2025-2026 Academic Year
Chair – Tamara Anne Franz-Odendaal, BSc, BSc(Med)(Hons), MSc, PhD (University of Cape Town), Post-doc (Dalhousie Univ.), Professor
- Health, Veterinary and Plant Sciences
- Evolution, Ecology and Environment
- Neuroscience and Biological Psychology
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
Our graduates have pursued careers in the animal and human health professions, environmental sciences, resource and wildlife management, journalism, public relations, biotechnology, education, conservation and research. Consult department faculty to learn about pathways to these careers.
Students curious about research can gain experience in hands-on research by becoming involved in active faculty research. This may take the form of one or more 4000-level courses in directed literature, laboratory or field research extending over a single term or a full academic year (BSc Honours). Alternatively, students can work as part-time or full-time research assistants or volunteer in our research laboratories. Our research laboratories are well equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure to support a range of biological questions and research field areas.
Our vision is that undergraduate students in our department will gain a solid foundation in a broad range of biological fields, will gain transferable skills to prepare them for a diverse range of jobs and will have the opportunity to experience research by gaining practical skills, job opportunities and access to advanced technical equipment. We strive to provide flexibility and accessibility in our program.
The Biology department’s program outcomes are that students are able to:
(1) demonstrate, apply and explain core biological concepts, principles and mechanisms,
(2) obtain effective oral, written and visual scientific communication skills,
(3) apply safe laboratory practices, design experiments, and analyze and interpret scientific data, and
(4) gain generalised skills such as the ability to critically read and evaluate scientific research, demonstrate deductive reasoning, generate meaningful arguments using scientific concepts and apply the principles of ethical scientific conduct and academic integrity.
Any student wishing to complete a major, concentration or minor in Biology should contact the Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success for help with planning their academic program.
Numerous scholarships are available for students in biology. See our department website for the application process.
Admission Requirements
Review sections 2.1.4 Admission Requirements and 2.1.6 Additional Admission Requirements.
Students may count courses from a major, concentration and/or minor towards a second major, concentration and/or minor; however, students must complete a minimum of 50 percent of unique courses toward the second major, concentration and/or minor, unless otherwise stated in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.