The School of Environmental Sciences (SES) was formed in April 2009 when the former Departments of Environmental Biology and Land Resource Science merged.

The SES represents a consolidation of internationally recognized expertise in the life and physical sciences that allows faculty to focus on the comprehensive study and analysis of interconnected concepts and processes inherent to the Earth’s near surface layer where complex interactions involving soil, rock, water, air and living organisms regulate natural ecosystems and ultimately determine the quantity and quality of life sustaining resources. The University of Guelph’s SES distinguishes itself from other environmental science programs in that it comprises a true integration of the life and physical sciences to address important environmental problems in forest, aquatic and agro-ecosystems.

Our Strengths

The SES has particular strengths in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Ecosystem Science and Biodiversity and Plant and Environmental Health, with particular breadth in the environmental sciences of agricultural systems.  Our faculty have expertise in 

• agricultural meteorology
• agroforestry
• apiculture
• entomology
• environmental microbiology
• environmental toxicology
• geology
• plant pathology
• soil science
• terrestrial ecology

This integrated spectrum, uniquely available in SES, also allows for comprehensive consideration of socio-economic and policy issues that would otherwise not be possible in more traditional environmental science programs.

In addition to our unique research capabilities [1], the SES is committed to providing learner centered environmental science study for undergraduate [2] and graduate [3] students – one that is second to none in North America.

SES at the University of Guelph

While the SES comprises a critical mass of 40 faculty, 150 graduate students and approximately 50 postdocs, technicians and staff members, we are only part of the University of Guelph's extraordinary strength in environmental sciences. 
Other faculty, students and staff involved in environmental sciences research and education can be found in the Schools of Engineering [4]; and Environmental Design and Rural Development [5]; as well as the Departments of: Integrative Biology [6]; Geography [7]; Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics [8]; Business and Economics [9] and many others.