Specialization in Biological Sciences [Science]

All students in Honors and Specialization programs in Biological Science take a common core of four BIOL courses in the first and second years. Thereafter, they follow the course sequence of one of the areas of concentration in either Honors or Specialization in Biological Sciences identified in Science Chart 2 Course Sequence in Biological Sciences. Students must declare an area of concentration and follow the appropriate course sequence. The title of the area of concentration will appear on their degree. Additional course requirements for Honors students include BIOL 499 and program specific courses. BIOL 499 , a directed research project, must be conducted on a topic appropriate to the student’s area of concentration. BIOL 499 is a recommended option for Specialization students.

Streams have been developed in Biological Sciences. These are lists of courses that provide guidance to students wishing to focus further on specific areas of Biology. Students in a program are not required to declare or follow a stream, and stream designations do not appear on transcripts. Streams are described in full on the Department of Biological Sciences website. Students should consult with advisors in choosing and following streams within their programs.

Students may receive block Transfer in the Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary or the University of Lethbridge if the appropriate courses are completed. Interested students may contact the Department of Biological Sciences for details.

Specialization in Biological Sciences

Admission to the BSc Specialization in Biological Sciences program see Admissions Chart 7: Science Specialization and Honors Requirements , Faculty of Science.

Continuation in the Specialization in Biological Sciences program requires successful completion of at least ★24 with a minimum 2.3 GPA in the previous Fall/Winter. In addition, graduation requires a minimum 2.3 GPA on all courses credited to the degree.

Effective September 2017, there will be no further admissions to BSc Honors or BSc Specialization in Animal Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Microbiology and Plant Biology. Students who entered one of these programs prior to September 2017 must complete all program requirements by April 30, 2024. Refer to the Calendar in effect at the time you were admitted or readmitted for the regulations governing the degree program requirements. The last BSc Honors or BSc Specialization in Animal Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Microbiology and Plant Biology will be granted at Spring Convocation 2024.

First-Year Core for BSc Specialization in Biological Sciences

The following courses are common to all programs:

BIOL 107 - Introduction to Cell Biology
BIOL 108 - Introduction to Biological Diversity
CHEM 101 - Introductory University Chemistry I
CHEM 164 - Organic Chemistry I OR
CHEM 261 - Organic Chemistry I
MATH 134 - Calculus for the Life Sciences I OR
MATH 114 - Elementary Calculus I OR
MATH 117 - Honors Calculus I OR
MATH 144 - Calculus for the Physical Sciences I OR
MATH 125 - Linear Algebra I
STAT 151 - Introduction to Applied Statistics I
★6 in Arts options (junior level ENGL or WRS recommended)
★6 in program-specific courses (see individual programs for requirements and recommendations).

Note

SCI 100 may be used in lieu of BIOL 107 , BIOL 108 , CHEM 101 , CHEM 164 and MATH 114 . SCI 151 may be used in lieu of STAT 151 .

Science Chart 2 Course Sequence in Biological Sciences

Animal Biology: Effective September 2017, there will be no further admissions to BSc Honors or BSc Specialization in Animal Biology. Students who entered one of these programs prior to September 2017 must complete all program requirements by April 30, 2024. Refer to the Calendar in effect at the time you were admitted or readmitted for the regulations governing the degree program requirements. The last BSc Honors or BSc Specialization in Animal Biology will be granted at Spring Convocation 2024.
Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology
Evolutionary Biology: Effective September 2017, there will be no further admissions to BSc Honors or BSc Specialization in Evolutionary Biology. Students who entered one of these programs prior to September 2017 must complete all program requirements by April 30, 2024. Refer to the Calendar in effect at the time you were admitted or readmitted for the regulations governing the degree program requirements. The last BSc Honors or BSc Specialization in Evolutionary Biology will be granted at Spring Convocation 2024.
Integrative Physiology
Microbiology: Effective September 2017, there will be no further admissions to BSc Honors or BSc Specialization in Microbiology. Students who entered one of these programs prior to September 2017 must complete all program requirements by April 30, 2024. Refer to the Calendar in effect at the time you were admitted or readmitted for the regulations governing the degree program requirements. The last BSc Honors or BSc Specialization in Microbiology will be granted at Spring Convocation 2024.
Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
Plant Biology: Effective September 2017, there will be no further admissions to BSc Honors or BSc Specialization in Plant Biology. Students who entered one of these programs prior to September 2017 must complete all program requirements by April 30, 2024. Refer to the Calendar in effect at the time you were admitted or readmitted for the regulations governing the degree program requirements. The last BSc Honors or BSc Specialization in Plant Biology will be granted at Spring Convocation 2024.

Science Internship Program

A Science Internship Program, is offered to students in the General, Specialization or Honors programs in Biological Sciences (see Science Internship Program for guidelines to the program).