2019-2020 Graduate Calendar

Sustainability Science and Society

 

This program is offered through the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC).

Master of Sustainability, Co-op

Master of Sustainability

Dean

Ingrid Makus

Faculty of Social Sciences

Acting Associate Dean

Dawn Zinga

Faculty of Social Sciences

 

Faculty

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Core Faculty

Professors

Christine Daigle (Philosophy), Diane Dupont (Economics), Francine McCarthy (Earth Sciences), Cheryl McCormick (Psychology), Gary Pickering (Biological Sciences), Michael Pisaric (Geography & Tourism Studies), Ryan Plummer (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Ana Sanchez (Health Science), Liette Vasseur (Biological Sciences),

Associate Professors

Xavier Fazio (Education), Christopher Fullerton (Geography and Tourism Studies), Timothy Heinmiller (Political Science), Marilyne Jollineau (Geography and Tourism Studies), Kevin Turner (Geography and Tourism Studies)

Assistant Professors

Julia Baird (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Jessica Blythe (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Todd Green (Marketing, International Business & Strategy)

Adjunct Professors

Jennifer Baltzer (Wilfrid Laurier University), Bronwyn Benkert (Yukon College), Ryan Bullock (University of Winnipeg), Jennifer Fresque-Baxter (Government of the Northwest Territories), Jack G.A. Imhof (Trout Unlimited Canada) Guelph, ON, Erin Kelly (Government of the Northwest Territories), Wendee Kubik (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Bradley May (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Timothy F. Smith (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia), Dana Thomsen (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia), Micaela Trimble (South American Institute for Resilience and Sustainability Studies SARAS), Alison Waller (Environmental Sustainability Res

Participating Faculty

Professors

Stephen Cheung (Kinesiology), Tim O'Connell (Recreation & Leisure Studies), Glenn Tattersall (Biological Sciences)

Associate Professors

David Brown (Geography and Tourism Studies), Adam Dickenson (English Language & Literature), Garrett Hutson (Recreation and Leisure Studies), Doug Karrow (Education), Anthony Ward (Economics)

Graduate Program Director

Marilyne Jollineau

mjollineau@brocku.ca

Co-op, Career & Experiential Education

Melissa Beamer, Senior Employer Development Manager

mbeamer2@brocku.ca

Coordinator

Amanda Smits

SSAS@brocku.ca

 

Program Description

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Human activities are shaping the Earth. Addressing the interactions between social and ecological systems requires new perspectives and academic approaches. The Sustainability Science and Society graduate program aims to facilitate society's transition towards sustainability. The transdisciplinary focus of the program breaks down traditional barriers between disciplines, encouraging the cross pollination of ideas that will generate novel solutions and new opportunities in a dynamic and complex world.

This graduate program consists of two learning paths. The Master of Sustainability, Co-op (Scheme A) is for those students wishing to enrich classroom learning with practical experience. Alternatively, students desiring an intensive research experience will pursue a Master of Sustainability, Thesis (Scheme B). Both paths include common foundational courses that are offered in the first two terms of study.

Our Faculty comes from diverse disciplines and units at Brock University who share a common interest in environmental sustainability. Brock University is located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - a site seeking to reconcile social, economic and biophysical challenges confronting societies around the globe.

 

Admission Requirements

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Successful completion of four year Bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited university with a minimum 75% (mid-B) average over the last two years of full-time undergraduate study.

In keeping with its transdisciplinary character, the program welcomes students with a focus on the environment and sustainability from a variety of academic backgrounds.

For students who must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (see: https://experience.brocku.ca/Graduate_Study/EnglishLanguageProficiency.ezc) the minimum TOEFL score of 600 (TWE 5.5) or equivalent is required.

Admission to part-time study is not normally available. Individuals interested in part-time study should consult with the Graduate Program Director.

The Graduate Program Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates. The Committee may also make conditional acceptances.

 

Degree Requirements

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Graduate students follow either Scheme A or Scheme B. The student's plan of study must be approved by the Graduate Program Director.

Scheme A: Course Work, Co-op and Major Research Paper

Students enrolled in Scheme A must complete: SSAS 5P01, SSAS 5P02, SSAS 5P03, SSAS 5P04; two half-credit electives (0.5 credit must be SSAS); SSAS 5F91 (Major Research Paper); and satisfactory completion of SSAS 5N90 and SSAS 5N01. Scheme A is designed to normally be completed in four terms (16 months).

Elective courses are chosen from those offered by Sustainability Science and Society (SSAS) and a maximum of one half-credit from the general graduate course bank.

Student's plan of study must be approved by the Graduate Program Director.

Scheme B: Course Work and Thesis

Students enrolled in Scheme B must complete: SSAS 5P01, SSAS 5P02, SSAS 5P04; one half-credit elective; and SSAS 5F90. Scheme B is designed to normally be completed in six terms (24 months).

Elective courses are chosen from those offered by Sustainability Science and Society (SSAS) and a maximum of one half-credit from the general graduate course bank.

Student's plan of study must be approved by the Graduate Program Director.

 

Facilities

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The program has two graduate student offices equipped with computers and internet access. Core and Participating Faculty have active research programs with access to a variety of laboratories, specialized equipment, and array of field sites in Canada and internationally. The geographical location of Brock University, in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, on the Niagara Escarpment and in close proximity to the Great Lakes, provides rich opportunities for local field research.

 

Course Descriptions

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Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable timetable for details.

Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.

SSAS 5F90

Thesis

An in-depth research project involving the preparation and defence of a thesis which demonstrates capacity for sustained independent work and original research in sustainability science and society.

SSAS 5F91

Major Research Paper

A substantive inquiry in sustainability science and society which demonstrates capacity for independent research and critical thinking.

SSAS 5N01

Co-op Employment I

Co-op work term (four months) with an approved employer providing a work integrated learning experience related to the student's chosen area of concentration. The co-op employment is full time with 35 to 40 hours per week for 12 to 16 weeks. Students are required to meet all the work term deliverables successfully (learning objective, work site visit, work term report and work term evaluation) and fulfill their employment contract in order to receive a “Satisfactory” grade for the work term.

SSAS 5N02

Co-op Employment II

Co-op work term (four months) with an approved employer providing a work integrated learning experience related to the student's chosen area of concentration. The co-op employment is full time with 35 to 40 hours per week for 12 to 16 weeks. Students are required to meet all the work term deliverables successfully (learning objective, work site visit, work term report and work term evaluation) and fulfill their employment contract in order to receive a “Satisfactory” grade for the work term.

Note: Approval of the Graduate Program Director is required.

SSAS 5N90

Co-op Professional Preparation Course

The primary goal of this course is to provide graduate students with the tools, resources and skills to maximize co-op employment and professional development opportunities – both while at Brock and after graduation. This course is a pre-requisite for any co-op students who wish to participate in co-op job search and grade will be evaluated based on class participation including attendance and completion of professional projects.

SSAS 5P01

Foundations of Sustainability Science and Society

An overview of the concepts of sustainability, the interactions between natural and social systems and how those interactions affect how societies can meet their current and future needs while protecting the environment. The course includes lectures, experiential education, discussion panels and debates.

SSAS 5P02

Methods for Environmental Inquiry

Current research methods, concepts, and forms of inquiry used by transdisciplinary researchers interested in environmental sustainability. The different ways that issues related to sustainability and the environment are framed, examined, and discussed using qualitative and quantitative tools.

SSAS 5P03

Problem Solving in the Environment

Contemporary applied approaches to sustainability issues across spatial and temporal scales. Case studies, project management, and experiential problem solving.

SSAS 5P04

Transdisciplinary Seminar

Students present their research to peers, academics and professionals, participate in scholarly exchanges with visiting and guest academics, and engage with professionals within the sustainability field.

Note: This course will be evaluated as credit/no-credit.

SSAS 5P11

Water Resource Economics, Management, and Governance

The values associated with water resources, its management, monitoring, and decision-making processes. International and Canadian case studies to explore innovations in water science from social and biophysical perspectives.

SSAS 5P12

Climate Change Adaptation and Transformation

Aspects of climate change from multiple perspectives including climate change scenarios and projections, mitigation and adaptation, resilience in climate change and steps towards transformations. Topics will integrate concepts from biology, climatology, sociology, economics, and political science.

SSAS 5P13

Landscape Ecology and Ecosystem Management

The drivers and consequences of global changes on the ecology of species at a range of spatial scales utilizing geospatial technologies (e.g., GIS and RS) and spatial data analyses. Topics include spatial ecology, disturbance ecology, conservation, restoration, management principles, public policy and health.

#SSAS 5P22

Current Topics in Conservation Ecology and Biodiversity

(also offered as BIOL 5P22)

This course aims to explore and discuss current trends in this field using an interdisciplinary approach. Topics may include concepts related to conservation strategies, impacts of conservation efforts on ecosystems, communities or species populations, biodiversity assessment, invasive species, balance of conserving biodiversity versus ecosystem services, and issues related to policy, management, economic and social concerns.

Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in BIOL 5P02.

#SSAS 5P66

Politics and the Environment

(also offered as POLI 5P66)

Examines the various linkages between politics and environmental outcomes. Political factors examined include democracy, federalism, bureaucracy, and the policy process.

Note: Taught in conjunction with POLI 4P66

SSAS 5P80

Directed Study

Specialized study in sustainability science on an individual basis, under the direction of a faculty member, to examine a significant topic in a student’s area of concentration.

SSAS 5V80-5V89

Selected Topics in Sustainability Science and Society

A topic in sustainability science and society that will vary by instructor.

 
Last updated: July 11, 2019 @ 09:13AM