Biology
Biology is the study of living organisms and their attributes and includes such topics as molecular biology, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, systematics and ecology.
Of all the sciences, biology is perhaps the most closely related to everyday life. We are exposed daily to news and documentary reports on biological topics such as genetic engineering, environmental conservation, pollution, disease and immunology, social and behavioural interactions and population growth. Biology, therefore, is not only a specific and rigorous science, but also may be approached in a broader sense as a general-interest science relevant to many aspects of daily life.
The first-year courses provide an insight into biology as a scientific discipline of direct relevance to all, while at the same time allowing more detailed exploration of certain branches of the subject.
Biology at Memorial
The Department of Biology offers field courses at:
- Bonne Bay Marine Station located in Gros Morne National Park
- Indian Bay Field Station in Central Newfoundland
- Terra Nova National Park in Eastern Newfoundland
- Harlow, England
Our programs offer tremendous field and laboratory research experience and opportunities for undergraduates.
Careers
Job opportunities for biologists include but are not limited to:
- Bio or medical technologist
- Fisheries officer
- Horticulturalist
- Marine or aquacultural biologist
- Medical doctor
- Science teacher
- Wildlife or conservation officer
- Veterinarian
Students pursuing a B.Sc. with a major in biology, cell and molecular biology, ecology and conservation or marine biology will normally take the following courses in their first year:
| Fall Semester | Winter Semester |
| Math 1090* | Math 1000 |
| Biology 1001 | Biology 1002 |
| Chemistry 1010 (1050)** | Chemistry 1011 (1051)** |
| Physics 1020 (1050)*** | Physics 1021 (1051)*** |
| English 1080 (1020)**** | English 1101, 1102, 1103 or 1110 (1021)**** |
*or Mathematics 1000 and an elective (see note 3 below)
** Students registered in Chemistry 1050 must also be registered in Mathematics 1000 (not 1090). Students attending Grenfell Campus will normally complete Chemistry 1200/1001 in their first year.
**Students registered in Physics 1050 must also be registered in Mathematics 1000 (not 1090).
Notes:
- For biology majors, the mathematics requirement is Mathematics 1000. Students who take Mathematics 1000 in their first semester will be able to take an extra first-year elective that can be counted towards the entrance requirements for the biology majors program. However, many students elect to take Mathematics 1090 in preparation for Mathematics 1000.
- In order for a biology major to complete a biology program in eight semesters, the two first-year chemistry courses must be completed in their first year because they are prerequisites for courses normally taken in the second year by biology majors.
- The two first-year physics courses are also required for a major in biology and should be completed in their first year in order to avoid timetable conflicts that may arise in year two.
- Students intending to major in a biology program must submit a departmental application form to the Department of Biology (SN 3125) declaring a major in biology. Forms are usually submitted during the second semester. Students will not be admitted to a biology major program until they have met the entrance requirements (see note 5 below).
- To be admitted to a biology major program, you must obtain an average of 65 per cent in Biology 1001/1002 and have a minimum overall average of 60 per cent in the following courses:
- English 1080, 1110 (or equivalent)
- Mathematics 1090, 1000 (or Mathematics 1000 and an elective
- Chemistry 1010/1011 or Chemistry 1050/1051 or Physics 1020/1021 or 1050/1051 or 1020/1051
Biology 1001
Principles of Biologyintroduces biology as a scientific discipline, outlines the unifying ideas in modern biology and then illustrates these ideas by examining selected aspects of the form, function and diversity of some major groups of living organisms.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Laboratory: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Note: Students who have written the College Board Advanced Placement Biology exam should consult the Advanced Placement Policy chart for possible awarding of credit.
Biology 1002
Principles of Biology is a continuation and extension of the principles embodied in Biology 1001.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Laboratory: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: Biology 1001
