The university's Biology, Geography, Geology and Geological Engineering departments are involved in ocean and marine research. The Biology Department offers a Ph.D. program in Oceanography.
Partnerships
Takuvik (2011-), a joint laboratory with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (France), studying the Arctic ecosystems. Located in the University's Biology Department. EDMO ID: 5318
ArcticNet (2005-), a Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada that brings together scientists and managers in the natural, human health and social sciences with their partners from Inuit organizations, northern communities, federal and provincial agencies and the private sector.
Québec-Océan (2001-), a Québec inter-institutional research group in oceanography featuring researchers from 3 other Québec universities.
Centre d'études nordiques (1961-), a multidisciplinary research centre on northern studies, involving members from 3 other Québec academic institutions.
These centres' headquarters are hosted by the University.
History
Founded in 1663 in Québec City, Laval University moved to its current location in the 1950s. Oceanographic and marine activities began in 1930 with the establishment of the Station Biologique du St-Laurent at Trois Pistoles, 250 km donwstream from Québec City on the south shore of the St. Lawrence. In 1939 the station was moved further east to Grande-Rivière, on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and was subsequently handed over to the Québec Government in 1951.
From 1970 to 2000, the University was part of the GIROQ, an association of researchers from three Québec universities.
From 1971 to 1984, a water research center (Centre de recherches sur l'eau) based at the University authored several works on the propagation of tides and the mixing of fresh and seawater in the St. Lawrence River.
