Biology major – Bachelor of Science

Quick Facts

Credential:
Bachelor of Science

Duration:
4 years

Options:
Honours, major, minor, extended minor

How to apply

Start date:
January, May, September 

Location:
Abbotsford campus

Cost:
Tuition and fees

Features:

  • Field trips enhance classroom learning
  • Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
  • One of the most lab-intensive Bachelor of Science with a Biology major in B.C.
  • Opportunities in all four years for student-driven biology research, either with individual faculty or as part of regular courses.
  • Program eligible for financial aid

Program Description

Gain an excellent foundation in modern biology and obtain the working skills of a professional biologist with a ԭ Bachelor of Science in Biology.

In your first and second year, you develop an understanding of cell biology, biochemistry, and ecology/organism interactions. In your third and fourth year, you expand your knowledge through a wide range of upper-level courses. 

You may also choose to take advantage of extra-curricular learning opportunities through field trips, study tours, and directed studies. The ԭ Biology faculty will support you every step of your academic journey — even in your own research undertakings.  

Customize your degree to your interests by choosing one of the following concentrations:

  • Pre-medicine/Pre-veterinary
  • Cellular, Molecular, and Genetics
  • Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Conservation*

*Students that complete the requirements of the Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Conservation concentration will be eligible for the Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) designation through the College of Applied Biologists.

The program:

  • offers you a rich lab-intensive experience for interactive, hands-on practice in laboratory and research skills
  • encourages you to develop your own biology research, either with individual faculty guidance or as part of regular course material
  • facilitates co-op placements and summer work experience with local companies and organizations
  • prepares you for graduate or professional schools with concentrations in varied fields such as genetics, ecology, or pre-medicine

You can also enhance your Biology degree with in-demand bioinformatics skills for the future of biotechnology and life sciences:

Career Expectations

Graduates with a BSc in Biology can pursue many career opportunities in research, healthcare, environmental sciences, biotechnology, education, agriculture, public health, conservation, pharmaceuticals, and government. Labour market analysis shows strong long-term career opportunities in the natural sciences, with many occupations linked to low unemployment rates and increasing wages. These opportunities are especially important in the Fraser Valley, where industries such as healthcare, agriculture, food production, environmental stewardship, biotechnology, and life sciences are expanding. A Biology degree from ԭ can also prepare you for opportunities across BC, Canada, and around the world.

Possible career paths

Graduates may find careers as:

  • Biologists
  • Environmental consultants
  • Laboratory technologists
  • Bioinformaticians
  • Quality assurance specialists
  • Fisheries or wildlife officers
  • Research associates
  • Health policy analysts
  • Science educators
  • Professionals in the food, agriculture, and life sciences sectors

Graduate and professional studies

A BSc in Biology also provides a strong foundation for graduate and professional studies. Graduates may continue into advanced fields such as:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Botany
  • Dentistry
  • Dietetics
  • Genetics
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Oceanography
  • Pharmacology
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Environmental toxicology
  • Ecology

Biology is also a common pathway for students planning to apply to professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, and other health-related fields.

Entrance Requirements

International Student Admissions

This program is open for international students.

  • Go to

Upgrading Options

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements may complete upgrading to meet prerequisites for university-level courses. 

Prospective students should contact the Future Students office to learn more about upgrading options. 

Current or returning students should connect with the appropriate advising area based on the level of upgrading required:  

Questions?

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