Environmental & Conservation Sciences, Bachelor of Science

Program Information
Credential: 
Bachelor's Degree
Duration: 

1 year at RDC - 3 years at U of A

2 years at RDC - 1 year at Royal Roads University

Delivery: 
Main Campus
Program Cost Estimates: 
Program Cost Estimates

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Dr. Nancy Brown
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 can study one or two years at Red Deer College in the field of Environmental Sciences.

Students studying one year will follow a path tailored towards the University of Alberta Environmental and Conservation Sciences degree. 

Students studying two years will follow a path tailored towards Royal Roads University (RRU) in Victoria, British Columbia, working towards RRU's BSc Environmental Science or BSc Environmental Management.

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides or contact the School of Arts and Sciences.

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.

The program produces graduates who are capable decision makers on issues of environmental concern in government or industry.  Students are employed in a range of environmental jobs.

Transfer Features

The courses in this program can be transferred in full to BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences at University of Alberta, or to Royal Roads Univesity (depending on the student's individual program goals).

If transferring to the University of Alberta, refer to University of Alberta calendar for the complete listing of courses and admission and registration information under the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.

If transferring to Royal Roads University, admission to BSc Environmental Science or BSc Environmental Management is competitive and based on the following criteria:  completion of a minimum 60 credits (including 24 credits in required prerequisite courses) and an overall GPA of B (3.00).  Flexible admission is available for students who may be missing certain academic prerequisites but who have significant, relevant work experience.  More information detailing the transfer agreement can be found on the Royal Roads University website.

Transfer opportunities may also exist for additional institutions.  Please contact the School of Arts and Sciences for information on transferring to the institution of your choice.  

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: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

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

Examines the major lineage of life on Earth. Overview of evolutionary principles and classification, the history of life, and the key adaptations of prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Laboratories survey the diversity of biological form and function, and introduce the students to data collection and scientific writing. Prerequisite: Biology 30

BIOL 318

Examine the interactions between organisms and their environment in various levels of organization including individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Apply the scientific method with a focus on ecological experiments and field studies. Prerequisite: BIOL 218

CHEM 211

Introduction to the discipline and essential concepts of chemistry focusing on stoichiometry, reactions and titrations, ideal gases, atomic structure and bonding, chemical equilibrium, and acids and bases. Prerequisite: Chem 30 and Math 30-1.

CHEM 351

An introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds focusing on the molecular structure, nomenclature, reactions, reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry of hydrocarbons, and some functional groups including haloalkanes, alcohols, thiols, ethers and epoxides, Introuction to the use of important organic compounds related to industry, agriculture and everyday purposes. Prerequisite: CHEM 211 or CHEM 102 Anti-requisite: Chem 251

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

Explore university-level essay composition and the skills related to critical reading, interpretation, and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent. 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

Compute limits, derivatives and integrals of a variety of single-variable functions. Interpret the theoretical meaning of these tools and their use in applications. Intended for students without prior calculus experience. Prerequisite: MATH 30-1. Anti-requisite: MATH 203

MATH 203

Compute limits, derivatives and integrals of a variety of single-variable functions. Interpret the theoretical meaning of these tools and their use in applications. Intended for students with prior calculus experience. Prerequisite: MATH 31 Anit-requisite: MATH 202

STAT 251

Explore methods for the collection, organization and summarization of data. Interpret the concepts of probability and distributions in order to make inferences about quantitative problems in applied settings. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 Anti-requisite: STAT 241, PSYC 309, SOCI 311, and BUS 306

Royal Roads University

Suggested Pattern Year 1

  • ENGL 219/one of ENGL 220 or COMM 271 (6 credits)
  • BIOL 217, BIOL 218 (6 credits)
  • CHEM 211/one of CHEM 212 or CHEM 351 (6 credits)
  • MATH 202  or MATH 203/ one additional MATH or PHYS course (6 credits)
  • Open Options (6 credits)

Year 2

See an Academic Advisor