UUÖ±²¥

Natural Resource Sciences

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Natural Resource Sciences

Location

Location

  • Department of Natural Resource Sciences
  • UUÖ±²¥, Macdonald Campus
  • 21,111 Lakeshore Road
  • Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-7890
  • Fax: 514-398-7990
  • Email: info.nrs [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 Entomology (includes Environment and Neotropical Environment Options), Microbiology (includes Bioinformatics and Environment Options), Renewable Resources (includes Forest Science, Micrometeorology, Soil Science and Wildlife Biology with Environment and Neotropical Environment Options available) and an M.Sc. degree in Agricultural Economics. It is also possible for students to pursue doctoral studies through the Department of Economics with Agricultural Economics as a field of specialization. A Non-Thesis option in Environmental Assessment (M.Sc. Ren. Res.) and an inter-disciplinary Option in Bioinformatics for doctoral students are available.

The Department possesses, or has access to, excellent facilities for laboratory and field research. Affiliated with the Department are the Lyman Entomological Museum and Research Laboratory, the Molson Nature Reserve, the Morgan Arboretum, the Avian Science and Conservation Centre, and the Ecomuseum of the St. Lawrence Valley Natural History Society.

Master of Science Degrees

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Agricultural Economics (Thesis) (46 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)
Please contact the Department for more information about this program.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Entomology (Thesis) — Environment (46 credits)
Please contact the Department for more information about this program.
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)
Please contact the Department for more information about this program.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Microbiology (Thesis) — Environment (46 credits)
Please contact the Department for more information about this program.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Renewable Resources (Thesis) (45 credits)
(including Micrometeorology, Forest Science, Soil Science and Wildlife Biology as areas of research)
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Renewable Resources (Thesis) — Environment (46 credits)
Please contact the Department for more information about this program.
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)
The Non-Thesis Master’s in Renewable Resources: Environmental Assessment Option is normally taken over a one year cycle beginning in the winter term and concluding in the autumn term. It is comprised of three inter-related elements: graduate level courses, primarily given in the winter term, a summer term internship and a project related research paper which is completed in the autumn term.
The program is aimed at environmental assessment professionals and advanced environmental science scholars planning for careers in the public and private sector agencies which guide environmental impact assessment, integrated assessment and sustainable development in Canada and internationally.
UUÖ±²¥'s Non-Thesis Master’s in Environmental Assessment is offered in conjunction with a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP - 2003) which designates the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as a UNEP Collaborating Centre on Environmental Assessment. An important component of the MOU is that the Faculty advance teaching and training through the development of course offerings which enable students to prepare for contributing to sustainable development by utilizing the excellent materials provided by UNEP and other national and international agencies.

Ph.D. Degrees in Entomology, Microbiology, or Renewable Resources

(Includes Micrometeorology, Forest Science, Soil Science, and Wildlife Biology)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Entomology
Please contact the Department for more information about this program.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Microbiology
Please contact the Department for more information about this program.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Renewable Resources
Please contact the Department for more information about this program.
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 — Bioinformatics
Please contact the Department for more information about this program.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Microbiology — Environment
Please contact the Department for more information about this program.
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—2011-2012 (last updated Aug. 11, 2011) (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 equivalent cumulative grade point average of 3.0/4.0 (second class – upper division) or 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 an equivalent cumulative grade point average of 3.0/4.0 (second class – upper division) or 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

Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, with an equivalent cumulative grade point average of 3.0/4.0 (second class – upper division) or 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. Applicants should also have at least one year of professional experience in environmental assessment or a similar field.

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

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

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

(For all programs excluding the Environmental Assessment Option)

Applicants for graduate studies must forward supporting documents to:

  • Department of Natural Resource Sciences
  • Graduate Student Office
  • UUÖ±²¥, Macdonald Campus
  • 21,111 Lakeshore Road
  • Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-7941
  • Fax: 514-398-7990
  • Email: marie.kubecki [at] mcgill.ca

Applications will be considered upon receipt of the online application form, $100 application fee, and the following supporting documents:

Transcripts – Two official copies of all university-level transcripts with proof of degree(s) granted are required for admission. Transcripts written in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. An explanation of the grading system used by the applicant's university is essential. It is the applicant's responsibility to arrange for transcripts to be sent.

It is desirable to submit a list of the titles of courses taken in the major subject, since transcripts often give code numbers only. Applicants must be graduates of a university of recognized reputation and hold a bachelor's degree equivalent to a UUÖ±²¥ Honours degree in a subject closely related to the one selected for graduate work. This implies that about one-third of all undergraduate courses should have been devoted to the subject itself and another third to cognate subjects.

Letters of Recommendation – Two letters of recommendation on official letterhead of the originating institution or bearing the university seal and with original signatures from two instructors familiar with the applicant's work, preferably in the applicant's area of specialization. It is the applicant's responsibility to arrange for these letters to be sent.

Competency in English – Non-Canadian applicants whose mother tongue is not English, who did not graduate from a Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), and who have not completed an undergraduate degree using the English language are required to submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English, by appropriate exams, e.g., TOEFL (minimum score 550 on the paper-based test or 86 on the Internet-based test with each component score not less than 20) or IELTS (minimum overall band 6.5). The MCHE is not considered equivalent. Results must be submitted as part of the application. The University code is 0935 (UUÖ±²¥, Montreal); please use Department code 31 (Graduate Schools), Biological Sciences – Agriculture, to ensure that your TOEFL reaches this office without delay.

For entrance into the master’s program in Agricultural Economics the following test scores are required: TOEFL (minimum score 570 on the paper-based test or 88 on the Internet-based test with each component score not less than 20) or IELTS (minimum 7 overall band).

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) – The GRE is not required, but it is highly recommended.

DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

Application Fee (non-refundable) – A fee of $100 Canadian must accompany each application (including UUÖ±²¥ students); otherwise, it cannot be considered. This fee must be remitted by credit card only.

Dates for Guaranteed Consideration

For dates for guaranteed consideration, please consult the following website: www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/programs. Then select the appropriate program. It may be necessary to delay review of the applicant’s file until the following admittance period if application materials including supporting documents are received after the dates for guaranteed consideration. International applicants are advised to apply well in advance of these dates because immigration procedures may be lengthy. Applicants are encouraged to make use of the online application form available on the web at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

Financial aid is very limited and highly competitive. It is suggested that students give serious consideration to their financial planning before submitting an application.

Acceptance to all programs normally depends on a staff member agreeing to serve as the student’s supervisor and the student obtaining financial support. Normally, a student will not be accepted unless adequate financial support can be provided by the student and/or the student’s supervisor. Academic units cannot guarantee financial support via teaching assistantships or other funds.

Qualifying Students – 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.

Application Procedures for Environmental Assessment Option (Non-Thesis)

Application Procedures for Environmental Assessment Option (Non-Thesis)

Applicants for graduate studies in the Non-Thesis Environmental Assessment Option must forward supporting documents to:

  • Department of Natural Resource Sciences
  • Environmental Assessment Office
  • UUÖ±²¥, Macdonald Campus
  • 21,111 Lakeshore Road
  • Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-7890
  • Fax: 514-398-7990

Applications will be considered upon receipt of:

  1. the online application form and $100 application fee;
  2. two official copies of all university-level transcripts with proof of degree(s) granted. Transcripts written in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. An explanation of the grading system used by the applicant's university is essential. If transcripts contain course numbers only, please submit a list of the titles of courses taken in the major subject;
  3. two letters of recommendation on letterhead (official paper) of originating institution or bearing the university seal and with original signatures from two instructors familiar with the applicant's work, preferably in the applicant's area of specialization. If the degree was awarded more than five years ago, letters of recommendation can be written by employers rather than professors;
  4. a curriculum vitae;
  5. letter of intent outlining the applicant's reasons for wishing to pursue the program of study.

It is the applicant's responsibility to arrange for the following documents to be sent:

DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

Competency in English – Non-Canadian applicants whose mother tongue is not English, who did not graduate from a Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone) and who have not completed an undergraduate degree using the English language, are required to submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English, by appropriate exams, e.g., TOEFL (minimum score 570 on the paper-based test or 88 on the Internet-based test with each component score not less than 20) or IELTS (minimum 7 overall band). The MCHE is not considered equivalent. Results must be submitted as part of the application. The University code is 0935 (UUÖ±²¥, Montreal); please use Department code 31 (Graduate Schools), Biological Sciences – Agriculture, to ensure that your TOEFL reaches this office without delay.

Application Fee (non-refundable) – A fee of $100 Canadian must accompany each application (including UUÖ±²¥ students); otherwise, it cannot be considered. This fee must be remitted by credit card only.

Dates for Guaranteed Consideration

For dates for guaranteed consideration, please consult the following website: www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/programs. Then select the appropriate program. It may be necessary to delay review of the applicant's file until the following admittance period if application materials including supporting documents are received after the dates for guaranteed consideration. Applicants are encouraged to make use of the online application form available on the web at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

Financial aid is very limited and highly competitive. It is suggested that students give serious consideration to their financial planning before submitting an application.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2011-2012 (last updated Aug. 11, 2011) (disclaimer)

Natural Resource Sciences Faculty

Natural Resource Sciences Faculty

Chair
B. Côté
Program Director - Agricultural Economics
J.C. Henning
Graduate Program Director
I.B. Strachan
Emeritus Professors
N.N. Barthakur; B.Sc.(Gauh.), M.Sc.(Alld.), Ph.D.(Sask.); Agricultural Physics
E.S. Idziak; B.Sc.(Agr.), M.Sc.(McG.), D.Sc.(Delft); Microbiology
A.F. MacKenzie; B.S.A., M.Sc.(Sask.), Ph.D.(C'nell); Soil Science
R.A. MacLeod; B.A., M.A.(Br. Col.), Ph.D.(Wisc.), F.R.S.C.; Microbiology
P.H. Schuepp; Dipl.Sc.Nat.(Zür.), Ph.D.(Tor.); Agricultural Physics
R.K. Stewart; B.Sc.(Agr.), Ph.D.(Glas.); Entomology
Professors
D.M. Bird; B.Sc.(Guelph), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.); Wildlife Biology
P. Brown; B.A.(Haver.), M.A., Ph.D.(Col.); Environmental Policy and Ethics (joint appt. with Geography and UUÖ±²¥ School of Environment)
J.W. Fyles; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Vic., BC), Ph.D.(Alta.); Forest Resources (Tomlinson Chair in Forestry)
W.H. Hendershot; B.Sc.(Tor.), M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Br. Col.); Soil Science
Associate Professors
C. Buddle; B.Sc.(Guelph), Ph.D.(Alta.); Forest Insect Ecology
B. Côté; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Laval); Forest Resources
M.A. Curtis; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.); Environmental Governance
B.T. Driscoll; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McM.); Microbiology
G.B. Dunphy; B.Sc.(New Br.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Nfld.); Entomology
J.C. Henning; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Guelph); Agricultural Economics
M. Humphries; B.Sc.(Manit.), M.Sc.(Alta.), Ph.D.(McG.); Wildlife Biology
D.J. Lewis; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Nfld.); Entomology
I.B. Strachan; B.Sc.(Tor.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Qu.); Micrometeorology
P.J. Thomassin; B.Sc.(McG.), M.S., Ph.D.(Hawaii Pac.); Agricultural and Environmental Economics
J. Whalen; B.Sc.(Agr.)(Dal.), M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Ohio St.); Soil Science
T.A. Wheeler; B.Sc.(Nfld.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Guelph); Entomology
L.G. Whyte; B.Sc.(Regina), Ph.D.(Wat.); Microbiology
Assistant Professors
E. Bennett; B.A.(Oberline Coll.), M.S., Ph.D.(Wisc.); Ecosystem Ecology (joint appt. with UUÖ±²¥ School of Environment)
G. Hickey; B.Sc.(Melb.), Ph.D.(Br. Col.), EMPA (ANZSOG, Monash); Sustainable Natural Resource Management
N. Kosoy; B.Sc.(Univ. Simon Bolivar), M.Sc.(Univ. of Kent, Univ. Autonoma de Barcelona), Ph.D.(Univ. Autonoma de Barcelona); Ecological Economics (joint appt. with UUÖ±²¥ School of Environment)
A. Naseem; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Mich.); Agricultural Economics
C. Solomon; B.Sc.(C'nell), Ph.D.(Wisc.); Wildlife Biology
Associate Members
C.A. Chapman (Anthropology), L.J. Chapman (Biology), D. Green (Redpath Museum), W.D. Marshall (Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry), M. Scott (Institute of Parasitology), D. Smith (Plant Science)
Adjunct Professors
D. Angers, G. Boivin, M.A. Bouchard, K. Fernie, C. Greer, D. Houle, J.P. Savard, E. Smith, G. Sunahara, C. Vincent, F. Whoriskey
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2011-2012 (last updated Aug. 11, 2011) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Agricultural Economics (Thesis) (46 credits)

Students may specialize, by way of their research program, in agri-business, development, finance, marketing and trade, policy, and resource and ecological economics.

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.); Agricultural Economics (Thesis) (46 credits).

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

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Entomology (Thesis) — Environment (46 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.); Microbiology (Thesis) — Environment (46 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) — Environment (46 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)

The non-thesis master’s in Renewable Resources: Environmental Assessment option is normally taken over a one year cycle beginning in the Winter term and concluding in the Fall term. It is comprised of three interrelated elements: graduate-level courses, primarily given in the Winter term, a Summer term internship, and a project-related research paper, which is...

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.); 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.); Renewable Resources

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Entomology — Environment

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Entomology — Neotropical Environment

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Microbiology — Bioinformatics

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Microbiology — Environment

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Renewable Resources — Environment

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

Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences—2011-2012 (last updated Aug. 11, 2011) (disclaimer)
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