A four-year plan for environmental science students
This is a recommended plan of courses for students in the environmental sciences program, with potential activities and opportunities to enhance their education in outlined. For more specific information contact the Undergraduate Advisor.
First year (0-30 units)
Courses to take:
- EVSC 100
- 100-level science requirements (ex. BISC 101, 102, CHEM 121, 122, 126, etc.) Find the full list in the Academic Calendar.
- Any remaining pre-reqs for 100-level science requirements (high school-equivalent science courses)
- EASC 101 or GEOG 111 or EVSC 206 or REM 100 (depending on stream the student would like to complete)
- Breadth requirements (see FAQs)
Considerations:
- Which stream you intend to complete
- Which 300- and 400-level courses look interesting to you and what the pre-reqs are for them
Enhance your degree:
- Use the to strengthen academic skills
- Attend academic advising to explore options for minors and certificates
- Look into Co-op requirements if you would like to participate
- Get involved with clubs and student groups such as the Environmental Science Student Union
Second year (30-60 units)
Courses to take:
- EVSC 201W
- Any remaining 100-level science requirements
- BISC 204 or GEOG 215
- ARCH 286 or REM 207 (be conscious of your breadth requirements)
- STAT 201 or 270
- Any 200-level requirements specific to your chosen stream
Considerations:
- If trying to choose between streams try taking a course that is specific for each and see which you like better
- Declare your stream by the end of your second year. You are able to change this later should you choose
- Which 300- and 400-level courses look interesting to you and what pre-reqs do you need are for them
Enhance your degree:
- Apply for Co-op if you intend to participate
- Are you interested in doing an international exchange?
- Are you eligible for Work-Study?
- Do you need some extra support outside the classroom?
- Speak with Career and Volunteer Services to learn more about the workshops, events, and resources they have available
Third year (60-90 units)
Courses to take:
- EVSC 300
- EVSC 305
- Any 300- and 400-level requirements specific to your chosen stream
Considerations:
- When are the courses you want to take offered? Refer to the Courses section of each department's website to find out (often these are listed under Current Students - here is the page for EVSC)
- Plan your courses around the ones you are required to take, the courses you are most interested in learning, and the courses that are offered the least often
- Ensure you will have the pre-reqs necessary for these courses before you intend to enroll - some courses will allow you to enroll with permission of the instructor. Don't be afraid to ask for this option!
- If there are new courses or special topics available that you are interested in contact your academic advisor to see if they can be substituted into your degree requirements
Enhance your degree:
- Interested in conducting your own research? Think about completing the Honours program or developing a Directed Studies with a faculty member
- Connect with instructors whose courses you enjoyed, or researchers working in the field you are interested in to see if they have any opportunities for you to participate in their research. Information about the kind of research they conduct should be available on a department's Staff and Faculty page - Here is the page for the School of Environmental Science
- Learn about different kinds of research and how people become involved in their lines of work by attending the SES Seminar Series
- Consider which professional designations you would be interested in if any. Are there any extra courses you will need to take to register?
- Speak with Career and Volunteer Services to learn more about the workshops, events, and resources they have available
Fourth year (90-120 units)
Courses to take:
- EVSC 400 (to be taken in your final Spring semester)
- Any remaining 300- and 400-level requirements specific to your chosen stream
- Any remaining credits to fulfill your credit count requirements (at least 120 overall credits, with 44 or more in the upper division for a major, and 60 or more in the upper division for an honours)
Considerations:
- If courses you need to graduate are clashing in your schedule contact the academic advisor right away, substitute courses are available on a case by case basis
- Take all of your WQB courses - it is especially important to plan for your upper division W course since there are less options to fulfill this requirement
- When are the courses you want to take offered? Refer to the 'Courses' section of each department's website to find out (often these are listed under Current Students - here is the page for EVSC)
- If there are new courses or special topics available that you are interested in contact your academic advisor to see if they can be substituted into your degree requirements
Enhance your degree:
- Learn about different kinds of research and how people become involved in their lines of work by attending the SES Seminar Series
- Connect with instructors whose courses you enjoyed, or researchers working in the field you are interested in to see if they have any opportunities for you to participate in their research. Information about the kind of research they conduct should be available on a department's Staff and Faculty page - Here is the page for the School of Environmental Science
- Attend the Faculty of Environment's Career Night to hear about the career journeys our alumni have taken and take inspiration for your building your own career!
- Consider which professional designations you would be interested in if any. Are there any extra courses you will need to take to register? Can you attend any workshops to learn more about the designation?
- Speak with Career and Volunteer Services to learn more about the workshops, events, and resources they have available
