Université Laval
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

INSTITUTION LEVEL In May 2009, Université Laval’s Education Commission decreed that sustainability should be integrated into all undergraduate programs. This decision is now formalized in the Réglements des Études (“Academic Regulations”, https://www.ulaval.ca/fileadmin/Secretaire_general/Reglements/reglement-des-etudes-03062014.pdf). Indeed, under Article 104: General Objectives, it is listed in Section C that all undergraduate programs must initiate and equip students with an understanding of sustainability-related issues, and provide them with the skills to act responsibly. To fulfill this requirement, an institution-wide evaluation was undertaken to assure that every undergraduate program included at least one course that had been deemed a “Sustainability Course” (see section AC-1). For certain programs, such as the B.A. in Environment, this was a simple task which could be accomplished simply by reading the program description. However, for other programs the integration was more difficult. For example, in the case of the B.Sc. in Mathematics, a list of Sustainability Courses outside of the Mathematics Department was added to the program course list, from which students have to choose and complete one course.

To determine the list of programs that include sustainability learning outcomes, the following methodology was developed: - Firstly, Sustainability Programs are often directly identified right in the program name. These programs were designed specifically with these sustainability learning outcomes in mind, such as in the cases of the MBA in Corporate Social Responsibility, the B.Sc. in Chemistry with an Environmental concentration, or the LL.M. in Environmental, Sustainability and Food Security Law. - In other cases, sustainability is included in the program’s main objectives, such as in the case of the B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering, which must include an adequate study of renewable energies, or the Masters in Territorial Planning and Regional Development, which highlights urban adaptation to climate change as one of its major educational focuses. - Finally, programs without sustainability reflected in the name or objectives can be identified by looking at the list of required courses to ascertain whether the curriculum includes sustainability topics or competencies, as is the case for all Undergraduate programs, as explained above. Additionally, here is a list of the main objectives of few programs that have sustainability learning outcomes: - Bachelor's degree in agronomy - soils and environment: This program prepares the students to put science at the service of the conservation of the biological and biophysical resources in agricultural environment, mainly in soil and environment, in a perspective of sustainable development. http://www.fsaa.ulaval.ca/nc/les-etudes/programmes-de-1er-cycle/baccalaureat-agronomie-sols-et-environnement/ - Integrated bachelor's degree in natural and managed environments: This bachelor's degree aims to train environmental professionals and, in particular, the conservation and sustainable management of natural environments. This practical multidisciplinary training will enable the students to apply the principles of ecology and natural resource management to the maintenance, enhancement and restoration of biodiversity while taking into account the needs of communities. It will also enable the students to accompany organizations and communities on the road to sustainable development. https://www.ulaval.ca/les-etudes/programmes/repertoire/details/baccalaureat-integre-en-environnements-naturels-et-amenages-b-sc-a.html - Master of Spatial Planning and Regional Development: This discipline deals with issues related to the organization of space and the development of regions. The students will be able to meet the needs of the population by taking into account constraints of all kinds, while respecting the principles of sustainable development and equity between regions and major urban centers. https://www.ulaval.ca/les-etudes/programmes/repertoire/details/maitrise-en-amenagement-du-territoire-et-developpement-regional-matdr.html