Water Environments and Ecosystems (Biological Stream) (Faculty of Science)

To educate students in both the ecological and physical facets of the water environment, this domain offers two streams, allowing you to study one or the other facet. The Biological Stream will concentrate on the mechanisms regulating the different forms of life in water bodies. You will acquire a solid background in the biological processes taking place in water bodies.

If you are interested in studying the transport and transformation mechanisms of water on the planet, from rivers to the oceans and atmosphere, you should select the Physical Stream.You will acquire a good understanding of the physical mechanisms controlling water properties. 

Graduates of this Domain are qualified to enter the workforce or to pursue advanced studies in fields such as marine biology, geography, physical oceanography and atmospheric science.

• Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
• 23 years of age or older by the start of classes (21 years of age for the Faculties of Management and Music)
• No high school, college or university level studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission
• Two letters of reference
• Mature Student Statements:
  • Letter of Intent, including description of all educational experiences
  • Complete resume of employment and other activities, highlighting points relevant to the application
• In some cases, an interview may be required
• Demonstrate academic potential by successfully completing a minimum number of specific courses (see 'Minimum grades & prerequisites' below) within the three-year period prior to admission and no later than May 15th of the year of application for the intended program (May 1 for some programs). These courses, which may be completed at CEGEP or university, will also fulfill prerequisites for the intended program. 

Students who pursue an environmental science degree have many options when it comes to jobs and may work in a variety of settings. 

Some examples include:  

• Natural Resource Manager
• Hydrologist
• Climate Change Analyst
• Water Resources Planner
• Research and Development Technician
• Environmental Analyst / Advisor
• Policy Analyst

1. Know your deadlines.

   Mark your calendar with these important dates regarding your application. 

2. Decide what to study.

   Use the program finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and find your best match. 

3. Make sure you're eligible.

   Admission to most programs is based on grades only. In this step, you'll find:
   • How your academic record is reviewed
   • The grades that gained entrance to your program in previous years
   • The prerequisites for your program

4. Get ready to apply.

   As of October 1, you can apply. Complete each step of the pre-application to-do list, including:

   • Understand the deadlines that apply to you
   • Prepare your academic documents
   • Identify supporting documents you'll need to provide

5. Submit your application.

   Review our tips on how to apply and see what the application fees will be. Remember that you can apply to two programs.

6. Apply for an entrance scholarship.

   Look into entrance scholarships early! The deadline is usually a week after your application deadline. This page provides information about entrance scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

7. Submit documents and keep in touch.

   We'll connect with you by email to let you know when to upload supporting documents, if required. In this step, you'll see:
   • How to follow your applications status
   • Supporting documents you may need to prepare
   • How to submit supporting documents, including self-reporting your grades