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Natural Resource Sciences

Note: This is the 2020–2021 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .

Natural Resource Sciences

Location

Location

  • Department of Natural Resource Sciences
  • Ã山ǿ¼é, Macdonald Campus
  • 21,111 Lakeshore Road
  • Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue QC H9X 3V9
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-7838
  • Email: gradstudies.macdonald [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website: www.mcgill.ca/nrs

About Natural Resource Sciences

About Natural Resource Sciences

The Department of Natural Resource Sciences offers programs leading to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in:

  • Agricultural Economics (M.Sc. only)
  • Entomology (Environment and Neotropical Environment options available)
  • Microbiology (Bioinformatics option available)
  • Renewable Resources (this includes Forest Science, Micrometeorology, Soil Science, and Wildlife Biology; Environment and Neotropical Environment options available)

An interdisciplinary option in Bioinformatics for doctoral students in Microbiology is also available.

The Department possesses, or has access to, excellent facilities for laboratory and field research. Affiliated with the Department are the , the Molson Nature Reserve, the Morgan Arboretum, and the of the St. Lawrence Valley Natural History Society; details are available on the Natural Resource Sciences website.

Master of Science Degrees

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Agricultural Economics (Thesis) (45 credits)

This program provides students with applied economic concepts and tools to identify, define, and analyze economic problems affecting the performance of the agri-food sector and the environment. The ideal prior preparation is an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics or Economics, including undergraduate courses in intermediate economic theory (micro and macro), calculus, algebra, statistics, and econometrics.

Attention is given to the development of analytical skills in the broad areas of agricultural, environmental, and ecological economics. Students may specialize, by way of their research program, in agribusiness, development, finance, marketing and trade, policy, and resource economics. The program prepares graduates for rewarding careers in research, analysis, and decision-making in academia, private and NGO sectors, and government.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Entomology (Thesis) (45 credits)

Graduate students in the entomology program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program include terrestrial arthropod ecology, physiology, zoogeography, diversity, and systematics. Our students typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances both theory and applied management of ecosystems. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Entomology (Thesis): Neotropical Environment (48 credits)

Please contact the Department for more information about this program.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Microbiology (Thesis) (45 credits)

Graduate students in the microbiology program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program range from the study of microbial diversity in extreme environments, either natural or man-induced, to the role of microbes in managed ecosystems, such as in agriculture and forests. Our students typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances our fundamental knowledge about microorganisms as well as leads to improved efficiencies of our managed ecosystems. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Thesis) (45 credits)

Graduate students in the renewable resources program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program include environmental and ecological economics, environmental health and toxicology, forest ecology, fish and fisheries biology, landscape ecology, limnology, micrometeorology, soil science, and wildlife biology. They typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances both theory and applied management of natural resources. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Thesis): Neotropical Environment (48 credits)

Please contact the Department for more information about this program.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Non-Thesis): Environmental Assessment (45 credits)

**This program is currently not offered.**

Ph.D. Degrees in Entomology, Microbiology, or Renewable Resources (Includes Micrometeorology, Forest Science, Soil Science, and Wildlife Biology)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Entomology

Graduate students in the entomology program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program include terrestrial arthropod ecology, physiology, zoogeography, diversity, and systematics. Our students typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances both theory and applied management of ecosystems. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Entomology: Environment

Please contact the Department for more information about this program.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Entomology: Neotropical Environment

Please contact the Department for more information about this program.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Microbiology

Graduate students in the microbiology program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program range from the study of microbial diversity in extreme environments, either natural or man-induced, to the role of microbes in managed ecosystems, such as in agriculture and forests. Our students typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances our fundamental knowledge about microorganisms and leads to improved efficiencies of our managed ecosystems. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Microbiology: Bioinformatics

Please contact the Department for more information about this program.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Renewable Resources

Graduate students in the renewable resources program work within, and often across, multiple disciplines of basic and applied environmental sciences. Specialties within the program include environmental and ecological economics, environmental health and toxicology, forest ecology, fish and fisheries biology, landscape ecology, limnology, micrometeorology, soil science, and wildlife biology. Our students typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances both theory and applied management of natural resources. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Renewable Resources: Environment

Please contact the Department for more information about this program.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Renewable Resources: Neotropical Environment

Please contact the Department for more information about this program.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2020-2021 (last updated Sep. 8, 2020) (disclaimer)

Natural Resource Science Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Natural Resource Science Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

M.Sc. Thesis (Agricultural Economics)

Direct admission to the M.Sc. requires the completion of a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics or a closely related area, with the minimum equivalent cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0/4.0 (second class–upper division) or minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.2/4.0 during the last two years of full-time university study. High grades are expected in courses considered by the academic unit to be preparatory to the graduate program.

The ideal preparation includes courses in agricultural economics, economic theory (intermediate micro and macro), calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. Students with deficiencies in these areas will be required to take additional courses as part of their degree program.

M.Sc. Thesis (Entomology, Microbiology, Renewable Resources)

Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum equivalent CGPA of 3.0/4.0 (second class–upper division) or a minimum GPA of 3.2/4.0 during the last two years of full-time university study. High grades are expected in courses considered by the academic unit to be preparatory to the graduate program.

M.Sc. in Renewable Resources (Non-Thesis) – Environmental Assessment Option

Applications are not being accepted for the current academic year; the program is currently under review.

Ph.D. Thesis (Entomology, Microbiology, Renewable Resources)

Candidates are normally required to hold an M.Sc. degree and will be judged primarily on their ability to conduct an original and independent research study.

Qualifying Program

Some applicants whose academic degrees and standing entitle them to serious consideration for admission to graduate studies, but who are considered inadequately prepared in the subject selected, may be admitted to a Qualifying program if they have met the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0. The course(s) to be taken in a Qualifying program will be prescribed by the academic unit concerned. Qualifying students are registered in graduate studies, but not as candidates for a degree. Only one Qualifying year is permitted. Successful completion of a Qualifying program does not guarantee admission to a degree program.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available but limited and highly competitive. It is suggested that students give serious consideration to their financial planning before submitting an application. Normally, a student will not be accepted unless adequate financial support can be provided through a scholarship/award and/or by the student’s supervisor. Academic units cannot guarantee financial support via teaching assistantships.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

Ã山ǿ¼é’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See University Regulations & Resources > Graduate > Graduate Admissions and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:

  • Acceptance to all programs normally depends on a staff member agreeing to serve as the student’s supervisor and the student obtaining financial support.
  • The GRE – not required, but highly recommended.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the Department of Natural Resource Sciences and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate Ã山ǿ¼é departmental website; please consult the list at www.mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Ìý Application Opening Dates Application Deadlines
Ìý All Applicants Non-Canadian citizens (incl. Special, Visiting & Exchange) Canadian citizens/Perm. residents of Canada (incl. Special, Visiting & Exchange) Current Ã山ǿ¼é Students (any citizenship)
Fall Term: Sept. 15 March 15 May 31 May 31
Winter Term: Feb. 15 Aug. 31 Oct. 15 Oct. 15
Summer Term: N/A N/A N/A N/A

International applicants are advised to apply well in advance of these dates because immigration procedures may be lengthy.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2020-2021 (last updated Sep. 8, 2020) (disclaimer)

Natural Resource Sciences Faculty

Natural Resource Sciences Faculty

Chair
Brian Driscoll
Graduate Program Director
Sébastien Faucher
Program Director - Agricultural Economics
Paul J. Thomassin
Emeritus Professors
David M. Bird; B.Sc.(Guelph), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) – Wildlife Biology
William H. Hendershot; B.Sc.(Tor.), M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Br. Col.) – Soil Science
Edmund S. Idziak; B.Sc.(Agr.), M.Sc.(McG.), D.Sc.(TU Delft) – Microbiology
Angus F. MacKenzie; B.S.A., M.Sc.(Sask.), Ph.D.(Cornell) – Soil Science
Peter H. Schuepp; Dipl.Sc.Nat.(Zürich), Ph.D.(Tor.) – Agricultural Physics
Robin K. Stewart; B.Sc.(Agr.), Ph.D.(Glas.) – Entomology
Professors
Elena Bennett; B.A.(Oberlin), M.S., Ph.D.(Wisc.) (joint appt. with Ã山ǿ¼é School of Environment) – Ecosystem Ecology
Peter Brown; B.A.(Haver.), M.A., Ph.D.(Col.) (joint appt. with Geography and Ã山ǿ¼é School of Environment) – Environmental Policy and Ethics
Christopher Buddle; B.Sc.(Guelph), Ph.D.(Alta.) – Forest Insect Ecology
James W. Fyles; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Vic., BC), Ph.D.(Alta.) (Tomlinson Chair in Forest Ecology) – Forest Resources
Paul J. Thomassin; B.Sc.(McG.), M.S., Ph.D.(Hawaii Pac.) – Agricultural and Environmental Economics
Joann Whalen; B.Sc.(Agr.)(Dal.), M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Ohio St.) – Soil Science (William Dawson Scholar)
Lyle G. Whyte; B.Sc.(Regina), Ph.D.(Wat.) – Microbiology
Associate Professors
Niladri Basu; B.Sc.(Qu.), M.Sc.(Br. Col.), Ph.D.(McG.) (Canada Research Chair) (joint appt. with School of Human Nutrition) – Ecotoxicology
Jeffrey Cardille; B.Sc.(Carn. Mell), M.Sc.(Georgia Tech.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Wisc. Madison) (joint appt. with Ã山ǿ¼é School of Environment) – Landscape Ecology
Benoît Côté; B.Sc.A., Ph.D.(Laval) – Forest Resources
Brian T. Driscoll; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McM.) – Microbiology
Gary B. Dunphy; B.Sc.(New Br.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Nfld.) – Entomology
Sebastien Faucher; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.) – Microbiology
Jessica Head; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Ott.) – Ecotoxicology
Gordon Hickey; B.For.Sci.(Melb.), Ph.D.(Br. Col.), EMPA(ANZSOG, Monash) – Sustainable Natural Resource Management (William Dawson Scholar)
Murray Humphries; B.Sc.(Manit.), M.Sc.(Alta.), Ph.D.(McG.) – Wildlife Biology (Northern Research Chair)
Nicolas Kosoy; B.Sc.(USB), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Autonoma, Barcelona) (joint appt. with Ã山ǿ¼é School of Environment) – Ecological Economics
Ian B. Strachan; B.Sc.(Tor.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Qu.) – Micrometeorology
Assistant Professors
Kyle Elliott; B.Sc.(Br. Col.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Manit.) (Canada Research Chair) – Avian Conservation Biology
Aurélie Harou; B.Sc.(Sus.), M.Sc.(Calif., Davis), Ph.D.(Cornell)
Jessica Gillung; B.Sc.(UFPR), M.Sc.(São Paulo), Ph.D.(Calif., Davis)
Cynthia Kallenbach; B.Sc.(Sonoma St.), M.Sc., M.Sc.(Calif., Davis), Ph.D.(N. Hamp.)
Melissa McKinney; B.Sc.(Br. Col.), M.Sc.,(Windsor), Ph.D.(Car.)
Denis Roy; B.Sc.(Qu.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Windsor)
Associate Member
Christopher Barrington (School of Environment)
David Green (Redpath Museum)
Adjunct Professors
Kimberly Fernie
Charles W. Greer
Baoluo Ma
Affiliate Member
Geoffrey Sunahara
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2020-2021 (last updated Sep. 8, 2020) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Agricultural Economics (Thesis) (45 credits)

Graduate students receive rigorous training in economic theory, institutional economics, and quantitative methods, with a focus on applying economic concepts and tools to identify, define, analyze, and solve economic problems in the agri-food sector and the environment. The ideal prior preparation is an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics or Economics,...

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Agricultural Economics (Thesis) (45 credits).

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Entomology (Thesis) (45 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Entomology (Thesis): Neotropical Environment (48 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Microbiology (Thesis) (45 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Thesis) (45 credits)

Includes Micrometeorology, Forest Science, Soil Science and Wildlife Biology as areas of research.

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Thesis) (45 credits).

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Thesis): Neotropical Environment (48 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Non-Thesis): Environmental Assessment (45 credits)

**This program is currently not offered.** ...

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources (Non-Thesis): Environmental Assessment (45 credits).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Entomology

Includes Micrometeorology, Forest Science, Soil Science, and Wildlife Biology.

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Entomology.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Entomology: Environment

The Ph.D. in Entomology Environment is a research program offered in collaboration with the Ã山ǿ¼é School of Environment. As a complement to the unit's expertise, the program considers how various dimensions (scientific, social, legal, ethical) interact to define environment and sustainability issues.

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Entomology: Environment.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Entomology: Neotropical Environment

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Microbiology

Includes Micrometeorology, Forest Science, Soil Science, and Wildlife Biology.

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Microbiology.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Microbiology: Bioinformatics

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Renewable Resources

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Renewable Resources: Environment

The Ph.D. in Renewable Resources Environment is a research program offered in collaboration with the Ã山ǿ¼é School of Environment. As a complement to the unit's expertise, the program considers how various dimensions (scientific, social, legal, ethical) interact to define environment and sustainability issues.

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Renewable Resources: Environment.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Renewable Resources: Neotropical Environment

Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences—2020-2021 (last updated Sep. 8, 2020) (disclaimer)
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