Biology

University of Waterloo

Canada, Waterloo

University RankQS Ranking

112

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University of Waterloo

Canada , Waterloo

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines6-May-2032

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

CAD 47,000 / year

Next Intake 6-May-2032

Biology

About

Study life. It's in your DNA.

Explore all aspects of life and living creatures – from cells and genes to species and diversity.

Some of the greatest scientific discoveries have occurred within the field of biology, including the mapping of the human genome, identifying the structure of DNA, and how photosynthesis works. All of these revelations happened because dedicated scientists looked at the world a little differently.

At Waterloo, you'll dive into your Biology major right from day one. And with more than 80 biology courses available, you've got plenty of options. From microbes and genes to plants and zoology, we've got something for anyone who's passionate about living systems.

You'll graduate ready for a career in laboratory or field research, environmental assessment, education, health professions, or industry. If you enrol in co-op, you'll also have up to two years of paid work experience to add to your resume.

Program highlights

Get boots-on-the-ground skills. Take advantage of hands-on field courses to study terrestrial, aquatic, or marine biology in locations such as Algonquin Park and Jamaica.
Meet other bio-nerds. Make some time in your schedule for the Biology Undergraduate Society (BUGS), which organizes student-professor nights, tutoring sessions, and a full calendar of social events.

Get boots-on-the-ground skills. Take advantage of hands-on field courses to study terrestrial, aquatic, or marine biology in locations such as Algonquin Park and Jamaica.
Meet other bio-nerds. Make some time in your schedule for the Biology Undergraduate Society (BUGS), which organizes student-professor nights, tutoring sessions, and a full calendar of social events.

Disciplines

Faculty of Science

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics

Admission averages: Low 80s

Career

What's the difference between Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Biochemistry?

Biology starts with a broad foundation in all aspects of the major. After first year, you can then use your many elective courses to focus on a specific aspect of biology such as plants, animals, or microbiology. Biomedical Sciences also starts off with a fairly general first year but keeps a focus on human and animal biology. It also includes more chemistry and physics than Biology so that your science knowledge is a bit broader if you're interested in attending medical school, etc. Biochemistry studies the chemical reactions in living systems so your courses will be about 60% chemistry with some biology and physics.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

CAD 47,000 / year

How to Apply

If you plan to be a full-time Waterloo student, you'll apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), which handles applications to each of Ontario's universities.

Applying through the OUAC means that you'll apply and/or submit grades to the OUAC instead of multiple Ontario universities. OUAC will send your information to each Ontario university you apply to.

Ontario high school students

If you're currently registered in an Ontario high school, you'll apply using the OUAC 101 application and your high school will send your grade information to us.

All other students

You'll use the OUAC 105 application for full-time studies and you'll need to arrange for your transcripts to be sent to us.

If you're interested in part-time or online studies, there is a separate application process.

Be sure to apply by the application deadline (February 1 for most programs).

Within two weeks of receiving your application from the OUAC, we'll email you with your Waterloo student number and any actions you might need to take.

Tips

We recommend adding [email protected] to your contacts to ensure you receive our emails.

Review our guide to applying to university for an overview of the application process.

Accessibility in the application process

If you require an accessibility accommodation for Waterloo's admissions process (such as needing application material in an alternate format), please email us.