Program Structure

Throughout your degree, you will have required and elective courses each year. The result will be a self-directed degree that provides an excellent, well-rounded education in climate and environment.  

Students pursing BA, BSc, BBA or HKIN degrees can minor in CLEN. Minor students take CLEN 101, 102, 201, one of CLEN 202, 301, 302, 303, or 304 and an additional 12 credits of CLEN core and/or designated arts and science courses.

Students aiming to complete an Honours degree must replace 6 credits of electives with CLEN 490- Honours Thesis (6 credits). 

Year 1

In their first year, students will take foundational courses in disciplines across the Faculties of Arts and Science, including two foundational courses in Climate and Environment sciences. 

CLEN 

101 

Introduction to the Climate System 

3 Credits 

CLEN 

102 

Introduction to Environmental Processes 

3 Credits 

BIOL 

112 

Diversity of Life 

3 Credits 

ECON 

101 

Introductory Microeconomics 

3 Credits 

SOCI 

101 

Foundations of Sociology 

3 Credits 

SOCI 

102 

Key Issues in Contemporary Sociology 

3 Credits 

One of: CSCI 161 (3 Credits) or MATH 106 (3 Credits) 

3 Credits 

 

Designated Courses 

6 Credits 

Humanities 

3 Credits 

Year 2 

In the second year, students will complete core and allied courses that will further strengthen their foundation in Climate and Environment and learn about the intersection of the natural and social sciences A typical second-year pattern includes the following: 

CLEN 

201 

Climate Change and People 

3 Credits 

CLEN 

202 

Understanding Climate Change 

3 Credits 

ESCI 

265 

Data Analysis in Earth and Environmental Sciences 

3 Credits 

SOCI 

202 

Research Principles and Practice 

3 Credits 

Designated Courses 

9 Credits 

Humanities 

3 Credits 

Open Electives 

6 Credits 

Year 3 

By the third year of the program, students will have determined areas of interest, and will have the opportunity to choose from a greater number of courses. Core courses will provide students with a grounding in the various contexts in which work on Climate and Environment is conducted. 

 

CLEN 

301 

Science and Public Policy 

3 Credits 

CLEN 

302 

Environmental Sustainability for Organizations 

3 Credits 

 

Designated Courses 

6 Credits 

Humanities 

3 Credits 

Open Electives 

15 Credits 

Year 4 

In fourth year, students will continue to deepen knowledge of their chosen areas of interest within Climate and Environment, as well as take two courses that will engage them in real-world problem strategizing and problem-solving (CLEN 401 and 402). A typical fourth year in the program would include the following: 

CLEN 

401 

Strategies for Addressing Climate and Environment Issues 

3 Credits 

CLEN 

402 

Addressing Climate and Environment Issues- Senior Practicum 

3 Credits 

Designated Courses 

6 Credits 

Humanities 

3 Credits 

Open Electives 

15 Credits