MESC Courses
Available courses can always be searched in the univeristy Timetable or WebAdvisor.
Courses in our program are coded GESC for (G)raduate Studies Master in (E)nvironmental and (S)ocial (C)hange. There are three categories of courses in the program: required courses must be taken by all students, core courses from which students must choose one elective, and extended courses that are housed in the MESC.
Required GESC Courses
GESC 7101 - Graduate Thesis
Offered: Every Term
To participate in the Master in Environmental and Social Change program, students must register for this course. Ongoing registration indicates students are undertaking a thesis project under the supervision of a faculty member. The thesis project must include actual research that is beyond a literature review or analysis of existing data, and make an original theoretical, methodological, or empirical contribution to knowledge. Permission to enroll is dependent on the availability and approval of a supervisor in the student's field of interest and approval of the MESC Graduate Program Committee Chair and the Faculty of Graduate Studies at The University of Winnipeg.
GESC 7103 - Interdisciplinary Research Foundations
Offered: Every Fall Term, Fridays 10 AM - 1 PM
Instructor: Dr. Ryan Bullock and Dr. Nora Casson
This course investigates environmental and geographical research from an interdisciplinary perspective. Topics include the history and philosophy of research; research, society, and policy; interdisciplinary research methods; professional development for team-based collaborative research; research ethics; types of research designs; and proposal development. The two main deliverables in this course are : 1) an interdisciplinary team project focused on an environmental/geographical challenge/opportunity that applies and/or tests interdisciplinary problem solving approaches, concepts, theory and/or methods, and 2), and an individual thesis research proposal that would be suitable for submission to an external granting agency.
GESC 7102 - Interdisciplinary Seminars in Environmental and Social Change
Offered: Every Winter Term, Fridays 10 AM - 1 PM
Instructor: Dr. Matt Dyce
In this course, students are exposed to the current state of interdisciplinary research, knowledge and practice focused on environmental and social change. Through student- and faculty-led discussions, students investigate a breadth of concepts and methods used in the fields of environmental studies and sciences and human and physical geography. Students also produce a major paper that supports their thesis project.
Core GESC Courses
Our program also offers a selection of core courses that feature specializations in methodologies and approaches or in selected topics. Course content and instructors will rotate annually. Students must complete at least one of these courses in completion of their degree.
Currently, we are offering
GESC 7521 / GESC 7621 - Show and Tell: Communicating the Urgency of Climate Change
Offered: Fall Term 2023, Time TBD
Instructor: Dr. Danny Blair
In this course, students are exposed to the current state of interdisciplinary research, knowledge and practice focused on environmental and social change. Through student- and faculty-led discussions, students investigate a breadth of concepts and methods used in the fields of environmental studies and sciences and human and physical geography. Students also produce a major paper that supports their thesis project.
GESC 7611 - Environmental Sampling and Analysis
Offered: Winter Term 2024, Time TBD
Instructor: Dr. Darshani Kumaragamage
The course introduces the theory, applications, methodology and instrumentation used in environmental sampling and analysis. Using a hands-on approach, the course aims to develop the knowledge and skills required in designing and collecting samples; analyzing air, water, soil, sediment and biomass samples for various properties, composition, and contaminants; maintaining quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) standards in field and laboratory analysis; and interpreting analytical results. This course sets the stage for conducting laboratory and field research in environmental science, with emphasis on developing good habits for sample documentation, preservation, and analysis; maintenance of quality and integrity; and safety protocols.
Extended GESC Courses
Extended courses are housed within the MESC program. Topics in these courses do not rotate and they are cross-listed with other programs.
GESC-7612 - Geographic Information Analysis (G.I.A.)
Offered: 2024/25 Semester
Instructor: Dr. Joni Storie
This course deals with advanced theory and applications within Geographic Information Analysis (G.I.A.) with a specific focus on spatial statistics and spatial analysis. Laboratory instruction provides the students with enhanced skills through exposure to the higher-level functions of industry standard GIS software.
GESC 7522 - Environment and Sustainability
Offered: 2024/25 Semester
Instructor: Dr. Patricia Fitzpatrick
This course considers best practices in sustainable staples-based development, focusing on water, energy and mining. Topics include conceptual and methodological tools and frameworks associated with resource management, including impact assessment, meaningful engagement, community-based management, post approval practices and adaptive management. In critiquing current practices, students reflect on innovations designed to begin the process of respecting inherent rights and Indigenous sovereignty in environmental decision-making processes.