Study
Prof. Byer currently teaches the following courses:
Undergraduate
Engineering Strategies and Practice 1 (APS111H1 F), which is taught by a team to all (about 900) first year students in engineering (except those in Engineering Science). The course introduces and provides a framework for the design process. Prof. Byer teaches students about designing to incorporate concerns for sustainability, the environment, social impacts, economics, ethics and human factors.
Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment (CIV440H1 S), which he teaches to 4th year students in programs across the engineering. Course Description: The process and techniques for assessing and managing the impacts on and risks to humans and the ecosystem associated with engineered facilities, processes and products. Both biophysical and social impacts are addressed. Topics include: environmental assessment processes; environmental legislation; techniques for assessing impacts; engineering risk analysis; health risk assessment; risk management and communication; social impact assessment; cumulative impacts; environmental management systems; the process of considering alternative methods for preventing and controlling impacts; and stakeholder involvement and public participation. Examples are drawn from various engineering activities and facilities such as energy production, chemical production, treatment plants, highways and landfills.
Graduate
Environmental Decision Making (ENV1001H1 F), which he co-teaches through the Centre for Environment to graduate students from across many disciplines, including engineering, geography, law, economics, political science, education and others. Course Description: This course introduces and critically considers concepts and methods for making public decisions about environmental problems. Topics include critical thinking, quantitative and qualitative approaches to decision making, science and the use of models, addressing conflicting objectives and stakeholders through formal evaluation methods and collective decision making, dealing with uncertainties, values, perceptions and ethical considerations. The material is presented through lectures and class discussions using examples and case studies.