X. Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Marine and Freshwater Biology (Co-op) (MFB:C)
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 biological sciences. In this major, you will build upon core courses in ecology, evolution, genetics, and physiology of aquatic biota as you study freshwater and marine environments and work with aquatic organisms experimentally in the field and in the lab. You will have the opportunity to perform independent research projects under a variety of field and laboratory conditions to enhance your learning experience. Work placements enable students to gain knowledge, skills and values appropriate for work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings. 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.
Students in the Major begin their first work term in the summer of the second year after they have completed semester 4. COOP*1100 is required in the third academic semester. At least 4 work terms (COOP*1000, COOP*2000, COOP*3000, COOP*4000) are required in the co-op program, and the course requirements are the same as shown for the major program. Some courses must be taken during a different semester than usual, and Co-op students generally require an additional fall and winter semester to meet all the program requirements.
Major (Honours Program)
Students may wish to plan their program in consultation with the faculty advisor. A total of 20.00 credits are required to complete the major.
Semester 1 - Fall
| 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 Arts or Social Science 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 - Winter
Semester 3 - Fall
Semester 4 - Winter
Summer Semester
| COOP*1000*++ | [0.00] | Co-op Work Term I |
Semester 5 - Fall
Winter Semester
| COOP*2000*++ | [0.00] | Co-op Work Term II |
Summer Semester
| COOP*3000*++ | [0.00] | Co-op Work Term III |
Semester 6 - Fall
Semester 7 - Winter
Summer Semester
| COOP*4000*++ | [0.00] | Co-op Work Term IV |
Fall Semester
| COOP*5000*++ | [0.00] | Co-op Work Term V |
Semester 8 - Winter
| BIOL*4010 | [0.50] | Adaptational Physiology |
| ZOO*4330 | [0.50] | Biology of Fishes |
| ZOO*4570 | [0.50] | Marine Ecological Processes |
| 1.00 electives or restricted electives | ||
* CIS*1200 is recommended for those needing to improve their computer skills
++ Four work terms are required for the completion of the co-op degree. It is also necessary that there be at least one work term in each of Winter, Fall, and Summer semesters. Therefore, one of the summer work terms could be missed and the student would still graduate successfully. It is only required to complete 4 of the 5 listed work terms. A report is required for each work term completed, even when all 5 are done. Contact the co-op faculty advisor for further details.
Restricted Electives
At least 1.00 credits of Arts and/or Social Science electives are required. The list of approved Arts and Social Science electives for B.Sc. students is available at: https://www.uoguelph.ca/bsc/Approved_electives
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 - Arts and/or Social Science 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.