Bachelor of Arts (Major) in Psychology

at University of Guelph Canada

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.

Co-op Option
The Co-op program in Chemical Physics is a five-year program, including five work terms. Students must complete a Fall, Winter and Summer work term and must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below.

To be eligible to continue in the Co-op program, students must meet a minimum 70% cumulative average requirement after second semester, as well as meet all work term requirements. Please refer to the Co-operative Education program policy with respect to work term performance grading, work term report grading and program completion requirements.

The BA Music at the University of Guelph is geared to students who have a significant interest in music and music studies within a wider liberal arts education. It is a comprehensive and flexible program that offers instruction in music history, theory and criticism and and examines the significance of classical, world, and popular musics. Students develop a high degree of musicianship through skills training, music lessons (for those interested in advanced instrumental and vocal training), and participation in a variety of ensembles. With new facilities in digital technology, we support the increasing importance of technology in musical production, distribution, and listening. Our students go on to further studies and careers in music education (institutional and private), graduate music research, arts administration, performance, and production.

Environmental Engineering is the application of scientific theories and principles to minimize the impact of human activities on the environment.

The Environmental Engineering program at Guelph was designed from the ground up as a complete, comprehensive environmental program.  It provides in-depth knowledge of relevant physical, chemical and biological systems with a strong emphasis on engineering design.  Our students experience the important role Environmental Engineering plays in serving the current and future needs of all humanity.

Co-op
The Co-op program in Environmental Engineering is a five year program, including five work terms. Students must complete a Fall, Winter and Summer work term and must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below.

To be eligible to continue in the Co-op program, students must meet a minimum 70% cumulative average requirement after second semester, as well as meet all work term requirements. Please refer to the Co-operative Education program policy with respect to work term performance grading, work term report grading and program completion requirements. 

Students will study elements of physics including the exotic aspects of the universe, such as black holes and subatomic particles, or be involved in the development of exciting modern devices such as particle accelerators and gamma-ray spectrometers.

With an emphasis on hands-on lab work, the physics major covers the fundamentals of mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum physics, grounding students in foundational physics while preparing them for more specialized study in upper years. The strong analytical, computational, and lab skills developed during the degree provide the flexibility to pursue a broad range of careers upon graduation.

The major builds upon nationally recognized expertise in teaching and research with many of our faculty members having received both national and international awards. 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 will focus on physics specialty courses with an emphasis on hands-on, laboratory learning. Unique to the University of Guelph, students will also take a Science Communications course where they develop activities to help people understand the concepts of physics.

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Demonstrate mastery in advanced Electricity and Magnetism, Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Optics, and Quantum Mechanics
• Apply Intermediate level Mathematics techniques to enhance understanding in the aforementioned major subject areas
• Demonstrate advanced laboratory skills in order to practically realize concepts in Electricity & Magnetism, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Quantum Physics, Optics, Nuclear Physics, Spectroscopy, and Electronics and apply these skills in self-directed learning
• Apply modern computational techniques to investigate various physical phenomena and demonstrate proficiency in mathematical software such as Maple, MatLab, and/or Mathematica

Co-Op Options
Physics co-op is a five-year program, which includes five work terms. Below is an example of how the academic and work sequence will look for a Physics 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 fall semester of second 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.

The Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice (BIESP) is an interdisciplinary science degree that focuses on the development of leaders in areas of environmental science, land-use and policy development who are grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. This science degree emphasizes the respectful and consensual braiding of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to address complex environmental issues and challenges. It focuses on the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through practices based on Indigenous ways of knowing and doing and the practice of Indigenous land ethics grounded in Indigenous epistemologies, ontologies, traditions and aspirations. By explicitly recognizing the inherent validity and value of Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, this interdisciplinary program offers a critical, yet constructive, view of environmental science, grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, methodologies, priorities and values and oriented towards concrete action. In addition to their studies of natural and applied science, students will examine the historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada and the legal, political and economic context of environmental science and practice.  

Experiential learning is incorporated into each year of study through opportunities to interact and work directly with Indigenous communities and organizations supporting cross-cultural learning and practice. In the final year, students will conduct a group project that focuses on a current environmental issue and provides the opportunity to obtain realistic experiences within the interdisciplinary context of practicing environmental science with Indigenous communities. The BIESP is also offered as a co-op option. 

Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the BIESP degree will have demonstrated they can:

• Build awareness of Indigenous cultural frameworks of environmental science including the role of traditional knowledge keepers, right relations, multi-generational environmental stewardship, and inclusion of non-human beings. 
• Consider the implications of historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in influencing governance, practices, policies, interactions and decision making in environmental science and practice. 
• Apply a critical and decolonial lens to the existing approach to environmental science and practice in Canada through the exploration of Indigenous principles, aspirations and practices while cognizant of the historical and ongoing legacy of colonization, land dispossession, and intergenerational trauma. 
• Apply the evolving legal frameworks of Indigenous and non-Indigenous environmental science, which include Indigenous People’s inherent, treaty and constitutionally-protected rights, historic and contemporary lands, the minimal standard of free, prior, and informed consent, duty to consult and Indigenous-led practices of protection and restoration of special places and community well-being, to environmental stewardship.  
• Bridge and braid Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to propose and evaluate answers and solutions to environmental questions.  
• Formulate relevant and testable research questions, develop and implement an effective method of inquiry and perform appropriate quantitative and qualitative analyses for use in evidence-based environmental planning, policy development and implementation across different knowledge systems from Indigenous and Western research paradigms and methodologies.  
• Utilize techniques and skills including mapping and GIS, data classification, spatial analysis, map design, Indigenous research methodologies and environmental risk assessment practices to analyze environmental management issues across different knowledge systems. 
• Demonstrate project management skills (leadership, negotiation, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, time and task management, and budgeting) to effectively work within a team to complete multifaceted projects related to environmental management, research, and community engagement. 
• Communicate ideas, arguments and analyses to Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences accurately and effectively, recognizing the role of language, personal values, strengths and limitations, and respecting diverse perspectives.  
• Demonstrate moral maturity and intercultural competency by considering diverse perspectives on environmental issues and Indigenous world views when acting as a professional and community member in decision making processes related to topics of land use, conservation, sustainability and environmental remediation and restoration. 
• Critically reflect on their personal values, academic and professional goals and determine how they can continue to respectfully engage and sustain relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to address environmental challenges utilizing both Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge systems and ethical protocols. 
• Appreciate and support the needs and priorities of Indigenous communities to promote respect, protect and sustain Indigenous knowledge and practice in Indigenous communities.

Co-op
The Co-op program in Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice is a five-year program including four work terms. Students must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below (also found on the Co-operative Education website: https://www.recruitguelph.ca/cecs/). 
Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice Academic and Co-op Work Term Schedule

The Real Estate and Housing major in the B.Comm. program is one of only a few undergraduate programs in Canada that specialize in the real estate sector. It takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of residential and commercial/investment real estate.

The purpose of this major is to develop the conceptual, analytical and management skills required for careers in real estate and housing. Students graduate with a degree that can lead to a variety of professional positions in the private or public sectors of the Canadian real estate industry or they can continue on to graduate work in business, planning or the social sciences.

A principal aim of the Co-op program in Real Estate and Housing is to facilitate the transition of students from academic studies to a professional career by enhancing the integration of theory and practice. The Co-op program in Real Estate and Housing is a five year program, including five work terms. Students must complete a Fall, Winter and Summer work term and must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below (also found on the Co-operative Education website: https://www.recruitguelph.ca/cecs/). Please refer to the Co-operative Education program policy with respect to adjusting this schedule.

To be eligible to continue in the Co-op program, students must meet a minimum 70% cumulative average requirement after second semester, as well as meet all work term requirements. Please refer to the Co-operative Education program policy with respect to work term performance grading, work term report grading and program completion requirements. 

As an Economist, you may be called on to explain or predict some of the most interesting and puzzling issues of our time, such as the fluctuations in interest rates and oil prices, the value of the dollar or the implications of continental free trade. Studying Economics within the Bachelor of Arts degree integrates pure and applied economics theories with areas of thought, techniques and critical analysis drawn from the arts. A knowledge of economics helps you understand the implications of global trends and changes to the tax system or health insurance plans. As a student in the Economics major, you will be provided with excellent preparation for a
management career in business or government, or the background you need to pursue graduate studies

WHY CO-OP?
As a co-op student, you will gain relevant work experience, build professional networks and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided, including an inclass preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process, and access to senior student mentors.

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph is internationally renowned for its research, teaching and knowledge extension. Our community has a strong sense of shared purpose: To Improve Life by inspiring leaders, generating knowledge and creating innovative solutions for food, agriculture, communities and the environment.

Improve agriculture and how we feed the world.
By 2050 there will be nine billion people in the world to feed. Agriculture is about food, science, business and responsibly using land and resources to bring healthy and sustainable food to the world. Agriculture and food industries have more job openings than qualified people to fill them. 

Sample First Year Courses

• Introduction to Agri-Food Systems
• Biology of Plants and Animals in Managed Ecosystems
• Elements of Calculus I
• Economics of the Agri-Food System
• Agroecology
• Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology

The common first-year in Agriculture gives you the flexibility to select one of three majors.

• Honours Agriculture
• Animal Science
• Crop, Horticulture and Turfgrass Sciences

Biological Science focuses on the study of living organisms, their evolution, interactions with other organisms and the ecosystems that they live and rely on. The many areas of study under the umbrella of biological science allows for flexibility within the major and allows you to tailor the major to your interest.   

The B.Sc. major in Biological Science (BIOS) will provide you with opportunities to acquire the skills you need to be successful in a variety of careers. This major allows you to choose courses that fit your interests and career goals. Foundation courses cover molecular biology and genetics, biochemistry, evolution, physiology, ecology and statistics which will allow you to explore multiple areas of biology or focus in on one more specifically. The breadth of science that we offer at the University of Guelph provides students a unique opportunity to discover what fields of biology truly connects with their interests and professional goals. 

Microbiology is the study of organisms invisible to the naked eye. This major explores the diversity of micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, and fungi. Applications of microbiology range from antibiotic development and resistance, to the relevance of the gut micro-flora in diseases, and finally yeast production for beverage and food development.

The variety of courses offered in the program cover a broad range of topics such as medical microbiology, infectious diseases, immunology, and antimicrobials, as well as environmental and food microbiology. Undergraduate laboratories will provide you with many practical skills in working with a variety of microbes and analyzing microbial processes at both the cellular and molecular levels. In your upper years, you will also have the opportunity to access some of the University of Guelph’s outstanding research labs and facilities through coursework or independant research projects.

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Integrate the different levels of biological organization, from molecules to cells to organisms.
• Describe the metabolic and cellular diversity of microbes, and explain the critical roles of microbes in health, disease and the biosphere.
• Describe the use of microorganisms in industry, biotechnology and as model organisms for scientific discovery.
• Design and implement experimental procedures using relevant techniques to isolate, characterize and culture microbiological samples.