Biological Science
Understanding, exploring and discovering biology at different levels and in different ways.
Biological Science focuses on the study of living organisms, their evolution, interactions with other organisms and the ecosystems that they live and rely on. The many areas of study under the umbrella of biological science allows for flexibility within the major and allows you to tailor the major to your interest.
What's Unique?
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The Honours B.Sc. major in Biological Science (BIOS) will provide you with opportunities to acquire the skills you need to be successful in a variety of careers. This major allows you to choose courses that fit your interests and career goals. Foundation courses cover molecular biology and genetics, biochemistry, evolution, physiology, ecology and statistics which will allow you to explore multiple areas of biology or focus in on one more specifically. The breadth of science that we offer at the University of Guelph provides students a unique opportunity to discover what fields of biology truly connects with their interests and professional goals.
What Students Are Saying About Biological Science at Guelph:
Program Details
Foundation courses cover molecular biology and genetics, biochemistry, evolution, physiology, ecology and statistics. In your second year and beyond you will have the opportunity to tailor a degree to your own interests by selecting courses from diverse areas such as nutrition, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, biomechanics or zoology. From there you can build the major and create own your niche or obtain skills from a broad range of biological science. With so much flexibility students can easily complete a minor in a complementary field of science or non-science, such as business, music, psychology or English, that will help to increase their breath of knowledge and transferable skills.
As you continue into your senior years, there are multiple opportunities for hands-on experience through field, lab or technique courses and research projects, working with nationally and internationally renowned researchers. Gain the entrance requirements for professional schools including medical and veterinary schools.
- Foundations in Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Ecology
- Human Physiology,
- Biomedical Physiology or comparative Animal Physiology
View full courselist
Admission Requirements
~80-83%* average
- 12U English
- Advanced Functions
- 2 courses from: 12U Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- 2 additional 12U or M courses
All three sciences are recommended
*Please note that admission cut-offs stated above is an approximate based on previous years applicant pool. This cut-off range will vary from year-to-year and can be higher or lower based on the applicant pool. Meeting the minimum average does not guarantee an offer of admission. Admissions averages are calculated using the six required courses.
You can expect to learn how to:
- Identify and explain contemporary problems in ecology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and evolution.
- Evaluate or analyze a biological problem using the methods and concepts from more than one biology sub discipline (biodiversity, health, molecular bioscience) through literature review, research project or practical application.
- Apply contemporary approaches of integrative thinking, research methods, skills and techniques to conduct independent inquiry and address biological problems facing society.
- Critically evaluate ideas and arguments by gathering and integrating relevant information, assessing its credibility, and synthesizing evidence to formulate a position.
- Identify problems and independently propose solutions using creative approaches, acquired through interdisciplinary experiences, and a depth and breadth of knowledge/expertise.
- Demonstrate personal and professional integrity by respectfully considering diverse points of view and the intellectual contribution of others, and by demonstrating a commitment to honesty and equity, and awareness of sustainability, in scientific practice and society at large.
Career Options
Many graduates of the biological science major have gone on to successful careers in academia, human and animal medicine, governmental, non-government, for-profit and not-for-profit industries. Our graduates have sought after skills in the areas of problem-solving and critical thinking, communication, teamwork, professional and ethical behaviours and scientific methodologies.
What our Alumni are working as:
Medical Sales Specialist | Bayer Crop Science
Global Strategic Communications Officer | University Heatlth Network
Public Health Officer | Public Health Ontario
College of Biological Science
Biological Science is supported by the College of Biological Science.
Research & Faculty
Find out more about the research and faculty involved in the Biological Science major.
Course List
A complete listing of all courses required for this major can be found in the Schedule of Studies located in the undergraduate calendar.
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Phone: (+1) 519-821-2130
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