Why Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences @ Memorial?

Memorial University's (MUN) Grenfell Campus offers a Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences. These programs are designed to train students in the disciplines of Agronomy, Soil Science, Hydrology, Land & Water Management and Plant Science in the context of boreal ecosystems. Emphasis is on developing sustainable cropping systems using precision agricultural technologies, impact of land use changes and environmental variables/practices on biogeochemical processes and plant-soil-water-atmosphere relationships in boreal ecosystems with a focus on natural resources and agricultural sciences amidst climate change. Both the MSc and PhD programs entail completing coursework and conducting a research project, either in a controlled setting or under field conditions, culminating in a thesis. These programs benefit from robust analytical support provided by state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced field equipment/instruments within the Boreal Ecosystems Research Facilities.  These programs are unique because of their location at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University. No similar PhD program is available in the Atlantic Provinces, and in other Canadian Universities to focus on both managed and natural boreal ecosystems and their dynamics. Additionally, these degree programs align with the strategic goals of the School of Science and the Environment, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, as well as the provincial government to enhance food security, health, and wellness, engaging with the communities, and developing strategies to mitigate impacts of climate change.

Grenfell Campus is renowned for its environmental and sustainability programs, providing undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members with diverse skills in various environmental research areas. Located in western Newfoundland, Grenfell is ideally placed to provide hands-on training/experiences in diverse disciplines of crop production, precision agriculture, soil quality and health, hydrology, land and water management, biogeochemical processes, soil bioremediation, and climate change aspects in managed and unmanaged ecosystems in 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 to complete minimum of 12 credit hours. Three core courses (BEAS 6000, 6002 and 600A & B) are mandatory whereas, fourth course is elective and can be chosen from the list of courses given on the program website, followed by a mandatory thesis.
  
  
• The PhD program requires to complete core courses, a comprehensive examination, a research seminar, and a thesis. Students who have completed the course work for the MSc (BEAS) will not be required to re-take these two mandatory courses. However, students may be required to take additional courses in consultation with the student’s thesis supervisory committee to fill the gaps related to the research project.

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/.