The environmental sciences focus on understanding the Earth’s natural systems and how humans interact with them. Environmental scientists study the impact of these interactions on the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere using an interdisciplinary and integrative approach. They provide the information needed to address some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today — such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The major in environmental science will provide students with an appropriate background in the natural and physical sciences that is needed to understand how natural and man-made systems function. It will provide students with a broad perspective that is required to appreciate the role of humanity in global environmental change. Students in this environmental science major will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including those present in the Alberta Water and Environmental Sciences Building. These facilities house the infrastructure used in groundbreaking research by uLethbride's award-winning faculty — ensuring that students are exposed to cutting-edge, multidisciplinary environmental research throughout their degree. Students will also be provided the flexibility and versatility to obtain the key skills that are required to answer pressing research questions in sub-disciplines such as ecology (aquatic, riparian and grassland), remote sensing, geographical information science (GIS), biodiversity assessments, conservation, ecophysiology and environmental toxicology. Once students have completed their degree, they may apply for membership in professional societies such as the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) and Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB).