Science is at the heart of our mission. Field learning is a rewarding experience within the academic journey, serving as a necessary complement to the classroom and laboratory.
Field courses
Teaching thrives at the Gault Nature Reserve. Classes are lively and students can acquire practical and theoretical skills in various fields of study.
Ecology and Behaviour
Ecology and Behaviour
BIOL 331 — 3
Biology (Sci): Field course in methods of sampling natural populations.Testing hypotheses in nature.
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
GEOG 495 — 3
Geography (Sci): Field research projects in physical geography.
Monteregian Flora
Monteregian Flora
BIOL 240 — 3
Biology (Sci): Field studies of ferns, fern allies, conifers, and flowering plants; the use of keys for plant identification.
Research
Every year, numerous scientists explore the forests of Mont Saint-Hilaire and use our laboratories, helping us expand our knowledge of the ecosystem.
Monitoring the Effects of Herbicides on Bacterioplankton
Master's project of Emma Derrick, a McGill student supervised by Prof. Jesse Shapiro. This project started in 2022.
Factors to predict spongy moth reservoirs between outbreaks: Historic outbreak severity and forest composition
Doctorate project of Noa Davidai, a Concordia student co-supervised by Emma Despland and Carly Ziter. This project started in 2023.
Finding Common Ground: How Hikers Influence White-Tailed Deer Space-Use Patterns in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Master's project of Frédérique Truchon, a McGill student co-supervised by Virginie Millien (McGill University) and Martin-Hugues Saint-Laurent (Université du Québec à Rimouski). This project started in 2018.
Summer work experience
Our internship program provides a unique opportunity for McGill students to contribute to meaningful projects, gain hands-on experience, and make a lasting impact on the environment.
Niamh Stafford
Field Operations Assistant in 2023
When asked to describe her internship experience in one word, Niamh answered:
"Productive. Our tasks were different daily, and we accomplished so much in so little time. It's been incredibly rewarding to be a part of this team and see our work's impact."
Egor Katkov
Field Operations Assistant in 2014
Nature, human connection and science: these are the words Egor Katkov used to describe his internship at McGill University’s Gault Nature Reserve.
Ellen Bidulka
Field Operations Assistant in 2019
“I learned that I really love working in conservation."
Whether you're interested in ecology, environmental science, or conservation, our internship program is designed to nurture your curiosity and equip you with the tools needed to thrive in environmental careers.
Note: The hiring process for summer 2025 is complete. Add your name to the list to be among the first to know when we re-open applications.
Support future generations
With your support, we can continue to apply scientific research to conservation, biodiversity, and the environmental challenges of our time. Help create experiences that change students' lives by investing in the Gault Research Awards and the summer work experience.
