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 generate new knowledge and contribute to debates on issues as diverse as land management, conservation and endangered species, disease prevention and management, stem cell research and genetically modified organisms.
Learning takes place through traditional classroom instruction, innovative laboratory projects with state-of-the-art technologies and a strong basic research program in which undergraduate students at all levels are intensively mentored in a research lab.
The Honours program in biology provides the opportunity for in-depth study within one or more biological disciplines. Students can concentrate in a particular area by choosing one of three options—cellular and molecular biology, physiology and ecology, evolution and behaviour. This route includes a compulsory independent research project designed to prepare students for graduate studies. Alternatively, students can choose to pursue diverse interests by selecting a general course of study that will include a number of advanced courses.
The major in biology introduces students to cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology and physiology (both plant and animal). The major is combined with either another major or a minor and allows students to pursue diverse interests while opening the door to graduate studies or a career in the life sciences.
The minor in biology is a flexible program that allows students to select a subset of biology courses.
This program is offered in English and in French.
The table below includes only the discipline-specific courses. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for information on the Honours bachelor's with double major and the Honours bachelor's with major and minor.
Co-operative education is available when taken as part of an honours degree.
The French immersion stream is available when taken as part of an honours degree.
Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2020-2021 calendars for the previous requirements.
Code | Title | 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 |
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 |
18 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level, BCH 3120, BCH 3125, BCH 3356, BCH 4122, BCH 4125, BCH 4188, SCI 3101 | 18 Units | |
Total: | 60 Units |