Bachelor of Science (Honours), Major in Biology
Description
The B.Sc. Major in Biology is a foundational degree program strongly grounded in scientific methodology and practical skills. The structure and breadth of courses offered is designed to equip graduates with a high level of competency in the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for competitive entry into the workforce in a wide range of fields. Graduates will also be well prepared for entry into a professional school or graduate studies program.
Central to this program is the provision of a lab intensive experience where students learn first-hand, the appropriate use of equipment and techniques to investigate living organisms and how they function. Upper level courses build upon the core knowledge and skills developed in 1st and 2nd Year, allowing the exploration of more advanced biological concepts and practical techniques. This culminates in a community focused research or directed studies project which requires students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned.
Important Notes:
- First and second year courses required in the program are normally available on both Richmond and Surrey campuses.
- Elective courses are not offered every year. Students are encouraged to plan their courses carefully and to see a degree advisor for guidance.
Who Studies Biology?
This degree program will appeal to individuals with a passionate interest in living organisms and how they function. Whether entering from high school, other post-secondary institutions or returning from the workforce to study, this program will appeal to anyone who shares a concern for the future of humanity and the welfare of our planet and who is seeking a career that can make a difference.
Students who are successful in this program are likely to be self-motivated, have a strong work ethic and have well developed oral and written communication skills.
Faculty's website: kpu.ca/science
Department's website: kpu.ca/science/biology
Admission Requirements
The Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, apply to this program.
Declaration Requirements
Students intending to graduate with this Faculty of Science and Horticulture degree must declare the credential by the time they complete 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. At the time of declaration, the student must satisfy all of the following requirements:
In good academic standing with the University
Completion of a minimum of 24 credits of undergraduate coursework, including the following:
- 3 credits of ENGL at the 1100 level or higher
- BIOL 1110 with a minimum grade of “C”
- BIOL 1210 with a minimum grade of “C”
- CHEM 1110 with a minimum grade of “B” or CHEM 1210 with a minimum grade of “C”
- MATH 1120 with a minimum grade of “C” or MATH 1130 with a minimum grade of “C”
- PHYS 1101 with a minimum grade of “C” or PHYS 1120 with a minimum grade of “C”
Curricular Requirements
All students must meet the following minimum requirements:
- In addition to ENGL 1100, complete 3 credits from courses designated as Writing Intensive.
- 120 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher.
- 45 credits from courses at the 3000 level or higher, including 9 credits at the 4000 level.
- 18 credits of breadth electives (see Electives below) including at least 3 credits from a course at the 3000 level or higher. These must include:
- at least 12 credits from courses that are offered outside the Faculty of Science & Horticulture; and
- up to 6 credits from courses offered within the Faculty of Science & Horticulture other than BIOL, CHEM, MATH, and PHYS.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- At least 50% of all courses for the BSc, and at least 66% of upper-level courses for the BSc, must be completed at KPU.
Enrolment in the Biology Honours program requires the permission of the Biology Department. In order to be considered for the Honours program, students must typically have a record of exceptional academic performance, including a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0
The Bachelor of Science (Honours), Major in Biology degree requires the completion of a minimum of 140 credits, including the following specific course requirements.
Note: Some courses are only offered once per year. Please refer to the course timetable and speak with an Academic Advisor when planning.
| Year 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1110 | Introductory Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 1210 | Introductory Biology II | 4 |
| CHEM 1110 | The Structure of Matter | 4 |
| CHEM 1210 | Chemical Energetics and Dynamics | 4 |
| ENGL 1100 | Introduction to University Writing | 3 |
| MATH 1130 | Calculus for Life Sciences I 1 | 3 |
| MATH 1230 | Calculus for Life Sciences II | 3 |
| PHYS 1101 | Physics for Life Sciences I | 4 |
| PHYS 1102 | Physics for Life Sciences II | 4 |
| Select three credits of ENGL at the undergraduate level | 3 | |
| Credits | 36 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| BIOL 2320 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 2321 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 2322 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL 2421 | Cellular Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 2320 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 2420 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| MATH 2335 | Statistics for Life Sciences | 3 |
| Select nine credits of Electives | 9 | |
| Credits | 35 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| BIOL 3110 | Animal Behaviour | 4 |
| BIOL 3215 | Zoology | 4 |
| BIOL 3165 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 3180 | Life Science Research Methods | 3 |
| BIOL 3225 | Biology of Plants | 4 |
| BIOL 3320 | Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 3321 | Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Select three credits of BIOL at the undergraduate level | 3 | |
| Select six credits of Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 35 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| BIOL 4140 | Animal Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 4150 | Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 4235 | Marine Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 4245 | Developmental Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 4990 | Honours Thesis Project 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 4995 | Honours Thesis Project 2 | 4 |
| Select 12 credits of Electives | 12 | |
| Credits | 34 | |
| Total Credits | 140 | |
Electives
As part of this program, students are required to complete 27 credits of electives. These must satisfy the General Requirements for 18 credits of breadth as stated above. The following courses are recommended as electives:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 3242 | A Survey of the Primates | 3 |
| ASTR 1105 | Basic Astronomy | 3 |
| ASTR 3111 | Exploring Stars & Galaxies | 3 |
| BIOL 2330 | Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 3330 | Microbiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 4260 | Human Neural, Excretory and Endocrine Systems | 4 |
| BIOL 4320 | Human Genetics | 3 |
| CHEM 2315 | Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 3310 | Physical Chemistry | 4 |
| CPSC 1100 | Introduction to Computer Literacy | 3 |
| EDUC 4100 | Post University Transition | 3 |
| ENVI 2305 | Environmental Toxicology | 3 |
| ENVI 2405 | Environmental Legislation | 3 |
| ENVI 3112 | Environment and Society | 3 |
| HSCI 3225 | Nutrition | 3 |
| HORT 3310 | Entomology | 3 |
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Major in Biology.
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