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B.Sc. (Ag.Env.Sc) | Major in Environmental Biology

A student climbs a tree with a harnessThis major offers world-class training in the biology, conservation, and ecology of plants, birds, mammals, fish, insects and microbes. By studying human impact on species and ecosystems, you can help solve important environmental challenges.

Environmental Biology has a significant field component. You’ll take outdoor labs in the unique setting of 91˿Ƶ's Macdonald Campus and explore the complex biodiversity of our fields, forests, and lakeshore. On and off campus, you can join in cutting-edge research on climate change and its effects on animals and ecosystems.

Your courses

The Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) - Major in Environmental Biology provides a foundation in endangered species conservation, environmental pollution, and protected areas management through 42 credits of core courses and 24 credits of courses in a specialization of your choice.

You’ll study how organisms adapt to changes in the environment and the consequences for ecosystems. You can also pursue a research-intensive honours program in your final year.

Suggested specializations

In the Environmental Biology major, you’ll need to choose at least one specialization. We recommend:

Applied Ecology

Deepening the understanding of how ecosystems function.

Plant Biology

Ecology; molecular, biochemical, and cellular biology of plants.

This specialization can also be taken with a major in Life Sciences.

Wildlife Biology

Proper management and conservation of essential wildlife species and their habitats.

This specialization can also be taken with a major in Life Sciences.


Career paths

The experience and skills you acquire in this program will prepare you for a wide choice of careers in biological and environmental sciences. You could work in:

  • Wildlife biology
  • Conservation
  • Zookeeping
  • Land management
  • Environmental impact assessment
  • Nature documentary filmmaking

Internships & research

As you progress in your program, you can gain essential hands-on experience through a field project or internship. Our students have been:

  • Assessing environmental changes in Paraguay
  • Interning at wildlife rehabilitation centers
  • Ensuring the protection of sea turtles in Greece
  • Studying medicinal plants in Peru
  • Working with Indigenous groups to measure the health of polar bears
  • Studying puffins in Alaska and the St. Lawrence River
Several students in class smiling

A Bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree that normally takes 3 to 4 full-time years of study to complete, depending on the student’s previous education system.

If you are applying from high school (outside of Quebec's CEGEP system), you cannot apply directly to this major. You must apply to the associated Freshman/Foundation YearDz.


Jamie“My program allows me to get out in the field, conduct experiments in and around forests and rivers, and learn more about our planet's amazing biodiversity and how to conserve it in Montreal, Canada, and everywhere else! I am also addicted to the Macdonald Campus Outdoors Club, where I nurture my love for hiking, camping and canoeing.” 

—Jamie, B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.), Honours Environmental Biology major, specializing in Wildlife Biology


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