GEM, ERS, or CEC: Which program might be right for you?

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Quiz Questions

1.
What are you interested in learning in university?
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- A.
  I want to use insights from the natural and social sciences to help solve environmental and sustainability challenges. I want to integrate ecology and social science and connect practical skills in ecosystem monitoring and restoration with environmental policy analysis.
- B.
  I want to explore how people shape the planet we live on. I want to delve into the dynamics of the Earth’s physical systems and help solve many of the world’s most pressing problems.
- C.
  I want to combine biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science with human geography to address environmental challenges like flooding, permafrost thawing, drought and forest fires, peatland degradation, rising sea levels and coastal change, and changing economic opportunities in climate-sensitive sectors.
2.
Would you prefer to take lab classes or have the option to complete more field research?
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- A.
  Both - I enjoy analyzing in the lab as well as working in the field.
- B.
  I prefer going out into the field to collect and analyze data.
3.
How do you feel about taking mandatory calculus, statistics, biology and physics courses?
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- A.
  I'd prefer not to! I might take some math and sciences as electives, but I don’t want them to be required.
- B.
  Science and math help me understand things more deeply! I wouldn’t mind doing a few required math and sciences courses throughout my degree.
4.
Which course sounds most interesting to you?
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- A.
  Environmental Hydrology of Terrestrial Ecosystems
- B.
  Principles of Geomorphology
- C.
  Natural Resources Ecology
5.
Which career sounds the most appealing to you?
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- A.
  Conservation Technician
- B.
  Climate Risk Scientist
- C.
  Park Naturalist
6.
Do you want your program to be flexible or more structured?
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- A.
  I would like to have a few electives, but I like knowing my degree is mapped out for me.
- B.
  I want to explore my options and other interests! Give me lots of room in my schedule to pick and choose what course I would like to study.
7.
What are you most passionate about in Environment?
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- A.
  I am passionate about the social and environmental issues and want to work to come up with solutions for the future.
- B.
  I am passionate about physical and human environments on the local and global scales and how the study of these environments can help address the climate issue we face today.
- C.
  I am passionate about tackling the climate crisis by utilizing skills in science and geography to build a low-carbon future.
8.
Are you looking to earn a BES or a BSc?
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- A.
  I want to graduate with a Bachelor of Science.
- B.
  I want to graduate with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies.
- C.
  I don't have a strong opinion about the kind of degree, as long as I can learn about my passions.
9.
Would you like to have the opportunity to participate in field courses and/or international learning opportunities?
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- A.
  I would love the opportunity to go on a field course!
- B.
  I don’t need to go on a field course (but the opportunity sounds super cool)!
10.
Which of these assignments sounds most interesting to you?
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- A.
  Analyze a region in Canada, like Algonquin Park, and investigate the release of emissions, the impact of climate change, and mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- B.
  Design and carry out a research project on campus that assesses bird communities in two different forests.
- C.
  Draft a rewilding and restoration plan for grizzly bears.

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Geography and Environmental Management
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It sounds like Geography and Environmental Management may be best for you! In GEM, you'll explore how people shape the planet we live on. Delve into the dynamics of the Earth’s physical systems. Help solve many of the world’s most pressing problems, such as climate change, water scarcity, resource management, global food security, natural resource sustainability, and more.Sample Courses:• GEOG202 - Geography of the Global Economy• GEOG203 - Environment and Development in a Global Perspective• GEOG207 - Climate Change Fundamentals • GEOG209 - Hydro climatologyPotential Careers: • Conservation Technician — Nature Conservancy of Canada• Planner, Parks Recreation — Monteith Brown Planning Consultant• GIS Technician — Algonquin Power Utilities• Aquatic Specialist — Wood Environment Infrastructure Solutions
2.
Environment, Resources and Sustainability
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It sounds like Environment, Resources and Sustainability may be the best choice for you. Use insights from the natural and social sciences to help solve some of the world’s biggest environmental and sustainability challenges — from water scarcity to pollution to loss of biodiversity.Integrate ecology and social science and connect practical skills in ecosystem monitoring and restoration with environmental policy analysis, impact assessment and collaborative decision making.Sample Courses:• ERS215 - Environmental and Sustainability Assessment 1 (0.50)• ERS300 - Social Ecological Systems Analysis (0.50)• ERS301 - Sustainability Thought, Practice and Prospects (0.50)• ERS302 - Research Methods and Design (0.50)• ERS400 - Social-Ecological Approaches to Sustainability (0.50)Potential Careers : • Program Advisor — Ministry of Environment and Climate Change• Park Naturalist — Ministry of Natural Resources• Teacher — Waterloo Region District School Board• Environmental Scientist — Conestoga-Rovers Associates• Ecologist — Dougan Associates
3.
Climate and Environmental Change
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It sounds like Climate and Environmental Change may be best for you! Get ready to tackle the climate crisis. In this program, you’ll study the science behind the challenges facing our planet’s environment.You'll combine biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science with human geography to address challenges such as flooding, permafrost thawing, drought and forest fires, peatland degradation, rising sea levels and coastal change, and changing economic opportunities in climate sensitive sectors.Sample Courses:• GEOG391 - Field Research • GEOG417 - Climate Change Communication • BIOL251 - Fundamentals of Ecology• CHEM120 - General Chemistry 1 • PHYS111 - Physics 1Potential Careers• Climate modeller• Climate risk scientist• Policy analyst• Carbon market analyst

GEM, ERS, or CEC: Which program might be right for you?

We get it - it's not so easy to understand the differences between these three Environment programs. Take this quiz to find out which one may be the best fit for you.

Quiz Questions

Quiz Outcomes