Environmental Science (NLS) at University of Windsor at Main

The Great Lakes watershed hosts the largest freshwater resource in the world. The University of Windsor is located at its heart—an unequalled natural laboratory to study the environment and develop solutions to important environmental issues, on both global and local levels. Classes provide students with a comprehensive learning experience, incorporating all major components of the physical and living environment—geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.

During students' first two years of study, they will receive grounding in scientific principles pertaining to environmental systems and natural processes, as well as human influences and interactions. This includes hands-on experience in fieldwork, laboratories, and computer visualization. Third- and fourth-year courses focus on such complex and evolving issues as environmental impact and assessment, sustainable resource use and management, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem health.

The flexibility of the curriculum allows students to specialize in aspects of the environment that might be of particular interest to them, such as environmental chemistry, hydrogeology, and climatology. Required courses in scientific writing and field methods provide students with practical knowledge and essential skills.

In addition, with appropriate course selection, students can obtain knowledge requirements for various professional certifications or accreditations, such as ECO Canada and APGO (Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario). Options for obtaining program minors in Earth Science or Geography, as well as a geography teachable subject, are also available. students who are interested in graduate study, they are encouraged to undertake a thesis project during the fourth year of the program.

Faculty members include internationally renowned scientists with active research programs in a variety of natural resource and environmental areas. Many faculty members also maintain appointment in the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER). Students are often invited by faculty to become directly involved in these research programs through Outstanding Scholar placements, employment, internships, volunteer opportunities, or thesis studies.

In addition to a rewarding career as a scientist, an Environmental Science degree can provide appropriate background training for professions such as law, medicine, or business—combinations that are extremely attractive to employers, such as consulting companies, regulators, and litigators.