Website: www.unbc.ca/biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biology is a broadly-based undergraduate program in biology that is designed to present the major concepts of contemporary biology at the molecular, cellular, organismal, population and community levels. The degree is designed to have sufficient flexibility for students to follow interests ranging from microbial to plant to fish or wildlife biology. Capitalizing on the northern setting of the University, there is an emphasis on northern flora and fauna, morphological, biochemical, physiological and behavioural modifications to temperate and arctic conditions, and the dynamics of microbial, plant and animal populations in northern ecosystems. The Bachelor of Science in Biology prepares students for application to medical, dental, veterinary, or other professional schools, and for a wide range of other biology-related careers. Students who complete the degree are automatically eligible to apply to the College of Applied Biology as a Biologist in Training or a Registered Professional Biologist.

Major in Biology (BSc)
Areas of Specialization
Major in Biology (BSc Honours)
Minor in Biology
Minor in Biology and Conservation

Major in Biology

The major in Biology requires students to take at least 65 credit hours of biology-oriented courses, of which 42 credit hours must be at the 300- or 400- level. Note: NRES 430-6 can count as up to 6 credit hours toward this requirement (with permission of the Ecosystem Science and Management Program Chair).

The minimum requirement for the completion of a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology is 125 credit hours. 

In order to increase the breadth and utility of their degree, and to demonstrate an interest in a particular biological sub-discipline, students have the option of choosing to complete a maximum of one Area of Specialization during their degree, chosen from the following list:

1. Applied Ecology
2. Botany and Mycology
3. Cell Biology and Genetics
4. Ecology and Evolution
5. Field Biology and Natural History
6. Zoology

Program Requirements

Lower-Division Requirement

100 Level

It is recommended that students consult with a Student Advisor regarding their interests and the content of various courses. 

Additional Requirements

At least one course with Social Sciences content must be taken from the following list:

Botany and Mycology

Two of the following:

Cell Biology and Genetics

Two of the following:

The Honours in Biology recognizes undergraduate students who both excel at their studies and who complete the Undergraduate Thesis (normally NRES 430-6).

To enter the Honours Program, students must have completed 60 credit hours and obtained a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.33. Attaining the minimum Cumulative GPA requirement does not guarantee entry into the Honours Program, which is at the discretion of the Ecosystem Science and Management Program. Maintenance of a Cumulative GPA of 3.33 is required to remain in the Honours program.

Honours students are required to complete the degree requirements for the BSc in Biology. In addition, each student must also complete an additional 6 credit hours in the form of an undergraduate thesis chosen from NRES 430-6, ENSC 430-6, or BCMB 430-6 under the supervision of a faculty member.

Note: Students are responsible for finding their own undergraduate thesis research supervisor. Faculty members are under no obligation to supervise honours students.

Minor in Biology

The minor in Biology offers students in other disciplines the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in the diversity of life and biological processes. 

The minor in Biology requires the completion of 29 credit hours, of which 12 credit hours must be at the upper-division (i.e., 300 or 400) level. 
 
A maximum of 14 credit hours which are used to fulfill requirements for a major or another minor may also be used to fulfill program requirements for a minor in Biology. These 14 credit hours consist of 8 credit hours at the 100 level plus 6 credit hours at the 200 level or above.

Requirements

Three additional credit hours in Biology at the 300 or 400 level.