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    * Major in Biology

  Major in Biology

      60 Units

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      * Program Requirements

        Recent discoveries and new technologies are revolutionizing the biological sciences, placing increasing emphasis on integrating knowledge across all levels of organization, from molecules to ecosystems.

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

        Learning takes place through traditional classroom instruction, innovative laboratory projects with state-of-the-art technologies and a strong basic research program in which undergraduate students at all levels are intensively mentored in a research lab.

        The Honours program in biology provides the opportunity for in-depth study within one or more biological disciplines. Students can concentrate in a particular area by choosing one of three options—cellular and molecular biology, physiology and ecology, evolution and behaviour. This route includes a compulsory independent research project designed to prepare students for graduate studies. Alternatively, students can choose to pursue diverse interests by selecting a general course of study that will include a number of advanced courses.

        The major in biology introduces students to cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology and physiology (both plant and animal). The major is combined with either another major or a minor and allows students to pursue diverse interests while opening the door to graduate studies or a career in the life sciences.

        The minor in biology is a flexible program that allows students to select a subset of biology courses.

        This program is offered in English and in French.

      The table below includes only the discipline-specific courses. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for information on the Honours bachelor's with double major and the Honours bachelor's with major and minor.

        Co-operative education is available when taken as part of an honours degree.

        The French immersion stream is available when taken as part of an honours degree.

        Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2025-2026 calendars for the previous requirements.

      Course List
        Code                                                                                                                                                                                                             Title                                               Units  
        Compulsory courses at the 1000 level                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
        BIO 1131                                                                                                                                                                                                         Introduction to Organismal Biology                  3 Units
        BIO 1141                                                                                                                                                                                                         Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology          3 Units
        BIO 1550                                                                                                                                                                                                         BioZoo : Un laboratoire d’introduction en biologie  3 Units
        CHM 1311                                                                                                                                                                                                         Principles of Chemistry                             3 Units
        CHM 1321                                                                                                                                                                                                         Organic Chemistry I                                 3 Units
        GEO 1111                                                                                                                                                                                                         Introduction to Earth Systems                       3 Units
        MAT 1330                                                                                                                                                                                                         Calculus for the Life Sciences I                    3 Units
        MAT 1332                                                                                                                                                                                                         Calculus for the Life Sciences II                   3 Units
        Compulsory courses at the 2000 level                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
        BCH 2333                                                                                                                                                                                                         Introduction to Biochemistry                        3 Units
        BIO 2129                                                                                                                                                                                                         Ecology                                             3 Units
        BIO 2133                                                                                                                                                                                                         Genetics                                            3 Units
        BIO 2135                                                                                                                                                                                                         Animal Form and Function                            3 Units
        BIO 2137                                                                                                                                                                                                         Introduction to Plant Science                       3 Units
        CHM 2120                                                                                                                                                                                                         Organic Chemistry II                                3 Units
        STA 2392                                                                                                                                                                                                         Introduction to Biostatistics                       3 Units
        Optional courses                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
        15 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level, BCH 3120 , BCH 3125 , BCH 3356 , BCH 4122 , BCH 4125 , BCH 4188 , SCI 3101  15 Units                                          
        Total:                                                                                                                                                                                                           60 Units                                          
        
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