Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences is offered by Memorial University's Grenfell Campus. This program is designed to train students in the disciplines of Agronomy, Soil Science, Hydrology, Land & Water Management, and Plant Science in the context of boreal ecosystems.

Program Description

The PhD program entails completing coursework, a comprehensive examination, a research seminar, and a thesis. 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.

Research Areas

The program benefits from robust analytical support provided by state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced field equipment/instruments within the Boreal Ecosystems Research Facilities. Research areas include:

• Agronomy
• Soil Science
• Hydrology
• Land & Water Management
• Plant Science
• Biogeochemical processes
• Soil bioremediation
• Climate change aspects in managed and unmanaged ecosystems in boreal environment

Program Structure

The PhD program requires students to complete:

• Core courses
• A comprehensive examination
• A research seminar
• A thesis Students who have completed the course work for the MSc (BEAS) will not be required to re-take the 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.

Admission Requirements

The minimum admission requirements for the PhD program are:

• Master's degree in an appropriate area of study
• Minimum average of 75% over the last 2 years

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the PhD program are:

• $888/semester for NL students
• $1,154/semester for other Canadian students
• $1,499/semester for international students

Funding

The minimum funding for PhD students is $22,000.

Program Details

• Degrees Offered: PhD
• Routes: thesis
• Duration (Full-time students): 4 years
• Campus: Grenfell
• Application Deadline: February 1 for Fall admission, April 1 for Winter admission