BSc Biology

Saint Mary’s Biology students gain hands-on experience in newly renovated teaching and research laboratories, working closely with faculty on real-world projects. Small class sizes ensure personalized mentorship, and you’ll have access to advanced equipment for molecular biology, microscopy, and ecological analysis.

Experiential highlights include

• Undergraduate research: In genetics, ecology, physiology, and plant science, often as part of faculty-led projects

• Honours thesis or independent research supervised by professors

• Departmental teaching and research assistantships

• Field courses and study-abroad programs: For field ecological investigation

• Co-operative Education (Co-op): Work placements for paid, professional experience

• Annual research poster conference: Invitation to present your work

• Access to state-of-the-art labs: With specialised equipment for molecular and cell biology, ecology, and physiology

• Use of digital tools: For biostatistics and data analysis

• Community outreach and science communication projects

• Involvement in the Biology student organisation and networking events

Graduates of Saint Mary’s University’s BSc Biology (4 Years On Campus) program are highly employable, moving into roles such as wildlife conservation officer, geneticist, laboratory technician, environmental consultant, science policy advisor, science communicator, and more. Many alumni also pursue further studies in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, patent law, or graduate research.

Here’s how Saint Mary’s specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The program emphasises hands-on experience through newly renovated labs, small class sizes, and direct involvement in faculty research across genetics, ecology, behaviour, evolution, physiology, and plant science. Undergraduates are frequently invited to assist in ongoing research, work as research or teaching assistants, and can pursue their own research through the Biology honours degree. The Co-operative Education program offers professional work placements, and students can participate in field courses, study-abroad programs, and an active student society.

• Employment Stats & Salary: While Saint Mary’s does not publish program-specific employment rates, Canadian biology graduates typically start between $45,000–$55,000 CAD per year, with higher earnings as you gain experience or further credentials.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The Biology Department partners with organizations such as the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and local conservation authorities, providing students with internships, fieldwork, and research placements in areas like healthcare innovation, environmental consulting, and aquatic biology. Saint Mary’s is recognised for international research collaborations, with faculty and students working alongside institutions such as the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (France) and North Carolina State University (USA) on projects in plant biology, biofuels, and environmental science. Faculty are involved in national research networks, including NSERC, BioFuelNet, and the Atlantic Environmental Sciences Network, giving students exposure to cutting-edge research and industry trends. Undergraduates are frequently invited to assist in ongoing research, work as research or teaching assistants, and can pursue their own research through the Biology honours degree.

• Accreditation: The BSc Biology is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and fulfils prerequisites for graduate and professional programs (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, education).

• Graduate Outcomes: Students gain strong analytical, critical thinking, scientific analysis, and communication skills. Coursework covers molecular and cell biology, genetics, ecology, plant biology, vertebrate anatomy and physiology, evolutionary biology, biostatistics, microbiology, and the biology of cancer. Alumni report high satisfaction with the supportive, community-oriented environment and the accessibility of faculty.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc Biology at Saint Mary’s, you can pursue a Master’s (MSc) in Biology or related fields at SMU or other universities. The program also prepares you for professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, patent law, and education, supported by Saint Mary’s strong research culture and faculty mentorship.