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Program Requirements

2025-2026 Academic Year

Chair – Tamara Anne Franz-Odendaal, BSc, BSc(Med)(Hons), MSc, PhD (University of Cape Town), Post-doc (Dalhousie Univ.), Professor

Biology is the scientific study of past and present life. The Department of Biology offers programs and courses that introduce students to fundamental and specialized biological knowledge and train students in scientific thinking and biological investigation and communication. The BSc Major, Combined Major and Major with Honours programs all provide a thorough grounding in the organismal perspective of biology – that is, in the many ways organisms (including humans) make their livings, grow, develop, interact with other organisms and their environments, regulate internal conditions and processes, and reproduce. Required courses in the BSc programs introduce students to the incredible diversity of the animal, plant and microbial worlds and to the unifying disciplines (cell and molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and metabolism, developmental biology, ecology and evolutionary biology) that indicate descent of all organisms from a common ancestor. All required courses have laboratory components in which students learn “hands-on” from nature and develop practical lab skills and techniques of data-analysis and written and oral scientific communication.

Students in BSc programs can acquire specialized knowledge in Biology by completing elective biology courses at the 2000-, 3000- and 4000-levels. A student may choose courses that deepen knowledge of a particular group of organisms (plants, animals, humans, microbes or fungi) or follow a path of required and elective courses that would prepare them for careers in a range of biological areas, such as:

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 the departmental website and bulletin board for pathways to these careers.

Students interested in research can satisfy their curiosity and learn about scientific culture and communication by becoming involved in 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 withcutting-edge infrastructure to support a range of biological questions and research field areas.

The department’s objectives for students in biology and non-biology programs are the same:

ensure students gain knowledge in core biological concepts,
ensure students advance their scientific communication skills,
ensure students gain hands-on laboratory skills, and
ensure students gain general skills such as working collaboratively, understanding the principles of ethical scientific conduct, to evaluate scientific research and statistical analyses.

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 programs.

Any student wishing to complete a major, concentration or minor in Biology should consult a faculty member or contact the Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success for help with planning an academic program.

Numerous scholarships are available for students in biology. See our website for the application/nomination process.

(View the course planning guide here)

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.

Major

The degree with a major is intended for those students with a clearly focused interest who wish to gain knowledge in depth of a single discipline..

Students intending to complete the major degree must declare their intention to do so before they register for their sixth unit of coursework. Students who do not make this declaration within this time frame will not be permitted to register for further coursework.

The Mount also offers a limited enrollment BSc internship option.

Students must successfully complete 20.0 units with the following requirements:
❏ a minimum of 8.0 and a maximum of 10.0 units in the major as follows:

BIOL 1152, 1153, 2240, and 3312
1.0 unit selected from BIOL 2203, 2204, 2207
1.0 unit selected from BIOL 3309, 3310, 3322
BIOL 3374
2.5 additional units of BIOL at the 2000 level or above
Note: BIOL 2201 and 2202 may not be used to fulfill the requirements for a major in Biology
1.0 additional units of BIOL at the 3000 level or above
a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in the required 8.0 units of BIOL

❏ CHEM 1011, 1012 and 2401
❏ MATH 1113, 2208 and 2209
or
❏ MATH 1113, 2500 and 3304
❏ a minor consisting of 3.0 units in a science field (Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Science Communication, Statistics and Data Analytics or designated Applied Human Nutrition courses) as specified by the department offering the minor. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units
❏ students may choose a second 3.0 unit minor in any area that offers a minor or up to 2.5 additional units of arts or science electives
❏ 1.0 unit from each core group A, B, and C listed under the Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) (exclusive of the major):

Core A – Sciences & Mathematics (1.0 unit)
(Note: Core A is fulfilled by CHEM/MATH requirement)
Core B – Social Sciences (1.0 unit)
Core C – Humanities (1.0 unit)

❏ at least 9.0 units must be at the 2000 level or above
❏ Note: No more than 4.0 units from professional areas may be counted toward the degree. Courses included in the Applied Human Nutrition science minor will not be counted as professional electives.

Special Studies
Students may count a maximum of 4.0 units of directed/independent/research studies courses towards the degree, with no more than 2.0 units in any single discipline.

Major Certificate

Students who have graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Science General Studies degree may apply to do a major certificate. Students must fulfill the requirements for the major degree listed above.

Combined Major

The combined major degree is intended for those students who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of two disciplines. Students must declare a major or combined major before registering for their sixth unit of coursework. Students who do not make this declaration within this time frame will not be permitted to register for further coursework.

The Mount also offers a limited enrollment BSc Combined major internship option.

Students must successfully complete 20.0 units. In order to complete a combined major in Biology, the following requirements must be met:
❏ a minimum of 6.0 units and a maximum of 8.0 units in the Biology combined major as follows:

BIOL 1152, 1153, and 2240
1.0 unit selected from BIOL 2203, 2204, 2207
1.0 unit selected from BIOL 3309, 3310, 3322
BIOL 3374
1.5 additional units of BIOL at the 2000 level or above
0.5 additional unit of BIOL at the 3000 level or above

❏ CHEM 1011, 1012, and 2401
❏ MATH 2208 or MATH 2500
❏ a second combined major specified by another program (Canadian Studies, Chemistry, Communication, Cultural Studies, Economics, English, Family Studies, French, Gerontology, History, Mathematics, Political Studies, Psychology, Sociology/Anthropology, Women’s Studies)
❏ a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in the required 6.0 units of each combined major
❏ at least 5.0 units of the 12.0 units overall required for the combined majors must be at the 3000 level or above
❏ 1.0 unit from each core group A, B, and C listed under the Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) (inclusive of the majors):

Core A – Sciences & Mathematics (1.0 unit)
(Note: Core A is fulfilled by CHEM/MATH requirement)
Core B – Social Sciences (1.0 unit)
Core C – Humanities (1.0 unit)

❏ at least 9.0 units of the total 20.0 units must be at the 2000 level or above
❏ Note: No more than 4.0 units from professional areas may be counted toward the degree. Courses included in the Applied Human Nutrition science minor will not be counted as professional electives.

Students wishing to combine an arts major and a science major (e.g. Chemistry and English or Biology and Political Studies):
❏ must meet all of the requirements listed above
and
♦ to complete a BSc (Combined Major) primary science discipline plus secondary arts discipline

must complete a minimum 12.0 units of the total 20.0 units in science disciplines

♦ to complete a BA (Combined Major) primary arts discipline plus secondary science discipline

must complete a minimum 12.0 units of the total 20.0 units in arts disciplines

Honours Degree

The honours degree option is available to students who wish to study a single discipline in depth, usually with post-graduate study as a goal.

Students wishing to do an honours degree should apply via our website by March 1st of the year preceding enrolment in BIOL 4499 Honours Thesis. Application may be made after successful completion of 10.0 units of study. Minimum requirements for honours program entry are GPA of 3.0 in biology courses, excluding BIOL 1152 and 1153, a GPA of 3.0 in courses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units completed, and the agreement of a faculty member to supervise the thesis. Approval of the department is necessary for a student to be accepted into the honours program.

Students must successfully complete 20.0 units with the following requirements:
❏ a minimum of 10.0 and a maximum of 12.0 units in the honours subject as follows:

BIOL 1152, 1153, 2240, and 3312
1.0 unit selected from BIOL 2203, 2204, 2207
1.0 unit selected from BIOL 3309, 3310, 3322
BIOL 3374
BIOL 3999
BIOL 4499
2.5 additional units of BIOL at the 2000 level or above (Note: BIOL 2201 and 2202 may not be used to fulfill the requirements for the honours in Biology)
1.5 additional units of BIOL at the 3000 level or above

❏ CHEM 1011, 1012, 2401, and 3501
❏ MATH 1113, 2208 and 2209
or
❏ MATH 1113, 2500 and 3304
❏ a minor consisting of 3.0 units in a science field (Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Science Communication, Statistics and Data Analytics or designated Applied Human Nutrition courses) as specified by the department offering the minor. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units
❏ 1.0 unit from each core group A, B, and C (exclusive of the honours subject):

Core A – Sciences & Mathematics (1.0 unit)
(Note: Core A is fulfilled by CHEM/MATH requirements)
Core B – Social Sciences (1.0 unit)
Core C – Humanities (1.0 unit)

❏ obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade of at least C- in all 9.0 units of the required BIOL honours courses excluding BIOL 1152 and 1153
❏ achieve a minimum of B- in the honours thesis (BIOL 4499)
❏ obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units taken
❏ Note: No more than 4.0 units from professional areas may be counted toward the degree. Courses included in the Applied Human Nutrition science minor as designated on page 71 will not be counted as professional electives.

Note: First-class honours will be awarded to students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better in 10.0 units in the honours subject and no grade below B- in all courses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units.

Honours Certificate

Students who have graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology may apply to do an honours certificate. Students must fulfill the requirements for the honours degree listed above and meet the University regulations regarding honours certificates.

Concentration

To obtain a concentration in Biology, students must fulfill the following requirements:

❏ BIOL 1152 and 1153
❏ 0.5 unit selected from BIOL 2203, 2204, 2207
❏ 2.5 additional units of BIOL at the 2000 level or above, of which at least 1.0 unit must be at the 3000 level or above

Minors

Minor in Biology

To obtain a minor in Biology, students must fulfill the following requirements:

❏ BIOL 1152 and 1153

❏ 2.0 additional units of BIOL

Minor in Neuroscience

To obtain a minor in Neuroscience, students must fulfill the following requirements:

❏ BIOL 1152 and PSYC 1110

❏ BIOL/PSYC 2260

❏ and an additional 1.5 units from PSYC 2214, 2216, BIOL/PSYC 2217, including a minimum of 0.5 unit from BIOL 3260, 3322, BIOL/PSYC 3332, PSYC 4417 or PSYC 4432

Note: Because of overlap, minors in Biology and Neuroscience and/or Psychology and Neuroscience cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of the “double minor” option of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor Science. Any students who satisfy existing degree requirements and complete the above-noted sequence of courses shall be acknowledged in the usual way as having completed the minor in Neuroscience.

Academic Note: This web-based calendar information is applicable for the 2025-2026 academic year which runs from September 01, 2025 to August 31, 2026.

For information on previous years, please consult the University Academic Calendars web page.