The McGill University Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours Biology – Quantitative Biology is aimed at students interested in applying mathematics and physical sciences to address biological issues. The program offers two streams—Theoretical Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Physical Biology—combining a blend of challenging course work and practical research for excellent training in modern quantitative biology.
Curriculum structure
Year 1: You'll develop a solid core in the physical and natural sciences with courses like BIOL 219 Introduction to Physical, Molecular and Cell Biology, CHEM 212 Introductory Organic Chemistry, and MATH 222 Calculus 3. Early courses in statistics and programming set the stage for higher-level quantitative analysis.
Year 2: This year deepens your understanding with BIOL 215 Introduction to Ecology and Evolution, MATH 242 Analysis 1, and MATH 223 Linear Algebra. You’ll also study MATH 315 Ordinary Differential Equations and MATH 323 Probability, laying the groundwork for modelling biological systems.
Year 3: You will concentrate on your selected string of courses, and have senior-level electives like MATH 437 Mathematical Methods in Biology and MATH 447 Introduction to Stochastic Processes. The program concludes with an independent research project that applies theory to experiment under the guidance of a faculty member.
Focus areas: Theoretical Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Physical Biology, Mathematical Modelling, Computational Biology
Learning outcomes: Quantitative data analysis, mathematical modelling, computational research, interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific communication
Reputation (employability rankings): McGill University is placed among the top 50 universities globally on employability and academic reputation rankings (QS, Times Higher Education).
Students develop practical skills through laboratory courses, group projects, and independent research, using McGill’s core research facilities. You’ll access advanced platforms for imaging, genomics, and computational biology, and work alongside expert researchers in both experimental and theoretical settings. This approach ensures you’re ready for real-world challenges in quantitative biology:
Laboratory-based courses in molecular and cell biology
Independent research project under faculty supervision
Group projects in modelling and data analysis
Access to core facilities, including the Advanced Bioimaging Facility and Electron Microscopy Facility
Bioinformatics infrastructure through the Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics
Specialist training in Flow Cytometry and Metabolomics Innovation Resource
Workshops and seminars in quantitative biology and computational methods
Exposure to technology, including high-throughput genomics and animal models
Field courses at local and international study sites
Library and digital resources through McGill’s extensive academic platforms
Graduates of McGill’s BSc Honours Biology (Quantitative Biology) program are exceptionally well-prepared for careers at the cutting edge of science and technology. Within months of graduation, alumni move into roles such as research biologist, biostatistician, conservation officer, and pathology technician, working in academia, government, biotech, and environmental organisations.
Here’s why McGill gives you an advantage:
Career services: The McGill Career Planning Service (CaPS) offers tailored career advising, job fairs, and internship support, while the Department of Biology connects students to independent research projects and field courses for real-world experience.
Research integration: McGill’s Integrated Quantitative Biology Initiative (IQBI) links students to $12.5 million in research infrastructure and partnerships with leading institutions, providing hands-on experience with advanced technology and collaboration with international experts.
Global recognition: The degree is internationally recognised and accredited, opening doors to global opportunities and ensuring long-term professional value.
Academic preparation: Nearly all Honours graduates complete significant research projects, publish findings, and present at academic symposia, making them highly competitive for both industry and graduate programs.
Industry connections: McGill’s strong ties to biotech, healthcare, and environmental sectors translate into excellent employment outcomes and career mobility.
Further Academic Progression: After your BSc Honours in Quantitative Biology, you can pursue a master’s or PhD in fields like Quantitative Life Sciences, Computational Biology, or Ecology at McGill or other top universities. The program’s rigorous interdisciplinary training also supports entry into professional schools (medicine, dentistry, etc.) and advanced research programs, with McGill’s own Quantitative Life Sciences PhD offering a direct pathway for ambitious graduates.
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