Biology

University of Waterloo

Canada, Waterloo

University RankQS Ranking

115

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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 DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

CAD 24,560 / per year

Next Intake September-2026

Biology

About

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. Through co-op, you can graduate with nearly two years of paid work experience.

Biology offers a broad education, a wide variety of hands-on and communication skills, and a strong base of lab safety. You’ll graduate ready for a career in laboratory or field research, environmental assessment, education, health professions, or industry.

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

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

How to apply

Apply to Life Sciences and select Biology as your major.

Career

What can you do with a biology degree?

A degree in Biology can lead you to many career options. It's flexible enough to tailor your courses to meet the requirements for professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, or teaching. Many students continue their education with specialized Master's and PhD programs which can lead to jobs in the research industry or in academia.

Graduates often work in consulting, analysis, or technician positions in fields such as health care, microbiology, and genetics. Employers can range from agricultural companies, hospitals and health science centres, pharmaceutical companies, medical research centres, government, and energy companies. Education is also a popular area where graduates work as teachers, university lecturers and researchers, and more.

Sample graduates

Cellular Therapy Production Manager — Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Chiropodist/Foot Specialist — LifeSource Medical Centre
Clinical Research Assistant — Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health
Fishery Research Program Associate — Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Genetic Counsellor, Prenatal Diagnosis Clinic — McMaster University
Researcher — The Hospital for Sick Children
Microbiologist — Septodont, Novocol Pharmaceutical Division
Dietitian — Bridgepoint Health

Learn about the future of careers in science. Or thinking about a career in pharmacy? Learn how to become a pharmacist.