Professor Heather Kharouba and two students working in a field

Biology

Recent discoveries and new technologies are revolutionizing the biological sciences, which increasingly require integrating knowledge across the full range of biological systems, from the gene to entire ecosystems.

Our biology (BIO) programs give students both the intellectual tools and the experience they need to generate new knowledge and contribute to debates on issues as diverse as stem cell research, land management, conservation and endangered species, genetically modified organisms as well as disease management and prevention.

The program offers different learning methods: traditional classroom instruction with field trips, innovative laboratory projects using state-of-the-art technologies and basic research with individual mentoring.

Two students working with a microscope in a lab

Options and suggested course sequences

Explore the detailed suggested course sequence for biology

Enhance with a microprogram

The Microprogram in Science Entrepreneurship provides an introduction to business management, new venture creation and entrepreneurship that will allow you to take a new scientific idea to market. It also includes a course on creativity and innovation, and a fourth year capstone course specifically dealing with commercializing a scientific product.

Microprogram in Science Entrepreneurship program requirements

Program learning outcomes

By the end of this program, students will be able to:

Depth and Breadth of Knowledge

  • Explain the chemical and physical underpinnings of life;
  • Explain and integrate the key concepts of living systems such as biological diversity and its evolution, cellular organization, transmission of biological information, structure-function relationships, and functioning of ecological systems;
  • Apply the scientific method including formulating a hypothesis, designing studies, and drawing conclusions.

Knowledge of methodologies

  • Demonstrate a set of core field and laboratory-based observations, measurements and sampling techniques;
  • Identify and depict patterns in biological data;
  • Acquire, process and analyze data using appropriate bibliographic, mathematical and statistical techniques.

Application of knowledge

  • Acquire and collate the information and data relevant to a given biological question and objectively interpret them to draw an informed conclusion;
  • Use key concepts and methodologies in applied situations ranging from advanced laboratory and field courses to work and research settings.

Communication skills

  • Develop and defend logical, coherent arguments;
  • Disseminate biological information in written and oral format to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

Awareness of limits of knowledge

  • Evaluate recent advances in biological knowledge and recognize the limits of the scientific process.

Autonomy and professional capacity

  • Demonstrate professional work habits and ethical conduct when working individually or as part of a team.

Research focus

The Research Focus provides an immersive experience in which students join a research lab to carry out research during their final two academic years, honing their technical skills while learning how to develop research ideas, design experiments, and analyze and communicate scientific data. For students with inquiring minds, this program will fuel your passion for research by allowing you to delve deeply into your areas of interest. By the end of the Research Focus, you will be prepared to hit the ground running in a graduate research degree, or you will be able to apply your research, analysis and communication skills to furthering your career in other directions.

Learn more about the research focus
Two students working with a microscope in a Biology lab

Laboratories

  • 10 state-of-the-art teaching laboratories
  • Traditional and virtual learning environment
  • Research-grade microscopes and digital imaging systems
  • Networked computers
  • Access to greenhouses and the Cenovus courtyard
  • Diversity of our teaching laboratories: molecular biology, animal and plant physiology, bioscience techniques, ecology, invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, bioinformatics, field laboratories.