Another benefit to choosing the University of Windsor is our
Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER), a
multidisciplinary institute with faculty and collaborators from
biology, geology, chemistry, engineering, marine biology,
molecular biology, genetics and ecology. Our researchers
address complex environmental problems that cross conventional
disciplinary boundaries such as the effects of multiple
environmental stressors on large lakes, their watersheds and
marine environments. Faculty and graduate students conduct
research both locally within the Great Lakes Basin and around the
world. The institute has extensively equipped laboratories, core
facilities and dedicated research vessels.
GLIER researchers hold NSERC Canada Research Chairs in Great
Lakes Research, Trophic Ecology and Environmental Genomics as
well as a Department of Fisheries and Oceans Research Chair in
Invasion Biology. The Scientific Director of the Canadian Aquatic
Invasive Species Network (CAISN) is among our faculty members.
Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER)
Environmental Studie
Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that
systematically studies human interaction with the environment in
the interest of solving complex problems. It is a broad field of study
that includes the natural environment, built environment and the
sets of relationships between them.
The Environmental Studies program at UWindsor introduces you
to the social, cultural, economic, political, legal and ethical factors
affecting human interaction with the environment, helping you to
understand the many interrelated dimensions of environmental
issues and formulate effective strategies for change. It provides a
basic literacy in the physical and biological sciences and provides
skills and knowledge in the areas of critical thinking, research,
analysis, data interpretation and problem solving. You will learn the
techniques for obtaining, analyzing and interpreting environmental
data such as literature research, statistics, case study analysis,
mapping and analyzing spatial data with Geographic Information
System (GIS) and remote sensing, cartography, aerial photography,
questionnaire design, land surveying and field sampling design.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science uses scientific tools and principles to
understand natural processes and the mitigation of human impacts
on the environment. It is a multi-disciplinary academic field that
integrates studies in chemistry, physics, biology, geology and
geography.
The UWindsor Environmental Science program provides an
opportunity to apply many of these different aspects of science
in an interdisciplinary context to investigate earth, environmental
impact, climate change, ecosystems, the sustainable development
of natural resources, natural hazards and other important
environmental and resource issues currently facing Canada and the
world. Practical aspects of the program include both field and lab
work, making it ideal for those students interested in science who
do not necessarily want to be confined to an office or lab. It also
includes technical training in the use of Geographical Information
Systems (GIS) and environmental assessment.
An Environmental Science Degree can provide appropriate
background training for professional schools such as law,
medicine and business administration and, with appropriate course
choices, provides the knowledge requirements for professional
registration, which is a requirement for working in certain areas of
environmental science.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering focuses on control of soil, water and air
pollution, water supply and wastewater treatment, risk management
and hazardous and solid waste management. Specialized topic areas
include lifecycle analysis (e.g. vehicle recycling), biotechnology and
air pollution modelling. Environmental engineers are trained not
only to solve immediate environmental problems, but also to develop
practices and processes to avoid future polution problems to improve
the quality of human life and the environment.
As with all engineering studies, this program begins with a general
first year to provide flexibility in program choice. Co-op is available
after the first year. Courses in second year include Engineering
and the Environment and Civil Engineering Information Systems,
which includes exposure to surveying, CAD, and GIS. Core
environmental courses in air and water pollution control, chemical
analysis, thermodynamics, hydrology and materials recovery
and waste management comprise third and fourth year. Fourth
year also includes the comprehensive Capstone Design Project,
which emphasizes teamwork and the application of engineering
knowledge, and offers the potential to enter competitions.
Why an Environmental Program?
The environment is the most important issue of the 21st century. The relationships between health, sustainability and
environmental challenges have created an unprecedented need to come to terms with our impact on the environment. At
the University of Windsor, we offer degree programs in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science and Environmental
Engineering, all of which will prepare you to understand, assess, and even help reverse this impact.
Environmental Programs
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