Marine and Freshwater Biology

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology at the University of Guelph offers you a deep dive into the intricate ecosystems that sustain our planet. This undergraduate degree is ideal for those passionate about understanding aquatic life, from microscopic organisms to complex food webs, and addressing critical environmental challenges like pollution and climate change. You will explore core principles of ecology, evolution, genetics, and physiology, gaining essential knowledge to investigate and protect both marine and freshwater environments. This program equips you with the foundational scientific understanding needed to become a leader in aquatic science.

This full-time, on-campus program is structured over four years, guiding you through foundational science, including general chemistry, calculus, and physics, before progressing to specialized subjects like limnology, marine ecological processes, and comparative animal physiology. You will engage in hands-on learning through laboratory studies and research projects, culminating in a significant integrative research experience. Graduates will be prepared for diverse career paths in environmental consulting, fisheries management, conservation biology, and further postgraduate studies in aquatic sciences.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of marine and freshwater biology, covering foundational scientific principles and specialized aquatic topics. Students will delve into biodiversity, chemistry, physics, and calculus before progressing to ecology, evolution, and the physiology of both vertebrate and invertebrate life. The curriculum culminates in advanced studies of aquatic environments, research methodologies, and specific biological processes within marine and freshwater ecosystems.

1 Semester 1

Discovering biodiversity Compulsory
General chemistry I Compulsory
Elements of calculus I Compulsory
Physics for life sciences Compulsory
Liberal education electives Compulsory

2 Semester 2

Biological concepts of health Compulsory
Introduction to molecular and cellular biology Compulsory
General chemistry II Compulsory
Physics for life sciences II Compulsory
Liberal education electives Compulsory

3 Semester 3

Ecology Compulsory
Evolution Compulsory
Vertebrate structure and function Compulsory
Electives 1 Compulsory

4 Semester 4

Introduction to biochemistry Compulsory
Foundations in molecular biology and genetics Compulsory
Biostatistics for integrative biology Compulsory
Invertebrate morphology & evolution Compulsory
Electives 1 Compulsory

5 Semester 5

Introduction to aquatic environments Compulsory
Comparative animal physiology I Compulsory
Lab studies in animal physiology I Compulsory
Integrative biology of invertebrates Compulsory
Electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester Compulsory

6 Semester 6

Populations, communities and ecosystems Compulsory
Developmental biology Compulsory
Comparative animal physiology II Compulsory
Lab studies in animal physiology II Compulsory
Electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester Compulsory

7 Semester 7

Limnology of natural and polluted waters Compulsory
Integrative marine and freshwater research Compulsory
Electives Compulsory

8 Semester 8

Adaptational physiology Compulsory
Biology of fishes Compulsory
Marine ecological processes Compulsory
Electives Compulsory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,997.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,997.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,997.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,997.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 115,989.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 654.00 - USD 1,506.00
Food & Groceries USD 5,981.00 - USD 6,068.00
Transport USD 867.00 - USD 1,041.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,734.00 - USD 2,167.00
Estimated Total USD 8,582.00 - USD 9,276.00

Living cost estimates are based on Guelph Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

90%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Agrochemical & Seed IndustryClinical Trials & DevelopmentEnergy Trading & MarketsEnvironmental & Sustainability ConsultingFisheries & AquacultureHealthcare Administration & ManagementHealthcare ConsultingMedical Research & Clinical TrialsOil & Gas Exploration & ProductionSupply Chain & Commodity Trading

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Bayer

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Johnson & Johnson

Sanofi

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Why Study Marine and Freshwater Biology at University of Guelph

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at University of Guelph in Canada

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Marine and Freshwater Biology at University of Guelph

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during terms, and unlimited hours during breaks. On-campus work permits are not required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English requirements, you can take tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE with specific scores. For example, Duolingo requires an overall score of 110.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Marine Biologists, Aquatic Ecologists, Fisheries Scientists, Environmental Consultants, and Research Assistants.

What will I actually study in this course?

Marine and Freshwater Biology focuses on aquatic research, with core courses in ecology, evolution, and genetics. Students will study both freshwater and marine environments while engaging with aquatic organisms.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Marine and Freshwater Biology program has an intake month in September. Be sure to prepare your application ahead of this date.
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