What is “Group Project”?
Group project is a mandatory, third-year class for all Environmental Science students. It gives students the opportunity to work in groups of three or four, along with an advisor, on a semester-long real world project of their choice. Projects range from conservation biology, chemistry, geology and environmental management and are selected by the student based on their areas of interests.
Past Projects Include…
Applications and Toxicology of Nanoparticles
The creation of nanoparticles is relatively recent and has provided many societal benefits such as antimicrobial products, drug delivery, energy production, conservation, or pollution clean-up. However, these particles eventually break down and end up in the environment. This group assessed and investigated the potential dangers to health and the environment of nanoparticle pollution.
Social, Economic and Ecological Implications of the New Fisheries Act Regulations: Integrated Assessment, Review and Recommendations for Sustainable Development Policy
In 2013, changes to government regulations in The Fisheries Act only considered commercial, recreational and aboriginal fisheries, rather than all fish habitat subject for review. Due to the federal government cutbacks, Fisheries and Oceans streamlined its review process through the use of self-regulation. A social, economic and ecological evaluation was used to determine if a well-balanced governmental framework had been implemented that incorporates all of these into sustainable development.
The Ring of Fire Controversy
This group project assessed the pros and cons of mining development in the Ring of Fire region. Developing mines for diamond, copper, zinc and chromite extraction in Northern Ontario, in the James Bay Lowlands, could be good for Ontario’s economy and would create jobs. However, there could be potential impacts on nine First Nations communities as well as sensitive wetland environment due to the implementation of roads, rail lines or other infrastructure needed for mining.
The Evolution of Greenhouses
This group project highlighted the importance of greenhouses and their impact on farming vegetables past the growing season. They investigated the history of greenhouses and suggested a variety of inexpensive, renewable energy sources that could heat greenhouses such as organic matter and geothermal heat.
The Decline of the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
Honeybees are important pollinators of many crops and beekeeping is an industry in its own right. In this project, the group conducted a literature review that highlighted the biological and chemical factors causing the decline of the honeybee while suggesting mitigation efforts.
An Analysis of the Proposed Reconnection of Brewer Pond to the Rideau River
In this project, the group worked to monitor Muskie and Pike behaviour using telemetry as the pond at Brewer Park is reconnected to the main channel of the Rideau River. This group contributed to an important local aquatic conservation project.