BSc Biology or Biologie

York University’s BSc Biology (3-Year) is a flexible, research-driven program offered in both English and French, exploring life from molecules to ecosystems. You’ll study genetics, cell biology, physiology, ecology, and evolution, with small classes and hands-on labs. The program is ideal for students interested in conservation biology, animal behaviour, ecology, and other areas of the life sciences, providing a strong foundation for careers or further study.

Curricular structure:

• Year 1: You’ll start with foundational courses, including GL/BIOL 1000 6.00 – Introduction to Biological Science / Introduction aux sciences biologiques, a comprehensive course introducing core concepts in cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. This course is offered in both English and French, with integrated labs and tutorials to develop foundational scientific skills.

• Year 2: You’ll progress to core courses including GL/BIOL 2150 3.00 – Introduction to Genetics / Introduction à la génétique, GL/BIOL 2203 6.00 – Utilisation et conservation des ressources biologiques (Use and Conservation of Biological Resources), and GL/BIOL 2300 3.00 – General Ecology. You’ll also take GL/BIOL 2310 3.00 – Fundamentals of Conservation Biology and GL/BIOL 2325 3.00 – Zoology, deepening your understanding of genetics, resource management, ecology, and animal biology.

• Year 3: You may choose from upper-year specialty courses such as GL/BIOL 3200 6.00 – Historical Trends in Human-Environmental Interrelationships, GL/BIOL 3206 3.00 – Human Parasitology, GL/BIOL 3225 3.00 – Biology of Insects and Related Arthropods, GL/BIOL 3305 3.00 – Evolution and Ecology of Humans, GL/BIOL 3310 3.00 – Avian Ecology, and GL/BIOL 4300 3.00 – Environmental Physiology. Within these courses, you may specialize in parasitology, entomology, human evolution, avian biology, or physiological adaptation.

• Year 4 (optional for Honours or advanced students): You may pursue a research-based capstone such as GL/BIOL 4000 3.00/6.00 – Honours Thesis in Biology / Projet de recherche or pursue upper-level electives such as GL/BIOL 4210 3.00 – Insect Herbivore Ecology, GL/BIOL 4215 3.00 – Animal Communication and Sensory Ecology, or GL/BIOL 4975 3.00/6.00 – Professional Work Placement / Placement en milieu de travail to acquire hands-on work experience in a professional setting.

This course provides a flexible, bilingual stream through foundation and advanced biology units with a strong emphasis on genetics, ecology, conservation, animal biology, and research or work-integrated learning.

Area of concentration: Genetics, cell biology, physiology, ecology, evolution, molecular biology, environmental biology, biotechnology, conservation, research skills

Learning outcomes: Scientific literacy, laboratory skills, data analysis, research competence, communication, teamwork, fieldwork, critical thinking, ethical awareness, professional readiness

Reputation (employability rankings): York Biology is home to world-renowned faculty and has excellent graduate opportunities in the Toronto life sciences sector.