Biological Science Major - Course Planning Support

The Biological Science (BIOS) major offers the opportunity to study a wide range of topics within the biological sciences. The major is one of the most flexible within the B.Sc. program. After the core sciences in first and second year, students can tailor the degree through strategic use of elective spaces to create a major all their own.

Below are several ways students in the BIOS major can personalize the degree. These options are provided as guidance only; see the Undergraduate Calendar listing for full details of BSc degree and BIOS major requirements.

Choose your own Focal Area

The BIOS major allows students to create a personalized educational experience by combining courses that are not available in any single major or minor on campus.

Focal areas are unofficial, informal clusters of courses meant to inspire possibilities within the BIOS major. In contrast, minors are official, formal areas of study that must be declared.

We have developed four sample focal areas. Students may design their own informal focal area to guide course selection. Each focal area combines courses to build foundational scientific knowledge, explore real-world applications, and develop transferable skills for the workplace. Click on the headings below for more information.

Healthcare Leadership and Innovation

Prepares students to advance healthcare practices, make evidence-informed decisions, and promote accessible, equitable, inclusive healthcare. Emphasis on broad applications within the healthcare field, including but not limited, to clinical practice.

Healthcare Professional Foundations

Prepares students to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care by combining strong scientific knowledge with communication, collaboration, and social awareness. Emphasis on admission into professional health programs such as medical, veterinary, nursing, or pharmacy.

Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology

Prepares students to innovate, develop, and effectively communicate marketable biotechnology solutions across diverse industries.

Sustainable Ecosystems Biology

Prepares students to address complex environmental challenges through research, conservation, and sustainable management practices.

Declare a Minor

Minors provide a formal, official structure to explore an area of science, social science, arts, or business. With a credit requirement of 5.00, minors help provide some structure to your electives in an area that complements your major while retaining the flexibility of the BIOS major. Details on minors offered across campus can be found on our Majors and Minors page.

Select Courses for Breadth and Flexibility

Students with diverse interests or those who want to keep their options open might prioritize science electives that are prerequisites for upper-year courses. Below is a list of common prerequisites, and examples of courses they are required for:

See Undergraduate Calendar for course descriptions: BIOL, BIOM, HK, MBG, MCB, NUTR & ZOO.

Shadow an Existing Major

You may fulfil some of your science and biological science elective requirements by selecting courses from the Schedule of Studies of another BSc major that interests you. Note that some electives are restricted to students enrolled in specific majors or minors and may not be accessible to you as a BIOS major. Details on BSc majors can be found in the UndergraduateCalendar.