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ENSC 801 - Interdisciplinarity as a Basis for Environmental Studies

The course examines methodological and conceptual issues arising from Environmental Studies position as an inter-, multi- and/or trans-disciplinary practice. It will focus on the inherent difficulties in overcoming disciplinary fragmentation in approaches to studying complex issues in environmental sustainability that require integrated understandings of the inter-relations between social and natural systems. The course will promote methodological literacy beyond student's own area of expertise, develop critical and reflexive thinking about how environmental studies might approach issues of sustainability, and encourage and facilitate communication across disciplinary paradigms. The course precedes and compliments ENSC 802, familiarizing students with the historical origins, philosophical underpinnings and practical deployment of key approaches within the social and natural sciences and humanities. Three term-hours; Fall. Course fee(s): field trip fee of $50.00.

Permission of Instructor Required, Registration by Academic Change Form

ENSC 802 - Solutions to Global Environmental Challenges

This course focuses on five interrelated themes that are key to conceptualizing complex environmental challenges and realizing their solutions. These key themes – Scale (population, geological, geographical); Sustainability; Community Engagement; Rhetoric and Framing; and Ethics, Expertise and Trust - orient researchers in conducting interdisciplinary challenge-based projects. Students in ENSC 802 will gain analytical skills in understanding the complexity of the key themes and learn how to apply them to their own research projects, as well as how they may be deployed in critically evaluating proposed environmental solutions generally. (3.0 credit units)

Permission of Instructor Required, Registration by Academic Change Form

ENSC 807 Global Water Resources: Challenges and Opportunities (Fall 2025)

This course investigates water resources from the physical, social, and health aspects common to a diversity of watersheds found across Canada, and around the world. It critically explores a wide range of challenges and opportunities associated with our common connection to water, from water as a human right, to anthropogenic environmental impacts. NOTE Field Trip: estimated cost $30. (3.0 credit units).
Exclusion: ENSC 407

ENSC 825 Ecotoxicology (Winter 2026)

An exploration of the interactions among chemical exposure, toxicity to individual organisms, and effects on ecosystem structure and function. Mechanisms of toxicity will be linked to effects at different levels of organization up to the level of the ecosystem, using case studies to explore the complexities of exposure and response. NOTE Field Trip (Local Harbour or Marina): estimated cost $30. (3.0 credit units)
Exclusion: ENSC 425

ENSC 840 Directed Studies    

This course provides an opportunity for students to independently study a selected topic under the supervision of one of more faculty members. This may take the form of a reading course with an assigned paper, but other possible formats would be considered.  For detailed information, consult course coordinator. Three term-hours: Fall, Winter, Summer.

PREREQUISITE: permission of course coordinator

ENSC 845 Waste Flows (Fall 2025)     

This course will consider waste as a global human health and environmental crisis that requires interdisciplinary approaches to understand waste as a social justice issue. Various types of waste will be considered as well as various waste governance and management practices. (3.0 credit units)
Exclusion: ENSC 445

ENSC 880 Special Topics in Environmental Science (Fall 2025 and Winter 2026)

This course will provide intensive coverage of a topic that is current and/or of special interest in Environmental Science. The course will be multidisciplinary, but with a science focus. Offered periodically by visiting professors or members of faculty. The topic for each year will be announced in advance of course selection and will be made available on the ENSC web page. Students are advised to consult with their academic counsellor and/or the course instructor prior to registration. NOTE Field Trip: estimated cost $30. (3.0 credit unit).

Exclusion: ENSC 480 when topic is the same.

*Fall 2025 Topic:  Land-Atmosphere Interactions

*Winter 2026 Topic:  Climate Change Science & Policy

SGS 902 - Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

The Centre for Teaching and Learning offers this cross-discipline Graduate level course.

E Thesis Tutorial

Queen’s University requires students to submit their theses and dissertations (ETDs) electronically. Students can use the available MS Word template to write their theses, store and develop their thesis in a secure online environment (QShare), and submit their final, accepted thesis electronically (in PDF format ) for archiving and distribution via the Queen’s digital repository, QSpace. .

The following list contains links to departments that MES and PhD students have found to offer relevant and enlightening courses that have positively impacted their progress through their graduate degree. This list is not intended to be exhaustive. Its primary purpose is to suggest to students the various educational directions into which the pursuit of a graduate degree in Environmental Studies may take them. MES students are allowed to take one 400 or 500 level course for credit toward their degree as long as the Instructor agrees to a graduate level of content and assessment.

Remember: Course offerings change from year to year due to students' interests and the availability of instructors. Please check the various departmental websites for course outlines and timetables to ascertain what courses are offered during a particular term.

Please be aware of the registration procedures in each department. You will need an academic change form and permissions.

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