About
Environmental biologists examine ecosystems with a focus on how living organisms interact with their environment. This program is relevant for today’s society which is facing complex environmental issues such as conservation and environmental contamination.
- Four year degree
- Full or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
You will study the basic science of environmental biology and ecological theory and learn about complex environmental issues facing our society. Areas of emphasis are biodiversity, conservation, ecological processes at the levels of genes to communities to landscapes, environmental contamination and other aspects of applied ecology.
A first-year schedule sample
This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
Fall Term |
|
| BIOL 120a | The Nature of Life |
| CHEM 112a | General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials |
| MATH 125b | Mathematics for the Life Sciences |
| ENG 113c | Literature and Composition Reading Narrative |
| GEOG 120a | Introduction to Global Environmental Systems |
Winter Term |
|
| BIOL 121a | The Diversity of Life |
| CHEM 115a | General Chemistry II Chemical Processes |
| PHIL 133c | Introduction to Ethics and Values |
| STAT 246b | Introduction to Biostatistics |
| HIST 195d | History Matters Indigenous Perspectives on Canadian History |
a Required course for the major
b One of the course options to complete the Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
c One of the course options to complete the English Language Writing Requirement
d One of the course options to complete the Indigenous Learning Requirement
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
BIOL 228: An Introduction to Ecology and Ecosystems
An introduction to ecological principles and the functioning of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Community structure and dynamics, ecosystem production, populations, energy flow and material recycling will be considered.
BIOL 410: Current Perspectives in Environmental Biology
Consists of modules taught by faculty in the environmental sciences. Students will participate together in weekly seminars, assigned readings, essays and oral presentations to learn about current issues in the environment and cutting-edge research with an environmental focus.
BIOL 470: Conservation Biology
An introduction to the theoretical and scientific foundation of conservation biology as applied to animals and plants. Course material will cover elements of population, community and landscape ecology as they apply to conservation challenges. Labs will include measuring biodiversity and analysis of current conservation issues. Field trips are compulsory.
Hands-on experience
You will complete a community-based learning project with a nongovernment organization or another organization outside of campus in the capstone course. You will also gain practical experience in the lab or in the field.
Location
We are situated within walking distance of the beautiful South Saskatchewan River. You can take advantage of studying short-grass tundra, aspen parkland, boreal forest, taiga, tundra and aquatic environments by driving a short distance outside of Saskatoon.
Unique facilities
The University of Saskatchewan is one of the top research universities in the country and is home to a unique array of research infrastructure that our students are encouraged to use. These include the Canadian Light Source (Canada's national synchrotron research facility), the Toxicology Centre and one of the largest phytotron controlled plant growth facilities in the world.
Weekly seminar series
A weekly seminar series provides opportunities to hear prominent researchers from across North America and uSask speak about their work. The seminars feature a question and answer period for students.
Careers
Some career opportunities include:
- Hydrologist
- Wildlife biologist
- Wildlife conservation and management
- Ecologist
- Forester
- Biological/agricultural technician
- Conservation officer/biologist
- Environmental technician/officer
- Policy analyst
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,919 | $38,328 |
| Student fees | $1,121 | $1,121 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $10,540 | $40,949 |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Program options
These Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Environmental Biology degrees are offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science:
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies to decide if you want a four-year or honours degree.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
Create an admissions account and start your application today. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.
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