ENCS - Environmental and Conservation Sciences

This course examines the economics and policy of climate change. Topics include an introduction to climate science; assessing the economic consequences of climate change (Integrated Assessment Models and the Social Cost of Carbon); evaluation of alternative policy instruments, to address both adaptation to and mitigation of the impacts of climate change, within an economic framework (taxes, subsidies, trading systems, investments in innovation, etc.); examination of the distributional impacts of economic policies; and, the treatment of uncertainty in climate change policy. The course will include examples and applications to agriculture, forestry, energy, and other sectors. Prerequisites: ECON 101 or 30 units.

Focuses on specialized field skills, their application, and integration in different sub-disciplines of the environmental and conservation sciences. The course involves off-campus field experiences. A student is required to select a topic related to their major, but may take additional sections as part of their electives. Pre- or corequisite: REN R 290.

Overview of Canadian laws and policies designed to control air, land, and water pollution including licensing systems, quasi-criminal sanctions, and environmental impact assessment processes. The course will also review relevant constitutional issues and consider alternative legal approaches to the resolution of environmental problems. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units of university-level course work. [Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology].

An introduction to rangeland conservation and wildlife habitat management. Examines the effects of grazing and browsing on ecosystems components, including rangeland soils, plants, plant communities, and landscapes. Discusses interactions among herbivores including livestock and wildlife. Reviews practical management activities such as rangeland inventory, improvements, planning, and condition assessment. Prerequisite: 3 units in university-level biology. [Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science]

Examines major rangeland plant communities and their physical environments in western Canada, including individual plant identification and ecology. Includes a review of various land uses such as livestock and wildlife grazing within these communities, their response to disturbances such as herbivory and fire, and other management considerations. Prerequisite: ENCS 356, REN R 120, or BOT 210. ENCS 356 recommended. [Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science].

An in-depth study of the plants and communities of North American rangelands and wildland ecosystems, and their management. Prerequisites: ENCS 356; ENCS 406 strongly recommended. [Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science]

Cumulative effects of fire, grazing, browsing, and improvement practices on the productivity and species composition of range and pasture ecosystems, including management implications. Extended field trip prior to the start of classes. Normally offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: ENCS 356. ENCS 406 recommended. [Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science].

An overview of principles and programs relating to environmental and conservation policy. Selected local, national, and international environmental policy issues. Not to be taken if credit received in ECON 467. Prerequisite: AREC 200, AREC 365, ECON 365, ECON 369, or FOREC 345. [Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology].

An overview of principles and programs relating to environmental and conservation policy. Selected local, national, and international environmental policy issues. Not to be taken if credit received for ENCS 473 or ECON 467. Prerequisite: AREC 200, AREC 365, ECON 365, ECON 369, or FOREC 345. [Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology].