Program calendar icon Program Length

  • 4 Years

Program credential icon Credential

  • Bachelor Degree

Program option icon Options

  • Honours
  • Major
  • Minor

Program location icon Location Offered

  • Nanaimo

Find inspiration in the wild and wonderful – immerse yourself in the study of life at all levels. Whether you are fascinated by cellular biology, microbiology or the interactions between organisms and their environments, VIU’s Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology program has something to offer you. Designed to be experiential, our biology degree programs invite you to study local and global biological phenomena while contributing to research that has meaningful, real-world applications.

Take advantage of our small class sizes and learn and discover alongside your professor in the classroom, the lab and the field. Many of our graduates have continued on to further research and graduate studies, while others have entered successful careers in medicine, health sciences, natural sciences, teaching, physiotherapy, conservation, marine biology, and more.


The Biology (BSc) Program

The Bachelor of Science, Honours, Major and Minor in Biology emphasize a “hands-on,” integrative approach to learning. Smaller class sizes allow one-on-one interaction, fostering development of the student-mentor relationship. Versatility is a key feature of the Biology program.

Whereas the Major has a traditional core program, which all students must take, students can also select courses to suit their interests. For example, strong faculty expertise in Organismal Biology, Ecology, Molecular/Cellular Biology and Microbiology/Virology enables students to emphasize one of these directions. Students can also select electives from other departments (e.g., Fisheries, Forestry, Geography, Anthropology) to satisfy their degree requirements. In the final year, students have the option, depending on availability, to complete a comprehensive undergraduate research project, under the supervision of a Biology faculty member.

The Major will be of interest to those looking towards teaching, graduate school, professional schools such as Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine and Law, or employment as scientists in the Biological and Environmental Sciences.

The Minor will be of particular interest to students proceeding towards a career in Primary and Secondary Education, with plans for teaching a science curriculum.

For additional information on the program, faculty, and undergraduate research, please visit the VIU Biology website.

All B.Sc. students interested in the Biology Major or Minor must contact the B.Sc. Degree Advisor.

Requirements for a Major

See Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements. The 126 credits required for graduation are as follows:

Program ComponentCredits
Core courses72
Upper-level Biology electives (including specialization courses)21
Non-science electives6
Upper-level electives12
General electives15

Note: Most core, specialization, 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.

Year 1Credits

Select one of the following:

  • Complete all of:
  • Complete all of:
4

Select one of the following:

  • Complete all of:
    • BIOL 123 - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology)
  • Complete all of:
    • BIOL 123A - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Theory)
    • BIOL 123L - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory)
4

Select one of the following: 

  • Complete all of:
  • Complete all of:
4

Select one of the following:

  • Complete one of:
    • CHEM 141* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II)
    • CHEM 142* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II)
  • Complete all of:
    • CHEM 141A* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II Theory) 
    • CHEM 142L - (Chemistry Fundamentals II Laboratory)
  • Complete all of:
    • CHEM 142A* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II Theory) 
    • CHEM 142L - (Chemistry Fundamentals II Laboratory)
4
MATH 121 - (Calculus I) and,
MATH 122 - (Calculus II)
6
PHYS 111 - (Physics for the Life Sciences I) and,
PHYS 112 - (Physics for the Life Sciences II)
8
Degree English Requirements6

* 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.

Year 2Credits
BIOL 200 - (Principles of Cell Biology)3
BIOL 201 - (Principles of Biochemistry I)3
BIOL 202 - (Ecology)3
BIOL 210 - (Microbiology I)3
BIOL 212 - (Genetics)3
BIOL 223 - (Botany)3
CHEM 231 - (Organic Chemistry I)
CHEM 232 - (Organic Chemistry II)
6
MATH 203 - (Biometrics)3

 

Years 3 and 4Credits
Specialization Options 
BIOL 305 - (Animal Physiology)3
BIOL 402 - (Evolution)3
BIOL 403 - (Current Topics in Biology)3
Select twelve upper–level BIOL credits numbered 300** and above.
The following courses may be counted towards this requirement: FISH 322, FISH 324, FRST 328, FRST 351, FRST 352, GEOG 373, RMOT 306, RMOT 357, RMOT 400, and RMOT 401.
12
Students must complete at least one of the following specialization options: 
Microbial Biology 
Select nine credits chosen from:
BIOL 332 - (Microbial Ecology)
BIOL 334 - (Virology)
BIOL 336 - (Bacterial Genetics)
BIOL 337 - (Biochemistry and Physiology of Microbes)
BIOL 432 - (Applied Microbiology)
BIOL 436 - (Pathogenic Microbiology)
9
Molecular and Cellular Biology 
Select nine credits chosen from: 
BIOL 341 - (Molecular Cell Biology)
BIOL 342 - (Advanced Biochemistry)
BIOL 435 - (Immunology)
BIOL 443 - (Developmental Biology) 
BIOL 445 - (Molecular Genetics)
BIOL 465 - (Endocrinology)
9
Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology 
Select nine credits chosen from:
BIOL 310 - (Invertebrate Zoology)
BIOL 315 - (Parasitology) 
BIOL 320 - (Aquatic Ecosystems)
BIOL 322 - (Terrestrial Ecosystems)
BIOL 351 - (Population and Community Ecology)
BIOL 360 - (Intro to Animal Behaviour)
9

* 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.

** 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, faculty 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:

Years 1 and 2Credits

Select one of the following:

  • Complete all of:
  • Complete all of:
4

Select one of the following:

  • Complete all of:
    • BIOL 123 - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology)
  • Complete all of:
    • BIOL 123A - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Theory)
    • BIOL 123L - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory)
4

Select one of the following: 

  • Complete all of:
  • Complete all of:
4

Select one of the following:

  • Complete one of:
    • CHEM 141* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II)
    • CHEM 142* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II)
  • Complete all of:
    • CHEM 141A* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II Theory) 
    • CHEM 142L - (Chemistry Fundamentals II Laboratory)
  • Complete all of:
    • CHEM 142A* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II Theory) 
    • CHEM 142L - (Chemistry Fundamentals II Laboratory)
4
Select one of: 
MATH 203 - (Biometrics)
MATH 211 - (Fundamentals of Statistics I)
MATH 254 - (Statistics I)
3
BIOL 201 - (Principles of Biochemistry I)3
Select two** courses from the following:
BIOL 200 - (Introduction to Cell Biology) 
BIOL 202 - (Ecology)
BIOL 210 - (Microbiology I)
BIOL 212 - (Genetics)
BIOL 223 - (Botany)
6
CHEM 231 - (Organic Chemistry I)3

* 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.

Years 3 and 4Credits
Minimum of eighteen credits of Biology courses numbered 300 or above.*
Up to nine credits among the following courses may be counted towards this requirement: FISH 322, FISH 324, FRST 328, FRST 351, FRST 352, GEOG 373, RMOT 306, RMOT 357, RMOT 400, and RMOT 401.
 
18

* Check individual course prerequisites.

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.

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $163.14 per credit) 4,894.20
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) 195.77
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.21 per credit) 216.30
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month) 212.72
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) 265.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.) 1,500.00
Notes

*  The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters. For programs that require 4-credit courses, students should adjust the fee totals accordingly.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.

Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.43 per course.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.


International Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year Amount
Tuition (2 semesters x $10870.72 per semester) 21,741.44
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) 926.80
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month) 212.72
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) 265.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.) 1,500.00
Notes

Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.

Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.43 per course.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

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)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus
Application Fee:
$44.27
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:

Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250 740-6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Yuzo Ishida
Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca.

Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.

Visit the Department Website

Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.