The Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment (BASE) is jointly housed in the School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS) and the School of Science and Technology (SST) and with support from Unama’ki College. The program is overseen by Deans Andy Parnaby (SASS) and Rick Pierrynowski (SST), and is co-ordinated by a faculty member from each school, Dr. Dana Mount (English) and Dr. Kellie White (Biology). BAS Environment is a 120 credit degree with an Honours option and is designed for full-time study. The BAS Environment is interdisciplinary and requires students to pursue three streams simultaneously: a science concentration, an arts/social science concentration, and a core set of ENVS courses specially designed for this program, including a field course. Each year the theme of these courses may change to reflect a faculty’s specialty, or a topical environmental issue. Respect for and inclusion of Indigenous knowledge is part of the Guiding Principles of the ENVS courses and students in all streams will have opportunity to take Mi’kmaq studies courses towards their degree. This program aims to prepare students to be active and responsible agents in the development of sustainable environmental practices.
Academic Program Regulations for Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment
120 credit degree with HONOURS
• Core courses: 8 ENVS core courses (24 credits)
• Honours or Capstone: 6 credit Honours thesis project OR 6 credit Capstone project course.
• Foundational courses: 10 courses (30 credits)
• Science Concentration: 10 courses (30 credits) in science concentration with 4 courses (12 credits) at 3000/4000 level)
• Arts Concentration: 10 courses (30 credits) in arts concentration with 4 courses (12 credits) at 3000/4000 level)
• Maximum 1000-level: 15 courses (45 credits) in total; 7 (21 credits) as mandatory courses (ENVS and foundational), 2 – 4 courses (6 – 12 credits) in science concentration, 2 – 4 courses (6 – 12 credits) in arts concentration.
• Minimum 3000/4000 level: 15 courses (45 credits), 4 courses (12 credits) in the science concentration, and 4 courses (12 credits) in the arts concentration, and 5 ENVS core courses (15 credits) and an Honours thesis or Capstone project (6 credits).
| Environmental courses (ENVS) (24 + 6 credits) |
| ENVS-1101 The Art and Science of Environmental Studies |
| ENVS-2101 Canadian Environmental Perspectives |
| ENVS-2103 Intersectional Environmental Science |
| ENVS-3101 Environmental writing: past and present |
| ENVS-3103 Environment and Business |
| ENVS-3104 Field Course in Environmental and Community Issues (OR BIOL Field) |
| ENVS-4101 Sustainability, Resources, and Environment |
| ENVS-4103 Global Environmental Perspectives |
| ENVS-4802 Environmental Solutions: Capstone Project OR ENVS 4900 Honours Project |
| Foundational courses (30 credits) |
| 6 credits of ENGL (with the exception of ENGL-2601, 2604, 2605, 2623, 2625, 3621, 3623) |
| 9 credits GEOL-1105, GEOL-1205, and GEOL-2103 or GEOL-3101 (GEOL-2101 can be used for GEOL-1105) |
| 6 credits MATH-1109 (or MATH-1105) and MATH-1211 (or MATH-1206) |
| 3 credits ENVI-3131 or ENVI-3138 |
| 3 credits from PHIL-2107 or PHIL-2221 or PHIL-2223 or PHIL-2104 |
| 3 credits in MIKM |
| *In CHEMISTRY CONCENTRATION MATH-1105 and MATH-1206 are recommended and will replace MATH-1109 and MATH-1211 |
| *In the Mathematics concentration MATH-1105 and MATH-1206 are required and will replace MATH-1109 and MATH-1211 |
| *In the Psychology concentration students can receive credit for MATH-1109, MATH-1211, PSYC-2101 and PSYC-2111 OR PSYC-2101 and PSYC-2111 can replace MATH-1109 and MATH-1211 if students take 6 additional MATH credits. |
| *In Biology concentration students can receive credit for MATH-1211 and BIOL-3101 OR replace MATH-1211 with BIOL-3101 and take 3 additional MATH credits |
| Arts/Humanities/Social Science Concentration (30 credits) |
| Choose from a subject below |
| • Pick 10 courses (30 credits) in an arts concentration with at least 4 courses (12 credits) at 3000/4000 level) • Students have to make sure that prerequisites for upper courses are taken into account when choosing 1000 level options. |
| SCIENCE AND CITIZENSHIP (Anthropology and Sociology, Mi’kmaq Studies, Philosophy, Political Science) |
| 6 to 12 credits at 1000 level |
| 18 to 24 credits at 2000 level and above, c with at least 12 credits (4 courses) at 3000 and 4000 level |
| Course choices from PHIL, MIKM, POLS, AN/S |
| NATURE, CULTURE, COMMUNICATION (Mi’kmaq Studies – linguistics, Communication, English, French, Sport and Physical Activity Leadership, Anthropology and Sociology) |
| 6 to 12 credits at 1000 level |
| 18 to 24 credits at 2000 level and above, c with at least 12 credits (4 courses) at 3000 and 4000 level |
| Course choices from MIKM, COMM, ENGL, FRNC, SPAL, AN/S |
| ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES (English, History, Mi’kmaq Studies, Humanities) |
| 6 to 12 credits at 1000 level |
| 18 to 24 credits at 2000 level and above, with at least 12 credits (4 courses) at 3000 and 4000 level |
| Course choices from MIKM, ENGL, HIST, HUMA |
Honours
• 6 credits ENVS4900
• An average of 75% in the concentration of the thesis topic (either science or arts) for all 2nd year level and higher courses
• An overall average of 70% average in their program for 2nd year and above
• Honours degrees are only awarded to graduating students with an overall average of 70% or above
Major
Capstone project
• 6 credits
• Required if students do not enroll in Honours project
Program Options for Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment
Program Options:
Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment (BASE) (120 Credits)
• Foundational courses (30 credits)
• Science Concentration Electives (30 credits)
• Arts Concentration Electives (30 credits)
• ENVS Core (24 credits)
• Capstone project (6 credits)
Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment (BASE) Honours (120 credits)
• Foundational courses (30 credits)
• Science Concentration Electives (30 credits)
• Arts Concentration Electives (30 credits)
• ENVS Core (24 credits)
• Honours Project (6 credits)
Environmental Assessment Certificate option (9 credits*)
• Environmental Impact Assessment I, Environmental Impact Assessment II, Environmental Auditing
*this Certificate requires 6 extra credits above and beyond the 120 needed for the degree
Arts Concentrations:
The arts concentrations were designed to help students build a coherent body of knowledge and skills within a field of their interest while helping them focus on post-graduate paths they might pursue. There is a great deal of flexibility within these streams.
1. Science and Citizenship (selections from Philosophy, Mi’kmaq Studies, Anthropology and Sociology, and Political Science)
2. Nature, Culture, Communication (selections from English, Mi’kmaq Studies – linguistics, Communication, Anthropology and Sociology, French, Sports and Physical Activity Leadership)
3. Environmental Humanities (selections from English, History, Mi’kmaq Studies, Humanities, Philosophy)
Science Concentrations:
The science concentrations were designed to give students enough in-depth knowledge in one area of the sciences so that they can be scientifically literate and competent. Because science courses often build on each other and have important prerequisites, there is much less flexibility within these concentration streams. Students may choose from pathways in:
1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Math
4. Psychology
Environmental Studies Core:
These courses have been specially-designed for the BAS Environment according to five Guiding Principles. Each course shall: 1) Emphasise Indigenous perspectives; 2) Focus on interdisciplinarity; 3) Spotlight cutting edge and exciting material from multiple sectors and in diverse forms; 4) Concentrate on research methods and research ethics; 5) Emphasise writing and communication. The theme of each course will be determined by a professor’s research interests and the topical environmental issues of the day.
ENVS-1101 The Art and Science of Environmental Studies
Credits: 3
This course will introduce students to Environmental Studies as an interdisciplinary field of research and will provide students with a wide-ranging introduction to current issues and practices in Environmental Studies. The emphasis will be on exploring how arts and science disciplines approach knowledge, problem solving and communication, and how the approaches of different disciplines can be combined to expand our ways of acquiring and disseminating knowledge.
ENVS-2101 Canadian Environmental Perspectives
Credits: 3
Course will examine environmental issues specific to Canada, around a central topic each year and include multiple perspectives from different disciplines. Course will also address the environmental perspectives from First Nations in Canada, from the pre-colonial era to the present.
ENVS-2103 Intersectional Environmental Science
Credits: 3
This course will focus on the links between environmental topics and various scientific disciplines and explore how different fields contribute towards our understanding of environmental issues. The course will be organized around a central theme in a discipline and examine different ways the discipline contributes to environmental research and communication.
ENVS-3101 Environmental writing: past and present
Credits: 0
ENVS-3103 Environment and Business
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: 3 credits of ENVS at 2000 level.
This course will introduce students to business structures, governance, and strategic priorities as they pertain to environmental projects and organizations. Students will develop the ability to read and understand basic financial statements. Budgeting concepts and funding for projects will be examined. In addition, students will gain familiarity with the regulatory environment in Canada, corporate social responsibility, and other sustainability related topics.
ENVS-3104 Field Course in Environmental and Community Issues
Credits: 0
ENVS-4101 Sustainability, Resources, and Environment
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: 3 credits of ENVS at 3000 level.
This course will employ an interdisciplinary perspective to introduce students to the issues and practices in resource studies. Students will become informed about resource management issues, and will explore the impacts of resource development on the environment. This course will examine issues of the allocation, scarcity, distribution, and protection of resources.
ENVS-4103 Global Environmental Perspectives
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: 3 credits of ENVS at 3000 level.
This course combines seminars and project-based activities to explore environmental issues and environmental actions outside North America. This class will consider nature and environmentalism in the context of globalization, war, aid, and rapid economic development or collapse. Case-studies will be included.
ENVS-4802 Environmental Solutions: Capstone Project
Credits: 6
Prerequisite: Any 6 credits in ENVS at the 3000 level, and permission of the instructor
Exclusions: ENVS-4900
Students will complete a project investigating an environmental issue from a multidisciplinary perspective. The capstone project will include a written report, and an oral presentation, and can include artistic works, media presentations, or other methods of communication. The goal of the capstone project is for students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout their program and will focus on exploring solutions or approaches to chosen environmental issues. This course is required for all ENVS students not enrolled in ENVS-4900
OR
ENVS-4900 Honours Project
Credits: 6
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Any 6 credits in ENVS at the 3000 level, and permission of the supervisor and program coordinators
Exclusions: Exclusions: ENVS-4802
Students will complete an original research project as their Honours thesis. This will include the preparation of an original research proposal, completion of the proposed research project, analysis of data, preparation of a written thesis and oral defense of this thesis. Students can be supervised by more than one faculty member and an interdisciplinary component is required. Creative or non-traditional scholarly works can be proposed but there must be an original research component. Students planning to register in this course must consult the Program Directors in the term preceding the expected start date of the project.
Admission Requirements:
High School credits: Five Grade 12 Advanced or Academic courses including English, Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics), with an overall average of at least 75%. Additional science credits are highly recommended.
Personal Statement: In addition to the standard CBU application, students must submit a personal statement. The statement is an applicant’s chance to express their own interest in the program. Applicants might want to describe, for example, how they became interested in the field, why they think they are suited for it, what extracurricular activities they have been involved in that relate to environmental issues, or how they hope to benefit from the program. Creative submissions will also be considered. For more information see the BAS Environment website or contact the Program Co-ordinators.*
*Effective September 2023 the Personal Statement requirement for Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment (BASE) admission will no longer be required.
Transfer Students: Students with existing university credits can apply to the program if they have an overall average of 60%, and if they have the high school credits required for direct-entry applicants (see above). Students without the required high school mathematics or science credits can be accepted if they have completed a university-level science course with a laboratory component and a university-level mathematics course. Transfer credits will be assessed and granted according to existing CBU policies. Transfer students must also submit the Letter of Interest (see above).