Course Search

ENV332H5 • Practicum in Environmental Project Management

Solutions to environmental issues depend on interdisciplinary teamwork.  This course mimics the practical, multidisciplinary, collaborative work  that is highly valued in the environment sector.  Students work in teams on semester-long projects addressing a specific environmental issue on campus or in the local community (e.g., conducting a waste audit; developing an educational module for a local NGO, etc.).  Specific skills that are developed include; project management and workflow, data collection, report writing and formal presentations.   This course is strongly recommended for Specialist and Major students in any of the Environment Programs.

Prerequisites: 9.0 credits and completion of a Research Methods course (e.g., GGR277H5).
Exclusions: ENV232H5

Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Distribution Requirement: Social Science, Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12P/24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ENV332H5 | Program Area: Environmental Management, Environmental Science

ENV393H5 • Environmental Assessment

The course focuses on the methodologies for measuring and predicting the impact of development on the bio-physical and socio-economic environments. Topics include environmental assessment, law and institutions, environmental mediation; Phase I, II, III environmental site assessment; monitoring; mitigation; evaluation; and risk assessment. The types of impact assessment (IA) methods examined vary from year to year (e.g. economic IA, ecological IA, social IA).

Prerequisites: ENV100Y5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/6P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ENV393H5 | Program Area: Environmental Management, Environmental Science

ENV399Y5 • Research Opportunity Program

This course provides a richly rewarding opportunity for students in their second year to work on a research project with a professor in return for course credit. Students enrolled have an opportunity to become involved in original research, learn research methods and share in the excitement and discovery of acquiring new knowledge. Based on the nature of the project, projects may satisfy the Sciences or Social Sciences distribution requirement. Participating faculty members post their project descriptions for the following summer and fall/winter sessions in early February and students are invited to apply in early March. See Experiential and International Opportunities for more details.


Mode of Delivery: In Class

ENV399Y5 | Program Area: Environmental Management, Environmental Science

ENV425H5 • Managing Urban Ecosystems

This course examines the ways people interact with and manage urban ecosystems. Socio-ecological systems, green infrastructure, environmental justice, ecosystems services, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainability will be discussed in the context of urban ecosystems. Throughout the course, issues associated with bridging the gaps between the social and natural sciences, unique characteristics of urban ecosystems, and the role of individual decision-makers will be considered.

Prerequisites: 14 credits

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ENV425H5 | Program Area: Environmental Management, Environmental Science

ENV430H5 • Environmental Law and Policy

This course introduces students to the challenges and opportunities of environmental law and policy. Students will learn how legal systems can address increasingly complex environmental challenges. This course will include an in-depth look at the toolbox of legal and policy instruments that decision makers have at their disposal to tackle major environmental problems. The focus is primarily Canada though international examples will also be touched upon. Case studies and examples will be used to connect theoretical and legal principals to real world situations.

Prerequisites: 14 credits including (GGR111H5 and GGR112H5) or ENV100Y5 or permission of instructor
Recommended Preparation: (JPE251H5 and JPE252H5) or ENV250Y5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ENV430H5 | Program Area: Environmental Management, Environmental Science

ENV435H5 • Governing the Commons: Communities and Conservation

Common-pool resources (CPRs) include pastures, forests, watersheds, ocean fisheries, traffic, the Internet, and the Earth’s climate. CPRs present a variety of social dilemmas because it is difficult to exclude and prevent resources users from accessing, using, and polluting a resource. Individual self-interest may put CPRs at risk of overuse, overconsumption, and exploitation to result in a “tragedy of the commons” scenario. However resource users across the world, have devised rules and strategies to avoid such tragedies to sustain CPRs over centuries. In this course, through playing games in the classroom, we will learn whether and how theories of collective action, cooperation, and institutions provide insight into achieving conservation of CPRs that delivers on the twin goals of social and environmental justice.

Prerequisites: 14.0 credits including GGR111H5 and GGR112 or ENV100Y5 or permission of instructor

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ENV435H5 | Program Area: Environmental Management, Environmental Science

ENV490H5 • Special Topics in Environmental Studies

This course highlights various topics of special interest in environmental studies. The specific focus and format of the course will vary, depending on the chosen topic. The course will not be offered every year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. See the UTM Timetable for details.

Prerequisites: 14.0 credits including ENV100Y5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ENV490H5 | Program Area: Environmental Management, Environmental Science

ENV491H5 • Special Topics in Environmental Studies

These courses highlight various topics of special interest in environmental studies. The specific focus and format of the courses will vary, depending on the chosen topic. The courses will not be offered every year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. See the UTM Timetable for details.


Prerequisites: 14.0 credits including ENV100Y5 and permission of instructor

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ENV491H5 | Program Area: Environmental Management, Environmental Science

ENV495H5 • Restoration Ecology I

Restoration ecology is an emerging cross-disciplinary field of study that concerns human activities undertaken to promote the recovery, health, integrity and sustainability of degraded ecosystems. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of ecological restoration, addressing topics such as assessing ecosystem health, resilience, resistance and stability; community structure and biodiversity; invasive species; ecosystem processes and functions; societal aspects of ecological restoration (e.g., the relationship between social, economic and environmental sustainability).

Prerequisites: 14 credits including ENV100Y5 or BIO205H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ENV495H5 | Program Area: Environmental Management, Environmental Science

ENV496H5 • Restoration Ecology II

The follow-up course to Restoration Ecology I, ENV496H5 will build on its theoretical foundations to focus on student involvement in a variety of restoration projects planned or underway by Credit Valley Conservation and other groups in Mississauga and the greater Credit Valley watershed. The emphasis here is on planning and implementation of restoration projects; good scientific design; understanding policies and procedures; identifying and working with stakeholders, etc. Occasional field exercises may be scheduled during regular class meeting times.

Prerequisites: 14.0 credits including ENV495H5

Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ENV496H5 | Program Area: Environmental Management, Environmental Science

ENV497H5 • Environmental Research Project

This independent project course is designed to give students experience in the definition and execution of a one-term research study on an environmental topic, under the guidance of a member of the faculty. Students who wish to pursue this option with a specific faculty member or who have an idea for a research project should approach the faculty member early - before the start of the academic term - to negotiate the terms of the project.

Prerequisites: 14.0 credits towards an Environmental Specialist or Major program and permission of instructor

Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Distribution Requirement: Social Science, Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ENV497H5 | Program Area: Environmental Management, Environmental Science

ERS101H5 • Planet Earth

We discuss the age and origin of the Earth, the nature of its deep interior, the origin of mountains, oceans, earthquakes and volcanoes, and show how these features are related in a unifying theory known as Plate Tectonics, that explains how the evolution of the Earth's surface is driven by internal processes. Practicals will include laboratory exercises devoted to the understanding and recognition of minerals, rocks and geological structures. 

Exclusions: ESS102H1 or ESS105H1 or EESA07H3 or EESB15H3 or ERS120H5
Recommended Preparation: Review of Grade 9/10 Physical Science.

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/10P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS101H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS111H5 • Earth, Climate & Life

Life as we know it is completely dependent on our planet. The Earth is an integrated system, where the ocean, atmosphere, life and planet interact with and affect one another. The evolution of the smallest organisms has drastically changed Earth’s climate, and small changes in Earth’s climate have a profound effect on the distribution of life. Understanding how organisms feed, breath, grow, and reproduce are integral to mitigating large-scale climate changes and organic cycles, and how this will affect the Earth as a system. Processes such as plate tectonics produces an ever changing surface, and has been a major control on how and when life evolved and flourished. After introducing how the Earth works, topics discussed will include how life on Earth has evolved, how large-scale geological processes affect climate and life and how ecosystems have changed in response to weather and climate change. We will also discuss the effect that our species has had on this planet; from the sudden shifts in stability of Earth’s systems, to feedback cycles, to use of resources and sustainability.

Exclusions: ERS103H5 or ESS103H1 or ESS102H1 or EESA05H3 or EESA06H3 or EESB15H3

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/10P
Mode of Delivery: Online, In Class, Hybrid

ERS111H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS201H5 • Earth Materials

To truly understand the Earth, and the rocks that form it, we must study their basic building blocks – minerals. Minerals are all around us; in rocks and sediments, in soils, in our bones and teeth, and in building materials. This course will examine the complex nature of minerals and crystals from a geological, physical and chemical perspective and will introduce the petrology of volcanic rocks, intrusive plutonic rocks, metamorphic rocks formed in the depths of mountain ranges and sedimentary rocks deposited through time. The course will train students in the use of optical mineralogy (rock slices under a microscope); a key analytical method in petrology and by doing so aims to provide students with detailed knowledge and skills inherent to all geologists, and to give a unique perspective of the Earth from the study of the small scale minerals and rocks.

Prerequisites: ERS101H5 or ERS111H5 or ERS103H5 or ERS120H5 or ENV100Y5
Exclusions: ESS321H1 or ESS221H1 or EESC35H3

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/36P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS201H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS202H5 • Dynamic Earth

An introduction to geological time and the dynamic evolution of the surface of the Earth. Lectures discuss the processes involved in the deformation of Earth's crust including mechanical principals, stress, and strain. Particular focus on the structure of rocks. Practical exercises focus on the geometry of rock units and determining the geological history of an area from information presented in geological maps, cross sections, and stereographic projections.

Prerequisites: ERS201H5 or permission of instructor
Exclusions: ESS241H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/36P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS202H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS203H5 • Magmatic Systems and Igneous Petrology

Deep beneath volcanoes lie magmatic systems where magma is formed and evolves. These systems are directly related to plate tectonics and the structure and chemistry of the Earth. This course will study these systems – how they are formed, and why they evolve, as well as what they lead to; volcanic eruptions. This course will use rock specimens, thin sections and geochemistry to study igneous rocks and processes, and will link these processes to the wider tectonic controls on magmatic systems, as well as to metamorphic rocks that are often seen in conjunction with magmatic systems.

Prerequisites: ERS201H5
Exclusions: ESS322H1 and ERS222H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/36P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS203H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS211H5 • Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

Sedimentology and stratigraphy concerns the origin, formation, accumulation, alteration, and preservation of sediments in the geological record. This course will focus on the reconstruction, correlation, and interpretation of ancient carbonate and siliciclastic paleoenvironments and facies based on the analysis of sedimentary structures, depositional environments, stratigraphic successions, and fossils. The interplay between biological and geological factors responsible for sedimentary deposits will form the core of the course, including the physical transport and biological accumulation of sediments, the effects of climate-driven sea-level change on sediment deposition, the importance of resource management and sustainability. This course will include a laboratory component with hand samples, thin sections, and physical models, in addition to a field trip, allowing for first-hand experience with describing and interpreting sedimentological units.

Prerequisites: ERS101H5 or ERS120H5 or ERS111H5 or ERS103H5 or ENV100H5
Exclusions: ESS331H1 or ESS332H1 or ERS313H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS211H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS225H5 • Field Methods

Fieldwork is at the heart of being a geologist. Skills gained during fieldwork are key as part of a Geologist’s toolbox, and are highly regarded in a career. This course introduces fieldwork to students during a week-long fieldtrip in late August looking at outcrops of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks around Ontario. Skills taught will include basic geological observation, description and interpretation, the collection of field notes, geological measurements and presentation of the data. Enrolment approval into the course is by application only; Registration in ACORN is required; priority will be given to Earth Science Specialists, or Environmental Geoscience Specialists. Please see the UTM CPS Earth Science Fieldtrip page for more information.

Prerequisites: ERS101H5 or ERS120H5 or ERS111H5 or ERS103H5 or ENV100H5
Corequisites: ERS201H5
Exclusions: ERS325H5 or ERS425H5 or ESS234H1 or ESS324H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 66P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS225H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS299Y5 • Research Opportunity Program

This courses provides a richly rewarding opportunity for students in their second year to work in the research project of a professor in return for 299Y course credit. Students enrolled have an opportunity to become involved in original research, learn research methods and share in the excitement and discovery of acquiring new knowledge. Participating faculty members post their project descriptions for the following summer and fall/winter sessions in early February and students are invited to apply in early March. See Experiential and International Opportunities for more details.


Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Distribution Requirement: Science
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS299Y5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS301H5 • Geochemistry

Since the creation of the Solar System and Earth 4.5 billion years ago, Earth’s natural processes have differentiated the chemical elements, generating distinct differences in composition between the oceans and the atmosphere, and Earth’s crust, mantle and core. These differences allow Earth Scientists to understand and quantify these processes, as well as track the rocks and deposits formed out of these processes. This course will focus on the application of geochemistry to understand Earth processes, such as the generation of magma and volcanic eruptions, the formation of ore bodies and Earth surface processes. We will utilize the state-of-the-art equipment available at UTM, including Scanning Electron Microscopy and ICP-OES, to analyze rock samples to determine their origin based on their chemistry, giving students valuable skills in sample preparation and experimental practices.

Prerequisites: 1.5 credits from (ERS201H5 or ERS202H5 or ERS203H5 or ERS211H5 or ERS225H5) or permission of instructor.
Exclusions: ENV233H1 or ESS311H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS301H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS302H5 • Tectonics

This course will focus on how the plate tectonic system works, from the composition and structure of the earth, to the evolution of plate tectonics through Earth history, to modern tectonic hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes. A major portion of the course will focus on the analysis and interpretation of major structural provinces as they relate to Earth's plate boundary interactions including convergent, divergent, and transform settings.

Prerequisites: ERS202H5 and 1.0 credits from (ERS201H5 or ERS203H5 or ERS211H5 or ERS225H5)
Exclusions: ESS445H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS302H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS303H5 • Geophysics

This course will focus on important geophysical concepts and methods that are used to understand the interior of the Earth and the theory of Plate Tectonics. Major topics include gravity, isostasy, magnetism, heat flow, and seismology. Students will learn to apply basic geophysical equations to address real-life geoscience problems. They will also be introduced to common applied-geophysical techniques used for subsurface sensing, with applications to resource exploration and engineering and environmental studies.

Prerequisites: ERS202H5 and (MAT132H5 or MAT135H5 or MAT137H5 or MAT137Y5 or PHY136H5 or PHY146H5)
Exclusions: JPE395H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L/24T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS303H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS304H5 • Geological Remote Sensing

This course is an introduction to remote sensing technologies and geological applications. Students will learn about imaging of the Earth by electromagnetic waves and the state-of-the-art remote sensing systems and technologies for geological mapping and exploration. Topics may include remote sensing fundamentals and physical principles, remote sensing systems for geological applications, geological mapping and resource exploration. Students will also acquire skills in image processing, data integration, information extraction, and validation for geological applications.

Prerequisites: 1.5 credits of ENV or ERS or GGR at the 200-level or higher
Exclusions: GGR337H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS304H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS311H5 • Sedimentology and Basin Analysis

This course will focus on principles of correlation, facies concepts, dynamic processes, and their geologic records in modern and ancient sedimentary environments, with focus on basins. Factors that influence sedimentary formation and evolution will be investigated, including sea level and sediment supply. Emphasis will be placed on sequence stratigraphic approaches to the evaluation of sedimentary systems. Sustainable management of oil, water, and gas resources within sedimentary basins will be covered.

Prerequisites: ERS211H5 and 1.0 credits from (ERS201H5 or ERS202H5 or ERS203H5 or ERS225H5)
Exclusions: ESS331H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS311H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS312H5 • Oceanography

The world’s oceans cover approximately 70% of the Earth Surface and Canada has extensive coastlines along three major ocean basins. This course will provide a broad understanding of chemical, biological, physical and geologic aspects of the oceans. In addition, this course will offer an insight into the paleoceanographic evolution of our planet and present-day environmental threats such as pollution, habitat destruction, acidification and ocean warming. Even though this course does not include specific lab or tutorial sessions, relevant exercises will be included.

Prerequisites: Completion of a minimum of 8.0 credits or permission of the instructor
Exclusions: ESS362H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L
Mode of Delivery: Online

ERS312H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS315H5 • Environmental Geology

This course will focus on Earth processes as they relate to human activities. Topics include sustainability global climate change on short and long timescales; groundwater flow and contamination/human engineering of Earth processes; geological aspects of pollution and waste disposal; and environmental impact of extracting/using minerals, energy, soil, and other Earth resources. A field trip will give students a first-hand experience in aspects of human/planet interaction.

Prerequisites: 1.0 credits of ENV or ERS or GGR at the 200-level or higher
Exclusions: ESS205H1 or JEE337H1 or EESA05H3

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS315H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS325H5 • Field Camp I

This course, held on the north shore of Lake Huron in the summer, covers geological mapping skills, stratigraphic section measurements, and the recognition of rock types, fossils and geological structures in an authentic field-based learning environment in order to interpret ancient geological environments (approx. 12 days of field instruction). Students in this course receive an instructor lead introduction to the regional geology at whitefish falls, Ontario, before engaging in individual or small group projects in which geologic maps of a defined region will be assembled over 5-6 days of student-led field work. Students will complete an oral field examinations at the end of the field days. Students must pay a course fee, which includes transportation and accommodation at the camp, but does not include the cost of food nor does it cover any course fees charged by the Office of the Registrar.

Note: U of T Mississauga students must register in the Summer Session, and provide consent waivers and the course fee to the Undergraduate Assistant for Earth Sciences in the Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences. This field camp is usually held in early May. Registration and fee payment deadline: mid-March. For specific yearly course information, please see the UTM CPS Earth Science Fieldtrip page for more information on dates, required field gear and other information.

Prerequisites: ERS201H5 and ERS202H5
Exclusions: ESS234H1 or ESS330H1 or GLG340H1 or ESSC16H3 or ESSD07H3

Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Distribution Requirement: Science
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS325H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS381H5 • Special Topics in Earth Sciences

A survey of current thinking in Earth science. Topics may include obtaining data in the field or lab and analyzing it, an interdisciplinary research project, and supervised readings. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. See the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: Enrolment in ERS Major or ERS Specialist or Environmental Geosciences Specialist or Geology Specialist Program and 1.0 ERS or ESS 300-level credits
Exclusions: ESS381H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS381H5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS399Y5 • Research Opportunity Program

This course provides a richly rewarding opportunity for third or higher year students to work on the research project of a professor in earth sciences in return for 399Y course credit. Students enrolled have an opportunity to become involved in original research, enhance their research skills and share in the excitement and discovery of acquiring new knowledge. Participating faculty members post their project description for the following summer and fall/winter session on the ROP website in mid-February and students are invited to apply at that time. See Experiential and International Opportunities for more details.


Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Distribution Requirement: Science
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS399Y5 | Program Area: Earth Science

ERS401H5 • Earth Resources

The formation and global distribution of precious and industrial mineral deposits are introduced. Exploration methods and mining practices are discussed in terms of environmental effects and issues. Basic aspects of the economics and strategic importance of mineral reserves are also covered. Weekly field trips are included.

Prerequisites: ERS201H5 and ERS202H5 and ERS203H5
Exclusions: ERS419H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/48P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

ERS401H5 | Program Area: Earth Science