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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 Associate Dean Dawn Zinga Faculty of Social Sciences |
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Core Faculty Professors Christine Daigle (Philosophy), Diane Dupont (Economics), Francine McCarthy (Earth Sciences), Xavier Fazio (Education), David Fennell (Geography & Tourism Studies), Tim O'Connell (Recreation & Leisure Studies), Gary Pickering (Biological Sciences), Michael Pisaric (Geography & Tourism Studies), Ryan Plummer (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Liette Vasseur (Biological Sciences) Associate Professors Todd Green (Marketing, International Business & Strategy), Timothy Heinmiller (Political Science), Marilyne Jollineau (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Kevin Turner (Geography & Tourism Studies) Assistant Professors Julia Baird (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Jessica Blythe (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre) Participating Faculty Associate Professors Adam Dickenson (English Language & Literature), Garrett Hutson (Recreation and Leisure Studies) Adjunct Professors Claudia Baldwin (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia), Gillian Dale (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Sherman Farhad (Universidad de Córdoba), Jennifer Holzer (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Wendee Kubik (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Bradley May (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Darby McGrath (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre),Timothy F. Smith (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia), Dana Thomsen (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia) Graduate Program Director Marilyne Jollineau Co-op, Career & Experiential Education Cara Krezek, Director Coordinator Erin Daly |
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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 graduate program in Sustainability Science and Society (SSAS) responds to today’s environmental challenges and is aligned with the emerging field of sustainability science. The program aims to support society’s transition towards sustainability by training students to develop a deep knowledge of sustainability science, providing theoretical and applied research experiences for students that build competency in research and their chosen topic, and engaging students in real-world problem-solving through innovative pedagogy. 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. |
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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://brocku.ca/graduate-studies/future-students/international/english-language-proficiency/) 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. |
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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. Scheme C: Course Work and Major Research Paper Students enrolled in Scheme C must complete SSAS 5P01, SSAS 5P02, SSAS 5P03, SSAS 5P04; two half-credit electives; and SSAS 5F91 (Major Research Paper). Scheme C is designed to normally be completed in three terms (12 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. |
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The program has two graduate student offices equipped with computer monitors 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. |
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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. 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. Major Research Paper A substantive inquiry in sustainability science and society which demonstrates capacity for independent research and critical thinking. 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. 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. Co-op Professional Preparation Course The primary goal of this course, offered through the Co-op, Career and Experiential Education Office, 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. 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. Methods for Environmental Inquiry Current research approaches and 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 examined and discussed using qualitative and quantitative tools. Problem Solving in the Environment Contemporary applied approaches to sustainability issues across spatial and temporal scales. Case studies, project management, and experiential problem solving. 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. 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. Climate Change Adaptation and Transformation Aspects of climate change from multiple perspectives including climate change scenarios and projections, adaptation, resilience in climate change and steps towards transformations. Specific focus will be devoted to the theoretical and applied aspects of climate change adaptation planning. Landscape Ecology and Ecosystem Management The drivers and consequences of global changes on the ecology of species at a range of spatial scales using 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. 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. 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. Selected Topics in Sustainability Science and Society A topic in sustainability science and society that will vary by instructor. |
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2021-2022 Graduate Calendar
Last updated: October 29, 2021 @ 10:40AM