BSc Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Trinity Western University

Program Overview

BSc Biology at Trinity Western University is a four-year, on-campus program offering a comprehensive study of life sciences, with a focus on biotechnology, health sciences, ecology, and environmental stewardship. The program is ideal for students seeking rigorous scientific training, hands-on research, and a curriculum shaped by a Christian worldview. You’ll explore topics like emerging diseases, genomics, and sustainability, preparing for careers in research, health, or education.

Curriculum structure:

  • Year 1: You will establish your scientific foundation with BIOL 113 (Principles of Biology I) with BIOL 198 Lab and BIOL 114 (Principles of Biology II) with BIOL 199 Lab, covering cell biology, genetics, biodiversity, and plant and animal biology. Support classes include CHEM 111 & 112 (General Chemistry I & II), ENGL (Academic Writing Requirement), FNDN 101 & 102 (Foundations courses), and RELS 110 & 111 (Religious Studies).

  • Year 2: Deepens your learning further with BIOL 223 (Genetics) and BIOL 281 (Ecology), together with CHEM 221 & 222 (Organic Chemistry I & II), MATH 123 (Calculus for Life Sciences), and STAT 203 (Introduction to Statistics). You will also take FNDN 201 (Foundations course), a Philosophy elective, and Aesthetic, Cultural, Experiential, Historical, and Social Inquiry core electives.

  • Year 3: Advances your study with BIOL 371 (Cell Biology), BIOL 384 (Microbiology), and BIOL 372 (Animal Physiology), plus PHYS 111 (Physics for the Life Sciences). You’ll select upper-level BIOL electives such as BIOL 212/312 (Plant Biology), BIOL 214/314 (Vertebrate Zoology), BIOL 315 (Marine Biology), BIOL 316 (General Ecology), BIOL 318 (Plant Environments), BIOL 308 (Developmental Biology), BIOL 360 (Functional Genomics), BIOL 345 (Human Anatomy), BIOL 333/334 (Advanced Topics), and additional electives.

  • Year 4: Is BIOL 386 (Biochemistry) and advanced BIOL electives with a minimum of 24 semester hours of 300- or 400-level coursework. Directed Studies or an Honours Thesis is not required, and you complete the remaining core and elective credits to achieve a total of 122 semester hours to allow space for research and upper-level concentrations.

Special areas: Cell biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology, plant biology, zoology, ecology, environmental biology

Learning outcomes: Scientific research and analysis, field and lab skills, critical thinking, scientific communication, ethical thinking

Reputation (employability rankings): Recognised for having small class sizes, excellent placement into graduate school, and effective faculty mentorship.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Biology students at TWU benefit from hands-on experience in the department's up-to-date facilities, located within the Neufeld Science Centre. The department takes pride in possessing four fully operational teaching labs, two research-based labs, and well-equipped preparative and storage rooms. The Cell and Molecular Biology Lab is the newest one, supporting current research and courses in genetics, cell biology, and molecular techniques. Students may also utilise a unique 60-acre Environmental Study Area (ESA) on campus, situated within the Salmon River floodplain. This living lab allows for direct observation of ecological processes, conservation, and biodiversity, including ongoing research on the threatened Oregon forest snail.

Experiential highlights include:

  • Laboratory courses: In cell biology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, and ecology

  • Research projects: In assigned research labs with faculty mentorship

  • Fieldwork and ecological studies: In the on-campus ESA, including salmon spawning and research on endangered species

  • Utilisation of equipment: In the Cell and Molecular Biology Lab

  • Independent research, Honours thesis, and group project opportunities

  • Development of field and laboratory skills: Integrated into all four years of study

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Trinity Western University’s BSc Biology program are highly employable, moving into roles such as research biologist, laboratory technologist, environmental consultant, biotechnologist, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, or graduate research, supported by the program’s strong academic and practical foundation.

Here’s how TWU specifically supports your future:

  • Career Services: TWU offers personalised advising, résumé workshops, job search support, and access to work and practicum opportunities. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies.

  • Employment Stats & Salary: While TWU-specific salary data isn’t published, biology graduates in BC typically start between $45,000–$55,000 CAD per year, with higher earnings as you gain experience or further credentials.

  • Industry Partnerships & Research: Students benefit from small class sizes, direct mentorship, and hands-on research in areas like cell biology, genetics, ecology, and environmental biology. Opportunities include summer research with faculty, travel study courses (e.g., botany/ecology in BC’s Gulf Islands or Hawaii), and practicum placements.

  • Accreditation: The BSc Biology is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and prepares students for professional and graduate programs.

  • Graduate Outcomes: Students gain extensive lab and field experience, develop critical thinking and scientific communication skills, and can pursue Honours specialisations in Cell & Developmental Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Ecology, or General Biology.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc Biology at TWU, you can pursue a master’s in in biology or related fields, or enter professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or education, supported by TWU’s strong academic reputation and research opportunities.

Program Key Stats

$23,940
$ 150
Sept Intake : 15th Mar


No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

BCC
3.0
24
70

NA
NA
6.5
88

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Biologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Marine Biologist
  • Geneticist
  • Research Scientist
  • Conservation Officer
  • Science Educator
  • Biotechnologist
  • Wildlife Biologist

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