Why Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences @ Memorial?

Memorial University's Grenfell Campus offers a Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences is unique focusing on cropping systems, land use changes, and the impacts of those changes, on managed and unmanaged boreal ecosystems. No other similar PhD program exists in any of the Atlantic Provinces nor is any PhD program in Canada designed to focus on the boreal ecosystem and its dynamics. The PhD (BEAS) program supports the strategic goals of the School of Science and the Environment, Grenfell Campus, MUN, and the provincial government. This program is designed to train students in high level research in boreal forest ecosystems and agroecosystems. Emphasis is on developing an ecosystem approach to support science-based research on sustainable forest and agriculture systems. Land use and complex plant-soil-water-atmosphere relationships in boreal ecosystems with a focus on natural resources and agricultural sciences will be studied. Both the MSc and PhD program integrate state-of-the-art labs in the Boreal Ecosystems Research Facilities, and through a combination of course, lab, and field work, and a required thesis, prepares students for any number of careers in environmental, food and agricultural industries.

Grenfell Campus is renowned for its environmental programming which enables students in its programs to work with a wide range of faculty with diverse environmental interests. Located in western Newfoundland, Grenfell is ideally placed to provide hands-on experiences in a diverse boreal environment. With approximately 1,300 students, the university campus is an ideal size to allow students to work closely with faculty in pursuit of their research projects.

Description of programs

• MSc – The MSc program requires a selection of core courses and courses for specialization, followed by a mandatory thesis.
  
  
• PhD – the PhD program requires a selection of core courses, a comprehensive examination, a research seminar, and a thesis. The PhD program in Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences is unique, focusing on cropping systems, land use changes, and the impacts of those changes, on managed and unmanaged boreal ecosystems. This program is designed to prepare highly qualified and creative scientists in a wide range of research topics.

Contact a faculty supervisor

Graduate applicants interested in research-based programs are strongly encouraged to connect with a faculty supervisor at the time of application. Visit the Master of Science in Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences or the PhD in Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences program website for a list of faculty members, their research interests, and contact information. You may also use the Yaffle search application to find a supervisor you may wish to work with.

The School of Graduate Studies offers advice on how to search for and contact potential supervisors. Need more help? Try attending one of our webinars and information sessions for prospective graduate students.

Minimum admission requirements

• MSc – Bachelor's degree (minimum second class) in an appropriate area of study
• PhD – Master’s degree in an appropriate area of study with a minimum average of 75% over the last 2 years.

 Note: All figures are in Canadian dollars and subject to change. Fees are approved by the University’s Board of Regents. In the event of a discrepancy between the fees approved by the Board and those published on this website, the fees approved by the Board will prevail. Financial policies are enforced through the Department of Financial and Administrative Services. For the complete and official list of all fees and charges, visit www.mun.ca/finance/fees/.