BSc Biology

Practical Learning Exposure:

• Offers field trips integrated into courses, enhancing classroom learning through real-world exposure.

• Declared as one of the most lab-intensive BSc Biology degrees in British Columbia, with mandatory lab components each year.

• Encourages student-driven research opportunities: work with faculty or participate in research embedded in courses across all four years.

• Program facilitates Co‑op placements and summer work experience in relevant biology-related fields with local organizations or companies.

From UFV’s Co-operative Education page:

• UFV’s Co-operative Education (Co‑op) program combines academics with paid, career-related work terms (4, 8, or 12 months).

• Students apply to Co‑op via CareerLink by specified monthly deadlines (e.g., last Monday of each term). Placements are competitive.

• Biology students may participate in Co‑op to gain real-world employment experience alongside their degree.

Graduates of the University of the Fraser Valley’s BS Biology (4 Years, Optional Co-op) program are highly employable, moving into roles such as research biologist, laboratory technologist, environmental consultant, conservation biologist, microbiologist, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue further studies in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, or graduate research, supported by the program’s strong academic and practical foundation.

Here’s how UFV specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Co-op Program: The optional co-op placement provides paid, hands-on work experience in your field of study, allowing you to build your résumé and professional network before graduation. Co-op students often secure placements with local companies, government agencies, environmental organisations, and research labs, gaining real-world skills that make them more competitive for employment after graduation.

• Employment Stats & Salary: Biology graduates in BC typically start between $45,000–$55,000 CAD per year, with higher earnings as you gain experience or further credentials. The Conference Board of BC reports low unemployment and rising wages for natural sciences graduates.

• Industry Partnerships: UFV Biology partners with local employers in land management, environmental protection, fish and wildlife services, food and drug sectors, health agencies, and agriculture, providing opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and networking.

• 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—the program is noted as one of the most lab-intensive in BC—and can customise their degree with concentrations in Pre-medicine/Pre-veterinary, Cellular, Molecular & Genetics, or Ecology & Biology of Organisms. Opportunities include field trips, study tours, directed studies, and independent research with faculty mentorship, preparing graduates for both employment and further academic study.

Further Academic Progression: After your BS Biology at UFV, you can pursue a Master’s in Biology or related fields, or enter professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or education, supported by UFV’s strong research environment and faculty mentorship.