Biology (Thesis): Environment (M.Sc.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)
Degree: Master of Science
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
**This program is currently not offered.**
The M.Sc. in Biology; Environment option is a research program offered in collaboration with the Bieler School of Environment. As a complement to the unit’s expertise, the program considers how various dimensions (scientific, social, legal, ethical) interact to define environment and sustainability issues.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis Courses (36 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 690 | Master's Thesis Research 4. | 10 |
Master's Thesis Research 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee. | ||
| BIOL 697 | Master's Thesis Research 1. | 13 |
Master's Thesis Research 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee. | ||
| BIOL 698 | Master's Thesis Research 2. | 13 |
Master's Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee. | ||
Required Courses (3 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENVR 615 | Interdisciplinary Approach Environment and Sustainability. | 3 |
Interdisciplinary Approach Environment and Sustainability. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Through a series of modules on current environmental and sustainability issues, this course emphasizes the value and challenges of an interdisciplinary approach by examining how different fields can work together to address these issues. | ||
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
3-6 credits, one of the following courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENVR 610 | Foundations of Environmental Policy. | 3 |
Foundations of Environmental Policy. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Analysis of current environmental policies to reveal implicit and explicit assumptions regarding scientific methods, hypothesis testing, subject/object, causality, certainty, deities, health, development, North-South concerns for resources, commons, national sovereignty, equity. Discussion of implications of such assumptions for building future environmental policies. | ||
| ENVR 614 | Mobilizing Research for Sustainability. | 3 |
Mobilizing Research for Sustainability. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Through workshops and practice, students will develop communication strategies and acquire collaboration and leadership skills to foster innovation and help translate knowledge into action to address complex environmental and sustainability issues. Students will learn methods, build skills, and develop mindsets that can enable their research to have an impact on the most pressing issues in sustainability. | ||
0-3 credits chosen from:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENVR 585 | Readings in Environment 2. | 3 |
Readings in Environment 2. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Interdisciplinary literature project/essays related to environment, enabling advanced-level study under guidance of Environment faculty in areas outside the scope of individual departments. | ||
| ENVR 630 | Civilization and Environment. | 3 |
Civilization and Environment. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Considers ways to reduce the human impact on Earth's life support systems through variables such as population size, wealth, technology, and conduct. Critically describes ethical frameworks for judging personal and policy choices, including post-collapse scenarios. | ||
| ENVR 680 | Topics in Environment 4. | 3 |
Topics in Environment 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Seminars and discussion of advanced, interdisciplinary aspects of current problems in environment led by staff and/or special guests. | ||
or 3 credits at the 500 level or higher recommended by the Advisory Committee and approved by the Environment Option Committee.