This major offers world-class training in the biology, conservation, and ecology of plants, birds, mammals, fish, insects and microbes. By studying human impact on species and ecosystems, you can help solve important environmental challenges.
Environmental Biology has a significant field component. You鈥檒l take outdoor labs in the unique setting of 捆绑SM社区's聽Macdonald Campus and explore the complex biodiversity of our fields, forests, and lakeshore. On and off campus, you can join in cutting-edge research on climate change and its effects on animals and ecosystems.
Your courses
The聽Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) - Major in Environmental Biology provides a foundation in endangered species conservation, environmental pollution, and protected areas management through 42 credits of core courses and 24 credits of courses in a specialization of your choice.
You鈥檒l study how organisms adapt to changes in the environment and the consequences for ecosystems. You can also pursue a research-intensive honours program in your final year.
Suggested specializations
In the Environmental Biology major, you鈥檒l need to choose at least one specialization. We recommend:
Applied Ecology
Deepening the understanding of how ecosystems function.
Plant Biology
Ecology; molecular, biochemical, and cellular biology of plants.
This specialization can also be taken with a major in Life Sciences.
Wildlife Biology
Proper management and conservation of essential wildlife species and their habitats.
This specialization can also be taken with a major in Life Sciences.
Career paths
The experience and skills you acquire in this program will prepare you for a wide choice of careers in biological and environmental sciences. You could work in:
- Wildlife biology
- Conservation
- Zookeeping
- Land management
- Environmental impact assessment
- Nature documentary filmmaking
Internships & research
As you progress in your program, you can gain essential hands-on experience through a field project or internship. Our students have been:
- Assessing environmental changes in Paraguay
- Interning at wildlife rehabilitation centers
- Ensuring the protection of sea turtles in Greece
- Studying medicinal plants in Peru
- Working with Indigenous groups to measure the health of polar bears
- Studying puffins in Alaska and the St. Lawrence River
A聽Bachelor's degree聽is an undergraduate degree that normally takes 3 to 4 full-time years of study to complete, depending on the student鈥檚 previous education system.
If you are applying from high school (outside of Quebec's CEGEP system), you cannot apply directly to this major. You must apply to the associated聽Freshman/Foundation Year听辫谤辞驳谤补尘.
鈥淢y program allows me to get out in the field, conduct experiments in and around forests and rivers, and learn more about our planet's amazing biodiversity and how to conserve it in Montreal, Canada, and everywhere else! I am also addicted to the Macdonald Campus Outdoors Club, where I nurture my love for hiking, camping and canoeing.鈥澛�
鈥擩amie, B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.), Honours Environmental Biology major, specializing in Wildlife Biology