Department of Biology

Welcome to Biology at Waterloo

Biology is the study of living organisms: their structure, function, organization, origin, and evolution.

As a biologist, you’ll have career options that span a wide range of professions, including laboratory and field research, environmental assessment, the health professions, education, and industry. By choosing one of our areas of specialization, such as Animal Physiology, Ecology and Environmental Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or Plant Biology, you can better prepare yourself for these exciting career opportunities.

Our Biology program is versatile, allowing you to complement your Genetics, Cell Biology, Physiology, Ecology, Plant Biology, and Human Anatomy courses with studies from the arts, humanities, languages, and mathematics areas. Related labs, tutorial sessions, and field trips provide hands-on experience in a wide range of biological disciplines.

The Department of Biology offers undergraduate degrees in Bioinformatics, Biomedical Sciences (formerly Pre-Optometry/Pre-Health), Honours Biochemistry, Honours Biochemistry/Biotechnology (Regular and Co-op), Honours Environmental Sciences (Ecology Specialization) and Honours Biology (Regular and Co-op). View the degrees and programs. More information about our graduate programs is available on our graduate program site.

Learn more about the Department of Biology's vision/strategic plan.

News

  1. Nov. 15, 2018Contribution to environmental toxicology earns biologist Mark Servos SETAC FellowshipMark Servos and male student in river with fishing nets

    Canada Research Chair Mark Servos has been appointed a 2018 Fellow of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), in recognition of his research contributions as well as his SETAC leadership and service. In addition to being named a fellow, Servos will become an advisor to the SETAC World Council.

  2. Oct. 1, 2018Revealing hidden patterns in ecologyCoral reef on the ocean floor.

    In an era of invasive species, climate change, and rapid habitat loss, ecological systems may never experience a “stable equilibrium”, according to Kim Cuddington, a professor in Waterloo’s Department of Biology.

  3. Oct. 1, 2018Prof. Kirsten Müller appointed new Assistant Vice-President, GSPAPortrait image of Prof. Kirsten Müller

    On November 1, 2018, Professor Kirsten Müller will begin her role as the Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. She will join Jeff Casello, Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs and Daniela O’Neill, also Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

Read all news

Events

  1. Nov. 21, 2018Men's Circle: Faculty of Science WorkshopMen's circle workshop event poster

    Through interactive exercises and discussions, the Men’s Circle will explore some of the ways in which men can become leaders in creating a safer campus for everyone.

  2. Nov. 21, 2018The Faculty of Science is hosting this year’s TD Walter Bean Lecture TD Walter Bean Lecture in Environment

    On the State of Freshwater Fish and Fisheries: Finding a Future for the Forgotten

    Freshwater fish provide diverse ecosystem services. Yet, freshwater fish and fisheries are not often a national or regional governance priority and as a result, freshwater fisheries are undervalued and largely overlooked.

  3. Nov. 22, 2018Ace your Grad School Applications

    Thinking of applying to graduate school this year or next? Attend our information session for tips and tricks on how to ace your grad applications. Prof. Shawn Wettig, the Faculty of Science Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, will give the talk.

All upcoming events