Biology (BSc)

Requirements for a Major

Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements, and all core courses listed below. 

Note: Most core and elective courses have prerequisites. Students should check prerequisites carefully, and consult the B.Sc. Degree Advisor when planning their program.

Core Courses

The Core component of the degree, combined with appropriate electives, gives students sufficient knowledge and experience in their field to facilitate entry into graduate or professional schools, or into employment in their field.

Note: Students are strongly encouraged to complete all Year 1 and Year 2 core requirements in the order listed to minimize potential scheduling conflicts later in their degree.

* CHEM 142A/142 is for students who have taken Chemistry 12 and scored at least a C+. CHEM 141A/141 is for students who do not meet this Chemistry 12 requirement. Both courses share the same laboratory material, and final examination.

Note: At the end of first year or after completing a minimum of 24 credits, students need to declare their educational goals in consultation with the B.Sc. Degree Advisor.

* Check individual course prerequisites.

Note: Students wishing to satisfy the academic requirements for registration as a Registered Professional Biologist with the College of Applied Biology of BC must take any one of BIOL 457, FISH 223, RMOT 400, or RMOT 401. All other academic requirements for professional registration are included in the Major in Biology.

Undergraduate Research Project

The Biology Department encourages education gained by participating in active research. Students have the option to complete a research project (BIOL 490 or 491) in their final year. For these courses, students carry out their research under the direction of a Research Advisor from the Biology Department (in some cases, a Co-Advisor may be from another Department). Students interested in taking BIOL 490 or 491 should consult a faculty member as early as possible in their academic career. Details of the special registration process required for BIOL 490 and 491 may be obtained from the Biology Chair or B.Sc. Degree Advisor.

Further information on previous research projects performed by VIU Biology graduates is available at VIU Biology.

Requirements for a Minor

Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

* CHEM 142A/142 is for students who have taken Chemistry 12 and scored at least a C+. CHEM 141A/141 is for students who do not meet this Chemistry 12 requirement. Both courses share the same laboratory material, and final examination.

** Students should check upper-level course prerequisites to guide second year course choices.

* Check individual course prerequisites.

• General admission requirements apply.
• A minimum "B" grade in either Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12. 

Notes on Admission

• Courses in first year have different prerequisites. To satisfy all first year course prerequisites, students must complete all of the following B.C. Secondary School course requirements:
  • A minimum grade of "C" in English 12;
  • A minimum grade of "C+" in each of Biology 11 or 12, Chemistry 11 and 12 and Physics 11 (Principles of Physics 11); and,
  • A minimum grade of "B" in Mathematics 12 (Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12).
  • Physics 12 is recommended but not required.
  • Some seats are available for students who have only completed Chemistry 11 with a minimum "C+".
• Students who do not satisfy all of the first year course prerequisites will not likely be able to complete the full degree program in four years. Students who are lacking any or all of the first year course prerequisites should speak with a VIU Advisor about upgrading courses.
• Students with a two-year diploma in a field related to the Biological Sciences may receive advanced standing, depending upon their program.
• Students are encouraged to become computer literate in word processing, spreadsheets and databases by second year.
• Transcripts from other institutions for courses used towards the B.Sc., Major in Biology degree must be received by VIU’s Records office by August 15 for the Fall semester, and November 30 for the Spring semester.

The Biology Honours (BSc) Program

The Bachelor of Science, Biology Honours emphasizes a "hands-on," integrative approach to learning. Smaller class sizes allow one-on-one interaction, fostering development of the student-mentor relationship. In addition, students in the Biology Honours program complete a comprehensive undergraduate research project, under the supervision of a Biology faculty member. Students expand their research skills through deep engagement in their chosen project.

The Biology Honours will be of interest to students looking towards careers in the biological and environmental sciences, in K-12 education, or in health sciences (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine).

Program Outline

Requirements for an Honours

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.Sc. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements; all courses listed under Years 1-4 of the Major in Biology; and the following:

• BIOL 491 - (Undergraduate Research Project), and
• 6 additional credits in upper-level BIOL credits numbered 300 and above.

Completion Requirements

• Honours students need a minimum GPA of 3.67 ("A-") on all 3rd and 4th year courses taken within the discipline in order to graduate from an Honours program.
• Honours students must achieve a minimum grade of "A-" in BIOL 491 - (Undergraduate Research Project).
• Students who complete the Honours requirements but do not meet these grade requirements will graduate with the Major in Biology.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.67 (A-) on the most recent 45 credits of study.
• All core 100-level courses and at least 21 credits of core 200-level courses including MATH 203 (Biometrics) must be completed before the start of BIOL 491.
• Students must identify a faculty advisor who is willing to supervise the research project.
• Students who meet the minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission in the program and space may be limited.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Applications are to be submitted to the Chair of the Biology Department by February 1 of the year preceding the student’s final year of study. Late applications may be accepted on a case by case basis.

Career Opportunities

The Biology Honours will be of interest to students interested in pursuing graduate school in the biological sciences (Master's, Doctorate).

Domestic (Canadian)

International