Climate Action

ART 390AP - Exploring Atmospheric Kilns

For intermediate ceramic students; this course will develop your understanding of atmospheric firing processes. You will fire, Raku, Wood and Soda (low/high) kilns. The course will focus on developing and making ceramics in the studio. Through demonstrations and practice-based learning, students will explore skills and concepts of atmospheric firing. ***Prerequisite: Two Ceramics courses from: ART 260, ART 290AH, ART 290AN, ART 290AO, ART 361, ART 362, and ART 363.***

ART 490AJ - Advanced Kiln Construction

Advanced students will work with the instructor and a visiting artist/kiln building expert to build an outdoor Wood-fired Soda (atmospheric) kiln. Students will also make ceramic works that are conceptualized specifically to be fired in this kiln and undertake research into related practices in contemporary ceramic art. ***Prerequisite: Two of ART 361, 362, 363, 364, 461, 462, 463, 464 or permission of the department head ***

ART 490AP - Advanced Atmospheric Firing

Advanced ceramics students will develop work for and knowledge of atmospheric firing processes. You will fire, Raku, Wood and Soda (low and high) kilns. The course focuses on developing your ceramics in the studio. Through demonstrations, practice-based learning, and studio making, students will explore atmospheric firing as contemporary ceramics practice.
***Prerequisite: One 300 level ceramics course from ART 361, ART 362, or ART 363.***

ART 820AR - Art and Climate Change

This course will focus on the material and conceptual development of artworks exploring issues of climate change and environmental activism.

ASTR 201 - Solar System Astronomy

This course is concerned with the description of the fundamental properties of our solar system. Topics will include: planetary interiors, surface structures and atmospheres, asteriods, comets and meteorites, and the formation of planetary systems.
*** Prerequisite: ASTR 101 ***

BIOL 276 - Environmental Biology

This course discusses the biological basis for environmental change and its impacts on human society and will review the patterns, causes and consequences of human-induced and natural environmental change. Topics will include: global warming, acid rain, ozone depletion, fisheries collapse, sustainable forestry, agriculture, biodiversity, and conservation. For Biology, Environmental Science and Environmental Studies Majors.
*** Prerequisite: BIOL 100 and 101, or BIOL 150 and ENST 200 ***

BIOL 399AC - Terrestrial Ecosystems

This course will examine factors regulating distribution and functioning of major temperate terrestrial ecosystems, and some tropical ecosystems, as well as their ecosystem processes. Factors: climate, geology, surficial deposits, soils, microorganisms, flora, fauna. Processes: disturbances (fire, wind, anthropic), succession, productivity and biomass, carbon capture and sequestration. Field trip (2 days) on 2nd weekend of semester. Laboratories.
***Prerequisite: BIOL 275 or permission of the dept. head***

EC&I 871AX - Creating School Climates of Gender Justice

Recognizing that sexism, heterosexism and cissexism negatively impact and limit all members of school communities, this course explores the work of changing school climates to create greater inclusion and welcome. While individual accommodations continue to matter, the focuses on the systemic changes needed to impact the overall school climate.

ECON 273 - Environmental Economics

A study of contemporary environmental issues using economics. What are the economic costs and benefits of pollution? How do emission standards, environmental taxes, and tradable permits work in reducing pollution? What are the cost-effective ways to address environmental challenges like climate change?
***Prerequisite: 15 credit hours or ECON 100.***

ECON 373 - Climate Change Policy

This course will explore questions such as, What policy options are available to address climate change? What climate change policies have been introduced in Canada and around the world? How do we evaluate whether climate change policy has succeeded?
***Prerequisite: ECON 201 or ECON 273.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ECON 373, ECON 396AW, or GEOG 396AM.*

ENEV 440 - Air Pollution Engineering

Air pollution effects and control regulations, atmospheric chemistry, air quality detection, pollution meteorology, air quality, modeling, air pollution control, techniques, and global atmospheric problems.
*** Prerequisite: ENEV 321 ***

ENEV 886DC - Multivariate Cluster and Discriminant Analysis for Environmental Planning

A series of cluster analysis (e.g., stepwise cluster analysis) and discriminant analysis (e.g., Bayesian discriminant analysis) methods will be included in this graduated level directed reading course. Combined multivariate cluster and discriminant analysis methods for climate-change adaptation and environmental management planning will be further introduced in this course.

ENEV 886DE - Optimization-Based Multicriteria Environmental Decision

A series of econometrics analysis (e.g., computable general equilibrium model) and environmental system analysis (e.g., nondeterministic optimization programming) methods will be involved in this graduated level directed reading course. The optimization-based computable general equilibrium approach for socio-economic impact analyses under climate change will be introduced in this course.

ENIN 880AN - Wind Turbine Technology

Reading, research, discussion and writing on advanced topics in wind engineering. These may include aerodynamics: Two-dimensional aerodynamics and three-dimensional effects; windatlas; wind assessment; atmospheric layer and turbulence; control of wind turbine; grid connections; wind turbine simulation.

ENIN 880BL - Energy Technology for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

This course deals with energy technologies that minimize generation and emissions of greenhouse gases from combustion of both renewable and non-renewable fuels. Examples of technologies are biodiesel production, carbon capture and natural gas purification.

ENPC 880AI - Petroleum Refinery Processes

This course will cover advanced topics in petroleum refinery processes starting from the crude oil properties and characteristics. Content will include material related to oil refinery products, all the refinery processes such as atmospheric and vacuum distillation, hydrotreating processes, gasoline improvements processes, cracking processes, lube oil production, asphalt and wax production, and experimental tests for different products.The course also includes topics related to the study of auxiliary processes available in modern refineries, recent developments. and challenges encountered.Calculations related to material balance, economics, design, and research and development needs will be discussed.

ENPC 880AS - Advanced Topics in Carbon Finance

This course will explore the economic and environmental impacts of using carbon-based energy resources. The financial tools and techniques that can be applied to combat climate change will be investigated. The class will also discussed venture capital to develop low emissions technologies and project finance to build clean energy projects.

ENPE 491 - Carbon Capture, Utilization and Geo-sequestration

This course will cover global climate change impacts, sources of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the benefits and applications of carbon capture technologies for the petroleum industry, sequestration in oil and gas reservoirs and deep saline aquifers. Additionally, CCS policies and regulatory development will be explored.
***Prerequisite: ENPE 300 and ENIN 355.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ENPE 491 or ENER 491.*

GEOG 831 - Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability

This course focuses on the impact of climate change on biophysical and social systems, and the adjustments to policies and practices that will be required to minimize the negative impacts. It is intended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in this emerging and important field of study.

GEOG 891AT - Methods and Applications in Dendroclimatology

A reading course/independent study in the methods and applications of dendroclimatology. Emphasis on statistical methods for the inferences of streamflow and other climate variables from tree-ring parameters. Students work with tree-ring data collected in western Canada to develop and interpret a reconstruction of climatic or hydrometric variables.

GEOL 240 - Earth System History

Inter-connected evolution of atmosphere-biosphere-hydrosphere-lithosphere over the course of geologic time; its forcing mechanisms, interactions, and feedbacks. Major physical and biological global events emphasizing North America and Western Canada.

*** Prerequisite: GEOL 102 ***

GEOL 329 - Soils and Sediment Analysis

Introduction to the analysis, properties and classification of soils and sediments. Includes an understanding of the distribution of soil types at local, regional and global scales due to environmental indices like climate, geology, water, and vegetation. This course uses experiential learning where students conduct a field and laboratory study of their own field site, using basic measurements of soils and sediments.
***Prerequisite: GES 121.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of GEOL 329, GEOL 494AD, GEOG 329, or GES 329.*

GEOL 890AD - Advanced Principles of Groundwater Flow

The course will cover the principles of groundwater flow, properties of aquifers, geology of groundwater occurrence, and regional groundwater flow with examples from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin in parallel to GEOL 476. Advanced readings will focus on issues surrounding more complex gorundwater flow problems, contaminant hydrogeology, and the effects of climate change on groundwater systems.

GES 121 - Physical Geography

The physical basis of geography; climate, landforms, and the geography of water, soil, and plants. Emphasis is placed on processes that account for the earth's natural landscapes and their geographic variability.
*Note: Students may receive credit for only one of GES 121, GEOG 121, or GEOG 221.*

GES 297AB - Environment and Society

This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on the relationship between society and the natural environment. The course examines the environmental impact of the actions of individuals, businesses and governments. Specific topics might include climate change, environmental degradation, sustainability and environmental movements and conflicts.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 12 credit hours or GES 120 or GES 121 or permission of department head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of GES 297AB or SOC 230.*

GES 325 - Biogeography

An examination of the geographic distributions of plants and animals and the historical, geologic, and contemporary processes underlying those distributions. The course will include study of the influence of climate change, continental drift, and human activity on spatial distribution of flora/fauna.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours including GES 121, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for only one of GES 325 and GEOG 325.*

GES 329 - Soil Geography

Introduction to the properties and classification of soil. The geography of soil at local, regional, and global scales. Relationship of soil to geomorphology, climate, water, vegetation, and environmental change.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours including GES 121 or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for only one of GES 329, GEOG 329 or GEOL 329.*

GES 333 - Natural Hazards

Characteristics and human impacts of selected natural hazards. Risk evaluation and responses. General and case study approaches, with emphasis on atmospheric and geomorphic hazards in Canada and the developing world.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours including GES 120 or GEOG 121, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for only one of GES 333 and GEOG 333.*

GES 421 - Topics in Climatology and Meteorology

Weather and human activities. Response to weather hazards: hurricanes, thunderstorms, droughts. World climate regions. Climate change. Human impact of weather, weather forecasting and climatological information. Anthropogenic effects on the atmosphere.
***Prerequisite: GES 321 or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for only one of GES 421 and GEOG 421.*

GES 431 - Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability

This course focuses on the impacts of climate change on biophysical and and social systems, and the adjustments to policies and practices that will be required to minimize the negative impacts. It is intended for advanced undergraduates and graduate students with an interest in this emerging and important field of study.
***Prerequisite: GES 120 and GES 121.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for only one of GES 431, GEOG 431, GEOG 831, or GEOG 491AB.*

JSGS 870 - Water Policy in an Age of Uncertainty

Do contemporary water systems embody principles that will allow them to adapt and function in a changing climate, a rapidly evolving economy, a changing settlement system, and new lifestyles? Students will develop a collaborative, interdisciplinary framework for evaluating sustainable water governance.

MAP 200AJ - Future Threads: The Fashion Industry in Response to Climate Correction

The Fashion Industry is cited as being one of the foremost polluters on Earth. This class will examine how the industry is adjusting to the climate crisis. The class will examine the place of fast fashion in popular culture and question if consumers are able to exchange fast for sustainable? It asks can the fashion industry adjust to the present and future demands for a culture of sustainable dressing?
***Prerequisite: 18 credit hours***

MAP 300AQ - Engaging Climate Change: Creativity, Community, Intervention

This multidisciplinary course explores climate change and environmental concerns, with a focus on resilience, community, Indigenous perspectives, science, artist engagements, local/global projects, and thinking outside the box in the face of change. Assignments will be applied and/or artistic explorations of course themes. Students from all university disciplines are welcome.
***Prerequisite: 60 credit hours or permission of instructor.***
*Note: Students cannot receive credit for both MAP 300AQ and MAP 400AD.*

MAP 400AD - Engaging Climate Change: Creativity, Community, Intervention

This multidisciplinary course explores climate change and environmental concerns, with a focus on resilience, community, Indigenous perspectives, science, artist engagements, local/global projects, and thinking outside the box in the face of change. Assignments will be applied and/or artistic explorations of course themes. Students from all university disciplines are welcome.
***Prerequisite: 60 credit hours or permission of instructor.***
*Note: Students cannot receive credit for both MAP 300AQ and MAP 400AD.*

MAP 890BP - Engaging Climate Change: Creativity, Community, Intervention

This multidisciplinary course explores climate change and environmental concerns, with a focus on resilience, community, Indigenous worldviews, science, artist engagements, local/global projects, and thinking outside the box in the face of change. Assignments will be applied and/or artistic explorations of course themes. Students from all university disciplines are welcome.

PSYC 890BQ - Environmental Psychology

Climate change and biodiversity loss may be the central problems of our era, and are central factors underlying many global human problems. Human behaviour is both a cause and an important solution to these issues, so this course will examine how psychological knowledge can contribute to solving environmental problems.

SOC 230 - Environment and Society

This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on the relationship between society and the natural environment. The course examines the environmental impact of the actions of individuals, businesses and governments. Specific topics might include climate change, environmental degradation, sustainability and environmental movements and conflicts.
***Prerequisites: Completion of 12 credit hours or SOC 100 or permission of department head.***
*Note: SOC 100 is required for all majors in Sociology.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SOC 230 or GES 297AB.*

SOC 890AR - Critical Perspectives on the Environment in the Global South

This course covers critical readings related to the sociology and political economy of environmental issues in the Global South, including how these problems are a product of contemporary development processes. Readings will include social theory and history of the environment, as well as cover particular problems, such as those related to climate change, agriculture, water, natural resources, land rights and conflicts, and oil.

SOST 890AJ - Social Dimensions of Climate Change

This course examines the social dimensions of climate change vulnerability and adaptation from a sociological perspective. Key topics include: conceptual frameworks for understanding social dimensions of climate change; social differentiation (e.g., gender, race, class, geopolitical location) and climate vulnerability; vulnerability assessment methods; and policies for sustainable adaptation.

THAC 360AO - Contemporary Scene Study: Climate Change Theatre

Theatre for change. This class will explore new plays from around the world dealing with Climate Change and Activism. Students will work on scenes and short plays dealing with Climate Change and lay the groundwork for creating their own new works on the subject. The class will also research artistic activism and its role in society.
***Prerequisite: THAC 260 or permission of the instructor.***