BSc Biological Science

Ontario Tech University BSc in Biological Science is a five-year, on-campus Honours direct-entry co-op program. The program leads to employment in health, research, and environmental arenas, and includes all the pre-requisite courses for medical school and the MCAT. Students can pursue the general program or specialise in Applied Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Environmental Biology, or Marine Biology, with the further option of a Science and Management stream for careers in business.

Curriculum structure

• Year 1: You’ll lay the groundwork for your degree with a strong focus on core sciences. You’ll take Biology I: Molecular and Cellular Systems and Biology II: Diversity of Life and Principles of Ecology, gaining an introduction to fundamental biological concepts, molecular processes, and the diversity of organisms. Your studies will be supported by Chemistry I & II, Calculus I, and Physics for Life Sciences I, providing you with a strong base in physical sciences. You'll also begin building your computational and analytical capabilities with Scientific Computing Tools and take a Liberal Studies elective to enable you to look beyond your discipline.

• Year 2: You'll expand your knowledge of biological systems with classes in Introductory Physiology, Genetics and Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology. You'll build on your chemistry foundation with Organic Chemistry, and continue to strengthen your quantitative abilities with Statistics and Probability for Biosciences and Calculus II. Physics for Life Sciences II will complete your scientific foundation, while more electives give you the chance to begin pursuing areas of individual interest.

• Year 3: Is when you begin to specialise and tackle more advanced subject matter. You'll choose from Developmental Biology, Biochemistry II, Infection and Immunity, Ecology, Animal Physiology, and Evolution. By now, you'll also choose upper-level biology electives based on your interest and career intention, and maybe begin working on research projects or field-based learning, depending on the stream you've chosen (Applied Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Environmental Biology, or Marine Biology).

• Year 4: You will take upper-level, advanced coursework and start synthesising your knowledge through capstone experiences, co-op placements, or research. You are required to take a minimum of 12 credit hours of 4000-level biology courses, which can be in advanced environmental toxicology, pharmaceutical biotechnology, or bioethics, among other topics. If you are interested in research, you can apply to do an Honours Thesis or take Directed Studies under the supervision of faculty members. Additional upper-level electives and senior courses outside the Faculty of Science enable you to complete your degree and position yourself for graduate or professional paths.

• Year 5: Is dedicated to completing your degree requirements and gaining real-world experience. If you’re in the co-op stream, you’ll participate in full-time, paid work terms with industry, government, or research organisations, applying your academic knowledge in practical settings. You’ll finalise any remaining 4000-level biology and elective credits, complete your Honours Thesis or Directed Studies if applicable, and ensure all program and breadth requirements are satisfied for graduation.

Focus areas: Applied biotechnology, biomedical science, environmental biology, marine biology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, management

Learning outcomes: Laboratory and field research skills, data analysis, scientific communication, critical thinking, business acumen (if in management stream)

Reputation (employability rankings): Reputed for having strong industry partnerships and co-op placements; program meets all requirements for medical school and MCAT prep.