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Environment Courses

Key to Course Descriptions

To find ENV course categories for Distribution Requirement purposes, see entry at end of each course.

NOTE: Many ENV courses are limited in enrolment and require specific prerequisites. Preference is given to students meeting the ROSI deadlines.

| Course Winter Timetable |


ENV200Y1
Assessing Global Change: Science and the Environment [52L, 12T]

The perspective scientists bring to the understanding and resolution of environmental concerns having global implications: atmospheric systems and climate change, the biosphere and conservation of biodiversity.

Exclusion: BIO150Y1BIO150Y1 (applies only to students in Arts & Science)
This Science course is intended to fulfill the environmental literacy requirement for students in the BA programs of the Centre for Environment or the science distribution course requirement for Commerce, Humanities and Social Science students.


JGE221Y1
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Environment [52L, 5P, 10T]

The foundation for students in the Centre for Environment programs and the Environment and Resource Management Program in Geography, this course examines the social, ethical and biophysical dimensions of one or more selected environmental issues such as air pollution and climate change, why these issues need to be addressed, and some approaches for doing so. Draws from relevant interdisciplinary domains in an examination of environmental degradation, the responses of various actors and models for a more sustainable future. The environmental issues discussed vary from year to year.

Exclusion: JIE 222Y1/GGR 233Y1
Recommended Preparation: GGR 100Y1/(GGR100H1,GGR101H1)/107Y1/(GGR107H1,GGR124H1)
This is a Social Science course.


ENV223H1
Fundamental Environmental Skills (formerly INI223H1) [26L, 13T]

The practical, interdisciplinary and controversial nature of environmental issues, as well as the uncertainty that surrounds measures to address them demand mastery of a particular range of skills by environmental students. This course teaches the fundamental research, analysis and presentation skills required for effective environmental work.
Co-requisite: JGE221Y1 and enrolment in a Centre Major program, or permission of Undergraduate Student Advisor.

Exclusion: INI 223H1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV234Y1
Environmental Biology [52L, 39P]

A broad-based science course drawing on elements from geology, systematics, soil science, and ecology to understand past and present environments and how humans are altering the environment. Emphasis is placed on examination of ecological phenomena in relation to population, community and ecosystem processes with particular reference to the biomes of Ontario. Descriptive and experimental laboratory studies including a weekend field trip (total cost about $15.00). (Provided by the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Geology, and the Faculty of Forestry).
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1BIO150Y1 (recommended) or GGR100Y1
This is a Science course.


ENV235Y1
Physics and Chemistry of the Evolving Earth [52L, 26T]

This course considers the fundamental chemical and physical processes of the Earth’s natural environment. One semester of the course focuses primarily on the atmosphere: its evolution, structure, composition and dynamic character. Particular emphasis is given to a discussion of global climate and the underlying physical, chemical and biogeochemical factors that drive climate change. Within this context, stratospheric ozone depletion, ocean chemistry, urban air pollution, acid rain and water quality are also discussed. The other semester focuses on the solid Earth: its formulation and evolution, internal dynamics, mantle-core differentiation, volcanism, tectonics and paleoclimate/ice ages. Throughout the course, the operation of the Earth as a coupled physico-chemical system over a range of timescales is emphasized.
Prerequisite: (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1/157Y1, MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/JMB170Y1, PHY138Y1/140Y1/(PHY131H1,PHY132H1) or permission of the department
This is a Science course.


ENV236Y1
Human Interactions with the Environment [52L]

A course emphasizing both the role of the environment in shaping human behaviour, and the impact of humans on the environment. Coverage includes human biological and cultural evolution, environmental and climatic obstacles over come by early civilizations, and human impacts on marine and terrestrial ecosystem processes. Topics may vary from year-to-year depending upon instructor interests and research specialty.
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1BIO150Y1/GGR100Y1 or permission of instructor
This is a Science course.


ENV299Y1
Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. See page 48 for details.


JIE307Y1
Urban Sustainability (formerly INI307Y1) [52L, 26P]

This course critically examines the concept of urban sustainability in theory and application. Case studies of ongoing urban sustainability programs in the developed and developing world help students assess the successes and failures of these programs. The course also examines the current state of research and implementation efforts toward urban sustainability.
Prerequisite: One of the following: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1 and enrolment in a Centre program OR INI235Y1 OR permission of the instructor (particularly for students who have completed JGE221Y1/GGR233Y1/POL209Y1/SOC205Y1/SOC260Y1)

Exclusion: INI 307Y1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV315H1
Chemical Analysis of Environmental Samples[26L, 39P]

Instrumental analysis techniques for environmental scientists of all disciplines. In addition to a solid grounding in the theory of each analytical technique, particular emphasis is placed on the laboratory work, which is worth 50% of the final grade. In each lab, groups of two students receive instruction from an experienced analyst and acquire hands-on experience using state-of-the-art analytical equipment. Where possible, samples supplied by the students are analyzed. Techniques covered include Neutron Activation, X-ray Fluorescence, X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Gas Chromatography, Ion Chromatography, Atomic Absorption, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

Exclusion: CHM217H1, 314Y1; GLG335H1
Prerequisite: SCH4U and any second year ENV or GLG courses
This is a Science course.


ENV320Y1
National and International Environmental Policy Making (formerly INI 320Y1) [52L, 26T]

Examination of federal-provincial negotiation of Canadian contributions to international environmental agreements such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE 222Y1 and enrolment in a Centre program, or permission of the Undergraduate Student Advisor.

Exclusion: INI 320Y1
This is a Social Science course


ENV321Y1
Approaches to Environmental Issues (formerly ENV221Y1) [52L, 24T]

Diverse approaches to environmental issues from a variety of perspectives are introduced, compared and analyzed, using topical case studies. Perspectives explored in previous years include aboriginal, scientific and psychological.

Exclusion: ENV221Y1
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1/GGR233Y1
This is classified as BOTH a Social Sciences and a Humanities course.


ENV332H1
Culture and Nature (formerly INI332H1) [26S]

Critical analysis of western attitudes and values respecting nature, as found in various art and popular culture genres; significance for action on the ecological crisis.
Prerequisite: a minimum CGPA of 2.3
Recommended preparation: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1/GGR233Y1

Exclusion: INI332H1
This is classified as BOTH a Social Sciences and a Humanities course.


ENV333H1
Ecological Worldviews (formerly INI333H1) [26S]

Approaches to environmental concerns are often marked by assumptions that reflect distinct worldviews positing particular understandings of the role of the human with respect to nature. This course explores sundry economic, political, scientific, religious, and moral worldviews pertaining to the environment, including environmental ethics, Gaia, ecofeminism, scientific cosmology, and aboriginal perspectives.
Prerequisite: a minimum CGPA of 2.3
Recommended preparation: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1/GGR233Y1

Exclusion: INI 333H1
This is classified as BOTH a Social Sciences and a Humanities course.


ENV335H1
Environmental Design (formerly INI335H1) [39S]

Introduction to understanding the complexity of relationships among people, built forms, and natural systems; systematic review of examples of environmental design at various scales.
Prerequisite: a minimum CGPA of 2.3
Recommended preparation: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1/GGR233Y1

Exclusion: INI 335H1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV336H1
Ecology in Human-Dominated Environments

A two week course offered at a Southern Ontario field station during late summer. Introduction to im-pacts of humans on semi-natural and human-dominated environments of southern Ontario and over-view of the most commonly used assessment tools for states of ecosystems. These environments play important roles in terms of ecosystem services.
Prerequisite: first year biology and permission of the instructor
This is a Science course.


ENV340H1
Informed Environmental Practice (formerly INI340H1) [26S. 13T]

This course will prepare students for challenging careers in the environmental field. Students will develop professional and research skills that will assist in the development of a challenging and meaningful career. Emerging social, economic, environmental, and ethical issues in the workplace will be explored.
Prerequisite: Eight full courses or their equivalent and enrolment in an environmental program at the University of Toronto

Exclusion: INI 340H1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV341H1
Environment and Human Health (formerly INI341H1) [26L. 13T]

Examination of the linkages between human health and environment. Addresses basic principles and scientific knowledge relating to health and the environment and uses case studies to examine current environmental health issues from a health sciences perspective.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1 and enrolment in a Centre program; or BIO 250Y1/BIO 255Y/(CSB240H1, 241H1) and enrolment in a Human Biology program; or permission of the Undergraduate Student Advisor

Exclusion: INI 320Y1, if taken before the 2003-04 academic year; INI 341H1
This is classified as BOTH a Social Science and Science course.
ENV 346H1 Terrestrial Energy Systems [36L, 24T]
Various earth systems for energy transformation, storage and transport are explored. Geological, hy-drological, biological, cosmological and oceanographic energy systems are considered in the context of the Earth as a dynamic system, including the variation of solar energy received by the planet and the redistribution of this energy through various radiative, latent and sensible heat transfer mechanisms. It considers the energy redistribution role of large-scale atmospheric systems, of warm and cold ocean currents, the role of the polar regions, and the functioning of various hydrological systems. The contri-bution and influence of tectonic systems on the surface systems is briefly introduced, as well the im-portant role of energy storage processes in physical an biological systems, including the accumulation of fossil fuel reserves.
Prerequisites: MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/JMB170Y1; BIO150Y1BIO150Y1/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1/PHY138Y1/140Y1/(PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)
Recommended Preparation: GGR203H1
This is a Science course.


JGE347H1
Efficient Use of Energy [26L, 6T]

The course examines the options available for dramatically reducing our use of primary energy with no reduc-tion in meaningful energy services, through more efficient use of energy at the scale of energy-using devices and of entire energy systems. Topics covered include generation of electricity from fossil fuels and energy use in buildings, transportation, industry and agriculture.

Exclusion: GGR333H1
Recommended Preparation: First year Math and/or Physics
This is a Science course.
JGE348H1 Carbon-Free Energy [25L, 6T]
The course examines the options available for providing energy from carbon-free energy sources: solar, wind, biomass, hydro, oceanic, geothermal energy, as well as through sequestration of carbon from fossil fuel sources. The hydrogen economy is also discussed.

Exclusion: GGR333H1
Recommended Preparation: First year Math and/or Physics
This is a Science course.


ENV350H1
Energy Policy and Environment [26L]

The course addresses: (1) physical, technological and economic aspects of energy and electricity systems and their associated environmental impacts; (2) current international, Canadian and Ontario energy policy; (3) technological, economic and political factors influencing policy which could significantly reduce environmental impacts of energy use.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1, or permission of undergraduate student advisor
This is a Social Science course.


ENV395Y1
Special Topics Field Course [52S]

This course explores interdisciplinary environmental issues in the field. Project work involves students in investigating, developing and proposing sustainable practices and approaches to topical local problems. Suitable for all CFE programs.
Recommended preparation: ENV200Y1 or BIO150Y1BIO150Y1
This is a Science or Social Science course


ENV398H0
Independent Experiential Study Project


ENV399Y0
Independent Experiential Study Project

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. See page 48 for details.


ENV410H1
Environmental Research Skills (formerly JIE410H1) [26L]

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the perspectives and methods used for quantitative and qualitative research on humans, done for both academic and professional purposes. The focus is on qualitative research on current environmental issues.
Prerequisite: Enrolment in an environmental program and completion of at least 10 full courses
Co-requisite: ENV420Y1/ENV421H1/ENV444H1/a recognized alternative

Exclusion: JIE410H1
This is classified as BOTH a Social Sciences and a Humanities course.


ENV420Y1
Environmental Research (formerly INI420Y) [TBA]

Advanced environmental research on environmental topics of current relevance, involving information sources and resources outside the University. Students work in teams to investigate and report on a specific environmental issue for an off-campus environmental agency.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1; ENV320Y1/ENV321Y1 and enrolment in a Centre program, or permission of instructor
Co-requisite: ENV410H1 if taken as a program requirement

Exclusion: INI 420Y1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV421H1
Environmental Research [26S]

A research course for all students in the Centre combining report writing, independent and group-based research on an interdisciplinary topic. Application of skills learned in ENV410H1.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1, ENV320Y1/ENV321Y1 or permission of the Undergraduate Student Advisor
Corequisite: ENV410H1
This is classified as BOTH a Social Sciences and a Humanities course.


ENV422H1
Environmental Law (formerly INI422H1) [26S]

An introduction to environmental law for students in Environmental Studies; legal methods available to resolve environmental problems and the scope and limits of those methods; common law and statutory “tools” as well as environmental assessment legislation; the problem of “standing to sue” and the limits of litigation.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1 and enrolment in a Centre program, or permission of Undergraduate Student Advisor
This is a Social Science course.


ENV423H1
Public Policy and Environment (formerly INI421H1) [26S]

Introduces students to public policy and institutional foundations of public policy in Canada, with an emphasis on environmental policy in Ontario. Provides an “insider’s” perspective on how environmental policy has been developed in Ontario.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1 and enrolment in a Centre program, or permission of Undergraduate Student Advisor

Exclusion: INI 421H1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV424H1
Environment and Community Engagement [26L]

This course integrates theoretical and practical perspectives on patterns of community engagement in environmental change. Students will address theoretical perspectives on environmentalism as a social movement, and learn about key aspects of planning and implementing environmental change from veteran environmental advocates.
Prerequisite: ENV222Y1/JIE 222Y1, or permission of undergraduate student advisor
This is a social science course.


ENV440Y1
Professional Experience Course (formerly INI440Y1)

Regular academic seminars complement off-campus work on an environmental project. The course enables students to gain practical experience of the needs and demands of professional environmental agencies. Students are given a choice of placements in a variety of sectors (such as government, NGOs, industry).
Prerequisite: ENV340H1; 10 full courses or their equivalent, including three environmental courses in the student’s environmental program completed before ENV440Y1 taken; permission of Undergraduate Student Advisor

Exclusion: INI 440Y1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV441H1
Politics of the Environment (formerly INI494H1) [26S]

Provides students with increased understanding of (1) the political conflicts which surround the development and implementation of environmental policy in Canada; and (2) the ways environmentalism is transforming Canadian and global politics. Examination is made, through secondary readings and case studies, of the values, perspectives, and strategies of the various actors, and the context of ideas and institutions within which they operate.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1 and enrolment in a Centre for Environment program, or permission of Undergraduate Student Advisor

Exclusion: INI 494H1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV442H1
Corporate Perspectives on the Environment (formerly INI442H1) [39S]

How business in Canada and elsewhere is responding to the post-war emergence and evolution of the values of environmentalism. The corporate “perspective” includes: the external world of governments, markets, environmental pressure groups, investors, insurers, and lenders; and how the firm responds to these external pressures and manages its environmental issues.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1 and enrolment in a Centre for Environment program, or permission of Undergraduate Student Advisor

Exclusion: INI 442H1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV443H1
Applied Environmental Research Course (formerly INI443H1)


ENV444H1
Applied Environmental Research Course (formerly INI444H1)

Advanced applied environmental research on environmental topics of current relevance, involving information sources and resources outside the University. Students work in teams to investigate and report on research conducted for an off-campus environmental organization.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1, ENV320Y1/ENV321Y1 and completion of at least 10 FCE and enrolment in a Centre for Environment program, or permission of the Undergraduate Student Advisor.

Exclusion: INI 443H1/444H1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV445H1
US Environmental Politics (formerly INI445H1) [26S]

Study of the factors which determine US federal environmental decisions which in turn both heavily influence international environmental politics and, in an integrated North American economy, comparable domestic decisions made in Ottawa.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1 and enrolment in a Centre for Environment program, or permission of Undergraduate Student Advisor

Exclusion: INI 445H1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV446H1
Cities & Urban Environmentalism in a Global Context (formerly INI446H1) [26S]

Provides an opportunity for in-depth exploration of the implications for urban governance and environmental protection of three inter-connected phenomena: globalization of the political economy; restructuring of the state; emergence of the city as a global actor.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1 and enrolment in a Centre program, or permission of Undergraduate Student Advisor

Exclusion: INI 446H1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV447H1
The Power of Economic Ideas (formerly INI447H1) [26S]

From Keynesianism to trading in greenhouse gas permits, the principles of economics have had far greater impact on policy than those of any other discipline; the course examines that power in the field of environmental policy, including the struggle of ecological economics with mainstream economics to introduce new ideas such as scale, place, and inherent value.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE22Y1 and enrolment in a Centre program, or permission of Undergraduate Student Advisor

Exclusion: INI 447H1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV450H1
Energy and Environment Solutions [26S, 13T]

This is an interdisciplinary course in which students address current energy problems while incorporating technical, environmental, economic, social, and political concerns.
Prerequisite: ENV346H1, ENV350H1; JGE347H1, JGE348H1
This is a Science course.


JEH455H1
Current Issues in Environment and Health [26S]

This course introduces students to complex issues at the interface between environment and health where health is broadly defined. Each year a current and controversial case study is explored from scientific, medical, political and policy perspectives. The course takes students from the molecular to individual to population and societal levels.
Prerequisite: ENV341H1/HMB302H1 and permission of Undergraduate Student Advisor
This is a Science course.


ENV481H1
Special Topics in the Environment [26S]


ENV482H1
Special Topics in the Environment [26S]

Special topics course designed for advanced Specialist and Major students in Centre for Environment programs.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1 and completion of at least 10 FCE and enrolment in a Centre Environmental program, or permission of Undergraduate Student Advisor.
These are Social Science courses.


ENV483Y1
Special Topics in the Environment (formerly INI497Y1) [52S]

Special topics course designed for advanced Specialist and Major students in Centre for Environment programs.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1 and completion of at least 10 FCE and enrolment in a Centre for Environmental program, or permission of the Undergraduate Student Advisor

Exclusion: INI 497Y1
This is a Social Science course.


ENV490Y1
Senior Essay

Open only to Specialists in the Environment and Science, and Environment and Sociiety programs, who have completed 15 courses. A major scholarly essay demonstrating the student’s ability to integrate the individual course elements from their theme.
Prerequisite: JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1 and completion of 14 FCE and enrolment in a Centre for Environment program
Co-requisite: ENV421H1


ENV491Y1
Independent Studies Project (formerly INI491Y1)


ENV492H1
Independent Studies Project (formerly INI492H1)


ENV493H1
Independent Studies Project (formerly INI493H1)

A research project or selected topic in an area of environment not otherwise available in the Faculty, meant to develop skills in independent study of interdisciplinary topics. A written proposal cosigned by the student and supervisor must be submitted for approval by the Undergraduate Coordinator of the Centre normally by 31 May of the previous academic year, or three months prior to commencing the course.
Prerequisite: A CGPA of 3.0, JGE221Y1/JIE222Y1, completion of at least 14 FCE, and enrolment in a Centre for Environment program

Exclusion: INI491Y1/492H1/493H1






















Equity Studies: see New College
Estonian: See Slavic Languages and Literatures
Ethics, Society & Law: see Trinity College