Biology Programs

Students have the opportunity to study Biology at one of the following levels of concentration: General, Minor, Major or Honours. BSc Honours and Major Programs are intended for those planning to become professional biologists. Both require a core of Biology courses, corequisite courses in the other sciences and a selection of upper-level courses suited to the interests of individual students. The Honours Program requires undergraduates to undertake a research project including the writing and defense of an Honours thesis. Students intending to pursue research or continue their studies for MSc or PhD degrees should consider the Honours Program. The distinctive character of BSc or BA General Programs is the variety of course options possible. Students in these programs may wish to combine a concentration in Biology with one in another science area (BSc) or an arts area (BA). Such interdisciplinary programs may be advantageous to students considering a postgraduate degree in the Health Sciences or Education.

Biology Courses for Non-Majors

The Biology department offers several courses for students not undertaking an undergraduate program in Biology. These courses cover areas of Biology of general interest and relevance. Courses in this category include BIOL 150A, 150B, 334, and 400. Certain other courses may be taken with the permission of the instructor.

Biology Courses Offered Through the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

Marine Science courses (MRNE courses in the course listings) are offered at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, the majority during the summer months. Registration information for the Summer Program is available from the Biology department and our website: <www.bms.bc.ca>.

Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre also offers a 7.5 unit Fall Program. Students accepted into this program will have at least third-year standing in Biology. Contact the Biology department for further information.

Bamfield courses taken by students at the University of Victoria will be treated as if they had been offered by the Biology department at the University of Victoria in determining the student’s Grade Point Averages, and in satisfying University, Faculty, and departmental program requirements.