Marine and Freshwater Biology
Why Study Marine and Freshwater Biology at U of G?
Marine and Freshwater Biology capitalizes on Guelph's recognized excellence in aquatic research. In this major, you will build upon core courses in ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology and zoology as you study freshwater and marine environments and work with aquatic organisms in the field and the lab.
Conduct Research on Ocean and Lake Sustainability
Study freshwater and marine environments and the aquatic organisms that call them home from both biological and physical science perspectives, with a focus on sustainable management and conservation.
Access the Hagen Aqualab
Take advantage of the University of Guelph’s state-of-the-art aquatic research facility, the Hagen Aqualab, which houses a wide variety of flora and fauna from arctic, temperate or tropical climes in simulated marine, brackish and freshwater habitats.
Gain Technical Skills
Learn hands-on skills from global leaders in aquatic research in both on-campus research facilities and through field courses in arctic, tropical and temperate regions. Exchange programs are also available in collaboration with universities around the world.
To see all courses offered in the Marine and Freshwater Biology program, visit our Academic Calendar.
- Top Comprehensive University
- in Canada (Maclean’s 2025)
- Top 150 in the World
- for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2025)
- Top 20% in the World
- for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
- Top 4 in Canada
- for Wildlife and Fisheries Management and Conservation (EduRank 2025)
Careers in Marine and Freshwater Biology
Marine and Freshwater Biology prepares students for post-graduate work in the aquatic sciences and provides a sound scientific background for students wishing to pursue careers in biology, management and conservation, aquaculture, biotechnology, education, and research, either in public or private sectors.
Here are just a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:
- Aquatic Biologist
- Conservation Biologist
- Environmental Biologist
- Fisheries Biologist
- Freshwater Turtle Field Coordinator
- Limnologist
- Marine Biologist
- Marine Ecosystems Scientist
- Oceanographer
- Research Assistant
- Species at Risk Biologist
- Stream Ecologist
- Teacher
- Watershed Management Specialist
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
The Marine and Freshwater Biology co-op is a five-year program that includes five paid work terms. Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world, with hands-on work experiences available in private, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Benefits of co-op include:
- Relevant work experience
- Up to two years of work experience
- Earning while learning
- Career exploration
- Professional networking
Students can apply for the co-op program directly from high school or later for in-course admission. Learn more about the Marine and Freshwater Biology co-op program.
- Algal Monitoring Technician
- Aquaculture Technician
- Biomonitoring Technician
- Environmental Field Technician
- Great Lakes Scientist
- Junior Policy Analyst
- Laboratory Assistant
- Outdoor Education Intern
- Plant Health Research Assistant
- Protected Areas Information Officer
- Research Assistant
- Species at Risk Officer
- Student Aquatic Science Technician
Hear From Marine and Freshwater Biology Students and Graduates
My time studying Marine and Freshwater Biology (MFB) at the University of Guelph has been an incredible experience. In classes, we learn about the physiology, ecology, and overall biology of aquatic species and apply our knowledge in hands-on labs with real organisms. As MFB students in 4th year, we get to complete an independent research project using marine animals in the Hagen Aqualab! I have made many connections with students, staff, faculty, and alumni during my degree, which has made me feel ready to start my career when I graduate.
During my undergraduate studies, I completed five diverse co-op work terms across four locations. These experiences included working at a National Wildlife Area in Saskatchewan, on an Arctic charr farm in the Yukon, conducting Wildlife Habitat Assessments in Northern Ontario's boreal forests, and researching algae on the Great Lakes. These opportunities were pivotal in helping me identify my career interests post-graduation. The co-op program equipped me with practical skills and prepared me to succeed in the marine and freshwater industry!
Discover More Options
Students considering Marine and Freshwater Biology may also be interested in Animal Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology and Conservation, Zoology, or other majors.
Admission Requirements
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Scholarships & Bursaries
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