Biology (BSc) in Canada at VIU Canada

Program Overview for Biology (BSc) in Canada:

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 Bachelor of Science, 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.

These are the international student eligibility for the Biology (BSc) in Canada

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Proof of English language proficiency
• International students who are BC high school graduates must have a minimum grade of “C” in English 12 for direct entry into an academic program.
• Official transcript of grades from high school (and post-secondary institutions where applicable).
• A minimum "C+" grade in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Pre-calculus 11, or equivalent. A mathematics assessment and placement examination is available for applicants without this admission requirement.

These are the domestic student eligibility for the Biology (BSc)

Canadian citizens and those with permanent residence status in Canada are eligible for admission to University Academic programs if they meet one of the following conditions:

• graduation from a B.C. secondary school, or equivalent, with a minimum “C” grade in either English 12 or English 12 First Peoples;
• visiting student from a college or university (a “Letter of Permission” from the home institution is required);
• a transfer student from a college or university (at least 24 transferable university-level credits completed);
• English 12 with a minimum "C+" grade or equivalent.
• A minimum "C+" grade in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Pre-calculus 11, or equivalent. A mathematics assessment and placement examination is available for applicants without this admission requirement.

These are the test eligibilities for the Biology (BSc) to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for Biology (BSc) in Canada.

Research and Teaching Interactions

Several VIU Faculty are engaged in collaborative research with scientists at PBS, located in Nanaimo. VIU Biology students are often involved in research projects or are employed during summers for field and laboratory work at PBS. Several VIU Biology faculty are also involved with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, situated on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island. T

his remote yet modern, the field station is used by faculty members engaged in marine biological research who may either teach courses there or use the excellent facilities for field trips to supplement courses. In addition, students may take advanced, field-oriented summer courses at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. 

Tropical Biology Field School in Belize

Belize, in Central America, has the most significant barrier reef in the western hemisphere, and about 70% of its rainforest remains intact. VIU’s 6-week Tropical Biology Field School studies coral reef and rainforest ecosystems of Belize.

• Spend 2 of the six weeks on the Cayes to study fish, invertebrates, plankton, and water quality of coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows.
• Investigate the relationships among water, soil, plants, and animals in three different habitats of the Sibun River watershed.

• Learn about the past and present cultures of this region.