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The Mount Allison University BSc Biology is a four-year on-campus undergraduate degree offering a comprehensive study of living organisms, their processes, and their interactions. It suits students seeking hands-on research, fieldwork, and a strong scientific foundation for graduate studies or a professional career in biology and related fields.
Curricular structure:
Year 1: Provides your basis in Foundations of Biology (BIOL 1001), Cell Biology (BIOL 1501), and Introductory Biochemistry (BIOC 1001), covering organismal biology, cell structure, and biochemical fundamentals in lectures and labs.
Year 2: Deepens your understanding with Introduction to Ecology (BIOL 2101), Genetics & Evolution (BIOL 2811), and Form and Function courses focusing on microorganisms, plants, and animals. You’ll also take Introductory Design & Statistical Analysis (BIOL 2701) to develop your research and analytical skills.
Years 3 and 4: Offer specialist electives such as Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Developmental Biology, Applied Genetics, Environmental Microbiology, Ornithology, Neurophysiology, Animal and Human Physiology, and Theoretical Ecology. You can further specialise through independent research or Honours projects, gaining expertise in your chosen area.
Focus areas: Cell biology, ecology, genetics and evolution, animal and plant diversity, marine biology, environmental microbiology
Learning outcomes: Scientific inquiry and analysis, laboratory and field methods, data analysis, critical thinking, scientific communication
Reputation (employability rankings): Top 20 biology programs in Canada (Maclean's 2020); Mount Allison ranked #1 primarily undergraduate university in Canada multiple times.
You’ll develop practical skills through extensive labs, fieldwork, and undergraduate research—often starting as early as your second year. The program emphasises hands-on learning, with opportunities for paid internships, summer research assistantships, and independent study projects. The Office of Experiential Learning and Career Development supports tailored experiences to match your interests.
Experiential learning opportunities include:
Laboratory courses in cell biology, ecology, genetics, and physiology
Fieldwork in local ecosystems and community-based projects
Paid internships with international and local organisations
Summer research assistantships and undergraduate research projects
Independent study courses are designed with faculty mentorship
Service learning and volunteerism projects
Teaching assistantships and peer tutoring
Guest speakers, scientific conferences, and consulting projects
Field and laboratory equipment, and state-of-the-art research labs
Mount Allison University’s BSc Biology graduates enjoy outstanding outcomes — many move into roles such as medical researcher, environmental biologist, health policy analyst, wildlife or aquatic biologist, government research scientist, and science educator. Acceptance rates to top graduate and professional schools (including medicine and veterinary medicine) are exceptionally high, and alumni can be found in leadership roles worldwide.
Here’s how Mount Allison sets you up for success:
Career & Research Support: The Biology program emphasises hands-on learning, with small class sizes, direct faculty mentorship, and extensive lab and field research opportunities. Many students work alongside professors on summer research projects or independent studies, gaining real-world experience and building professional networks.
Employment Stats & Salary: While specific salary data isn’t published, biology graduates in Canada typically start between $45,000–$55,000 CAD per year, with strong growth as you gain experience.
Industry & Academic Partnerships: The department’s connections with government, environmental agencies, and research institutes provide access to internships, fieldwork, and collaborative projects.
Accreditation: Mount Allison’s Biology program is ranked among the top 20 in Canada and is fully recognised for entry into graduate and professional programs.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates gain advanced lab, analytical, and research skills, making them highly competitive for employment or further study. Alumni boast high acceptance rates to top graduate and professional schools, including medicine, law, and veterinary programs.
Further Academic Progression: After your BSc Biology, you can pursue Mount Allison’s own MSc in Biology, which offers research-based training in areas like ecology, molecular biology, animal physiology, and neurophysiology, or continue to PhD or professional programs (medicine, veterinary
10th & 12th-grade transcripts / predicted gradesEnglish test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)Math (minimum of pre-calculus) and normally two of biology, chemistry, or physics at the senior high school level.International Baccalaureate: HL Biology and Mathematics recommendedA Levels: Biology and Mathematics required, plus five GCSEs including English and MathematicsHighlight research experience, science competitions, or unique extracurriculars in your applicationSubmit a link to your resume, portfolio, or any science-related projects or YouTube channelApply online via the Mount Allison University application portalMedical professionalHealth policy analystMedical researcherZoologist/VeterinarianEpidemiologistWildlife/Aquatic biologistEnvironmental biologistMicrobiologistGovernment research scientistEducation professional
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Mount Allison University
