Marine and Freshwater Biology
Why Marine and Freshwater Biology?
Marine and Freshwater Biology capitalizes on Guelph's recognized excellence in aquatic research. In this major, you will build upon core courses in ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology and zoology as you study freshwater and marine environments and work with aquatic organisms in the field and the lab.
To see all courses offered in this degree, visit our Academic Calendar.
Conduct Research on Ocean and Lake Sustainability
Study freshwater and marine environments and the aquatic organisms that call them home from both biological and physical science perspectives, with a focus on sustainable management and conservation.
Access the Hagen Aqualab
Take advantage of the University of Guelph’s state-of-the-art aquatic research facility, the Hagen Aqualab, which houses a wide variety of flora and fauna from arctic, temperate or tropical climes in simulated marine, brackish or freshwater habitats.
Gain Technical Skills
Learn hands-on skills from global leaders in aquatic research in both on-campus research facilities and through field courses in arctic, tropical and temperate regions. Exchange programs are also available in collaboration with universities around the world.
- Top 5 Comprehensive University
- in Canada (Macleans 2024)
- Top 150 in the World
- for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2024)
- Top 20% in the World
- for Biological Sciences (QS Top Universities 2024)
- Top 3 in Canada
- for Wildlife and Fisheries Management and Conservation (EduRank 2024)
What Can You Do with a Degree in Marine and Freshwater Biology?
Marine and Freshwater Biology prepares students for post-graduate work in the aquatic sciences, and provides a sound scientific background for students wishing to pursue careers in biology, management and conservation, aquaculture, biotechnology, education, and research, either in public or private sectors.
Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:
- Aquatic Biologist
- Conservation Biologist
- Environmental Biologist
- Fisheries Biologist
- Freshwater Turtle Field Coordinator
- Limnologist
- Marine Biologist
- Marine Ecosystems Scientist
- Oceanographer
- Research Assistant
- Species at Risk Biologist
- Stream Ecologist
- 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.
Marine and Freshwater Biology Co-op Calendar
- Algal Monitoring Technician
- Aquaculture Technician
- Biomonitoring Technician
- Environmental Field Technician
- Great Lakes Scientist
- Junior Policy Analyst
- Laboratory Assistant
- Outdoor Education Intern
- Plant Health Research Assistant
- Protected Areas Information Officer
- Research Assistant
- Species at Risk Officer
- Student Aquatic Science Technician
Hear From Marine and Freshwater Biology Students and Graduates
During my undergraduate studies, I completed five diverse co-op placements 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!
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.
Discover More Options
Students considering studying Marine and Freshwater Biology may also be interested in Animal Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology and Conservation, Zoology, or other majors.
Admission Requirements
Explore admission requirements for Canadian, international, transfer, and mature students. Start your journey today!
Scholarships & Bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.
Tour Our Campus
Through virtual tours, presentations, webinars and in-person tours, get familiar with the University of Guelph campus.
Have Questions?
Learn more about how to connect, discover, and engage with programs, facilities and life at the University of Guelph.