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Bachelor of Natural Resource Science (BNRS)
In a world where specialization is the norm, professionals who are well versed in all aspects of natural resources are in demand.
This unique program consists of 120 credits which can be completed in four or five-years on a full-time basis, or up to seven- years on a part-time basis once admitted to the program. You will take courses in biology, chemistry, ecology, scientific methods, and specific resource management courses.
The program prepares you for a wide range of natural resource sector careers and for further study in graduate school. You will be ready to work in resource management and planning for government or industry.
For students interested in certification by a professional association, TRU is seeking accreditation for selected specific courses from the Association of British Columbia Professional Foresters.
Completion of the BNRS degree fulfils the academic requirements of the BC Institute of Agrologists and College of Applied Biology.
Students wishing to enter a teaching program at the secondary level can do so with an additional six credits of upper-level biology courses. Contact your chairperson before planning electives.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the TRU BNRS Program, students must satisfy the following entrance requirements:
The minimum prerequisites are:
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent, or mature student status or previous post-secondary experience.
- English 12/English 12 First Peoples with a minimum of 73% (or equivalent)
- Pre-Calculus 12 with a minimum of C+ or equivalent.
- Biology 11 (or BIOL 0500), Chemistry 11 (or CHEM 0500). Students with Biology 12 (BIOL 0600 or BIOL 0620), Chemistry 12 (CHEM 0600) and Physics 12 (PHYS 0600) will be given preference.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 each year.
All applications received by the March 1st deadline will be evaluated on the basis of GPA and additional documentation stating interest in natural resources and previous outdoor experience.
Application Process
Students apply online at Apply for Admission and submit the following documentation to the Admissions Office in support of their application.
- Official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary insitutions attended
- Proof of citizenship or permanent resident status
- A completed Application for Admission form
Registration Fee
You will be notified in writing by Admissions if you have been accepted into the program. Once admitted, you should be prepared to pay a commitment fee as early as June in order to secure your seat.
Prior to registration, you will be asked to arrange a meeting with the Program Coordinator, to discuss course requirements.
Course Requirements for Bachelor of Natural Resource Sciences
Year One
| Fall Semester: | Winter Semester: |
| BIOL 1110 | BIOL 1210 |
| ENGL 1100 | CMNS 2300 |
| MATH 1140 or MATH 1150 | NRSC 1220 |
| NRSC 1110 | NRSC 2100 |
| NRSC 1120 | *ENGL 1110 or ELECTIVE (AGSC 2200) |
| *Students receiving a grade of B or better in ENGL 1100 can replace ENGL 1110 with an elective |
Year Two
| Fall Semester: | Winter Semester: |
| BIOL 3000 | CHEM 1510 |
| CHEM 1500 | ECON 1900 |
| NRSC 2000 | NRSC 2110 |
| NRSC 2200 | NRSC 3000 |
| ANTH 2140 or ANTH 3270 or ANTH 3280 or ANTH 4040 | NRSC 3170 |
Year Three
| Fall Semester: | Winter Semester: |
| NRSC 3200 | GEOG 2750 |
| NRSC 3260 | BIOL 3030 |
| NRSC 4020 | *ECON 3730 or ECON 3410 or ECON 3740 |
| NRSC 4030 | NRSC 3110 |
| NRSC 4130 | ELECTIVE |
| *Students will take one of ECON 3710, 3730, 3410 or 3740 |
Year Four
| Fall Semester: | Winter Semester: |
| NRSC 4100 | NRSC 4050 |
| NRSC 4140 | NRSC 4110 |
| NRSC 3210 | NRSC 4210 |
| NRSC 4040 | NRSC 4230 |
| *ECON 3710 or ELECTIVE | ELECTIVE |
| *Students will take one of ECON 3710, 3730, 3410 or 3740 |
Downloadable NRSC Course Requirements
Fieldwork experience
Field study offers a valuable learning experience. Many of the courses offered by the natural resource science department include a field component. As you progress through the program, you will gain field experience in areas including vegetation analysis, soil analysis, forest stand measurements, lake analysis, and vertebrate and invertebrate sampling techniques.
Course field trips are numerous and diverse. They include visits to the TRU Education and Research station adjacent to Wells Gray Provincial Park, grassland ecosystems, coastal and interior forest ecosystems, forest research stations, active mining sites (reclamation), local ranches, and fish hatcheries (locations change from year to year).
International Field School in Belize
This 14-day course in Belize, Central America examines the issues, approaches and people involved with natural resource management in a tropical country. Belize has good facilities and many of its diverse natural resources are in the early stages of development. Students will make short-term trips to various sites throughout the country to examine a wide array of areas, concepts and subjects. Some of the resource sectors you will investigate include animal and plant conservation, costs and benefits of ecotourism, government policies, cultural resources (e.g., Mayan temples), industrial development, fisheries and agriculture.
Field school highlights:
- Course length is 14 days in Belize, Central America
- Learn first-hand how tropical ecosystem management impacts tourism opportunities
- Many guest speakers
- Enrolment is open to students in various degree programs at TRU and other universities and colleges
- TRU students are eligible for a bursary from TRU World