University of Toronto
Major Modification Proposal Template
Proposal to Transition Existing Approved Fields to Concentrations
within a Graduate Degree Program
This template should be used to bring forward proposals to change approved fields within an existing graduate degree program or programs to
concentrations for governance approval under the University of Toronto’s Quality Assurance Process. Proposals to add a new concentration
whether at the same time or separately should be brought forward using the Major Modification template A: Significant Modification to an
Existing Program.
Section 1
Graduate Program and Degree Levels (master’s,
doctoral) :
Existing, approved fields within the program at each
degree level:
Ph.D. in Environmental Science
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Contaminant flux through surface and subsurface
environmental and biochemical cycles
Urban geoscience
Remediation and restoration of degraded
environmental systems
Great Lakes Ecosystems
Climate change and the environment
Environmental science and transitional economies
Department / graduate unit (if applicable) with academic
responsibility for program:
Physical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty / Academic Division:
UTSC
Faculty / Academic Division contact:
Annette Knott, Academic Programs Officer
aknott@utsc.utoronto.ca
Department / Unit contact:
Associate Graduate Chair, Roberta Fulthorpe
Anticipated Effective date:
September 1, 2012
Version Date:
April 3, 2012
Page 1 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
Section 2
1. Executive Summary
This is a proposal to transition the existing, approved fields within the PhD degree program in
Environmental Science to concentrations. These fields were most recently approved by OCGS
in June 2010. This major modification to the existing degree program will be effective
September 1, 2012.
The PhD program in Environmental Science has 6 fields as below:
1.Contaminant flux through surface and subsurface environmental and biochemical cycles
2. Urban geoscience
3. Remediation and restoration of degraded environmental systems
4. Great Lakes Ecosystems
5. Climate change and the environment
6. Environmental science and transitional economies.
These fields were originally approved by OCGS June 18, 2010. Under this proposal these
approved fields would all become concentrations and would henceforth be noted on students’
transcripts as such.
2. Academic Rationale
Traditionally, any graduate program seeking to advertise or make known a distinctive area of
strength or specialization within their program was required (by the Ontario Council of Graduate
Studies) to secure formal approval for a graduate field. Fields were expected to reflect the
“broad foci of the program” and to be “congruent with the broad expertise of the core faculty
members.” The identification of fields within a graduate program was “meant to give specificity
to a program compared to other similar programs in Ontario.” Fields were not required within
Master’s programs but were required within all PhD programs. The process of approval for a
new field was rigorous and required OCGS approval. Fields were recorded on a student’s
transcript.
With the transition from OCGS to the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance
(Quality Council) fields continue to be a feature of graduate programs, where desirable. They are
defined by the Quality Assurance Framework as “an area of specialization or concentration (in
multi/interdisciplinary programs a clustered area of specialization) that is related to the
demonstrable and collective strengths of the program’s faculty.” At the same time, the Quality
Assurance Framework also recognizes “programs of specialization” or “concentrations” which it
defines as “An identified set and sequence of courses, and/or other units of study, research and
practice within an area of disciplinary or interdisciplinary study, which is completed in …
fulfillment of the requirements for the awarding of a degree, and is recorded on the graduate's
academic record.”
Rooted in the Province’s Quality Assurance Framework, the University of Toronto has come to
the following clarification of fields and concentrations and their characteristics.
Page 2 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
Definition
Advertising:
Admission:
Requirements:
Transcript:
Approvals:
Fields
A field is an identified area of specialization in a
graduate degree program that is related to
demonstrable and collective strengths of the program’s
faculty members. There is no requirement to identify
fields in either master’s or doctoral programs. Initial
proposals for fields require University governance
approval and the endorsement of the Quality Council.
As with all academic initiatives, proposals for fields
require demonstration of adequate resources. Approved
fields have the following characteristics:
An approved field may be used to advertise an area of
strength within a graduate program.
In some programs, students may be admitted directly
into an approved field within a program, though there
is no requirement to do so. Students may be identified
with a field in a program upon admission.
The total number of courses and other program
requirements in an individual field normally are the
same as the overall degree program requirements, and
the same as in any other field in the program. There
usually is a common set of requirements for the degree
program regardless of field.
Approved fields may appear as notations on the student
transcript upon completion of the degree program.
A proposal for a field follows the Expedited New
Program Process and requires University governance
approval of the Division and Academic Policy and
Programs Committee and requires Quality Council
endorsement.
Concentrations
A concentration is associated with an identified area of study,
often requiring completion of a specific set of courses, in a
graduate degree program. Concentrations may be offered in
place of fields. There is no requirement to identify
concentrations in either master’s or doctoral programs. As
with all academic initiatives, proposals for concentrations
require demonstration of adequate resources. Approved
concentrations have the following characteristics:
A graduate program may advertise concentrations in
association with the graduate program.
In some programs, students may be admitted directly into an
approved concentration within a program, though there is no
requirement to do so. Students may be identified with a field
in a program upon admission.
The total number of courses and other program requirements
in an individual concentration normally are the same as the
overall degree program requirements, and the same as in any
other concentration in the program. There usually is a
common set of requirements for the degree program
regardless of concentration.
Approved concentrations may appear as notations on the
student transcript upon completion of the degree program.
A proposal for a concentration is a Major Modification and
requires University governance approval at the level of the
Division and is reported to Academic Policy and Programs
Committee for information, and also is reported to Quality
Council.
In line with the University of Toronto’s understanding of fields and concentrations, the graduate
degree program in Environmental Science has prepared this proposal to seek governance
approval to transition its existing approved fields to concentrations. This proposal applies solely
to the PhD program.
Fields are rooted in and reflect distinct areas of expertise and scholarship of the program faculty.
They tend to identify quite distinct areas of interest and research. In this sense, the creation of a
new field commonly reflects a new and substantive direction for a program and is treated by the
UTQAP as a subset of the new program category requiring expedited approval by the Quality
Council. Fields by virtue of their definition, the investment of time and energy required for their
approval, and also by the manner in which they are tied to the demonstrated expertise of the
faculty complement, tend to possess a certain sense of stability and constancy. Fields commonly
change slowly and infrequently. Often, the identification of fields conforms to established
disciplinary norms and has a significance that goes beyond the purely curricular. In certain
contexts fields will continue to be seen as appropriate, constructive, and informative.
In contrast, concentrations, while equally rooted in the capacity of the research faculty to support
graduate level research in specific areas, suggest a more flexible offering that can evolve in a
timely manner and can be appropriately responsive to changes in the area of study.
Concentrations by their very nature will reflect the evolving interests of faculty and prospective
students but need not be as entirely distinct and free-standing as a field is expected to be.
This latter construction is felt by the graduate degree program in Environmental Science to be
more appropriate to the nature of their program, its goals and interests. Environmental Science is
an emerging discipline that responds to contemporary environmental challenges. Thus flexibility
Page 3 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
in modifying concentrations appropriately is highly desirable to mirror the concurrent evolution
in the discipline. For example the critical importance of climate change as emerged as a
dominant if not the dominant theme in Environmental Science in the last five years whereas
environmental degradation was the dominant theme prior to this. We anticipate that other themes
will come to the fore that the discipline will eagerly tackled. This is in contrast to many other
discipline with well defined canons of study and clear research trajectory.
3. Description of the Proposed Major Modification(s)
1. To transition the existing, approved fields within the PhD degree program in Environmental
Science to concentrations. The Ph.D. in Environmental Science currently has 6 fields as follows:
1.Contaminant flux through surface and subsurface environmental and biochemical cycles
2. Urban geoscience
3. Remediation and restoration of degraded environmental systems
4. Great Lakes Ecosystems
5. Climate change and the environment
6. Environmental science and transitional economies.
Program requirements will not change, there will be no changes to learning outcomes, and no
changes to the faculty engaged in the delivering the program or to essential physical resources.
The proposed transition of the existing fields within the Ph.D. in Environmental Science would
be effective September, 2012. Under the University of Toronto Quality Assurance process
(UTQAP) this change is considered a major modification to an existing program requiring
Divisional Council approval. The approval of a major modification is reported as a major
modification for information to the Academic Policy and Programs Committee of Governing
Council and also to the Quality Council.
4. Requirements
Please see Appendix A for full, revised calendar copy.
5. Impact of the Change on Students
The following table shows enrolment in the PhD in Environmental Science by field. Students
enrolled in the program will be “grand-parented” with respect to existing fields. Concentrations
will be available to new students admitted as of the effective date of the change. Currently there
are 5 students in their second year and ten students in their first year. One student who
transferred in from another program is in her 4th year.
Field
Contaminant flux through surface and
# of students
4
Page 4 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
subsurface environmental and biochemical
cycles
Urban geoscience
Remediation and restoration of degraded
environmental systems
Great Lakes Ecosystems
Climate change and the environment
Environmental science and transitional
economies.
1
5
1
4
1
6. Consultation
This proposal is the product of extensive discussion and consultation amongst the graduate
faculty teaching in this program. The graduate program in Environmental Science has also
worked closely with the UTSC Dean’s Office, the School of Graduate Studies, and the Office of
the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs in bringing this proposal forward in order to ensure that it
is conformity with academic institutional norms. The Dean’s Office in FAS and UTM have been
consulted and have expressed their support for this change.
7. Resources:
This proposal has no resource implications.
8. Governance Process:
Levels of Approval Required
Dean’s Office Sign Off
Divisional Governance
Submission to Provost’s
Office
AP&P – reported annually
Ontario Quality Council reported annually
Page 5 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
Appendix A: provide the revised calendar copy.
Revised calendar copy
Original Requirements (as of March 15, 2012) with Proposed Changes Tracked:
Physical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Affiliation
University of Toronto Scarborough
Degree Programs Offered
Environmental Science – MEnvSc, PhD
Fields (MEnvSc):
Biophysical Interactions in Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems
Concentrations (PhD):
Contaminant Flux Through Surface and Subsurface Environmental and Biochemical Cycles
Urban Geoscience
Remediation and Restoration of Degraded Environmental Systems
Great Lake Ecosystems
Climate Change and the Environment
Environmental Science and Transitional Economies
Overview
The Graduate Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences offers opportunities for graduate studies in
Environmental Science, leading to the degrees of Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSc) and Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Science.
Page 6 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
Contact and Address
Web: www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~physsci
Email: dpes-mesc-program@utsc.utoronto.ca or
dpes-phd-program@utsc.utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 287-7357
Fax: (416) 287-7204
Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences
University of Toronto Scarborough
1265 Military Trail
Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4
Canada
Degree Programs
Environmental Science
Master of Environmental Science
The department offers a 12-month coursework Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSc) degree program.
Courses within the program fall within the designated field of study: Biophysical Interactions in Terrestrial and
Aquatic Systems. Although the program base is broad, a major focus for training professionals is
understanding the flux of contaminants through surface and sub-surface environments and the
methods/solutions needed to remediate contaminated or damaged environmental systems. The program is
committed to the development of well-trained practitioners in environmental science to meet the needs
Page 7 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
primarily of industry and government.
The MEnvSc program offers three enrolment options:

Research

Internship

Part-time studies
Minimum Admission Requirements

Students are expected to satisfy all requirements for entry into the School of Graduate Studies at the
University of Toronto within a competitive selection process. Applicants educated outside Canada should
pay particular attention to the English language competency requirements.

An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university, either in science or engineering, with a
minimum mid-B grade average in the last two years of the undergraduate program. Ideal applicants will
have a science background consisting of two half courses or one full course in each of chemistry, physics,
calculus, and biology.

Applicants must submit a written statement explaining their objectives for entering the program and the
suitability of their background. Appropriate postgraduate work experience, such as in industry, will be
considered as part of the admission application.
Program Requirements

In all enrolment options, coursework consists of 5.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs).

It is anticipated that students will complete all instructional courses in two sessions and will complete field
and research-focused courses as well as the internship during the summer.
Normal Program Length: 3 sessions full-time
Page 8 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
Time Limit: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Course List
EES 1100H
Advanced Seminar in Environmental Science
EES 1101Y
Research Paper in Environmental Science
EES 1102H
Analytical Chemistry for Geoscientists
EES 1103H
Air and Water Quality Sampling and Monitoring
EES 1104H
Microorganisms and the Environment
EES 1105H
Soil Contamination Chemistry
EES 1106H
Environmental Challenges in Urban Areas
EES 1107H
Remediation Methods
EES 1108H
Environmental Science Field Camp
EES 1109H
Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems
EES 1110H
Sediment and Contaminant Transport in Aquatic Systems
EES 1111H
Freshwater Ecology and Biomonitoring
EES 1112H
Boundary Layer Climates and Contaminant Fate
EES 1113H
Groundwater Hydrochemistry and Contaminant Transport
EES 1114H
Directed Readings in Environmental Science I
EES 1115H
Directed Readings in Environmental Science II
EES 1116Y
Internship
EES 1117H
Climate Change Impact Assessment
EES 1118H
Fundamentals of Ecological Modelling
EES 1119H
Quantitative Environmental Analysis
EES 1120H
The Dynamics of Contaminant Dispersal in Fluids
Page 9 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
EES 1121H
Modelling the Fate of Organic Chemicals in the Environment
EES 1122H
Global Environmental Security and Sustainable Development
EES 1123H
Environmental Regulations
EES 1124H
Environmental Project Management
EES 1125H
Contaminated Site Remediation
EES 1126H
Environmental Tracers
EES 1127H
Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry
EES 1128H
Biophysical Interactions in Managed Environments
EES 1129H
Brownfields Redevelopment
EES 1130H
Ontario BioGeospheres Field Course
EES 1701H
Environmental Legislation and Policy
EES 1704H
Environmental Risk Assessment
Doctor of Philosophy
Research and teaching are focused on the interfaces between traditional disciplines in dealing with
fundamental scientific issues. Faculty members are cross-appointed from several departments including
physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, forestry and social sciences.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Students may be accepted into the PhD program through one of three routes:
1. Following completion of the MEnvSc degree, an MSc degree in environmental science, or a related
discipline, or the MASc degree in environmental engineering or related discipline, or equivalent from a
recognized university with a minimum of B+ average in all work completed in the master’s program.
Page 10 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
2. By requesting transfer from a suitable master’s program (see above); students may reclassify from the
master’s program after 12 months of full-time study.
3. In the case of exceptional students, by direct entry, that is, after completing an honours BSc degree in a
bachelor’s program in a related discipline with a minimum UofT average of A- or equivalent.
Program Requirements

The execution of an original piece of research in environmental science carried out under faculty
supervision and presented in thesis form. The program requires successful defence of a thesis proposal, a
departmental oral examination of the completed thesis, and a doctoral final oral examination carried out
under the auspices of the School of Graduate Studies involving examination by an appropriate at-armslength examiner.

A total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows: a mandatory 0.5 FCE (ENV 2200H Advanced Seminar
on Environmental Research) plus 1.5 FCEs from an approved course list in the graduate program. The
courses are required to provide background for the student’s research. Courses selected must be approved
by the Graduate Coordinator/Program Director.

Students may apply to take a number of PhD-level courses taught by the core faculty both within the
Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences (DPES) and outside DPES that can be considered for
the PhD degree (see examples in the Course List section below) as part of their 1.5 FCEs credits for the
degree. However, all courses for PhD degree credit must be approved by the Graduate
Coordinator/Program Director.

At the time of the PhD Appraisal, if a student’s preparedness is assessed as being insufficient, the student
will be required to take additional courses.

The degree requirements consist of successful completion of coursework, a PhD oral exam appraisal, and a
thesis.

The degree program has been designed so that it can be completed within:
Page 11 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
o four years for students who have completed a related master’s degree.
o five years from the start of enrolment in the MSc program for students transferring from the master’s
program.
o five years for direct-entry students from a bachelor’s program.

Progress through the PhD program for students admitted with a master’s degree:
o Year I: complete coursework
o Year II: complete and defend thesis proposal; start thesis research
o Year III: research and thesis writing
o Year IV: thesis writing and defense
Normal Program Length: 4 years full-time; 4 years direct-entry
Time Limit: 6 years full-time; 7 years direct-entry
Course List
Core Course
EES 2200H Advanced Seminar in Environmental Science
The following are courses that are offered with the Department of Physical
and Environmental Sciences. With the approval of the
Associate Graduate Chair, relevant courses from other graduate
departments can be applied to the required 1.5 FCEs.
Elective Courses
EES 1102H
Analytical Chemistry for Geoscientists
Page 12 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
EES 1103H
Air and Water Quality Sampling and Monitoring
EES 1104H
Microorganisms and the Environment
EES 1105H
Soil Contamination Chemistry
EES 1106H
Environmental Challenges in Urban Areas
EES 1107H
Remediation Methods
EES 1109H
Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems
EES 1110H
Sediment and Contaminant Transport in Aquatic Systems
EES 1111H
Freshwater Ecology and Biomonitoring
EES 1112H
Boundary Layer Climates and Contaminant Fate
EES 1113H
Groundwater Hydrochemistry and Contaminant Transport
EES 1117H
Climate Change Impact Assessment
EES 1118H
Fundamentals of Ecological Modelling
EES 1119H
Quantitative Environmental Analysis
EES 1120H
The Dynamics of Contaminant Dispersal in Fluids
EES 1121H
Modeling the Fate of Organic Chemicals in the Environment
EES 1122H
Global Environmental Security and Sustainable Development
EES 1126H
Environmental Tracers
EES 1127H
Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry
EES 1128H
Biophysical Interactions in Managed Environments
EES 2201H
Advanced Readings in Environmental Science
Page 13 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
Calendar Entry with Proposed Changes Accepted:
Physical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Affiliation
University of Toronto Scarborough
Degree Programs Offered
Environmental Science – MEnvSc, PhD
Fields (MEnvSc):
Biophysical Interactions in Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems
Concentrations (PhD):
Contaminant Flux Through Surface and Subsurface Environmental and Biochemical Cycles
Urban Geoscience
Remediation and Restoration of Degraded Environmental Systems
Great Lake Ecosystems
Climate Change and the Environment
Environmental Science and Transitional Economies
Overview
The Graduate Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences offers opportunities for graduate studies in
Environmental Science, leading to the degrees of Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSc) and Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Science.
Page 14 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
Contact and Address
Web: www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~physsci
Email: dpes-mesc-program@utsc.utoronto.ca or
dpes-phd-program@utsc.utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 287-7357
Fax: (416) 287-7204
Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences
University of Toronto Scarborough
1265 Military Trail
Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4
Canada
Degree Programs
Environmental Science
Master of Environmental Science
The department offers a 12-month coursework Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSc) degree program.
Courses within the program fall within the designated field of study: Biophysical Interactions in Terrestrial and
Aquatic Systems. Although the program base is broad, a major focus for training professionals is
understanding the flux of contaminants through surface and sub-surface environments and the
methods/solutions needed to remediate contaminated or damaged environmental systems. The program is
committed to the development of well-trained practitioners in environmental science to meet the needs
Page 15 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
primarily of industry and government.
The MEnvSc program offers three enrolment options:

Research

Internship

Part-time studies
Minimum Admission Requirements

Students are expected to satisfy all requirements for entry into the School of Graduate Studies at the
University of Toronto within a competitive selection process. Applicants educated outside Canada should
pay particular attention to the English language competency requirements.

An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university, either in science or engineering, with a
minimum mid-B grade average in the last two years of the undergraduate program. Ideal applicants will
have a science background consisting of two half courses or one full course in each of chemistry, physics,
calculus, and biology.

Applicants must submit a written statement explaining their objectives for entering the program and the
suitability of their background. Appropriate postgraduate work experience, such as in industry, will be
considered as part of the admission application.
Program Requirements

In all enrolment options, coursework consists of 5.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs).

It is anticipated that students will complete all instructional courses in two sessions and will complete field
and research-focused courses as well as the internship during the summer.
Normal Program Length: 3 sessions full-time
Page 16 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
Time Limit: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Course List
EES 1100H
Advanced Seminar in Environmental Science
EES 1101Y
Research Paper in Environmental Science
EES 1102H
Analytical Chemistry for Geoscientists
EES 1103H
Air and Water Quality Sampling and Monitoring
EES 1104H
Microorganisms and the Environment
EES 1105H
Soil Contamination Chemistry
EES 1106H
Environmental Challenges in Urban Areas
EES 1107H
Remediation Methods
EES 1108H
Environmental Science Field Camp
EES 1109H
Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems
EES 1110H
Sediment and Contaminant Transport in Aquatic Systems
EES 1111H
Freshwater Ecology and Biomonitoring
EES 1112H
Boundary Layer Climates and Contaminant Fate
EES 1113H
Groundwater Hydrochemistry and Contaminant Transport
EES 1114H
Directed Readings in Environmental Science I
EES 1115H
Directed Readings in Environmental Science II
EES 1116Y
Internship
EES 1117H
Climate Change Impact Assessment
EES 1118H
Fundamentals of Ecological Modelling
EES 1119H
Quantitative Environmental Analysis
EES 1120H
The Dynamics of Contaminant Dispersal in Fluids
Page 17 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
EES 1121H
Modelling the Fate of Organic Chemicals in the Environment
EES 1122H
Global Environmental Security and Sustainable Development
EES 1123H
Environmental Regulations
EES 1124H
Environmental Project Management
EES 1125H
Contaminated Site Remediation
EES 1126H
Environmental Tracers
EES 1127H
Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry
EES 1128H
Biophysical Interactions in Managed Environments
EES 1129H
Brownfields Redevelopment
EES 1130H
Ontario BioGeospheres Field Course
EES 1701H
Environmental Legislation and Policy
EES 1704H
Environmental Risk Assessment
Doctor of Philosophy
Research and teaching are focused on the interfaces between traditional disciplines in dealing with
fundamental scientific issues. Faculty members are cross-appointed from several departments including
physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, forestry and social sciences.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Students may be accepted into the PhD program through one of three routes:
1. Following completion of the MEnvSc degree, an MSc degree in environmental science, or a related
discipline, or the MASc degree in environmental engineering or related discipline, or equivalent from a
recognized university with a minimum of B+ average in all work completed in the master’s program.
2. By requesting transfer from a suitable master’s program (see above); students may reclassify from the
Page 18 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
master’s program after 12 months of full-time study.
3. In the case of exceptional students, by direct entry, that is, after completing an honours BSc degree in a
bachelor’s program in a related discipline with a minimum UofT average of A- or equivalent.
Program Requirements

The execution of an original piece of research in environmental science carried out under faculty
supervision and presented in thesis form. The program requires successful defence of a thesis proposal, a
departmental oral examination of the completed thesis, and a doctoral final oral examination carried out
under the auspices of the School of Graduate Studies involving examination by an appropriate at-armslength examiner.

A total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows: a mandatory 0.5 FCE (ENV 2200H Advanced Seminar
on Environmental Research) plus 1.5 FCEs from an approved course list in the graduate program. The
courses are required to provide background for the student’s research. Courses selected must be approved
by the Graduate Coordinator/Program Director.

Students may apply to take a number of PhD-level courses taught by the core faculty both within the
Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences (DPES) and outside DPES that can be considered for
the PhD degree (see examples in the Course List section below) as part of their 1.5 FCEs credits for the
degree. However, all courses for PhD degree credit must be approved by the Graduate
Coordinator/Program Director.

At the time of the PhD Appraisal, if a student’s preparedness is assessed as being insufficient, the student
will be required to take additional courses.

The degree requirements consist of successful completion of coursework, a PhD oral exam appraisal, and a
thesis.

The degree program has been designed so that it can be completed within:
o four years for students who have completed a related master’s degree.
Page 19 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
o five years from the start of enrolment in the MSc program for students transferring from the master’s
program.
o five years for direct-entry students from a bachelor’s program.

Progress through the PhD program for students admitted with a master’s degree:
o Year I: complete coursework
o Year II: complete and defend thesis proposal; start thesis research
o Year III: research and thesis writing
o Year IV: thesis writing and defense
Normal Program Length: 4 years full-time; 4 years direct-entry
Time Limit: 6 years full-time; 7 years direct-entry
Course List
Core Course
EES 2200H Advanced Seminar in Environmental Science
The following are courses that are offered with the Department of Physical
and Environmental Sciences. With the approval of the
Associate Graduate Chair, relevant courses from other graduate
departments can be applied to the required 1.5 FCEs.
Elective Courses
EES 1102H
Analytical Chemistry for Geoscientists
EES 1103H
Air and Water Quality Sampling and Monitoring
Page 20 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations
EES 1104H
Microorganisms and the Environment
EES 1105H
Soil Contamination Chemistry
EES 1106H
Environmental Challenges in Urban Areas
EES 1107H
Remediation Methods
EES 1109H
Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems
EES 1110H
Sediment and Contaminant Transport in Aquatic Systems
EES 1111H
Freshwater Ecology and Biomonitoring
EES 1112H
Boundary Layer Climates and Contaminant Fate
EES 1113H
Groundwater Hydrochemistry and Contaminant Transport
EES 1117H
Climate Change Impact Assessment
EES 1118H
Fundamentals of Ecological Modelling
EES 1119H
Quantitative Environmental Analysis
EES 1120H
The Dynamics of Contaminant Dispersal in Fluids
EES 1121H
Modeling the Fate of Organic Chemicals in the Environment
EES 1122H
Global Environmental Security and Sustainable Development
EES 1126H
Environmental Tracers
EES 1127H
Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry
EES 1128H
Biophysical Interactions in Managed Environments
EES 2201H
Advanced Readings in Environmental Science
Developed by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs: January 19, 2012
Page 21 of 21
Major Modification Proposal to Transition Existing Fields to Concentrations