270, BIOL-4280, BIOL-4864, CHEM-3210, ESCI-1141, ESCI-2701, ESCI-2721, ESCI-2400, ESCI-2705, ESCI-3310, ESCI-3610, ESCI-3701, ESCI-3751, ESCI-3761, ESCI-4301, ESCI-4500, ESCI-4710, ESCI-4721, ESCI-4911, ESTU-2500 and ESTU-3310.
Total courses: forty (a) ESCI-1100, ESCI-1151, ESCI-2111, ESCI-2131, ESCI-2141, ESCI-2210, ESCI-2421, ESCI-3735 or ESCI-3755, ESCI-3801, and ESCI-4900.(6 credit Course) (b) ten courses from: BIOL-2111, BIOL-3250, BIOL-3281, , BIOL-4241, BIOL-4270, BIOL-4280, BIOL-4864, CHEM-3210, ESCI-1141, ESCI-2701, ESCI-2721, ESCI-2400, ESCI-2705, ESCI-3310, ESCI-3610, ESCI-3701, ESCI-3751, ESCI-3761, ESCI-4301, ESCI-4500, ESCI-4710, ESCI-4721, ESCI-4911, ESTU-2500, ESTU-3310. (ESCI-4911 is a 6-credit course and counts as 2 courses from List (b).) (c) BIOL-1111 or BIOL-1013 (with School of the Environmental approval), BIOL-2101, CHEM-1100, CHEM-1110, MATH-1720 (or MATH-1760), and STAT-2910. (d) Thirteen additional courses. Minimum of five courses from the Faculty of Science and a minimum of two courses from any area of study other than Science.
Recommended Course Sequence First Year: ten courses, including BIOL-1111, BIOL-1101, CHEM-1100, CHEM-1110, MATH-1720 (or MATH-1760), STAT-2910, ESCI-1100, ESCI-1141 (for GIS certificate option), ESCI-1151 . Second Year: ten courses, including BIOL-2101, ESCI-2111, ESCI-2210, ESCI-2131, ESCI-2141, ESCI-2421 Third and Fourth Years: twenty courses, including ESCI-3801, ESCI-3735 or ESCI-3755, ESCI-4900 and nine additional courses from BIOL-2111, BIOL-3250, BIOL-3281, BIOL-4241, BIOL-4270, BIOL-4280, BIOL-4864, CHEM-3210, ESCI-1141, ESCI-2701, ESCI-2721, ESCI-2400, ESCI-2705, ESCI-3310, ESCI-3610, ESCI-3701, ESCI-3751, ESCI-3761, ESCI-4301, ESCI-4500, ESCI-4710, ESCI-4721, ESCI-4911, ESTU-2500 and ESTU-3310.

Study routes

Routes explicitly named within this degree section. Entry and graduation requirements differ by option.

Honours Environmental Science
Honours Environmental Science with Thesis

Study locations

Published academic-unit location: The School of the Environment lists its main office on the second floor of Memorial Hall, room 204. The same contact page names an Environmental Science advisor. This is the school contact office; individual course rooms are separate.Windsor: named envsci academic-unit location

References

Careers

Career examples

Agricultural specialist
Air quality specialist
Business advisor
Climate change manager
Compliance officer
Conservation officer
Consultant
Data entry technician
EHS specialist
Environmental scientist
Forest ecologist
GIS technician
Hydrologist / Hydrogeologist
Journalist
Lawyer
Meteorologist
Modeller
Park ranger
Policy analyst / Regulator
Politician
Professor
Project manager
Research scientist
Soil scientist
Sustainability specialist
Teacher
Waste management director
Water quality control
Wildlife management

Scope and qualifications

University Environmental Science and Environmental Studies career map, including further-education routes. Its employment statistic is for a broader physical-sciences cohort and is not a programme outcome.