Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (co-op optional)

at University of Guelph Canada

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.

Biochemistry is the study of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. The study of biochemistry showcases the complexity of life.

The Honours B.Sc. major in Biochemistry (BIOC) is offered by the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, home to many distinguished biochemists, microbiologists, geneticists, and molecular & cellular biologists. The variety of courses will cover everything from the atomic structure of proteins to the organization of cells in humans, plants, and animals. Undergraduate laboratories will provide you with many practical skills in manipulating and analyzing biological molecules. In your upper years, you will also have the opportunity to access some of the University of Guelph’s outstanding research labs and facilities. Our biochemistry program provides you with a degree that is truly interdisciplinary, ensuring that upon graduation you have acquired an expertise and proficiency in great demand by employers.  

Combine practical laboratory training in biochemistry, molecular biology and microbiology with courses in areas such as immunology, enzymology or physiology. Students in biochemistry can focus in the areas plants, nutrition, physiology, immunology or toxicology, just to name a few. Gain real-world experience from co-op work terms and complete an undergraduate research project.  

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Apply thermodynamic principles to the molecular basis of biological energy generation, storage and usage  
• Conduct research by applying scientific methods and processes and interpreting data to draw appropriate and scientifically based conclusions. 
• Design and implement experimental procedures using relevant techniques to purify, characterize and quantify metabolites and macromolecules. 
• Describe how cells are capable of producing almost all required metabolites and macromolecules from diverse precursors.  
• Understand the relationship between the structure and the functional properties of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates.  

In Psychology, human behaviour and cognition are studied to explore the ways people act as individuals and in groups. You will participate in core areas of research methodology, development, social psychology, learning, perception, cognition, neuropsychology, physiological psychology, personality, psychopathology and organizational behaviour. Throughout your degree, you will gain strong analytical, statistical and research skills. Many undergraduates combine Psychology with studies in another academic area such as Child, Youth & Family, Business, Economics, Consumer Studies, English or Computer Science to gain additional practical and theoretical skills throughout their degree. Guelph’s Psychology major will allow you to gain insights and skills that will serve you well in any career or prepare you for 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.

Become an expert on a current major global issue—the natural production of food and upon graduation, enter a workforce where there are more jobs than qualified people to fill them. Explore all areas of agriculture, resources, and applied economics. Study courses in food, hunger and poverty, economics of the agri-food system, and international trade. Prepare yourself for related graduate programs and to become a decision maker and strong leader in the agri-food sector and public agencies.

Develop your aptitude for mathematics by considering its application to economic problems. Mathematics is an invaluable element of economic analysis to open up large areas of inquiry. These areas include problems involving consumer behaviour, the interactions among producers as they compete for market share, macroeconomic outcomes such as inflation and unemployment, and international trade and competitiveness. Courses in mathematics, statistics, economics and econometrics will sharpen your analytical skills for a career in industry, government or graduate work, and will provide a solid understanding of social policy issues and government actions.

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.

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.

Computers play many roles in our lives. At the School of Computer Science, we recognize that relationship and its variable nature. If you enjoy solving problems, nothing is more exciting than working and studying at the leading edge of computer science.  You will develop skills throughout your degree as you explore different course materials within the field of computer science and across other disciplines. The program provides you with a strong foundation in hardware and theory with a particular focus on applied software development. By the time you graduate you will be a sought-after expert with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills that will make you indispensable.

Software Engineering
Contribute to innovative and cutting-edge software design. Providing a foundation in computer science concepts, this program focuses on team-based software development and professional standards. This major provides an excellent background in design and development, as well as the implementation and the evolution of software. Students’ soft skills such as communication and teamwork will be enhanced and strengthened. You will have a unique opportunity to take courses on different aspects of software engineering, including design methods, team interactions, communications and managing real-world software engineering projects.

Examine human identity, embodiment, and self-expression alongside their connections to social, political, and cultural systems. Explore theories around feminism, transnationalism, LGBTQ+, race, masculinity, and (dis)ability. You will engage in outreach and advocacy, and work with a community partner to create meaningful social change. 

Plant science is the study of the intricacies of plant diversity, growth and development, plant-environment interactions, advances in molecular biology, and the wide variety of economic uses for plants.

Explore the intricacies of plants through the study of their diversity, growth, development, environmental interactions, and various economic uses. Gain knowledge of advances in molecular biology, plant ecology, systematics, physiology, botany, genetics, agriculture, ethnobotany and biotechnology. Opportunities exist for hands-on experience in labs, field courses and individual research projects, and access to an active herbarium, special growth facilities and a renowned arboretum. Become a leader in the field of plant science and contribute to society's need for the efficient production of healthy foods and improved environmental management.

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Demonstrate knowledge in mechanisms related to the molecular, biochemical, physiological, organismal and ecological levels of plant organization from systems-based approaches
• Demonstrate knowledge in the fundamental vegetative, reproductive and genetic attributes of plants
• Demonstrate knowledge in the ecological interaction of plants with biotic and abiotic factors in natural and agricultural systems
• Demonstrate knowledge in plant diversity and genetic variability and their relationship to evolution, speciation and adaptation
• Demonstrate knowledge in the role of plants and their improvement to impact global, cultural and societal issues

The Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology program allows students to explore human societies and cultures within contemporary global structures through Anthropology. Courses include Contemporary Native Peoples of Canada; Kinship, Family, and Power; Culture, Rights and Development; and the Anthropology of Health, giving you a critical understanding of issues of multiculturalism and the globalization of our daily experience. You can also choose to continue on in graduate studies in anthropology, law, public health, and social work.