Field Studies Minor (B.Sc.)
18 credits · Faculty of Science · 2026-2027 catalogue
Field Studies Minor (B.Sc.) as a checklist, with when each course runs in 2026–27. On a computer, check off the courses you have taken or plan to take to add up your credits.
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Africa Field Study Semester (15 credits)
The Africa Field Study Semester (AFSS) is run through McGill's Canadian Field Study in Africa Program (CFSIA). The AFSS provides one term of integrated field study in East Africa, with emphasis on environmental conservation, culture change, and sustainable development. Students investigate challenges of sustaining biological diversity and social justice in African environments subject to cultural change, economic development, and environmental stress. Cultural and ecological variation is examined in highland, montane, rangeland, desert, riverine, salt- and fresh-water lake, coastal, and urban settings.
Africa Field Study Semester - Required Courses (6 credits)
6 credits Students select one course titled "Research in Society and Development in Africa" and one course titled "Research in Ecology and Development in Africa" from the courses below.
Africa Field Study Semester - Complementary Courses (9 credits)
9 credits from:
- ANTH 416 Environment/Development: Africa (3 credits) · Offered: Winter
- BIOL 405 Natural History of East Africa (3 credits) · Not scheduled for 2026–2027
- BIOL 428 Biological Diversity in Africa (3 credits) · Offered: Winter
- BIOL 429 East African Ecology (3 credits) · Offered: Winter
- GEOG 404 Environmental Management 2 (3 credits) · Offered: Winter
- GEOG 408 Geography of Development (3 credits) · Offered: Fall
- GEOG 423 Dilemmas of Development (3 credits) · Offered: Winter
- HIST 498 Independent Research (3 credits) · Offered: Summer, Fall
- WILD 420 Ornithology (3 credits) · Offered: Fall
Barbados Field Study Semester (15 credits)
The Barbados Field Study Semester (BFSS), offered in partnership with the University of the West Indies, offers a unique opportunity to study at McGill University’s campus in the tropics, the Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados. The focus of this field study semester is the study of sustainability science, with emphasis on the Caribbean, which includes: a different climate and culture, field research, and conducting an applied research project. Project work is conducted with local partners and focuses on sustainability in Barbados.
Barbados Field Study Semester - Required Courses (15 credits)
15 credits
Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies Field Semester (15 credits)
The Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies (BITS) Field Semester is an activity-filled, hands-on experience for students with an interest in international studies with a Caribbean flavour. The focus is on sustainable agri-food, nutrition, and energy production on a tropical island with a tourist-based economy. It is offered annually (in the Summer). It consists of two 2-hour orientation sessions conducted on the Macdonald campus and at the Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados, followed by three 3-credit and one 6-credit project courses at Bellairs Research Institute. This program integrates intensive course work with group project work and contributes to the formation of professionals with planning, managing, decision-making, and communication skills. The program addresses a global need for experienced professionals capable of interacting with various levels of government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. BITS welcomes applications from senior undergraduate students from across the University.
Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies Field Semester - Required Courses (15 credits)
15 credits
Panama Field Study Semester (15 credits)
This program is offered in Panama in partnership with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). Hands-on experience is gained through research projects organized around multidisciplinary environmental issues. The nature of these projects will centre on practical environmental problems/questions important for Panama. Students will form teams that will work with Panamanian institutions (NGO, governmental, or research). There is a one- or two-day period of transition and 13 weeks of course attendance in Panama. Field trips will be integrated into each of the courses offered.
Panama Field Study Semester - Required Courses (9 credits)
9 credits
Panama Field Study Semester - Complementary Courses (6 credits)
6 credits
McGill Arctic Field Study Semester
Required Courses (15 credits)
Minor Field Studies - Complementary Course
In consultation with their departmental adviser and/or the Field Study Minor adviser, students who have completed one of the field study semesters described above may select a 3-credit complementary course to complete the requirements for the Minor and ask for it to be added to their academic records.
6 credits offered the Winter of their participation in the field study semester. First Winter semester complementary courses:
6 credits offered the Winter of their participation in the field study semester. First Winter semester complementary courses:
Second Winter semester complementary courses:
Second Winter semester complementary courses:
9 credits (9 credits)
9 credits
6 credits from (6 credits)
6 credits from
Related programs
Source: McGill Course Catalogue. myDegree is an independent student project, not affiliated with McGill University.