Last updated: September 28, 2023 @ 04:18PM
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
Associate Dean
Dawn Zinga
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty
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
Julia Baird (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre and Geography and Tourism Studies), Jessica Blythe (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Todd Green (Marketing, International Business & Strategy), Timothy Heinmiller (Political Science), Magnus Hultman (Marketing, International Business & Strategy), Marilyne Jollineau (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Kevin Turner (Geography & Tourism Studies)
Assistant Professor
Sylvia Grewatsch (Marketing, International Business and Strategy)
Participating Faculty
Associate Professors
Adam Dickinson (English Language & Literature), Garrett Hutson (Recreation and Leisure Studies)
Assistant Professors
Kiyoko Gotanda (Biological Sciences), Vaughn Mangal (Chemistry)
Adjunct Professors
Amy Bowen (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Gillian Dale (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Sherman Farhad (Universidad de Córdoba), Angela Guerrero (QUT - Queensland University of Technology), Jennifer Holzer (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Amy Lemay (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Bradley May (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Darby McGrath (Environmental Sustainability Research Centre), Janani Sivarajah (Laval University), Timothy F. Smith (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia)
Graduate Program Director
Jessica Blythe
Jblythe2@brocku.ca
Coordinator
Erin Daly
SSAS@brocku.ca
Program Description
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.
The program offers three degree options. Students desiring a rigorous academic education enriched by practical application of classroom learning will pursue a Master of Sustainability, Co-op (Scheme A). Students desiring a rigorous academic education enriched by an intensive research experience will pursue a Master of Sustainability, Thesis (Scheme B). Students are afforded a combination of a rigorous academic education enriched by an in-depth research inquiry about a specific topic. Aspiring sustainability professionals and other individuals who possess practical experience in the workplace may wish to pursue Scheme C (Master of Sustainability, Course Work and Major Research Paper). Scheme A and C are further differentiated from Scheme B by the number of required and elective courses.
Our Faculty, who come from diverse disciplines and units, 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
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.
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in English as specified in the section titled "Proof of English Language Proficiency" in the Brock University Gradaute Calendar.
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
Graduate students follow one of Scheme A, Scheme B, or Scheme C. 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 (0.5 credits must be SSAS); 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.
Facilities
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.
Course Descriptions
Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable timetable for details.
Students must 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
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
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
This course, offered through the Co-op, Career and Experiential Education Office, provides 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
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. Includes lectures, experiential education, discussion panels and debates.
SSAS 5P02
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.
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, 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.
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 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.
SSAS 5P22
Current Topics in Conservation Ecology and Biodiversity
(also offered as BIOL 5P22)
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 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.
SSAS 5V82
Nature Based Solutions in Sustainability
Exploration of nature-based solutions and their role in addressing environmental sustainability challenges, such as climate change. Topics include ecosystem benefits and services, economic and social impacts, policy and legislation barriers and drivers, and governance perspectives.
SSAS 5V83
Just Transitions in Sustainability
Overview of theoretical perspectives on supporting transitions to sustainability. The dynamics of transition are also explored empirically through case studies that examine multi-scalar interactions, distinct phases of transitions, and reconfigurations of institutional and organisational structures and systems of society.