Biology

Students pursuing a bachelor of science with a major in biology will normally take the following courses in their first year:

FALL SEMESTERWINTER SEMESTER
Mathematics 10901 Mathematics 1006 (or 1000)
Biology 1001 Biology 1002
Chemistry 10502,5 Chemistry 1051
Physics 1020 (1050)3 Physics 1021 (1051)3
English 10904
(critical reading and writing (CRW) course)
CRW course4
  1. Selection of a mathematics course depends on your background and ability. You should refer to the math course criteria chart prior to selecting your first-semester course. You may complete Mathematics 1000 in the fall semester and an elective in the winter semester, however you may elect to take Mathematics 1090 in preparation for Mathematics 1000.
  2. Selection of a chemistry course depends on your background and ability. Students should refer to the chemistry course criteria chart prior to selecting their first-semester course. 
    All biology majors are required to complete Chemistry 1050/1051. If you are not eligible to register for Chemistry 1050 in the fall semester, you can take Chemistry 1010 in the fall and Chemistry 1050 in the winter semester. It is strongly recommended that Chemistry 1051 be completed before beginning the second year of studies. It will be possible to take Chemistry 1051 in the spring semester. Students attending Grenfell Campus will normally complete Chemistry 1200/1001 in their first year.
  3. Selection of a physics course depends on your background and ability. You should refer to the physics course criteria chart prior to selecting your first-semester course. If you're registered in Physics 1050, you must also be registered in Mathematics 1000 (not 1090). The two first-year physics courses are required for the major in biology and should be completed in first year to avoid timetable conflicts that may arise in second year.
  4. You are required to complete six credit hours in CRW courses, including at least three credit hours in English.  Students attending Grenfell Campus will normally complete English 1000/1001.
  5. If you are considering taking either Chemistry 1050/1051 or Physics 1020/1021 (or 1050/1051) in your first year, it is highly recommended to prioritize the Chemistry courses. These courses are important prerequisites to second-level and upper year courses; delaying these courses may lead to scheduling difficulties further along in the program.

Contact information

For assistance with course selection, contact the Academic Advising Centre.

For additional program information visit the Department of Biology or contact Andrew Chaulk