BSc Biology

StFX Biology students acquire hands-on proficiency in state-of-the-art, modern facilities in J. Bruce Brown Hall. The department offers specialised research and teaching labs for cell biology, genetics, physiology, microbiology, and ecology. Students utilize state-of-the-art microscopy, molecular biology, and environmental analysis equipment and make use of proximity to diverse field sites around Nova Scotia.

Honours Thesis & Independent Research

• Biology honours students undertake BIOL 475 (Honours Thesis I) and BIOL 493 (Honours Thesis II) in their fourth year. These courses involve:

  • Designing and conducting original laboratory or field research

  • Collecting and analyzing data

  • Presenting findings through departmental seminars and final written thesis
    (Detailed in the Honours Program overview)

• Students begin research preparation in BIOL 391, then connect with a faculty supervisor by mid‑January of Year 3. The research proposal is submitted in early October of Year 4, followed by presentation and final thesis submission.

• The Biology Department at StFX offers a Co‑op program for students wishing to combine academic study with paid, discipline-related work placements. Co‑op details—application, eligible terms, and process—are accessible via the Biology undergraduate program page.

Service Learning & Field Experience

• StFX is recognized for pioneering Service Learning—courses and immersive programs integrating academic learning with community or international service (e.g., Belize, Ghana). While not biology-specific, these opportunities are open to all undergraduates, including biology students, to gain hands-on learning beyond the campus.

Lab Experience, Fieldwork & Research Exposure

• The university emphasizes learning through lab experience guided by faculty, along with fieldwork opportunities that help students apply classroom concepts to real-world contexts in ecosystems local to Antigonish and beyond.

Graduates of St. Francis Xavier University’s BSc Biology program are highly employable, with many securing positions or further study within six months of graduation. Typical job roles include research biologist (e.g., Fisheries and Oceans Canada), laboratory technologist (e.g., Nova Scotia Health Authority), environmental consultant (e.g., Dillon Consulting), aquatic biologist (e.g., Environment and Climate Change Canada), and science educator (e.g., Nova Scotia Department of Education). Many alumni also pursue further studies in medicine (Dalhousie University), dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, or graduate research at top institutions.

Here’s how StFX specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: StFX’s Career Services Centre provides one-on-one advising, résumé and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and annual Science Career Fairs. The Co-operative Education Program allows you to complete up to three paid work terms (12–16 weeks each) with employers such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, and biotech firms. Students participate in faculty-led research, directed studies, and Honours thesis projects, with opportunities for conference presentations and publications.

• Employment Stats & Salary: Nova Scotia’s university graduate employment rate is 87% within six months. Entry-level biology graduates in Atlantic Canada typically earn $45,000–$55,000 CAD per year; those with co-op or research experience may start higher.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The Biology Department partners with organizations like the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and local conservation authorities for internships, fieldwork, and research placements. Students access state-of-the-art labs and field equipment, and conduct research in diverse habitats such as the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Antigonish Harbour, and Kejimkujik National Park.

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

• Graduate Outcomes: Students gain extensive lab and field experience through required courses (e.g., BIOL 111/112, BIOL 201, BIOL 202) and upper-year electives in Marine Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, and Aquatic Biology. The program offers six areas of concentration: Health Sciences, Ecology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Animal Biology, Plant Biology, and Aquatic Biology. Graduates develop strong analytical, research, and scientific communication skills, making them competitive for employment and further study.

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