BSc Honours Biology

Honours Biology students at McGill gain hands-on experience through rigorous research, seminars, and writing a thesis. You'll benefit from access to cutting-edge core facilities, research seminar attendance, and the chance to present your work to colleagues and faculty. This experiential learning prepares you for graduate school and careers in science:

• Independent research project (9 or 12 credits) in your field of interest

• Attendance at 6 departmental research seminars (Cell and Molecular Biology & Organismal series)

• Oral thesis presentation at the Honours Symposium

• Access to facilities: Advanced Bioimaging Facility, Facility for Electron Microscopy, Flow Cytometry Core Facility, McGill Applied Genomics Innovation Core

• Access to computational and imaging software for data analysis

• Faculty mentorship and supervisory committee guidance

• Training in experimental design and scientific writing

• Field and laboratory-based research opportunities

• Participation in round-table meetings with visiting researchers

• Access to extensive digital and physical library collections

Capstone, Career Services & Employability:

• Strength in Astrophysics Research: McGill is home to Nobel-level and top-tier astrophysicists like Victoria Kaspi and research in radio transients, neutron stars, CHIME, excellent undergraduate mentorship and exposure.
• McGill’s Students' Society (SSMU) supports many clubs, including physics, astrophysics, and science outreach groups.

McGill’s BSc Honours Biology graduates are known for their strong research skills and broad scientific knowledge, leading to high employability across sectors. Typical job roles include research biologist, clinical research associate, conservation officer, and laboratory technologist, with alumni working in government, biotech, healthcare, and environmental organisations.

Here’s how McGill supports your career success:

• Career services: The Career Planning Service (CaPS) offers personalised career advising, job fairs, and access to thousands of employers, plus guidance on internships and research placements.

• Salary outcomes: Mid-career salaries for biology graduates are strong: research scientists earn around $74,800 USD, biologists $56,800 USD, and lab technologists $51,100 USD.

• Industry engagement: McGill’s Industry Liaison team connects students and researchers with industry partners for internships, collaborative projects, and technology transfer, opening doors to biotech, pharma, and environmental sectors.

• Global recognition: The Honours Biology program is internationally recognised, and McGill’s global reputation ensures long-term value for your degree.

• Graduate readiness: Graduates gain hands-on lab and field experience, critical thinking skills, and advanced communication abilities, making them highly competitive for both employment and further study.

Further Academic Progression: The Honours Biology program is designed to prepare you for graduate studies. You can progress directly to McGill’s MSc programs in Biology, which offer research opportunities in molecular biology, ecology, neurobiology, and more. Many graduates also pursue professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, or allied health, or continue their studies at top universities worldwide.