Biology, B.Sc.

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Biology is the study of life and living organisms. A Biology Major allows students the flexibility to take a number of courses across various fields of biology including: genetics, cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, ecology, evolution, anatomy and physiology. These courses provide a solid foundation to understand living organisms, their composition, life cycles, adaptations and environments. In the Biology Major, students will combine their theoretical knowledge with the development of practical skills through various experiential learning opportunities. Students also have the ability to specialize by completing a set of courses leading to concentrations in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, or Ecology and Evolution.

Curriculum

Students must complete the following required core courses:

One of

Biology Approved Options

Students can take 8 courses from the following list of Biology Approved Options to create their own pathway through a biology major based on their interests and future aspirations.

Note

Please note the following restrictions when selecting courses to satisfy the Biology Approved Options requirement:

Maximum of two courses at the 2000-level;
Maximum of two non-BIOL-prefixed courses;
Minimum of two courses at the 4000-level or higher.

Electives

Four elective courses

General Education Requirements

Ten courses must be completed to meet the General Education requirements to graduate with a Bachelor of Science - Biology.

Four courses will be taken at the foundational level: one from each of the thematic clusters.
Three courses will be taken at the second tier: BSc students will make their Tier 2 selections from clusters other than Numeracy and Scientific Literacy.
Three courses must be taken at the third tier, selected from at least two of the thematic clusters.

For course information visit the General Education section of this calendar. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor before registering for a course.

Concentration in Anatomy and Physiology

A concentration in Anatomy and Physiology provides students with a solid understanding of human physiology, anatomy, and cellular processes. Students that want to complete a concentration in Anatomy and Physiology need to complete six courses from the following list, and two other Biology Approved Options from the list above.

Concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology

The Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration provide students with knowledge and skills directly related to the study of biological systems from biomolecular, cellular, and systemic perspectives. Students will complete seven required courses and one Biology Approved Option to satisfy the requirements for this concentration.

Concentration in Ecology and Evolution

An Ecology and Evolution Concentration explores biodiversity, interactions of organisms with their environment, adaptations, and evolutionary processes. Students completing this concentration need to take eight courses from the following: