About the Bachelor of Arts in Biology

Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology program is intended for those who want to have a role in communicating biology and biological concepts to others.

This program will prepare you for careers such as law, education/teaching, public policy or science journalism.

This is a flexible program that you can combine with other subject areas through minors, options or even as a dual major with another BA program.

We also offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology, which provides a firm foundation not only in Biology, but also in Chemistry and Math. The BSc program is ideal for those looking to move on to graduate work in Biology or to professional postgraduate programs in environmental or health sciences.

Research Areas of Focus

In this program, you’ll study molecular processes and cell structures, signalling mechanisms, metabolic pathways, patterns of inheritance, physiological responses, life histories, biodiversity and conservation and strategies for survival across the three domains of life.

As a senior undergraduate student, you’ll have the opportunity to become part of ongoing research programs at the cutting edge of our discipline.

Some examples of recent student research include:

• "Effects of water-borne pollutants on the health of fish"
• "Mechanisms of biofilm formation by bacteria"
• "Evolution of mating behaviour in fruit flies"
• "Interactions of plants with soil microbial communities"
• "Structure and function of proteins"
• "Effects of climate change on northern ecosystems"

Gain Experience through Hands-On Learning

• Courses incorporate hands-on lab sessions, tutorials and seminars.
• You may complete one or more field courses as part of your program; approximately 30 are offered each year through the Ontario Universities’ Program in Field Biology.
• Faculty hire students as research assistants to help in the lab and field.
• Capstone experiences through honours theses and directed studies are built around research with a faculty mentor.
• Approximately half of the courses we offer include labs that explore a variety of technical and analytical methods in the lab and field.
• Third- and fourth-year students may be hired as instructional assistants to work in teaching labs.

Three Concentrations to Choose From

Beginning in third year, single-major Biology students (i.e. students who do not combine this program with another BA program) have the option to specialize in one of three concentrations:

• Cell, Molecular and Microbial Biology and Genetics
• Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity
• Physiology and Toxicology