Carolyn Peach Brown, Associate Professor, Director
Nino Antadze, Assistant Professor
Nicholas Mercer, Assistant Professor

Overview
The objective of the Bachelor of Environmental Studies program at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is to equip students as global citizens, with the tools to understand the environmental connections across academic fields, to critically analyze complex environmental issues, and to lead the way in innovation toward sustainable solutions. Environmental issues typically do not respect traditional academic boundaries and require scientific, technical, human and social perspectives to address. As an interdisciplinary liberal arts and science program, the Bachelor of Environmental Studies will provide students with the opportunity to integrate knowledge across faculties of Arts, Science, and Business. In the classroom, in the field and in the community, students will explore how they can make a positive impact toward sustainability in their personal lives, communities and globally.

A student enrolled in the BES will require a total of 120 credit hours or 40 Courses which includes a minimum of 42 credit hours or 14 discipline specific courses with a designation of Environmental Studies (ENV). Of these 14 ENV courses, at least 6 must be at the 3000 level or above, including at least 2 at the 4000 level. There are 5 required core (ENV) courses included as part of the 14 discipline specific courses, one of which requires a 30 hour internship working with a community partner engaged in the environmental field (ENV 3010). There are requirements from the Faculties of Arts, Science, and Business. Students are required to choose one of three specializations:

Environmental Thought and Practice
Island Environments and Sustainability
Environmental Innovation and Change Management

Note: Each specialization has specific required courses (see Specializations tab).

Degree Requirements

ALL BACHELOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (BES) MAJORS
A total of 120 credit hours or 40 courses which includes a minimum of 42 credit hours or 14 discipline specific courses with a designation of Environmental Studies (ENV). Of these 14 ENV courses, at least 6 must be at the 3000 level or above, including at least 2 at the 4000 level. There are 5 required core (ENV) courses included as part of the 14 discipline specific courses.

(NOTE: As per Academic Regulation #1 h), all undergraduate degree programs require successful completion of IKE-1040, one of UPEI-1010, 1020 or 1030, and a Writing Intensive Course.)   

Five Core Environmental Studies Courses (ENV) = 15 Hours Credit
ENV 1010 – Introduction to Environmental Studies
ENV 2030 – Societies and Sustainability: Past and Present
ENV 2040 – Methods of Environmental Inquiry
ENV 3010 – Environmental Studies Internship
ENV 4010 – Public Scholars on Environmental Issues

At least nine (9) additional Environmental Studies (ENV) courses = 27 Hours Credit. Please note that these 9 courses can be taken as part of a specialization requirement (see Specialization tab) or as an ENV elective to fulfil the requirements indicated above.

CHOICE OF ONE (1) SPECIALIZATION – (see Specialization tab for description and required courses for each Specialization)

REQUIRED COURSES IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS – ALL BES MAJORS

• One of UPEI 1010, 1020, or 1030 = 3 Hours Credit AND
• IKE 1040 AND
• One Writing Intensive Course

3 Foundational Cognate Courses = 9 Hours Credit (Please note that these courses are required in addition to the other requirements for the BES)

• Biology 1010 – Environmental Biology
• Philosophy 3020 (formerly 2030) – Environmental Philosophy
• Either Sociology 1010 – Introduction to Sociology I OR Anthropology 1050 – Introduction to Anthropology I

1 Course in Statistical Methods = 3 Hours Credit

• Statistics 1210 – Introductory Statistics (or other course with permission of Director) (Note: Please contact the Director if you lack the requirements for university level Math courses)

4 Foundational Courses from Science and Business that fit the following criteria = 12 Hours Credit (Please note that these courses are required in addition to the other requirements for the BES)

• 2 Science
• 2 Science or Business

4 Foundational Courses from Arts that fit the following criteria = 12 Hours Credit (Please note that these courses are required in addition to the other requirements for the BES)

• It is recommended that students take 1 Political Science or Economics
• 3 Arts

GENERAL ELECTIVES
The remaining number of semester hours required to complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Environmental Studies (120 credit hours) will be made up from courses selected by the students.

WRITING INTENSIVE COURSE
All graduating students at UPEI must include at least one Writing Intensive course as part of their graduation requirements:
Either English 3810 – Professional Writing or Business 2110 – Business Communications are recommended.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
Students are expected to apply for a particular specialization at the beginning of their second year. However, it is possible for students to declare a specialization until the end of their third year. Please note that Environmental courses taken as part of a specialization requirement can be used to fulfil the Environmental course requirements for the BES.

ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIZATION
The specialization in Environmental Innovation and Change Management focuses on learning how to live within the limits of our environment, and develop innovations to manage the interaction of human activities with and upon the environment in a positive way; to challenge the conventional and move organizations, businesses and communities to invoke positive change.

Two Core Specialization Courses = 6 Hours Credit
ENV 3320 – Environmental Innovation and Change Management Skills
Either Economics 2110 – Introduction to Resource Economics OR Economics 2150 – Environmental Economics

9 credit hours chosen from the following list OR other course with permission of Director:
ENV 2240 – Field Course in Ecological Forestry
ENV 2420 – Society and Natural Resources
ENV 3510 – Sustainable Community Planning
ENV 3540 – Environmental Valuation: Theory and Practice
ENV 4330 – Environmental Communication Strategies
ENV 4950 – Environmental Studies Symposium
ENGN 1520 – Engineering and the Biosphere
BUS 1410 – Marketing
BUS 2650 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
BUS 3730 – Tourism Management
PHYS 2610 – Energy, Environment and the Economy
SAN 3410 – Technology, Society and the Environment

ENVIRONMENTAL THOUGHT AND PRACTICE SPECIALIZATION
The specialization in Environmental Thought and Practice focuses on the exploration of the values, attitudes and beliefs of people in relation to the environment in order to provide answers to pressing environmental concerns.

Two Core Specialization Courses = 6 Hours Credit
Either Psychology 1010 – Introduction to Psychology I OR Psychology 3330 – Ecopsychology
Sociology/Anthropology 3410 – Technology, Society and the Environment

9 credit hours chosen from the following list OR other course with permission of Director:
ENV 2420 – Society and Natural Resources
ENV 2310 – Island Environmental Histories
ENV 3420 – Environment and Development
ENV 4110 – Environmental Governance
ENV 4330 – Environmental Communication Strategies
ENV 4950 – Environmental Studies Symposium
ENG 3220 – English-Canadian Poetry
ENG 3620 – 19th-Century American Literature 1830-1910
HIST 4830 – The History of the Environmentalist Movement
PHIL 2060 – Animal Ethics
PHIL 2710 – Ethics of Climate Change
PHIL 3710 – Community-based Ethical Inquiry

ISLAND ENVIRONMENTS AND SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIZATION
The Island Environments and Sustainability specialization focuses on the diverse characteristics of islands and islanders’ interaction with the environment in order to gain an understanding of lessons for sustainability in all places.

Two Core Specialization Courses = 6 Hours Credit
IST 2010 – Introduction to Island Studies
Either POLS 2330 – Political Geography OR ENV 3340 – Environmental Stresses on Island Communities

9 credit hours from the following list OR other course with permission of Director:
ENV 2120 – Earth’s Physical Environment
ENV 2310 – Island Environmental Histories
ENV 3110 – Understanding Climate Change
ENV 3210 – Natural Hazards
ENV 3510 – Sustainable Community Planning
ENV 4110 – Environmental Governance
BIO 2220 – Ecology
BIO 3270 – Field Coastal Ecology
BIO 3910 – Marine Biology
BIO 4520 – Biogeography and Macroecology
BIO 4620 – Watershed Ecology
SOC 3050 – Population and Society

(APPROVED LIST OF SCIENCE, BUSINESS AND ARTS COURSES)

Applied Human Sciences:
Foods and Nutrition 2230 – Nutrition and Dietary Behaviour

Biology: (please note that Biology 1310-1320 are required as prerequisites for the other Biology courses below)
1310 – Genes, Cells & Macromolecules
1320 – Organisms and Their Environment
2220 – Ecology
2020 – Botany
2040 – Zoology
3110 – Plants and People
3140 – Plant Community Ecology
3270 – Field Coastal Ecology
3510 – Ornithology
3710 – Life of Mammals
3910 – Marine Biology
4520 – Biogeography and Macroecology
4540 – Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
4620 – Watershed Ecology
4650 – Marine Community Ecology
4850 – Environmental Toxicology

Chemistry: (please note that Chemistry 1110-1120 are required as prerequisites for the other Chemistry courses below)
1110 – General Chemistry I
1120 – General Chemistry II
2020 – Environmental Chemistry
2430 – Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences

Physics:
2610 – Energy, Environment and the Economy
2630 – Atmospheric and Ocean Physics

Business:
1010 – Introduction to Business
1410 – Marketing
1710 – Organizational Behaviour
2120 – Business Presentations and Communications
2510 – Introduction to Management Science
2650 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
2750 – Introduction to Biotechnology
3730 – Tourism Management

Arts:
Economics:
2110 – Introduction to Resource Economics
2150 – Environmental Economics
2830 – Agricultural Economics

English:
3220 – English Canadian Poetry
3310 – The Literature of Atlantic Canada
3350 – British Romantic Literature
3620 – 19th century American literature, 1830-1910

History:
2310 – The Atlantic Region
3310 – History of Prince Edward Island: Pre-Confederation
3320 – History of Prince Edward Island: Post-Confederation
4830 – History of the Environmentalism

International Studies:
2010 – Introduction to International Development Studies

Modern Languages:
2110 – Latin American Studies: South America

Philosophy:
1020 – Introduction to Ethics and Social Philosophy
1050 – Technology, Values, and Science
1110 – Critical Thinking
2060 – Animal Ethics
3010 – Philosophy of Science
3710 – Community-Based Ethical Inquiry

Political Science:
1010 – Introductory Politics I: Government and Politics in Liberal Democracies
1020 – Introductory Politics II: Political Ideologies in Liberal Democracies
2530 – Introduction to Political Theory

Psychology:
1010 – Introduction to Psychology: Part I
2420 – Introduction to Social Psychology
3330 – Ecopsychology
3620 – Ergonomics

Religious Studies:
1020 – Religions of the World: Eastern Traditions

Sociology:
2710 – Self and Society
2820 – Social Psychology
3050 – Population and Society
3320 – Methodology and Research II
3720 – Collective Behaviour and Social Movements
3920 – Media and Society

Sociology/Anthropology:
2220 – Aboriginal Peoples of Canada
2660 – Science, Culture and Society
3410 – Technology, Society, and the Environment

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
A minor in Environmental Studies will be recognized when a student has successfully completed 21 semester hours of courses drawn from Environmental Studies courses and cross-listed courses.

These courses must include:
1) Two core introductory Environmental Studies courses (Environmental Studies 1010 and 2030)
2) A minimum of 6 semester hours in approved courses within the Faculty of Science; and
3) A minimum of 6 semester hours in approved courses within the Faculty of Arts; and
4) A minimum of 3 semester hours in Environmental Studies or approved courses within the Faculty of Arts or Faculty of Science.

APPROVED COURSES ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES MINOR
Students who do not have the required prerequisites for particular courses that are cross-listed in the Environmental Studies Program are encouraged to consult with the instructors of these courses to seek their permission to enrol. Instructors may choose to admit students to these courses based upon alternative prerequisites that are judged to provide the student with sufficient background preparation for the course.

Faculty of Science
**Biology 1010 – Current Issues in Environmental Biology
Biology 1320 – Introduction to Organisms
Biology 2220 – Ecology
Biology 3140 – Plant Community Ecology
Biology 3270 – Field Coastal Ecology
Biology 3910 – Marine Biology
Biology 4110 – Principles of Wildlife Biology
Biology 4520 – Biogeography and Macroecology
Biology 4540 – Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Biology 4620 – Watershed Ecology
Biology 4650 – Marine Community Ecology
Biology 4850 – Environmental Toxicology
Chemistry 2020 – Environmental Chemistry
Physics 2610 – Energy, Environment and the Economy

** Students may only credit either Biology 1010 or Biology 1320 toward their minor.

Faculty of Arts
Economics 2110 – Introduction to Resource Economics
Economics 2150- Environmental Economics
Economics 3520 – Applied Resource Economics
English 3220 – English Canadian Poetry
English 3310 – The Literature of Atlantic Canada
English 3350 – British Romantic Literature
History 4830 – History of the Environmental Movement
Island Studies 2010 – Introduction to Island Studies
Philosophy 1020 – Introduction to Ethics and Social Philosophy
Philosophy 1050 – Technology, Values, and Science
Philosophy 2060 – Animal Ethics
Philosophy 2710 – Ethics of Climate Change
Philosophy 3020 – Environmental Philosophy
Philosophy 3710 – Community-Based Ethical Inquiry
Psychology 3330 – Ecopsychology
Sociology 3050 – Population and Society
Sociology/Anthropology 3410 – Technology, Society and the Environment

CO-OP EDUCATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

The UPEI Co-op Program is an integrated approach to university education which enables students to alternate academic terms on campus with work terms in suitable employment. The success of such programs is founded on the principle that students are able to apply theoretical knowledge from course studies in the workplace and return to the classroom with practical workplace experience. Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the program will have the notation entered on their transcripts and on the graduation parchment.

Students accepted into the program complete at least three paid work terms of normally 14 weeks duration, and three professional development courses. Credits earned through completion of work terms are counted as general electives.

The Co-op option is available to full-time students in the Bachelor of Environmental Studies program.  Applications to the Co-op Education Program are normally made after completion of the first year of study.

See the Co-operative Education Program section of the UPEI Academic Calendar for more information.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES COURSES

1010 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (Core Course)
This course introduces students to a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental issues; and emphasizes the interrelationships among the various physical, biological, and human systems. It examines major contemporary environmental issues, such as global warming and land use, and focuses on how these issues are understood and addressed within the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Three hours a week (some field trips may be required)
Three semester hours of credit

2030 SOCIETIES AND SUSTAINABILITY: PAST AND PRESENT (Core Course)
This course explores the concept of sustainability in relation to how societies have interacted with the environment overtime. Through exploration of successes and failures from historical and contemporary societies, students will develop the capacity to understand the ecological context in which humans live, to recognize limits, and to design sustainable human systems for the future.
Three semester hours of credit

2040 METHODS OF ENVIRONMENTAL INQUIRY (Core Course)
This course introduces students to the diverse nature of inquiry in the various fields of environmental studies. Through practical case studies it provides literacy in key methods used in understanding the environment in the sciences, social sciences and humanities.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

2090 SPECIAL TOPICS
To create a category for uniquely titled courses offered by a department and put on the timetable as a “special course” on a one-time basis.
Three semester hours of credit

2120 EARTH’S PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
This course will introduce students to the basic ‘building blocks’ of Earth’s physical characteristics, providing a foundation on which to develop more specialist knowledge in their understanding of Environmental Studies. It will examine the geologic and geomorphic cycles, including processes of weathering, erosion, transportation and deposition, and investigate how these create fluvial, glacial, and coastal landforms and impacts on human activity. It also aims to address atmospheric processes and the links between global climate zones and world ecosystems.
Three semester hours of credit

2240 FIELD COURSE IN ECOLOGICAL FORESTRY
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of ecological forestry management. By combining theory-based lectures and an experiential learning approach at the MacPhail Woods Ecological Forestry site students will gain a deep understanding of the forest and forest restoration efforts.
Three semester hours of credit

2310 ISLAND ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORIES
Environmental history is broadly defined as the study of continuity and change in human relationships with the environment. This course introduces students to environmental history and historical methods with a focus on historic and current, interaction with the environment on global islands. Special focus will be given to ocean, forest, and land use activity in Prince Edward Island and islands in the Atlantic region.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

2420 SOCIETY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
This course examines the development, use and conservation of natural resources. It explore the definition of natural resources, the history of resource use, governance regimes, and theories and practices around integrated resource planning and management, ecosystem management, adaptive management, conflict resolution approaches, local knowledge and public participation. Case studies explore recent trends in forestry, fisheries, agriculture, parks and recreation, wildlife, and water resources management.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

2910 DIRECTED STUDIES
This course offers recognition for equivalency-learning to returned CUSO cooperants and interns who have completed an international development placement overseas. Students who have completed a CUSO placement with a focus on environmental issues – such as environmental science, resource management, conservation, environmental education – can apply to receive credit toward their Environmental Studies degree.
Three semester hours of credit

3010 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES INTERNSHIP (Core Course)
This course provides students with opportunities to develop, integrate and apply their knowledge of environmental issues and theory. Students will be involved in ‘internship’ experiences with varied environmental organizations, in environmental action research on campus issues or in other settings, and in developing personal plans for environmental action and change. Classroom discussions and written work will aid students in developing a multidisciplinary and systems approach to the analysis of these experiences.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010. Students taking this course concurrently may apply for admission to the instructor
One and a half hours per week in class, two and a half hours per week in practicum work
Three semester hours of credit

3090 SPECIAL TOPICS
To create a category for uniquely titled courses offered by a department and put on the timetable as a “special course” on a one-time basis.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or ENV 2030 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

3110 UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE CHANGE
This course introduces students to the science of climate change. Students explore its social and political implications, and examine its impact on daily life by reviewing current scientific data as it relates to vulnerabilities of particular regions. Topics include methods, strategies, and technologies that address climate change, using case studies of adaptive and mitigative programs in North America, with a special emphasis on Canada’s climate action plan.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or ENV 2030
Three hours a week
Three semester hours of credit

3210 NATURAL HAZARDS
This course provides an introduction to the causes of a variety of natural hazards (tectonic – e.g. earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity; meteorological – e.g. hurricanes and flooding; and mass movement – e.g. landslides, mudslides, and avalanches) as well as their impact on human activities and the strategies available to predict and manage such events.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or ENV 2030 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

3320 ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT SKILLS
This course will introduce students to a general overview of innovations to address environmental goals. It will examine how using a structured approach to change can move organizations, businesses and communities toward more environmentally sustainable practices.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or ENV 2030 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

3340 ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSES ON ISLAND COMMUNITIES
This course explores the risk and vulnerabilities associated with climate change and other environmental stress on island communities. This course will focus on the special characteristics of island communities and will explore island vulnerabilities in the natural and built environment as well as in social and economic systems.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or ENV 2030 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

3420 ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
This course focuses on environment and development issues in an international, particularly a developing country, context. Issues related to trade, biodiversity conservation, agriculture, climate change, wealth, poverty, population, and gender will be explored.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

3510 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLANNING
An overview of how planning tools and practice shape the form of communities, including: (1) Key issues and principles of sustainability at a community scale; as well as related planning approaches; (2) Sustainable community planning approaches and tools for identifying and achieving quality of life, and (3) The components and process of developing an integrated sustainable community plan. Students will learn how to assess community capital, identify and recruit key stakeholders and develop, implement, monitor and evaluate a community plan.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or ENV 2030 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

3540 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUATION: THEORY AND PRACTICE
This course would develop the theory and techniques in the valuation of non-market (ecological) good and services. It will focus on the techniques and methods for placing monetary values on the environment and incorporating them into economic decision making at both the macro and project level.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or ENV 2030 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

4010 PUBLIC SCHOLARS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (Core Course)
This seminar course will provide a forum for students to interact and learn from local, national and international experts in various fields of environmental studies. Students will gain an increased awareness and understanding of the diverse ways in which our society is addressing issues related to the environment. The course will provide opportunities for students to develop in their own expertise as public scholars.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 3010 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

4090 SPECIAL TOPICS
To create a category for uniquely titled courses offered by a department and put on the timetable as a “special course” on a one-time basis.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or ENV 2030 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

4110 ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE
This course focuses on developing an understanding of principles, practices and emerging issues relating to environmental governance. An emphasis is placed on exploring the roles of governments, markets and collective action in environmental policy and management. Examples of governance arrangements are drawn from different parts of the world and different ecological contexts, including the uniqueness of island contexts.
Cross-level listed with Island Studies 6190.
PREREQUISITES: ENV 1010 or permission of the instructor. For students taking the course as IST 6190 they need to be an active graduate student
Three semester hours of credit

4310 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
This course examines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from philosophical, methodological and institutional perspectives. The evolution of EIA in Canada will be the focus. The strategic role of EIA will be explored as to its effectiveness as a tool for achieving sustainability goals. Case studies illustrating major issues and applications will be presented at a variety of geographical scales. Some field trips may be required.
PREREQUISITES: ENV 1010 or with permission of instructor
Three semester hours of credit

4330 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES
This course promotes the development of communication skills in the context of environmental issues and exposes students to direct interaction with representatives from industry, government and the community. The course will also provide broad theoretical and practical knowledge needed to resolve disputes as well as skills training in techniques of mediation, facilitation, and negotiation.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or ENV 2030 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

4410 ENVIRONMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Ecological problems such as climate change and resource scarcity transcend the boundaries of nation-states and therefore necessitate international cooperation between states and non-state actors. This course will examine the dynamics of global environmental politics.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or ENV 2030 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit

4910-4920 DIRECTED STUDIES
These courses offer students the opportunity for the study of other subjects in environmental studies in two different forms: (1) In response to an individual student’s needs, a program of directed readings or directed research can be developed with a faculty member; (2) Directed Studies courses are offered on occasion by members of the faculty or by visiting instructors. (See Academic Regulation 9 for Regulations Governing Directed Studies.)
Three hours a week
Three semester hours of credit

4950 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES SYMPOSIUM
The Student Environmental Studies Symposium course is an opportunity for students to facilitate a public forum to raise awareness and discussion about a contemporary environmental issue. This unique course will focus on students planning and running a one day symposium about a relevant environmental issue of their choice. It will provide an opportunity for active and collaborative learning as students dialogue with important stakeholders engaged in real world issues from government, the private sector and civil society. Through the process of organizing this symposium, students will deepen their knowledge of the complex nature of environmental issues and the challenges in finding sustainable solutions. Practical outcomes of the course include the development of critical thinking and writing skills, as well as organizational, communication and team-building skills.
PREREQUISITE: ENV 1010 or ENV 2030 or permission of the instructor
Three semester hours of credit