Recent discoveries and new technologies are revolutionizing the biological sciences, placing increasing emphasis on integrating knowledge across all levels of organization, from molecules to ecosystems. Our programs give students both the intellectual tools and the hands-on experience they need to pursue careers in fields as diverse as conservation and endangered species; land-use management; ecotoxicology; academic, industry or government research; or health care. Learning takes place through traditional classroom instruction, innovative laboratory projects with state-of-the-art technologies, field-based courses around the world, and a strong research program in which undergraduate students of all years are intensively mentored in a research lab.
The honours program in biology allows for in-depth study in one or more biological disciplines. Students can concentrate on a particular area by choosing one of three options: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Physiology, or Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour. This route includes a compulsory independent research project to equip students with advanced research, analysis and communication skills applicable to diverse careers. Students thinking of a career in research should consider the Research Focus, an immersive research experience in the third and fourth years.
This program is offered in English and in French.
The French immersion stream is available with this program.
Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2020-2021 calendars for the previous requirements.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 3 optional course units in English (ENG) at the 1000 or 2000 level | 3 Units | |
| BIO 1130 | Introduction to Organismal Biology | 3 Units |
| BIO 1140 | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology | 3 Units |
| CHM 1311 | Principles of Chemistry | 3 Units |
| CHM 1321 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 Units |
| GEO 1111 | Introduction to Earth Systems | 3 Units |
| MAT 1330 | Calculus for the Life Sciences I | 3 Units |
| MAT 1332 | Calculus for the Life Sciences II | 3 Units |
| PHY 1321 | Principles of Physics I | 3 Units |
| BCH 2333 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 3 Units |
| BIO 2129 | Ecology | 3 Units |
| BIO 2133 | Genetics | 3 Units |
| BIO 2135 | Animal Form and Function | 3 Units |
| BIO 2137 | Introduction to Plant Science | 3 Units |
| CHM 2120 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 Units |
| MAT 2379 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 Units |
| BIO 3009 | Research Practicum | 6 Units |
| BIO 4158 | Applied Biostatistics | 3 Units |
| BIO 4920 | Seminar I Evaluating Science | 1.5 Units |
| BIO 4921 | Seminar II Developing and Communicating Science | 1.5 Units |
| Physiology Option - Block A | ||
| BIO 4009 | Honours Research | 9 Units |
| Physiology Option - Block B | ||
| One option from the following: | 18 Units | |
Option 1: Animal Physiology | ||
| Experiments in Animal Physiology | ||
6 course units from: | ||
| Animal Physiology II | ||
| Animal Physiology I | ||
| Cellular Physiology | ||
Option 2: Plant Physiology | ||
6 course units from: | ||
| Plant Physiology and Biochemistry | ||
| Plant Developmental Biology | ||
| Ecophysiology of Plants | ||
| Physiology Option - Block C | ||
| 3 course units from: | 3 Units | |
| Animal Developmental Biology | ||
| Cell Biology Laboratory | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Physiology Option - Block D | ||
| 6 course units from: | 6 Units | |
| General Intermediary Metabolism | ||
| Plant Physiology and Biochemistry | ||
| Plant Developmental Biology | ||
| Ecophysiology of Plants | ||
| Animal Physiology II | ||
| Animal Physiology I | ||
| Cellular Physiology | ||
| Plant Systematics and Diversity | ||
| Principles of Neurobiology | ||
| Computational Tools for Biological Sciences | ||
| Topics in Respiratory Physiology | ||
| Animal Adaptations | ||
| Comparative Endocrinology | ||
| Plant Immunity and Symbioses | ||
| Plant Molecular Biology | ||
| Animal Energetics | ||
| Membrane Physiology | ||
| Animal Movement | ||
| Neural Basis of Animal Behaviour | ||
| Physiologie évolutive et écophysiologie | ||
| Principles of Toxicology and Pharmacology | ||
| Phytomedicines and Natural Product Drugs | ||
| The Dynamical Brain: Experimental and Computational Approaches to Neural Networks | ||
| 9 elective course units offered by the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Social Sciences or the Telfer School of Management | 9 Units | |
| 15 elective course units | 15 Units | |
| Total: | 120 Units | |