BSc or BA (120 credit hour) Major in Biology

The Major degree program is suited to students who want to focus on Biology but wish to have a program that is somewhat less constrained than the Honours program. It provides a four-year survey of Biology and is designed for students not anticipating subsequent experimental graduate-level training in Biology or related disciplines. Biology Majors complete a minimum of 42 credit hours in BIOL or BIOL-approved courses above the 1000 level. Biology Majors do not have thesis (or related) requirements. Research and other experiential learning opportunities are available through laboratories, independent research courses, special topics courses and experiential learning courses. Students should plan their programs carefully and obtain advice from an academic advisor in the Biology Department.

 

A Science Co-op option is available for students enrolled in a Major program in Biology.  See Co-operative Education Program.

Course Requirements

In addition to fulfilling the requirements outlined in the Academic Regulations and College of Arts and Science Degree Requirements sections, students in a Major program in Biology must complete the following courses:

1000 level
  • BIOL 1010.03: Principles of Biology Part I (or BIOL 1020.03: Introductory Biology I: Cells, Genetics and Evolution or SCIE 1505X/Y.18: Integrated Science or SCIE 1506.09: Integrated Science I and SCIE 1507.09 Integrated Science II or equivalent)
  • BIOL 1011.03: Principles of Biology Part II (or BIOL 1021.03: Introductory Biology II: Organismal Biology and Ecology or SCIE 1505X/Y.18: Integrated Science or SCIE 1506.09: Integrated Science I and SCIE 1507.09 Integrated Science II or equivalent)
  • MATH 1060.03/STAT 1060.03: Introductory Statistics for Science and Health Sciences (or SCIE 1505X/Y.18 or SCIE 1506.09: Integrated Science I and SCIE 1507.09 Integrated Science II or equivalent)
  • An additional three credit hours in MATH or STAT (BSc) 
  • CHEM 1011.03: Concepts in Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity
  • CHEM 1012.03: Concepts in Chemistry: Energy and Equilibrium
2000 level
3000/4000 level
  • A minimum of 24 credit hours, of which at least 3 credit hours must be at the 4000 level, of BIOL or BIOL-approved courses. 

Students are encouraged to consult Course Selection Guidelines and BIOL-approved Courses when selecting their 3000 and 4000 level courses.