Biology major – Bachelor of Science

Quick Facts

Apply online

Credential:
Bachelor of Science

Duration:
4 years

Options:
Honours, major, minor, extended minor

How to apply

Start date:
January, May, September 

Location:
Abbotsford campus

Cost:
Tuition and fees

Features:

  • Field trips enhance classroom learning
  • Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
  • The most lab-intensive Bachelor of Science with a Biology major in B.C.
  • Opportunities in all four years for student-driven biology research, either with individual faculty or as part of regular courses.
  • Program eligible for financial aid

Program Description

Gain an excellent grounding in modern biology and obtain the working skills of a professional biologist with a UFV Bachelor of Science in Biology.

In your first and second year, you gain a foundational understanding of cell biology, biochemistry, and ecology/organism interactions. In your third and fourth year, you expand your knowledge through a wide range of upper-level courses. 

You may also choose to take advantage of extra-curricular learning opportunities through field trips, study tours, and directed studies. The UFV Biology faculty will support you every step of your academic journey — even in your own research undertakings.  

Customize your degree to your interests by choosing one of the following concentrations:

  • Pre-medicine/Pre-veterinary
  • Cellular, Molecular, and Genetics
  • Ecology and Biology of Organisms

The program:

  • offers you a rich lab-intensive experience for interactive, hands-on practice in laboratory and research skills.
  • encourages you to develop your own biology research, either with individual faculty guidance or as part of regular course material.
  • facilitates co-op placements and summer work experience with local companies and organizations.
  • prepares you for graduate or professional schools with concentrations in varied fields such as genetics, ecology, or pre-medicine.

Career Expectations

The Conference Board of BC reports that careers requiring knowledge of natural sciences offer a low unemployment rate and rising wages.

Biology degree holders are well placed to compete for entry-level positions in a variety of employment areas including land management, environmental protection, fish and wildlife service, the food and drug sector, geographical survey, health agencies, or agriculture.

A Biology degree is the essential starting point for graduate studies in various fields of biology, including biotechnology, environmental toxicology, neuroscience, ecology, and microbiology.

Entrance Requirements

Go to entrance requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Biology program in the UFV Academic Calendar.

International Student Admissions

This program is open for international students.

Upgrading Options

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements may complete upgrading to meet prerequisites for university-level courses. 

Prospective students should contact the Future Students office to learn more about upgrading options. 

Current or returning students should connect with the appropriate advising area based on the level of upgrading required:  

Questions?

Our Future Students team is here to help you understand your options and get ready to submit an application.

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