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Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice (Co-op) University of Guelph University of Guelph, Canada

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CAD 34698

Tuition Fee (CAD)

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CAD 90 Waived

Application Fee

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60 months

Duration

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6.5

IELTS

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89

TOEFL

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75%

Min GPA

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice (BIESP) is an interdisciplinary science degree that focuses on the development of leaders in areas of environmental science, land-use and policy development who are grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. This science degree emphasizes the respectful and consensual braiding of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to address complex environmental issues and challenges. It focuses on the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through practices based on Indigenous ways of knowing and doing and the practice of Indigenous land ethics grounded in Indigenous epistemologies, ontologies, traditions and aspirations. By explicitly recognizing the inherent validity and value of Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, this interdisciplinary program offers a critical, yet constructive, view of environmental science, grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, methodologies, priorities and values and oriented towards concrete action. In addition to their studies of natural and applied science, students will examine the historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada and the legal, political and economic context of environmental science and practice.  

Experiential learning is incorporated into each year of study through opportunities to interact and work directly with Indigenous communities and organizations supporting cross-cultural learning and practice. In the final year, students will conduct a group project that focuses on a current environmental issue and provides the opportunity to obtain realistic experiences within the interdisciplinary context of practicing environmental science with Indigenous communities. The BIESP is also offered as a co-op option. 

Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the BIESP degree will have demonstrated they can:

  • Build awareness of Indigenous cultural frameworks of environmental science including the role of traditional knowledge keepers, right relations, multi-generational environmental stewardship, and inclusion of non-human beings. 
  • Consider the implications of historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in influencing governance, practices, policies, interactions and decision making in environmental science and practice. 
  • Apply a critical and decolonial lens to the existing approach to environmental science and practice in Canada through the exploration of Indigenous principles, aspirations and practices while cognizant of the historical and ongoing legacy of colonization, land dispossession, and intergenerational trauma. 
  • Apply the evolving legal frameworks of Indigenous and non-Indigenous environmental science, which include Indigenous People’s inherent, treaty and constitutionally-protected rights, historic and contemporary lands, the minimal standard of free, prior, and informed consent, duty to consult and Indigenous-led practices of protection and restoration of special places and community well-being, to environmental stewardship.  
  • Bridge and braid Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to propose and evaluate answers and solutions to environmental questions.  
  • Formulate relevant and testable research questions, develop and implement an effective method of inquiry and perform appropriate quantitative and qualitative analyses for use in evidence-based environmental planning, policy development and implementation across different knowledge systems from Indigenous and Western research paradigms and methodologies.  
  • Utilize techniques and skills including mapping and GIS, data classification, spatial analysis, map design, Indigenous research methodologies and environmental risk assessment practices to analyze environmental management issues across different knowledge systems. 
  • Demonstrate project management skills (leadership, negotiation, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, time and task management, and budgeting) to effectively work within a team to complete multifaceted projects related to environmental management, research, and community engagement. 
  • Communicate ideas, arguments and analyses to Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences accurately and effectively, recognizing the role of language, personal values, strengths and limitations, and respecting diverse perspectives.  
  • Demonstrate moral maturity and intercultural competency by considering diverse perspectives on environmental issues and Indigenous world views when acting as a professional and community member in decision making processes related to topics of land use, conservation, sustainability and environmental remediation and restoration. 
  • Critically reflect on their personal values, academic and professional goals and determine how they can continue to respectfully engage and sustain relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to address environmental challenges utilizing both Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge systems and ethical protocols. 
  • Appreciate and support the needs and priorities of Indigenous communities to promote respect, protect and sustain Indigenous knowledge and practice in Indigenous communities.

Co-op
The Co-op program in Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice is a five-year program including four work terms. Students must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below (also found on the Co-operative Education website: https://www.recruitguelph.ca/cecs/). 

Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice Academic and Co-op Work Term Schedule

Year Fall Winter Summer
1 Academic Semester 1 Academic Semester 2 Off
2 Academic Semester 3, COOP*1100 Academic Semester 4 COOP*1000 Work Term I
3 Academic Semester 5 Academic Semester 6 COOP*2000 Work Term II
4 OOP*3000 Work Term III OP*4000 Work Term IV Off
5 Academic Semester 7 Academic Semester 8 N/A

 

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Additional Information

Program Level Bachelor's Degree

College/University Processing Time 7

Program Intensity Full-Time

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) work permit

Program Intake

Open

Sep 2024

General Admission Requirement

  • IELTS
    • Minimum Overall Score - 6.5 - With No Band Less Than - 6
  • TOEFL
    • Minimum Overall Score - 89 - With no score less than - 21
  • PTE
    • Minimum Overall Score - 60.0  Minimum Listening - 60.0  Minimum Reading - 60.0  Minimum Writing - 60.0  Minimum Speaking - 60.0  
  • DUOLINGO
    • Minimum Overall Score - 110.0  

Academic Requirement

  • Minimum Level of Education Required: To be accepted into this program, applicants must have Grade 12 / High School Diploma or equivalent including the following required course(s):
    • English
    • Advanced math
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • 2 additional courses

Note: Advanced Math is one of Pre-Calculus, Functions, (I) GCSE, CSEC, IB Math (only SL/HL Analysis & Approaches, HL Applications & Interpretations), or other equivalent Math containing Advanced Functions, Algebra, Geometry, or Trigonometry, approved by Admission Services.

6.5 IELTS Score
89 TOEFL Score Minimum Overall Score
60 PTE Score Minimum Overall Score
110 Duolingo Minimum Overall Score
75% CGPA Minimum Overall Score

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Tuition Fee

The values given below are estimated figures, excluding extra charges like material fee, student activity fees, athletic fees, health care, etc., for courses. To know more, please visit the Programs page.

Average Tuition Fee Per Year

34698

Tuition Fee
(CAD)

CAD 90 Waived

Application Fee
(CAD)

11000 Per year

Average Cost of Living
(CAD)

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The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Check program website for more information about funding options.

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