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Major in Freshwater Science
The Freshwater Science program integrates and synthesizes aquatic aspects of biology, chemistry, geography, and earth and environmental sciences. Students will study water quality and quantity, aquatic organisms, and the health of aquatic ecosystems
This program prepares students for careers related to inland aquatic ecosystems. Graduates of this program will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with future national and international freshwater environmental problems - both in water quality and quantity. In addition to employment in freshwater and environmental sectors, graduates will be prepared for graduate study and research in freshwater science.
| First Year | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIOL_O 116, 125 | 6 |
| CHEM_O 121, 123 | 6 |
| EESC_O 111, 112 | 6 |
| MATH_O 100 | 3 |
| MATH_O 101 or 103 | 3 |
| PHYS_O 111 or 112 | 3 |
| PHYS_O 121 or 122 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| BIOL_O 201 | 3 |
| One of BIOL_O 202, GEOG_O 271, STAT_O 121, 230 | 3 |
One of CHEM_O 201, 210 | 3 |
| CHEM_O 211 | 3 |
| EESC_O 205, 222 | 6 |
| Communication Requirement1 | 6 |
| Non-science electives2 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Third and Fourth Years | |
|---|---|
| BIOL_O 308 | 3 |
| FWSC_O 3753 | 3 |
| CHEM_O 301 | 3 |
| EESC_O 212 | 3 |
| EESC_O 301 | 3 |
| EESC_O 402 | 3 |
| One of EESC_O 305, 342, 413, 435 | 3 |
| Two of EESC_O 309, EESC_O 323, EESC_O 423 | 6 |
| One of EESC_O 313, EESC_O 314, EESC_O 315, GEOG_O 310, GEOG_O 314 | 3 |
| Upper-level Science electives | 9 |
| Non-Science electives2, 4 | 6 |
| Electives4 | 15 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
| Minimum Credits for Degree | 120 |
|---|
1Communication Requirement: This may be fulfilled by 6 credits from: APSC_O 176, 201, CORH_O 203, ENGL_O 109,112, 113, 114, 150, 151, 153, 154, 155, 156, BIOL_O 313, EESC_O 398. In exceptional circumstances, such as transfer students, other courses may be permitted by the program advisor. Students who have not completed the Communication Requirement by the time they enter fourth year will not be permitted to enrol in any courses other than courses that satisfy the requirement.
2 Students entering the B.Sc. in 2024 or later must complete at least 9 credits of non-science designated courses and 3 credits from INDG_O 100 or ENGL_O 114. Students who entered the B.Sc. prior to 2024 are required to complete 12 credits of non-science designated courses. These students are strongly encouraged to take INDG_O 100 or ENGL_O 114.
3In lieu of FWSC_O 375, two of BIOL_O 204, 205, 209, 210 will be accepted.
4At least 6 credits of these electives must be 300-level or higher.
Freshwater Science Honours Program
The Freshwater Science Honours program is designed for dedicated students in Freshwater Science desiring a recognized research component in their B.Sc. degree. Students must maintain a high academic standing, and demonstrate their ability to undertake independent research through completion of an individual research project.
Admission Requirements
- Fourth-year standing;
- A minimum overall grade average of 76% in 200-, 300- and 400-level courses applicable to the Major in Freshwater Sciences
- Enrolment in EESC_O 449 with a research project and supervisor approved by the department head.
- An individual research project as agreed upon by the student and the supervisor; and
- Permission of the Department Head.
In exceptional cases, such as transferees from another institution, a student may be admitted to the Honours program notwithstanding the criteria listed above.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of the course requirements for the Major in Freshwater Science with EESC_O 449 Honours Thesis representing 6 of the 120 credits;
- A 76% graduating grade average;
- A minimum average of 76% in all 300- and 400-level courses applicable to the Major in Freshwater Sciences; and
- A minimum grade of 76% in EESC_O 449. A written thesis is required and the research must be publicly presented as a seminar or poster.