Program Overview

Honours BSc Biology - Cellular Molecular Option

The Honours BSc Biology - Cellular Molecular Option is a comprehensive program that provides students with a deep understanding of biological sciences, integrating knowledge across all levels of organization, from molecules to ecosystems. This program allows students to pursue careers in diverse fields such as conservation, ecotoxicology, research, and healthcare.

Program Overview

The program gives students both intellectual tools and hands-on experience through traditional classroom instruction, innovative laboratory projects, field-based courses, and a strong research program. Students can concentrate on a particular area by choosing one of three options: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Physiology, or Ecology, Evolution, and Behaviour. This route includes a compulsory independent research project to equip students with advanced research, analysis, and communication skills applicable to diverse careers.

Program Requirements

The program requires 120 units, including:

• 3 optional course units in English (ENG) at the 1000 or 2000 level
• Compulsory courses at the 1000 level:
  • BIO 1130: Introduction to Organismal Biology
  • BIO 1140: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
  • CHM 1311: Principles of Chemistry
  • CHM 1321: Organic Chemistry I
  • GEO 1111: Introduction to Earth Systems
  • MAT 1330: Calculus for the Life Sciences I
  • MAT 1332: Calculus for the Life Sciences II
  • PHY 1321: Principles of Physics I
• Compulsory courses at the 2000 level:
  • BCH 2333: Introduction to Biochemistry
  • BIO 2129: Ecology
  • BIO 2133: Genetics
  • BIO 2135: Animal Form and Function
  • BIO 2137: Introduction to Plant Science
  • CHM 2120: Organic Chemistry II
  • MAT 2379: Introduction to Biostatistics
• Compulsory course at the 3000 level:
  • BIO 3153: Cell Biology
  • BIO 3170: Molecular Biology
• Compulsory course at the 4000 level:
  • BIO 4009: Honours Research
  • BIO 4922: Seminar Evaluating and Developing Science
• Optional courses:
  • 3 course units from:
    • BIO 3151: Molecular Biology Laboratory
    • BIO 3152: Cell Biology Laboratory
  • 9 course units from:
    • BCH 3120: General Intermediary Metabolism
    • BCH 4172: Topics in Biotechnology
    • BIO 3102: Molecular Evolution
    • BIO 3119: Population Genetics
    • BIO 3124: General Microbiology
    • BIO 3126: General Microbiology Laboratory
    • BIO 3142: Plant Developmental Biology
    • BIO 3147: Animal Developmental Biology
    • BIO 3360: Computational Tools for Biological Sciences
    • BIO 4115: Topics in Molecular Genetics
    • BIO 4142: Plant Immunity and Symbioses
    • BIO 4144: Plant Molecular Biology
    • BIO 4145: Eukaryotic Microbiology
    • BIO 4158: Applied Biostatistics
    • BIO 4175: Membrane Physiology
    • BPS 3101: Genomics
    • BPS 4104: Bioinformatics Laboratory
  • 9 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), or environmental science (EVS)
• Elective courses:
  • 9 elective course units offered by the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management
  • 24 elective course units

Laboratory Component

Within the program of study, students must complete a minimum of 15 course units at the 3000 or 4000 level with a laboratory component. A complete list of courses having a laboratory component is available.

List of Optional Courses with a Laboratory Component

• BIM 4316: Modern Bioanalytical Chemistry
• BIO 3103: Field Biology
• BIO 3126: General Microbiology Laboratory
• BIO 3128: Biology of Algae and Fungi
• BIO 3137: Experiments in Animal Physiology
• BIO 3146: Ecophysiology of Plants
• BIO 3151: Molecular Biology Laboratory
• BIO 3152: Cell Biology Laboratory
• BIO 3154: Population and Community Ecology
• BIO 3158: Vertebrate Zoology
• BIO 3310: Plant Systematics and Diversity
• BIO 3333: Entomology
• BIO 3360: Computational Tools for Biological Sciences
• BIO 4004: Honours Research
• BIO 4009: Honours Research
• BIO 4150: Spatial Ecology
• BIO 4156: Freshwater Ecology
• BIO 4158: Applied Biostatistics
• BIO 4302: Animal Movement
• BPS 4104: Bioinformatics Laboratory
• BPS 4127: Advanced Techniques in Biosciences

This program is offered in English and in French, and co-operative education is available. The French immersion stream is also available. Requirements for this program have been modified, and students should consult the calendars for the previous requirements.