Marine and Freshwater Biology
Why Study Marine and Freshwater Biology at U of G?
The University of Guelph is internationally known for its excellence in aquatic research and hands-on learning experiences.
You’ll find our students scuba diving in Ontario’s Great Lakes to help track at-risk species, observing deep-sea vents through cabled observatories, and collecting zooplankton samples off Canada’s East Coast.
In Marine and Freshwater Biology, you’ll build a foundation in adaptive physiology, ecology, evolution and population genetics, and invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, with many practical skill-building opportunities through labs and the field trips. One course takes you to the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick to learn about marine ecosystems and physiology. In another, you'll study freshwater ecosystems in local ponds and rivers.
You can also contribute to important aquatic research, from studying the impacts of invasive species to exploring the ecology of aquatic species. In fourth year, you can pursue your own research questions through a group or independent research project, supervised by a faculty member.
On-Campus Aquatic Research
Gain hands-on research experience in marine biology and fish physiology through paid or volunteer research positions in U of G’s Hagen Aqualab.
Get Involved
Meet new friends and take part in events like field trips to Ripley’s Aquarium, scuba diving, guest speakers and College Royal through the student-run Marine and Freshwater Biology Society.
Real-World Experience
Whether you’re in the five-year co-op, with five paid work terms, or the four-year regular stream, practical skills through labs, field experiences and research opportunities are built in throughout the degree.
To see all courses offered in the Marine and Freshwater Biology program, visit our Academic Calendar.
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- Top Comprehensive University
- in Canada (Maclean’s)
- Top 150 in the World
- for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2026)
- Top 20% in the World
- for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
- Top 4 in Canada
- for Wildlife and Fisheries Management and Conservation (EduRank 2026)
Careers in Marine and Freshwater Biology
Marine and Freshwater Biology graduates pursue careers in aquatic management and conservation, aquaculture, oceanography, biotechnology, education, and research, or continue their studies in professional schools or graduate programs.
Here are just a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:
- Aquatic Biologist
- Conservation Biologist
- Environmental Biologist
- Fisheries Manager
- Freshwater Turtle Field Coordinator
- Limnologist
- Marine Biologist
- Marine Ecosystems Scientist
- Oceanographer
- Research Assistant
- Species at Risk Biologist
- Stream Ecologist
- Sustainable Aquaculturist
- Teacher
- Watershed Management Specialist
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
The Marine and Freshwater Biology co-op is a five-year program that includes five paid work terms. Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world, with hands-on work experiences available in private, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Benefits of co-op include:
- Relevant work experience
- Up to two years of work experience
- Earning while learning
- Career exploration
- Professional networking
Students can apply for the co-op program directly from high school or later for in-course admission. Learn more about the Marine and Freshwater Biology co-op program.
Hear From Marine and Freshwater Biology Students and Graduates
My time studying Marine and Freshwater Biology (MFB) at the University of Guelph has been an incredible experience. In classes, we learn about the physiology, ecology, and overall biology of aquatic species and apply our knowledge in hands-on labs with real organisms. As MFB students in 4th year, we get to complete an independent research project using marine animals in the Hagen Aqualab! I have made many connections with students, staff, faculty, and alumni during my degree, which has made me feel ready to start my career when I graduate.
During my undergraduate studies, I completed five diverse co-op work terms across four locations. These experiences included working at a National Wildlife Area in Saskatchewan, on an Arctic charr farm in the Yukon, conducting Wildlife Habitat Assessments in Northern Ontario's boreal forests, and researching algae on the Great Lakes. These opportunities were pivotal in helping me identify my career interests post-graduation. The co-op program equipped me with practical skills and prepared me to succeed in the marine and freshwater industry!
As an international student, the Marine and Freshwater Biology program allows me to gain hands-on experience and education directly in the field without compromising my passion for marine sciences. The co-op program has also been extremely beneficial in gaining hands-on experience with fish husbandry and lab techniques, which benefit me greatly in future opportunities.
My time as a co-op student at the University of Guelph in Marine and Freshwater Biology was immensely rewarding. I gained valuable hands-on experience in fish health assessments, habitat restoration, and data analysis, utilizing advanced technologies such as electrofishing, R programming, and GIS. This comprehensive training enabled me to secure a position immediately after graduation and provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in my career.
I love the Marine and Freshwater Biology program because it provides lots of hands-on experience and practical labs. I also love how we cover everything from evolution to ecology and physiology and much more. We also learn about all types of aquatic ecosystems and how they are unique, which is super interesting.
Discover More Options
Students considering Marine and Freshwater Biology may also be interested in Animal Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology and Conservation, Zoology, or other majors.
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