X. Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Marine and Freshwater Biology (MFB)

Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science

The Marine and Freshwater Biology major capitalizes on Guelph’s recognized excellence in aquatic research and provides a broad perspective on aquatic environments based on the physical as well as the biological sciences. In this major, students will build upon core courses in ecology, evolution, genetics, and physiology of aquatic biota as they study freshwater and marine environments and work with aquatic organisms experimentally in the field and in the lab. They will have the opportunity to perform independent research projects under a variety of field and laboratory conditions to enhance their learning experience. The major prepares students for post-graduate work in the aquatic sciences, and provides a sound scientific background for students wishing to pursue careers in academia, government service, private sector (e.g., NGOs, fisheries, aquaculture, biotechnology, consulting), conservation, education and research.

Major (Honours Program)

Students may enter this major in Semester 1 or any semester thereafter. A student wishing to declare the major may wish to consult the Faculty Advisor. A minimum total of 20.00 credits is required to complete the major.

Semester 1
BIOL*1070 [0.50] Discovering Biodiversity
CHEM*1040 [0.50] General Chemistry I
MATH*1080 [0.50] Elements of Calculus I
PHYS*1080 [0.50] Physics for Life Sciences
0.50 Liberal Education electives

Students lacking Grade 12 or 4U Biology, Chemistry or Physics should follow the revised schedule of study for this major found at https://www.uoguelph.ca/bsc/revised_SS

Semester 2
BIOL*1080 [0.50] Biological Concepts of Health
BIOL*1090 [0.50] Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
CHEM*1050 [0.50] General Chemistry II
PHYS*1070 [0.50] Physics for Life Sciences II
0.50 Liberal Education electives
Semester 3
BIOL*2060 [0.50] Ecology
BIOL*2400 [0.50] Evolution
ZOO*2090 [0.50] Vertebrate Structure and Function
1.00 electives*
Semester 4
BIOC*2580 [0.50] Introduction to Biochemistry
MBG*2040 [0.50] Foundations in Molecular Biology and Genetics
STAT*2230 [0.50] Biostatistics for Integrative Biology
ZOO*2700 [0.50] Invertebrate Morphology & Evolution
0.50 electives*
Semester 5
BIOL*3450 [0.50] Introduction to Aquatic Environments
ZOO*3600 [0.50] Comparative Animal Physiology I
ZOO*3610 [0.25] Lab Studies in Animal Physiology I
ZOO*3700 [0.50] Integrative Biology of Invertebrates
Electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester.
Semester 6
BIOL*3060 [0.50] Populations, Communities & Ecosystems
ZOO*3050 [0.50] Developmental Biology
ZOO*3620 [0.50] Comparative Animal Physiology II
ZOO*3630 [0.25] Lab Studies in Animal Physiology II
Electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester.
Semester 7
BIOL*4350 [0.50] Limnology of Natural and Polluted Waters
IBIO*4600 [1.00] Integrative Marine and Freshwater Research
1.00 electives
Semester 8
BIOL*4010 [0.50] Adaptational Physiology
ZOO*4330 [0.50] Biology of Fishes
ZOO*4570 [0.50] Marine Ecological Processes
1.00 electives
* CIS*1200 is recommended for those needing to improve their computer skills
Electives

A minimum of 1.00 credits of Liberal Education electives is required. The list of Liberal Education electives for B.Sc. students can be found at: https://www.uoguelph.ca/bsc/

Credit Summary (20.00 Total Credits)

4.00 - First year science core

10.00 - Required science courses semesters 3 - 8

2.00 - Approved science electives

1.00 - Liberal Education electives

3.00 - Free electives - any approved elective for B.Sc. Students

Of the total credits required, students are required to complete 16.00 credits in science of which a minimum of 2.00 credits must be at the 4000 level and an additional 4.00 credits must be at the 3000 or 4000 level.

University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120