ObjectivesThe Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Concordia University, offers a one-year diploma program in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which integrates both the human and biogeophysical aspects of EIA in a transdisciplinary context and combines academic excellence with an effective policy-focused approach to the use of scientific knowledge and methods. The program was established in 2000 to fulfill four primary objectives: * to provide students with a sound understanding of the concepts, processes and methodologies of EIA; * to enhance students' existing knowledge of the biogeophysical environment; * to expose students to the range of broad public policy and social science considerations involved in environmental planning and resource decision-making; and * to develop students' abilities and skills in data collection and analysis, including appropriate computer skills and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and report writing and oral presentation skills.
Entry requirementsThe programme is directed towards individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in fields such as Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Economics, Engineering, Geography, Geology, and Political Science. In particular, the program targets recent graduates or working professionals who are interested in developing or enhancing their knowledge and skills in the environmental field.
Academic titleDiploma in Environmental Impact Assessment
Course descriptionDiploma in Environmental Assessment with Courses (Option A)
Requirements for the Diploma 1 - Residence
The minimum period of residence is two terms of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study.
2 - Credits
A fully qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 30 credits as follows:
*Compulsory Courses
All students must take 12 credits: ENVS 501, ENVS 562, ENVS 563.
Note: Students with high standing (B+ or above) in GEOG 463, or equivalent, and appropriate computer skills* may be permitted to substitute an approved 3-credit course in place of ENVS 563.
* Experience with word-processing, database, spreadsheet, statistical and presentation packages.
* Courses in the Social, Economic and Legal Environment
All students must take 6 credits from: ECON 559, ENVS 503, ENVS 505, GEOG 507, POLI 605.
* Courses in the Biogeophysical Environment
All students must take 6 credits from: BIOL 508, ENVS 506, GEOG 570, GEOG 574.
* Elective Courses
All students must take 6 credits from: BIOL 557, BIOL 601, CHEM 570, CIVI 6481, CIVI 6491, CIVI 6611, CIVI 6671, ECON 591, ENVS 598, GEOG 598, GEOG 695, GEOG 696, POLI 634 or appropriate courses at the 500 or 600 level approved by the Director, Diploma in EIA.
Diploma in Environmental Assessment with Internship (Option B)
Requirements for the Diploma 1. Residence.
The minimum period of residence is two terms of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study.
2. Credits.
A fully qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 30 credits as follows:
* Compulsory Courses
All students must take 12 credits: ENVS 501, ENVS 562, ENVS 563.
Note: Students with high standing (B+ or above) in GEOG 463, or equivalent, and appropriate computer skills* may be permitted to substitute an approved 3-credit course in place of ENVS 563.
* Experience with word-processing, database, spreadsheet, statistical and GIS packages.
* Cognate Courses
All students must take 9 credits, with at least 3 credits from each list*:
List 1: Courses in the Social, Economic and Legal Environment ECON 559, ENVS 503, ENVS 505, GEOG 507, POLI 605.
List 2: Courses in the Biogeophysical Environment BIOL 508, ENVS 506, GEOG 570, GEOG 574.
* Students who have an undergraduate background in social science should choose only 3 credits in List 1, whereas students with a biogeophysical environment background should choose only 3 credits in List 2.
* Elective Courses
Students may take one from: BIOL 557, BIOL 601, CHEM 570, CIVI 6481, CIVI 6491, CIVI 6611, CIVI 6671, ECON 591, ENVS 598, GEOG 598, GEOG 695, POLI 634 or appropriate courses at the 500 or 600 level approved by the Director, Diploma in EIA.
Note: Students who complete a 6-credit internship course (ENVS 594) are not required to take an elective course.
* Internship
All students must take ENVS 595 (3 credits).
Students must take either ENVS 593 (3 credits) or ENVS 594 (6 credits).
Note: Students who enroll in ENVS 594 (6 credits) are not required to take an elective course from section C.