Environmental & Conservation Sciences, Bachelor of Science

Program Information
Credential: 
Bachelor's Degree
Duration: 

1 year at RDC - 3 years at U of A

Delivery: 
Main Campus
Program Cost Estimates: 

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Dr. Jane MacNeil
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca
University Transfer Program

One Year University Transfer Program:

Students in BSc Environmental and Conservation Sciences will choose one major: Conservation Biology, Environmental Economics and Policy, Human Dimensions of Environmental Management, Land Reclamation, Northern Systems or Wildlife and Rangeland Resources.

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

Related Careers

BSc Environmental and Conservation Sciences is for students interested in environmental and conservation issues. Graduates have a strong background in both the basic and applied sciences. They are able to evaluate effects of human land use on plant, soil, water, animal, and human resources and to assess and facilitate conservation, reclamation, and remediation measures for natural and damaged ecosystems. They are not only reactive but also agents for positive, responsible stewardship and change.

Transfer Features

The courses in this program can be transferred in full to BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences at University of Alberta. Refer to University of Alberta calendar for the complete listing of courses under the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Related Link: Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admissions page for detailed group descriptions.

1. Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1
  5. Subject from Group A, B, C or D

OR

2. Mature Student

You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school for at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Graduation Requirements: 

You must pass 20 term university transfer courses or a minimum of 60 credit hours, and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 to receive a Diploma in University Transfer Studies.

Program Content
University of Alberta

(please note these credits are U of A credits)

Suggested Pattern Year 1

  • BIOL 218 (3 credits)
  • CHEM 211 (3 credits)
  • STAT 251 (3 credits)
  • MATH 202 or MATH 203 (3 credits)
  • ENGL 219/one of ENGL 220 or COMM 271 (6 credits)
  • ECON 201 (3 credits)
  • Free Electives (9 credits)
Year 1 Course Descriptions

BIOL 218

An introduction to how the diverse organisms on this planet have been affected by their ennvironment and how the current environment is the product of the activities or organisms. The course also examines how evolution has operated over long time periods to produce major groups of organisms and how evolutionary origins are reflected in their classsification. The principles that underlie our understanding of the major lineages will be discussed using examples from bacteria; fungi; protists; animals; and plants. A description of the involvement of organisms in major ecosystem processes leads to an evaluation of the stability of those systems and of human impact on the processes. Prerequisite: Biology 30 Note: BIOL 217 and 218 can be taken in either order

BIOL 318

Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment in a hierarchy of levels of organization: individuals; populations; communities; and ecosystems. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive survey of general concepts that can stand alone or serve as preparation for advanced courses in ecology. Laboratory exercises focus on the scientific method; experimental design; critical thinking and scientific writing. Prerequisite: BIOL 218

CHEM 211

Stoichiometry; ideal gases; atomic structure and bonding; thermochemistry; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases; buffers; titrations. Prerequisite: Chem 30 and Math 30-1

CHEM 351

An introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. The molecular structure; nomenclature; reactions; reaction mechanisms; structure determination and stereochemistry of alkanes; alkenes; alkynes and alkyl halides is discussed. Important organic compounds related to industry; agriculture and everyday use (polymers; fats; soaps; pesticides; medicinals; etc) are introduced. Prerequisite: CHEM 211 Note: You can only get credit for one of CHEM 241; CHEM 251 and CHEM 351.

ECON 201

Scarcity and choice. Methods used in economic science. Specialization; markets; and exchange. Supply and demand. Roles of consumers; firms and resource owners in competitive and monopolistic markets. International trade. Government intervention. Emphasis is on Canadian problems; issues; policies; and institutions. Credit will not be granted for both ECON 100 and ECON 201. Note: It is recommended that you have grade 12 level Math or equivalent as background.

ECON 202

Defining and measuring aggregate economic variables. National income and monetary theory. Government monetary and fiscal policies. Unemployment and inflation . Exchange rates and balance of payment. Emphasis in on the Canadian economy. Prerequisite: ECON 201 Note: Credit will not be granted for both ECON 101 and 202. Note: It is recommended that you have grade 12 level Math or equivalent as background.

ENGL 219

The focus is on formal preparation for university level essay writing and the skills related to critical reading; interpretation; and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or English 095 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 219 and ENGL 210.

ENGL 220

The course explores a range of literary genres while continuing to focus on deepening the required structural and critical skills related to thinking and writing about literature. Pre-requisite: Engl 219 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 220 and 210.

COMM 271

Overview of the development and key theoretical areas within the field of Communication Studies; with focus on how communication can serve as an agent of social and cultural change. Major topics to be studied include language; rhetoric; mass media; cultural studies; interpersonal and oral communication; and organizational communication. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent; or enrollment in MSPC program.

MATH 202

Review of analytical geometry; differentiation and integration of simple functions; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 Note: You should take MATH 203 if you have at least 70% in Math 31.

MATH 203

Review of analytical geometry; differentiation and intergration of simple functions; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 and 31 or the equivalent. Note: Not recommended if you have less than 70% in Math 31.

STAT 251

Data collection and presentation; descriptive statistics. Probability distributions; sampling distributions and the central limit theorem. Point estimation and hypothesis testing. Correlation and regression analysis. Goodness-of- fit and contingency table. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 Note: This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in any of STAT 241; PSYC 309; SOCI 311; or BUS 306.