Discover The Environmental Science Programme
What is environmental science?
Environmental science is a highly interdisciplinary field to which a wide range of scientific disciplines contribute: from basic sciences such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics to the earth sciences (geology, atmospheric and climate science, oceanography, glaciology, ...) and the life sciences such as biology, biochemistry, and even medicine. Pure sciences provide an understanding of the basic processes involved and mathematical models for them, while applied sciences contribute experimental methodologies, data, and technologies. In spite of the extreme specialization and focusing of today's science, which is needed to push the limits in all areas, work in environmental science requires a truly interdisciplinary approach. Students of environmental science need to avoid becoming rigidly attached to a single discipline.
The subjects of environmental science are many but, oversimplifying, they are reduced
- a scientific understanding of the natural environment and its physical and chemical laws, including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere.
- Modeling mathematically and predicting various forms of human impact on the environment and related problems, followed by searching for possible scientific and technological solutions and ways of preventing or alleviating these problems. This includes all scientific and technological aspects related to the production, use and transport of energy and raw materials, the quantitative study of pollution and waste (in its many forms) and of climate change.
The solutions to environmental problems can not come from science alone. Ultimately, these solutions involve social and political aspects whose study is covered thoroughly at Bishop's in the courses and programs offered by the Department of Environmental Studies and Geography (similarly, an ecology-based approach is covered in the Environmental Biology programmes of the Biology Department). However, it is the duty of the environmental scientist to understand and formulate the problems as completely and rigorously as possible, to search for technical avenues of solution, and to provide scientific understanding and technical advice to politicians and national and international organizations.
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." These words of John Muir, the famous conservationist, may have been prophetic about the development of the discipline of environmental science. Nowhere are the links between parts more evident than in complex environmental systems in which physics, chemistry, and biology all play a role in a sophisticated interplay of causes and effects described by non-linear processes. The whole is more than the sum of its parts. It is no longer possible for a scientist to master all these disciplines by studying them separately. It is far more profitable to approach them from a global point of view which tries to appreciate the relative importance of various aspects and balance them against each other. This interdisciplinary point of view is characteristic of modern environmental science. Individuals specialize as environmental scientists or work in teams of scientists with different backgrounds and skills.
In a course of studies in Environmental Science, it is particularly important that the student does not miss the forest for the trees. This is why a general introduction to environmental science opens this course of studies in the first semester, and the student is often reminded that a global point of view is of paramount importance. With this premise in mind, the Environmental Science Programme provides a solid grounding of the future environmental scientist in the physical sciences and mathematics that are absolutely necessary for the profession.
At a time in which the environment is a major issue on a planetary scale, it is a privilege for a scientist to contribute to the understanding and preservation of our natural environment. For the student, it should be a strong motivation to train to become such a scientist.
Why study Environmental Science at Bishop’s?
There are many reasons to choose Bishop's for your environmental science studies:
- Very small classes at the upper year levels.
- A stimulating environment that is conducive to learning.
- Positive interactions with other students and professors.
- Excellent preparation for grad school and the profession.
- Generous scholarships.
Did you know ?
- The mission of the Environmental Science Programme at Bishop's is to contribute in preparing a new generation of scientists, technicians, and leaders able to contribute to the solution, prevention, and alleviation of major environmental problems.
- Bishop's University, located at the confluence of two rivers in a rural setting ten minutes from the city of Sherbrooke, lends itself to pursue Environmental Science projects.
- The Environmental Science Programme can avail itself of the support of the Environmental Studies and Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and other departments to study specific aspects of environmental problems.
