University of Victoria
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Environmental studies explore the connections among social, cultural, economic, political, and ecological systems. Through active participation in community-based research, development of community action plans, and engagement in local ecological restorations projects, students contribute to addressing real-world issues that impact both local and global communities. The school of environmental studies is built upon three core areas: ethnoecology, ecological restoration, and political ecology. Each professor specializes in a primary field of study, supplemented by at least one secondary specialty.

Ethnoecology delves into the dynamic interactions between individuals and the ecosystems they inhabit. Students not only document traditional relationships with the environment, but also interpret the evolving connection between humanity and nature. They apply this knowledge to critical concerns such as land right, climate change, and knowledge recovery.

Political ecology is an interdisciplinary field that examines the political and economic principles governing human interactions with both one another, and the environment. In simpler terms, it explores the necessary politics and policies in a world where ecological considerations hold significance. The initial lesson lies in comprehending the underlying barriers to change, while the second lesson emphasizes that genuine transformation occurs when we recognize the nuanced solutions that exist beyond start dichotomies.

Ecological restoration involves rectifying the damage inflicted upon ecosystems. However, the term “repair” may oversimplify the process. Students understand that successful ecological restoration extends beyond achieving ecological balance, constituting only a fraction of the challenge. The remaining aspects encompass garnering sufficient political support, developing inspiring designs, mobilizing community volunteers, providing sustained economic backing, and monitoring and adapting to ongoing changes. These formidable tasks demand a holistic and integrated approach.

Geography serves as an integrative and environmentally focused discipline that seeks to understand the reciprocal relationship between people and the natural world. The interdisciplinary field approaches problems from various angles, encompassing physical science, social science, and a humanities perspectives.

Students acquire a comprehensive toolkit to integrate information from both human and natural perspectives, enabling them to tackle emerging and intricate challenges within the environment and the global landscape.

The geography program at UVic covers four main areas: biophysical systems, human geography and development, geomatics, and environment and sustainability. By delving into the study of the world, geographers explore the intricate and captivating physical and social aspects of our planet. Through a spatial lens, they grapple with and seek solutions to pressing issues such as climate change, natural hazards, globalization, urbanization, sustainability, Indigenous rights, and social justice.

https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/topics/academics/index.php

1. Anthropology: https://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/anthropology/undergraduate/index.php
2. Biology: https://www.uvic.ca/science/biology/undergraduate/index.php
3. Civil Engineering: https://www.uvic.ca/ecs/civil/undergrad-students/index.php
4. Commerce: https://www.uvic.ca/gustavson/undergraduate/future/index.php
5. Earth and Ocean Sciences: https://www.uvic.ca/science/seos/undergrad/index.php
6. Economics: https://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/economics/undergraduate/index.php
7. Gender Studies: https://www.uvic.ca/humanities/gender/future/index.php
8. Indigenous Studies: https://www.uvic.ca/humanities/indigenous/undergraduate/major/index.php
9. Political Science: https://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/politicalscience/undergraduate/index.php
10. Psychology: https://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/psychology/undergraduate/index.php
11. Public Health and Social Policy: https://www.uvic.ca/hsd/publichealthsocialpolicy/future-students/undergraduate/index.php
12. Social Work: https://www.uvic.ca/hsd/socialwork/future/bsw/index.php
13. Sociology: https://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/sociology/undergraduate/index.php
14. Climate Science: https://www.uvic.ca/undergraduate/programs/undergraduate-programs/pages/climate-science.php

The Restoration of Natural Systems (RNS) program provides a Diploma and Certificate, comprised of skills-based courses. In addition, the post baccalaureate Native Species and Natural Process Professional Specialization Certificate offers similar courses to RNS. The RNS Diploma serves as a means for both undergraduate credit and professional advancement for practicing individuals.

For undergraduate students pursuing a BA or BSc degree, there is a dedicated steam focused on Ecological Restoration, which extends to MA and MSc programs with a specialization in this field.

Furthermore, in a collaboration with the Division of Continuing Studies, professional development opportunities are available as well. These include the credit-based Restoration of Natural Systems Diploma, the non-credit Restoration of Natural Systems Certificate, and the post-baccalaureate non-credit Ecological Restoration Professional Specialization Certificate. Courses within the Restoration of Natural Systems Program can be applied to a BA or BSc degree. Students have the option to pursue the Diploma concurrently with their degree, allowing them to graduate with both credentials.

The Human Dimensions of Climate Change (HDCC) is an interdisciplinary minor at the undergraduate level that specifically examines climate change through the lens of various disciplines that emphasize the human aspects of this global issue. It encompasses field such as psychology, economics, geography, anthropology, law, philosophy, political science, sociology, business, environmental studies, and more. Recognizing that addressing climate change necessitates solutions that account for its human dimensions, HDCC directly engages with these crucial elements.

To complete a minor in HDCC, students are required to undertake three core courses that focus on climate change and social transformation. Meanwhile, the certificate program entails the completion of four core courses, with one of them being an experiential learning course. This comprehensive approach ensures a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding climate change and equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

The Social Justice Studies program offers students an in-depth exploration of the diverse approaches employed by scholars, researchers, and activists to address issues related to social injustices and initiatives, promoting social justice in today’s world.

By offering minor and diploma options, the program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of various perspectives on social justice. It aligns with UVic’s vision by fostering civic engagement, promoting global citizenship, and upholding the principles of equal rights and human dignity. Students are encouraged to grapple with complex topics such as global wealth inequality, institutionalized racism, violence, labour rights, migration, contemporary refugee, and asylum debates, as well as ecological degradation and environmental justice.

The minor degree is designed for students pursuing a major in their chosen field. The general degree program combines Social Justice Studies minor with an additional minor, resulting in a completion of a general degree. Furthermore, the diploma program caters to individuals who have already earned a Bachelor degree, mature students, and those seeking to earn both a Bachelor’s degree and a diploma in Social Justice Studies.

https://www.uvic.ca/interdisciplinary/

1. Coastal Studies: https://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/geography/undergraduate/programs/minor/index.php
2. Health and Society: https://www.uvic.ca/interdisciplinary/healthsociety/index.php
3. Global Development Studies: https://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/global-development/program-info/undergraduate/index.php
4. Indigenous Community Development and Governance: https://www.uvic.ca/hsd/publicadmin/undergraduate/future-students/undergrad-programs/icdg/index.php
5. Public Administration: https://www.uvic.ca/hsd/publicadmin/undergraduate/future-students/index.php
6. Marine Science: https://www.uvic.ca/science/biology/undergraduate/programs/marine-sciences/index.php