Biology is the science of the 21st century and at the forefront of stunning advances in our understanding of life processes, ranging from genome discoveries to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. The Biology program offers courses in a broad range of foundational and contemporary biological topics, and programs that can be tailored to meet individual interests. We emphasize hands-on, laboratory-based learning experiences in all of our undergraduate courses. Degree programs promote critical skills development and provide exciting opportunities for sophisticated learning of fundamental principles and contemporary approaches to the science of life. Students graduating with a degree in Biology are well suited for a wide range of careers - in education, applied research or biomedical sciences to name just a few. Biology is an excellent choice for students interested in gaining entrance to a health science program, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, and veterinary medicine. Biology faculty conduct first-rate research over the entire biological spectrum and have particular strengths in integrating across all levels of biological organization. We are enthusiastic about our undergraduate teaching and actively encourage students to engage with us in our research. The Honours program is specifically designed to provide students with preparation for more advanced graduate level training in Biology or a related discipline.
Significant changes were introduced to the Biology program for the 2007-08 academic year. Students enrolled prior to September 2007 may complete the old or the new program course requirements. Those students who entered into a Biology program prior to 2007 should consult an academic advisor in the Biology Department for course equivalencies.
Students intending to major in Biology are strongly advised to take CHEM 112.3 and CHEM 115.3 before or concurrently with BIOL 120.3 and BIOL 121.3. It is recommended that students specializing in Biology attend seminars regularly.
Students interested in Biology may also want to consider related programs in Biology & Biotechnology or Environmental Biology.
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Bachelor of Science Four-year (B.Sc. Four-year) - Biology
C1 Natural Science Requirement (minimum 15 credit units)
- BIOL 120.3
- BIOL 121.3
- CHEM 112.3
- CHEM 115.3
Remaining credit units to be selected from the following areas, such that no more than 6 credit units are from any one area:
Computer Science
Physics & Astronomy
- ASTR 103.3
- PHYS 115.3
- PHYS 117.3 or PHYS 125.3
- PHYS 128.3
Earth Science
- GEOG 120.3
- GEOL 121.3
- GEOL 122.3
C2 Humanities Writing Requirement (6 credit units)
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
- ENG 110.6
- ENG 111.3
- ENG 112.3
- ENG 113.3
- ENG 114.3
- HIST 110.3
- HIST 111.3
- HIST 114.6
- HIST 120.6
- HIST 121.3
- HIST 122.3
- HIST 140.6
- HIST 151.3
- HIST 152.3
- HIST 170.6
- INTS 101.12
- LIT 100.6
- PHIL 110.6
- PHIL 120.3
- PHIL 133.3
C3 Social Science Requirement (6 credit units)
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
- ANTH 111.3
- ARCH 112.3
- ARCH 116.3
- ECON 111.3
- ECON 114.3
- GEOG 130.3
- LING 111.3
- LING 112.3
- NS 105.3
- NS 106.3
- NS 107.3
- POLS 111.3
- POLS 112.3
- PSY 100.3
- PSY 120.3 and PSY 121.3 (formerly PSY 110)
- SOC 111.3
- SOC 112.3 (SOC 111.3 and SOC 112.3 were formerly SOC 110)
- WGST 110.6
- WGST 112.3
- Any senior-level social science course provided that the prerequisite is met and not more than 6 credit units in one subject are used for the Social Science Requirement
- Statistics courses in social sciences are not accepted for credit toward the Social Science Requirement (eg. ECON 204.6, PSY 233.3 and PSY 234.3, SOC 225.3 and SOC 325.3 - (formerly SOC 240.3)).
- Certain WGST courses may be considered a Humanities and/or Social Science. Refer to the course descriptions.
C4 Mathematics/Statistics Requirement (6 credit units)
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
- MATH 110.3
- MATH 112.3
- MATH 115.3
- MATH 116.3
- MATH 125.3
- MATH 264.3
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
- STAT 245.3
- STAT 246.3
- PLSC 314.3
C5 General Requirement (6 credit units)
C6 Major Requirement (36 credit units)
- BIOL 222.3
- BIOL 224.3/BMSC 224.3
- BIOL 226.3
- BIOL 228.3
- BIOL 302.3
- BIOL 301.3
Choose 18 additional senior credit units from the following, such that at least 9 credit units of the total Biology courses are at the 300-level or higher.
- 200-Level, 300-Level or 400-Level BIOL Courses
- ACB 406.3
- ANSC 313.3
- ANSC 470.3
- ARCH 270.3
- BINF 200.3
- BMSC 210.3
- BMSC 220.3
- FABS 212.3
- GEOL 343.3
- GEOL 433.3
- GEOL 435.3
- MCIM 387.3
- PLSC 405.3
- PLSC 411.3
- PLSC 412.3
- PLSC 416.3
- PLSC 422.3
- PLSC 423.3
- PLSC 425.3
C7 Electives Requirement (45 credit units)
Cognate Courses (9 credit units)
- BMSC 200.3
- 3 credit units senior CHEM
- 3 credit units selected from BMSC 230.3, PLSC 240.3, senior BIOC or senior CHEM
Open Electives
- Arts and Science courses, or those courses from other Colleges which have been approved for Arts and Science credit, to complete the requirements for 120 credit unit Four-year program, of which at least 66 must be at the 200-level or higher.
Bachelor of Science Three-year (B.Sc. Three-year) - Biology
C1 Natural Science Requirement (minimum 15 credit units)
- BIOL 120.3
- BIOL 121.3
- CHEM 112.3
- CHEM 115.3
Remaining credit units to be selected from the following areas, such that no more than 6 credit units are from any one area:
Computer Science
Physics & Astronomy
- ASTR 103.3
- PHYS 115.3
- PHYS 117.3 or PHYS 125.3 (formerly PHYS 111 and PHYS 121)
- PHYS 128.3
Earth Science
- GEOG 120.3
- GEOL 121.3
- GEOL 122.3
C2 Humanities Writing Requirement (6 credit units)
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
- ENG 110.6
- ENG 111.3
- ENG 112.3
- ENG 113.3
- ENG 114.3
- HIST 110.3
- HIST 111.3
- HIST 114.6
- HIST 120.6
- HIST 121.3
- HIST 122.3
- HIST 140.6
- HIST 151.3
- HIST 152.3
- HIST 170.6
- INTS 101.12
- LIT 100.6
- PHIL 110.6
- PHIL 120.3
- PHIL 133.3
C3 Social Science Requirement (6 credit units)
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
- ANTH 111.3
- ARCH 112.3
- ARCH 116.3
- ECON 111.3
- ECON 114.3
- GEOG 130.3
- LING 111.3
- LING 112.3
- NS 105.3
- NS 106.3
- NS 107.3
- POLS 111.3
- POLS 112.3
- PSY 100.3
- PSY 120.3 and PSY 121.3 (formerly PSY 110)
- SOC 111.3
- SOC 112.3 (SOC 111.3 and SOC 112.3 were formerly SOC 110)
- WGST 110.6
- WGST 112.3
- Any senior-level social science course provided that the prerequisite is met and not more than 6 credit units in one subject are used for the Social Science Requirement
- Statistics courses in social sciences are not accepted for credit toward the Social Science Requirement (eg. ECON 204.6, PSY 233.3 and PSY 234.3, SOC 225.3 and SOC 325.3 - (formerly SOC 240.3)).
- Certain WGST courses may be considered a Humanities and/or Social Science. Refer to the course descriptions.
C4 Mathematics and Statistics Requirement (3 credit units)
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
- MATH 110.3
- MATH 112.3
- MATH 115.3
- MATH 116.3
- MATH 125.3
- MATH 264.3
- STAT 245.3
- STAT 246.3
- PLSC 314.3
C5 General Requirement (6 credit units)
C6 Major Requirement (24 credit units)
- BIOL 222.3
- BIOL 224.3/BMSC 224.3
- BIOL 226.3
- BIOL 228.3
- BIOL 302.3
Choose 9 additional senior credit units from the following:
- 200-Level, 300-Level or 400-Level BIOL Courses
- ACB 406.3
- ANSC 313.3
- ANSC 470.3
- ARCH 270.3
- BINF 200.3
- BMSC 210.3
- BMSC 220.3
- FABS 212.3
- GEOL 343.3
- GEOL 433.3
- GEOL 435.3
- MCIM 387.3
- PLSC 405.3
- PLSC 411.3
- PLSC 412.3
- PLSC 416.3
- PLSC 422.3
- PLSC 423.3
- PLSC 425.3
C7 Electives Requirement (30 credit units)
Cognate Courses
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
Open Electives
- Arts and Science courses, or those courses from other Colleges which have been approved for Arts and Science credit, to complete the requirements for 90 credit unit Three-year program, of which at least 42 must be at the 200-level or higher.
Bachelor of Science Honours (B.Sc. Honours) - Biology
Students interested in entering an Honours program should consult advisors in the department concerned before registering for their second year. Of the 120 credit units required for the B.Sc. degree, at least 66 credit units must be at the senior level. Application for admission to Honours is not considered until successful completion of at least 60 credit units with a Cumulative Weighted Average of at least 70% overall and at least 70% in the subject of Honours. For further details, please see College Program Requirements and Policies section.
C1 Natural Science Requirement (minimum 15 credit units)
- BIOL 120.3
- BIOL 121.3
- CHEM 112.3
- CHEM 115.3
Remaining credit units to be selected from the following areas, such that no more than 6 credit units are from any one area:
Computer Science
Physics & Astronomy
- ASTR 103.3
- PHYS 115.3
- PHYS 117.3 or PHYS 125.3 (formerly PHYS 111 and PHYS 121)
- PHYS 128.3
Earth Science
- GEOG 120.3
- GEOL 121.3
- GEOL 122.3
C2 Humanities Writing Requirement (6 credit units)
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
- ENG 110.6
- ENG 111.3
- ENG 112.3
- ENG 113.3
- ENG 114.3
- HIST 110.3
- HIST 111.3
- HIST 114.6
- HIST 120.6
- HIST 121.3
- HIST 122.3
- HIST 140.6
- HIST 151.3
- HIST 152.3
- HIST 170.6
- INTS 101.12
- LIT 100.6
- PHIL 110.6
- PHIL 120.3
- PHIL 133.3
C3 Social Science Requirement (6 credit units)
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
- ANTH 111.3
- ARCH 112.3
- ARCH 116.3
- ECON 111.3
- ECON 114.3
- GEOG 130.3
- LING 111.3
- LING 112.3
- NS 105.3
- NS 106.3
- NS 107.3
- POLS 111.3
- POLS 112.3
- PSY 100.3
- PSY 120.3 and PSY 121.3 (formerly PSY 110)
- SOC 111.3
- SOC 112.3 (SOC 111.3 and SOC 112.3 were formerly SOC 110)
- WGST 110.6
- WGST 112.3
- Any senior-level social science course provided that the prerequisite is met and not more than 6 credit units in one subject are used for the Social Science Requirement
- Statistics courses in social sciences are not accepted for credit toward the Social Science Requirement (eg. ECON 204.6, PSY 233.3 and PSY 234.3, SOC 225.3 and SOC 325.3 - (formerly SOC 240.3)).
- Certain WGST courses may be considered a Humanities and/or Social Science. Refer to the course descriptions.
C4 Mathematics/Statistics Requirement (6 credit units)
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
- MATH 110.3
- MATH 112.3
- MATH 115.3
- MATH 116.3
- MATH 125.3
- MATH 264.3
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
- STAT 245.3
- STAT 246.3
- PLSC 314.3
C5 General Requirement (6 credit units)
C6 Major Requirement (54 credit units)
- BIOL 222.3
- BIOL 224.3/BMSC 224.3
- BIOL 226.3
- BIOL 228.3
- BIOL 302.3
- BIOL 350.3
- BIOL 301.3
Choose 33 additional senior credit units from the following:
at least 18 credit units of total Biology courses are at the 300-level or higher.
- 200-Level, 300-Level or 400-Level BIOL Courses
- ACB 406.3
- ANSC 313.3
- ANSC 470.3
- ARCH 270.3
- BINF 200.3
- BMSC 210.3
- BMSC 220.3
- FABS 212.3
- GEOL 343.3
- GEOL 433.3
- GEOL 435.3
- MCIM 387.3
- PLSC 405.3
- PLSC 411.3
- PLSC 412.3
- PLSC 416.3
- PLSC 422.3
- PLSC 423.3
- PLSC 425.3
C7 Electives Requirement (27 credit units)
Cognate Courses (9 credit units)
- BMSC 200.3
- 3 credit units senior CHEM
- 3 credit units selected from BMSC 230.3, PLSC 240.3, senior BIOC or senior CHEM
Open Electives
- Arts and Science courses, or those courses from other Colleges which have been approved for Arts and Science credit, to complete the requirements for 120 credit unit Four-year program, of which at least 66 must be at the 200-level or higher
If you require further assistance, please contact the Arts & Science Undergraduate Student Office.
Suggested Sequence of Courses in the Biology Honours Program
Year 1
- BIOL 120.3
- BIOL 121.3
- CHEM 112.3
- CHEM 115.3 (students intending to go on in Biology are strongly advised to take these Chemistry courses before or concurrently with BIOL 120.3 and BIOL 121.3 since CHEM 112.3 and CHEM 115.3 are prerequisites for some senior courses in Biology)
- 3 credit units from: MATH 110.3, MATH 112.3, MATH 116.3, MATH 125.3 or MATH 264.3
- 6 credit units 100-level English and/or History to meet C2 requirement
- 9 additional credit units which may include 200-level BIOL courses
Year 2
- At least 12 credit units in Biology (BIOL 222.3, BIOL 224.3, BIOL 226.3 and BIOL 228.3 are strongly recommended)
- BMSC 200.3
- 3 credit units senior BIOC or senior CHEM
- 3 credit units in Statistics (STAT 245.3, STAT 246.3, or PLSC 314.3)
- Other courses to a total of 30 credit units to meet Program Type C requirement.
Year 3
- BIOL 301.3 (formerly BIOL 414)
- BIOL 302.3 (formerly BIOL 401)
- 12 other credit units in Biology
- 3 credit units senior BIOC or senior CHEM
- other courses to a total of 30 credit units to meet Program Type C requirement
Summer after Year 3
- Field Course (BIOL 350.3) (registration in Term 1 of year 4)
Year 4
- 21 additional credit units in Biology to meet requirements for an Honours degree, and remaining credit units to meet Program Type C requirement
- Students in the Honours program are strongly encouraged to include a research course (BIOL 480.3 or BIOL 481.6) in their program.
Bachelor of Science Double Honours (B.Sc. Double Honours) - Biology
Double Honours Programs may be taken in combinations of two subjects. In this program at least 36 credit units will normally be taken in each subject. The two departments together may specify up to 84 credit units. For further details, please see the College Program Requirements and Policies section.
A Double Honours program with Biology and a second discipline is possible. Students should consult with advisors in both departments if they are interested in this option.
C1 Natural Science Requirement (minimum 15 credit units)
- BIOL 120.3
- BIOL 121.3
- CHEM 112.3
- CHEM 115.3
Remaining credit units to be selected from the following areas, with no more than 6 credit units are from any one area:
Computer Science
Physics & Astronomy
- PHYS 115.3
- PHYS 117.3 or PHYS 125.3 (formerly PHYS 111 and PHYS 121)
- PHYS 128.3
Earth Science
- GEOG 120.3
- GEOL 121.3
- GEOL 122.3
C2 Humanities Writing Requirement (6 credit units)
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
- ENG 110.6
- ENG 111.3
- ENG 112.3
- ENG 113.3
- ENG 114.3
- HIST 110.3
- HIST 111.3
- HIST 114.6
- HIST 120.6
- HIST 121.3
- HIST 122.3
- HIST 140.6
- HIST 151.3
- HIST 152.3
- HIST 170.6
- INTS 101.12
- LIT 100.6
- PHIL 110.6
- PHIL 120.3
- PHIL 133.3
C3 Social Science Requirement (6 credit units)
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
- ANTH 111.3
- ARCH 112.3
- ARCH 116.3
- ECON 111.3
- ECON 114.3
- GEOG 130.3
- LING 111.3
- LING 112.3
- NS 105.3
- NS 106.3
- NS 107.3
- POLS 111.3
- POLS 112.3
- PSY 100.3
- PSY 120.3 and PSY 121.3 (formerly PSY 110)
- SOC 111.3
- SOC 112.3 (SOC 111.3 and SOC 112.3 were formerly SOC 110)
- WGST 110.6
- WGST 112.3
- Any senior-level social science course provided that the prerequisite is met and not more than 6 credit units in one subject are used for the Social Science Requirement
- Statistics courses in social sciences are not accepted for credit toward the Social Science Requirement (eg. ECON 204.6, PSY 233.3 and PSY 234.3, SOC 225.3 and SOC 325.3 - (formerly SOC 240.3)).
- Certain WGST courses may be considered a Humanities and/or Social Science. Refer to the course descriptions.
C4 Mathematics and Statistics Requirement (6 credit units)
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
- MATH 110.3
- MATH 112.3
- MATH 115.3
- MATH 116.3
- MATH 125.3
- MATH 264.3
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
- STAT 245.3
- STAT 246.3
- PLSC 314.3
C5 General Requirement (6 credit units)
C6 Major Requirement (30 credit units)
- BIOL 222.3
- BIOL 224.3/BMSC 224.3
- BIOL 226.3
- BIOL 228.3
- BIOL 301.3
- BIOL 302.3
- BIOL 350.3
Choose 9 additional senior credit units in Biology courses and/or courses chosen from the 'Courses in Other Departments and Colleges' list at the end of this section, such that at least 9 credit units of total Biology courses are at the 300-level or higher.
- 200-Level, 300-Level or 400-Level BIOL Courses
- ACB 406.3
- ANSC 313.3
- ANSC 470.3
- ARCH 270.3
- BINF 200.3
- BMSC 210.3
- BMSC 220.3
- FABS 212.3
- GEOL 343.3
- GEOL 433.3
- GEOL 435.3
- MCIM 387.3
- PLSC 405.3
- PLSC 411.3
- PLSC 412.3
- PLSC 416.3
- PLSC 422.3
- PLSC 423.3
- PLSC 425.3
C7 Electives Requirement
Cognate Courses (9 credit units)
- BIOC 200.3
- 3 credit units senior CHEM
- 3 credit units selected from BMSC 230.3, PLSC 240.3, senior BIOC or senior CHEM
Open Electives
- Arts and Science courses, or those from other Colleges which have been approved for Arts and Science credit, to complete the requirements for 120 credit unit Double Honours program, of which at least 66 must be at the 200-level or higher.
Minor in Biology
Students who, in conjunction with a major in a different subject or an interdisciplinary program, take the following will receive a Minor in Biology.
Requirements
- 6 credit units of 100-level BIOL
- 12 credit units senior BIOL courses
- At least 3 credit units must be at the 300- or 400-level. Courses listed under the “C6 Major Requirement” of the student’s program major cannot be used to meet requirements for the minor.
Agricultural Biology
Students are reminded of the possibility of majoring in Biology in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources under the Agricultural Biology Option. Consult the section on Fields of Specialization in the College of Agriculture, and the program advisor in the Department of Biology.
Palaeobiology
The Departments of Archaeology, Biology and Geological Sciences have developed an interdisciplinary program in Palaeobiology. Interested students should refer to the Palaeobiology section of the Course & Program Catalogue and contact the chairperson of the administrative committee.
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