- Program Length4 Years
- CredentialBachelor Degree
-
Location OfferedNanaimo
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 Component | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Core courses |
72 |
|
Upper-level Biology electives (including specialization courses) |
21 |
|
Non-science electives |
6 |
|
Upper-level electives |
12 |
|
General electives |
15 |
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 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Select one of the following: |
4 |
|
Select one of the following: |
4 |
|
Select one of the following: |
4 |
|
Select one of the following:
|
4 |
|
6 |
|
|
PHYS 111 - (Physics for the Life Sciences I) and, |
8 |
|
6 |
* 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 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
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) |
6 |
|
MATH 203 - (Biometrics) |
3 |
|
Years 3 and 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
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. |
12 |
|
Specialization Options |
|
|
Students must complete at least one of the following specialization options: |
|
|
Microbial Biology |
|
|
Select nine credits chosen from: |
9 |
|
Molecular and Cellular Biology |
|
|
Select nine credits chosen from: |
9 |
|
Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology |
|
|
Select nine credits chosen from: |
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 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Select one of the following: |
4 |
|
Select one of the following: |
4 |
|
Select one of the following: |
4 |
|
Select one of the following:
|
4 |
|
Select one of: |
3 |
|
BIOL 201 - (Principles of Biochemistry I) |
3 |
|
Select two** courses from the following: |
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 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Minimum of eighteen credits of Biology courses numbered 300 or above.* |
18 |
* Check individual course prerequisites.
- General admission requirements apply.
- A minimum "B" grade in either Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12.
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.
Work Placement Opportunities
Research and Teaching Interactions
VIU Faculty and students enjoy interaction with two renowned marine facilities: the Pacific Biological Station (PBS) and the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Both are among the most prominent, prestigious marine facilities on the west coast of North America and offer exciting experiences for students. 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/or 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. This remote, yet modern, 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. For details of course offerings, visit the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre website.
Tropical Biology Field School in Belize
Belize, in Central America, has the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, and about 70% of its rainforest remains intact. VIU’s Tropical Biology Field School studies coral reef and rainforest ecosystems of Belize.
- Spend time on the Cayes to study fish, invertebrates, plankton, and water quality of coral reefs, mangrove forests, and sea grass meadows.
- Investigate the relationships among water, soil, plants and animals in different terrestrial ecosystems.
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 $166.40 per credit) |
4,992.00 |
|
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
199.68 |
|
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit) |
220.50 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
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 |
|
Total |
7,397.98 |
* 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 $11996.55 per semester) |
23,993.10 |
|
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) |
926.80 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
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 |
|
Total |
26,905.70 |
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.
UpdatedThe 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 | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Aug 10, 2025
|
Nanaimo
|
|
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Comments
|
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025
|
Nanaimo
|
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Jamie Mollins 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.
Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.
Caitlin Smith
“The biology program at VIU has given me a different perspective on the world. Learning about the diversity of life on the planet and how and why living things are the way they are has given me an even greater appreciation for nature and has allowed me to see the world how it actually is. I believe I matter at VIU because, with such small class sizes, it allows you to actually get to know your professors, and you can tell how each one cares to see all of their students succeed.”
Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.