BA Biology

Program Overview & Hands-On Learning

• The BSc Biology (Honours or Major) is built to be experiential and hands-on, with small class sizes enabling direct mentorship in labs, fieldwork, and research. Students can emphasize areas like ecology, microbiology, organismal biology, or molecular biology.

• Final-year students can choose to complete BIOL 491 – Undergraduate Research Projects in Biology, a full-year, faculty-supervised independent research project (undergrad thesis style), which partners students with advisors for planning, experimentation, and presentation.

Undergraduate Research & Research Funding

• VIU’s Undergraduate Research page confirms:

  • Many courses include in-class research training.

  • Research jobs (paid) are available starting in first year (~20% of placement roles are research-focused).

  • Funded research opportunities in second through fourth year.

  • Public presentation opportunities through the CREATE conference to share work to the community.

Fieldwork & Marine Experience

• Students participate in field courses including visits to the Deep Bay Marine Field Station and partner research centres such as the Applied Environmental Research Labs, Centre for Coastal Health, and Pacific Biological Station.

Graduates of Vancouver Island University’s 4-year BA in Biology program are uniquely prepared for careers that blend life sciences with the arts, social sciences, or education. Many move into roles such as environmental consultant, science educator (especially in primary or secondary education), policy analyst, technical writer, or work in fields like ecology, environmental science, and public health.

Here’s how VIU helps you launch your career:

• Career Services: VIU’s Career Studio offers drop-in advising, workshops, job search preparation, and specialised appointments through the Experience Hub to help you build your résumé, connect with employers, and prepare for interviews.

• Work-Integrated Learning: Through partnerships with BioTalent Canada and other organisations, students can access paid work placements in biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental sectors, with wage subsidies of up to $7,000 for eligible students.

• Industry Connections: The program encourages combining Biology with other disciplines like Geography, Anthropology, or Business, opening doors to interdisciplinary careers and networking opportunities across sectors.

• Accreditation: The BA in Biology is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and is especially valued for those interested in teaching science in schools or pursuing roles that require both scientific and communication skills.

• Graduate Outcomes: VIU BA grads report strong skill development in critical thinking, communication, and research, making them highly adaptable in a rapidly changing job market.

Further Academic Progression: After your BA in Biology, you can pursue a Bachelor of Education (BEd) for teacher certification, or continue to graduate studies such as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) in biology, environmental studies, or related fields. The program also supports entry into professional programs like law, science communication, or public policy, leveraging your interdisciplinary background for advanced academic and career opportunities.