BSc Biology

Labs & Course-Based Research

• All required Biology courses include laboratory components, enabling hands‑on learning in molecular, cellular, ecological, and evolutionary biology. You’ll gain technical and scientific communication skills through experiments and data analysis.

• Upper-year students can engage in 4000‑level directed research, including lab or field projects, literature reviews, or independent study courses, often under faculty supervision.

Internships through the Oxley & Co‑op/WIL Centre

• MSVU offers an optional Arts & Science Internship (specific course BSCI 3399 for Science students), a paid, one-unit work term (13–17 weeks) with government, non-profit, or corporate partners. It integrates professional experience with academic credit.

• Internships require minimum CGPA (~3.0), completion of ~15 units, declared major, participation in professional development, and full-time enrollment before and after the term. Enrollment is competitive (max 5 Science students/year).

Oxley Discovery Internships

• Through the Oxley Integrated Advising Program, students can complete Oxley Discovery Internships after first year. These offer elective credit: 60 h = 1 credit, up to 120 h = 3 credits. Available across Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer.

Research Assistant Roles & Faculty Projects

• Biology students are encouraged to join faculty research labs as volunteer or paid research assistants, working on projects in plant biology, animal science, microbial ecology, and physiology. Research infrastructure includes national lab facilities.

 Career & Experiential Learning Support

• At MSVU, every Science student has access to co‑op and internship pathways, professional workshops, volunteer leadership, and on-campus job opportunities—all organized through the Co‑op & WIL Centre.

Graduates of Mount Saint Vincent University’s BSc Biology program are highly employable, moving into roles such as laboratory technologist, environmental consultant, research scientist, and science educator. Many also pursue professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or graduate research.

Here’s how MSVU sets you up for success:

• Career Services & Support: The university offers personalised advising, résumé help, job search workshops, and access to a new paid internship program in Science, allowing you to gain hands-on work experience before graduating.

• Employment Stats & Salary: The average salary for MSVU science grads ranges from CAD $41,540–$61,435. Biology graduates in Canada typically find work within six months, and MSVU’s strong support network helps maintain high placement rates.

• Industry Partnerships: MSVU’s Industry Liaison Office connects students with research partnerships, internships, and projects in collaboration with private companies, government, and community organisations. Students can also work as research assistants or participate in directed research projects in areas like plant biology, animal science, and microbial biology.

• Accreditation & Recognition: The BSc Biology is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and graduates are prepared for professional designations or further study.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students gain advanced lab and field skills, critical thinking, and scientific communication abilities, making them competitive for employment or further education. Many alumni are accepted into health professions, environmental sciences, resource management, biotechnology, and research roles.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc Biology at MSVU, you can pursue graduate studies such as an MSc or PhD in biology or related sciences at MSVU or other universities. The program is also an excellent pathway to professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and education, supported by MSVU’s strong academic and research environment.