BSc Honours Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences

Life Sciences Gateway students at McMaster experience hands-on, inquiry-based learning in some of Canada's most sophisticated scientific facilities. From your first year, you’ll participate in exciting laboratory sessions and interactive classroom activities, gaining real-world skills in state-of-the-art environments. You’ll complete mandatory online biosafety lab training (BIOSAFE 1BS0) before your first lab, ensuring you’re prepared for safe and effective research.

Experiential highlights include:

• Cell Biology Laboratory for cell structure, function, and microscopy

• Chemistry & Chemical Biology Laboratory for molecular and chemical analysis

• Rock & Mineral Analysis Laboratory for Earth Science Research

• Living Systems Laboratory for integrative and systems biology

• Crystal Growth Laboratory for crystallography and new materials

• Greenhouse and Plant Growth Chambers for environmental studies and plant biology

• Psychology LiveLab Facility for cognitive and behavioural experiments

• Fish Holding Facilities and Recombinant DNA Research Facilities in support of genetics and developmental biology

• Centralised Facilities for DNA synthesis, automated DNA sequencing, electron microscopy, and NMR spectroscopy

You’ll have daily access to these facilities in your courses, labs, and research projects, working with real samples and advanced instrumentation alongside faculty and peers. This hands-on environment positions you for upper-year research, co-op placements, and science careers

McMaster University’s BSc Honours Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences program introduces students to an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on biodiversity, ecology, and environmental processes. Graduates are highly employable, moving into roles such as environmental consultant, conservation biologist, research scientist, field ecologist, laboratory technologist, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue further studies in environmental science, ecology, biology, graduate research, or professional programs in medicine, dentistry, or education.

Here’s how McMaster supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The program is jointly offered by the Department of Biology and the School of Earth, Environment & Society, emphasising flexible course selection tailored to your interests in biodiversity, ecology, and environmental processes. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory courses, fieldwork, and research projects that explore how organisms adapt to changing environments at the community and ecosystem levels. The curriculum integrates scientific methods and problem-based learning, preparing you for both academic and industry careers. Internships and co-op opportunities are available, with placements in environmental sciences-related organisations and research labs.

• Employment Stats & Salary: While McMaster does not publish program-specific employment rates, environmental and biological science graduates in Ontario typically start between $45,000–$55,000 CAD per year, with higher earnings as you gain experience or further credentials. The program’s strong academic reputation and practical training make graduates competitive for both immediate employment and advanced study.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: Students benefit from McMaster’s collaborations with local conservation authorities, government agencies, and research institutes, providing opportunities for internships, field placements, and collaborative research projects. Faculty research spans climate change, biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and environmental monitoring, often involving undergraduates in field and lab-based projects. The program’s interdisciplinary structure allows you to engage with both biological and earth/environmental sciences, broadening your career and research prospects.

• Accreditation: The BSc Honours Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and fulfils prerequisites for graduate and professional programs (environmental science, ecology, medicine, dentistry, education).

• Graduate Outcomes: Students develop strong analytical, research, and scientific communication skills, with a curriculum covering biodiversity, evolution, ecology, climate science, and environmental policy. Graduates are well prepared for employment in government, NGOs, consulting, research, and education, as well as for advanced study in related fields.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc Honours Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences at McMaster, you can pursue a Master’s (MSc) or PhD in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, or related fields at McMaster or other universities. The program also prepares you for professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, education, or environmental law, supported by McMaster’s strong research environment, faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary training.