Terrestrial and aquatic ecology, environmental issues, wildlife biology, plant and animal physiology, microbiology, and microbial diseases are just some of the areas you can explore in our Biology programs.
The U of R’s Biology programs provide hands-on, experiential learning with specialized laboratories as well access to state-of-the-art equipment and technologies in faculty and staff research labs.
The Biology Department has one Tier-1 Canada Research Chair, several NSERC panel members, and editors and associate editors of key Canadian and international scientific journals. Several of our biology professors are recognized leaders in undergraduate education.
In addition to the general biology program, you can also choose from two optional areas to focus your studies:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Area of Concentration
- Ecology and Environmental Biology Area of Concentration
You can also choose a Bachelor of Science combined major in Biology and Geography, as well as BSc and BSc Hons programs in Environmental Biology (these are “2+2” programs).
Graduates may go on to a variety of careers in both the private and public sectors, applying the knowledge and hands-on learning experiences they gained from their program.
What is Biology?
Biology is the scientific study of life on earth, which emerged more than 3.7 billion years ago. Biologists study and classify the various forms of life, and how organisms contribute to the biodiversity of an ecosystem. Biology is a natural science with a broad scope, which includes cell theory, ecosystems, evolution, phylogeny, and genetics.
Some specialty courses in biology at the U of R include:
Medical Microbiology
Medical Microbiology is the study of aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology of infectious diseases of humans, caused by bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic organisms.
Conservation Biology
Conservation Biology examines the processes that affect biodiversity. The goal of this course is to apply principles of ecology and evolution to understand the importance of biodiversity and the significance of recent human-induced changes.
Animal Developmental Biology
Animal Developmental Biology is an overview of the major cellular and molecular events during early embryonic development in animals. Following discussions from fertilization to an outline of the body plan, the development of selected organ systems will be studied in greater depth. The role of gene activity in the regulation of development will be emphasized.
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Genomics and Bioinformatics covers the fundamental theories and bioinformatics methodologies underlying comparative evolutionary and functional genomics with examples from bacteria, plants, animals, and humans.
Modelling Biological Data
Modelling Biological Data is a guide to contemporary methods for fitting quantitative models to biological data. Emphasizes practical skills in using software for implementing models, testing hypotheses, and making predictions about biological and ecological systems.