Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy

at University of Guelph Canada

We share planet Earth with 30 million other animal species, and virtually nothing is known about most. Zoology is the study of the structure, function and ecology of vertebrates and invertebrates.

This major provides you with a broad grounding in animal biology, with courses in physiology, ecology, evolution, and structure and function of invertebrates and vertebrates. In your third and fourth years, there are opportunities to choose elective courses that suit your areas of interest including mammalogy, ornithology and herpetology. You will also have the opportunity to complete a research or field course. Students have participated in field courses on both coasts of Canada, in Algonquin Park or the Churchill area, as well as Australia, Argentina, Iceland and Costa Rica.

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Recognize the relationships between structure and function at different levels of biological organization (e.g., molecules, cells, organs, organisms, populations, species) for the major groups of animals.
• Characterize the biological, chemical, and physical features of environments (e.g., terrestrial, freshwater, marine, host) that animals inhabit.
• Explain how animals function and interact with respect to biological, chemical, and physical processes in natural and impacted environments. Collect and assemble biological data and apply mathematical and statistical methods to the interpretation of data to address questions in zoology.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding and appreciation of living animals and specimens in field and/or laboratory settings through “hands on” experience

The Environmental Biology major, offered as part of the Bachelor of Science degree program, emphasizes biological diversity at the molecular, population, community and biosphere levels. You will become familiar with how organisms, such as plants, insects, fungi and bacteria, interact with the physical environment (water and soils) and respond to human activities.

Methods of measuring and monitoring the impact of human activities on natural and agricultural ecosystems will be presented. To counter negative impacts, solutions, such as bioremediation of effluent, waste management, restoration of stream quality, and agroforestry will be applied. Upon graduation, you will have an awareness of the social and economic implications of environmental bio-sciences and be prepared to initiate solutions for a diversity of environmental problems.

Biomedical Toxicology is the study of dose-response relationships in systems related to mammals with the understanding that the “Dose makes the poison”.

This interdisciplinary program at the University of Guelph combines studies in biomedical science, chemistry, human health and nutritional sciences, molecular and cellular biology and pathobiology, allowing students to understand mechanisms of toxic action and how to apply toxicological testing to assure the safety of new drugs, pesticides and industrial chemicals before they can be released into the marketplace.

In first year, students study the core sciences of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematical science. Second through fourth years are very interdisciplinary and include courses in chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology and genetics, nutrition and toxicology. Students take courses that provide a high-quality laboratory experience ranging from analytical and organic chemistry to molecular biology.

All students graduate with exceptional laboratory experience in analytical instrumental laboratories (with instrumentation used in modern analytical, forensic and pharmaceutical labs) as well as molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories.  

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of target organ toxicity and the processes involved in absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of toxicants.
• Apply methods for evaluating the hazards associated with exposure to toxicants.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to measure and quantify the amount of toxic substances in a variety of matrices including drinking water, blood and urine samples.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to analyze and interpret results from a dose/response assay used to measure toxicity.

Co-op Options
Biomedical Toxicology co-op is a five-year program, which includes four work terms. Below is an example of how the academic and work sequence will look for a Biomedical Toxicology major.*
*Please note this sequence may change. The current undergraduate calendar will house the most accurate sequence that students must follow. 

Students in this co-op major complete a course, COOP*1100, in the winter semester of first year.  This course helps students prepare for their work term by developing professional attitudes and skills for the workplace. This course also provides students with a toolkit of resume and cover letter writing as well as interview skills, which helps students to apply, interview and secure their work term positions

Our Honours and BA programs are specifically designed so students can explore English literature in greater depth and detail as they progress throughout the course of their degree. As a department we have diverse strengths in the following areas:

• Colonial, Postcolonial, and Diasporic Studies 
• Canadian Literature 
• Early Modern Studies 
• Media, Technology, and Literacy in the Humanities 
• Studies in Performance and Politics 
• Sexuality and Gender Studies 
• Transnational Nineteenth-Century Studies'
• Critical and Cultural Theory 
• Environmental Writing and Topics in Social Justice 

The areas above are taught in a variety of lecture and seminar based courses. In order to familiarize students with both modes of learning, The School of English and Theatre Studies offers a first-year core course that provides students with the opportunity to attend weekly seminars in order to discuss material covered in the week's preceding lectures. As students proceed in their respective programs they can expect to take classes that incorporate and build on both models of delivery. 

For the benefit of hybrid learning, physics and chemistry are combined in this major, which includes classes in such areas as materials science and the quantum mechanical basis of molecular structure. Working in the laboratory with state-of the- art equipment, you will acquire the skills and knowledge of a variety of techniques, including x-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance.

Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a fascinating interdisciplinary area of growth. Located at the interface of chemistry and biology, this discipline brings opportunities to combine the powers of chemistry with exciting developments in biology.

This major combines the University of Guelph’s strength in the biological sciences whilst maintaining a strong chemistry-oriented understanding of the molecular basis for biological structure and function. At the University of Guelph, Learning Centres are staffed by teaching assistants to support students in addition to classes sizes in modern, well-equipped laboratories. U of G is well known for the breadth of its biological science programs, and students can avail themselves of the opportunity to take biology courses in a number of areas as part of the Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Program. All students graduate with exceptional laboratory experience in analytical instrumental laboratories and exploring molecular structures with the undergraduate nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer.

Students take an integrated MATH and PHYS course in first year along with the chemistry and biology taken by other science students. Second through fourth year, students take courses that focus on organic synthesis and analytical tools of relevance to both chemistry and biology. The major provides an option in third year to select hands-on training in pharmaceutical analysis, pharmacology and applied toxicology biopharmaceuticals through Seneca College.

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Gather, critically assess, and utilize primary scientific literature to research a topic
• Evaluate the limitations of and troubleshoot experimental approaches.
• Demonstrate advanced, contemporary and relevant knowledge in chemistry
• Demonstrate knowledge of the environmental, health implications of scientific discovery and technological innovation.
• Work safely and effectively in the laboratory to generate reproducible and reliable results
• Conduct research effectively and reliably with relevant computational tools and modern chemical instrumentation

This program is designed for students wishing to concentrate on Geography. It introduces the basic concepts in human, physical and environmental geography and requires everyone to master the important computer, cartographic, writing, GIS, and statistical skills required of a professional geographer. Within this program, it is possible to include a balanced mix of Geography courses or to specialize in techniques, human, physical or environmental topics. Careful selection of electives from complementary programs can enhance specializations within this program.

Students in the Department of Geography can participate in the student led Geography Society. Which organizes special events throughout the year, including trips, parties, and career nights. The Geography Society has its own room in the Hutt Building, which provides a place for members to meet, to study, and to plan events.

Program Highlights
Learning takes place in a variety of settings in the program. In addition to classroom settings, students learn through hands-on research in labs and in the field. Labs are part of numerous courses, from first year to fourth year, and allow students to design and conduct experiments, and solve problems using state-of-the-art computing and analytical tools. Field research is also an important component of geographic research. Research, writing, critical thinking, and problem solving are emphasized throughout the program.

College of Biological Science, Department of Integrative Biology, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ontario Veterinary College and Ontario Agricultural College, School of Environmental Sciences

The One Health degree offers students the opportunity to explore animal, environmental and human health from both the scientific and socio-cultural perspectives. One Health is an approach to research and problem-solving that brings together different knowledge systems and perspectives in order to find solutions that ensure people, animals, and our environment stay healthy.

Students in the One Health degree are required to complete a One Health core, comprising required courses and restricted electives. Students will also be required to declare one of four areas of emphasis by the end of the first year of their program. As part of the OH core, students will complete a set of preparation courses, in year 1 and 2, for their preferred Area of Emphasis (hereafter referred to as sub-core)

Students in the Geography program study human interactions with the environment across geographic scales, from local to global, and master the important computer, cartographic, writing, GIS, and statistical skills required of a professional geographer. Within the program of studies, students take courses in the physical and social sciences and are able to pursue a particular line of interest, for example in environmental conservation, climate change, environmental justice,
food security, geomorphology, urban-rural change, or watershed management. 

Learning takes place in a variety of settings in the program. In addition to classroom settings, students learn through hands-on research in labs and in the field. Labs are part of numerous courses, from first year to fourth year, and allow students to design and conduct experiments, and solve problems using state-of-the-art computing and analytical tools. Field research is also an important component of geographic research. Research, writing, critical thinking and problem solving are emphasized throughout the program.

WHY CO-OP?
As a co-op student, you will gain firsthand work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential interpersonal skills that are essential for pursuing a career in geography. You will also get paid while earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided, including a co-op preparatory course, a personal connection with Co-op Coordinators to assist you during the employment process, and access to senior student mentors.

Want an Engineering degree but not yet sure of a specialization? Choose the Undeclared option: your first semester will be the same as all other Engineering majors, then select your major by the start of Semester 3. To pursue Co-op, we recommend that you apply to the Co-op stream of the program you’re most interested in directly from high school; space can be limited.

Note: It is possible to apply for Co-op once you're a registered student. However, entrance into Co-op for in-course students is subject to your University of Guelph average and availability in the program and major.