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. Feb. 26, 2021Scientists 3D print dope new open-source cannabis-smoking 'Lung Simulator'
    Dr. Andrew Doxey

    Dr. Andrew Doxey along with MacMaster University Scientists and University of Waterloo PhD Student Jennifer Aguiar have 3D printed a live model that's capable of replicating the impact of smoking cannabis on the human lung. The team has been able to accurately map the body’s adverse responses to the recreational drug.

  2. Feb. 12, 2021Leading the charge in treating cancer
    Yvonne Stevens

    By the time Yvonne Stevens (BSc ’94, MSc ’98) turned 14, she already knew that she wanted to be a scientist. Having grown up in a large family, headed by a single mother, Yvette Stevens, who was an electrical engineer, Yvonne already had the support and drive to make her career dreams a reality. Her ambitions would take her from her home country of Switzerland to Waterloo’s Faculty of Science to study Biochemistry.

  3. Feb. 12, 2021Brian Dixon awarded grant to study Covid-19 immunity on University of Waterloo campus
    Brian Dixon at desk

    While many university classes across Canada are being held online, some programs require in-person learning and access to on- and off-campus research and learning facilities. This increases the risk of exposure for students, faculty and staff to SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19.

Read all news

Events

  1. Mar. 8, 2021International Women's Day High Tea Social
    Tea Cups

    Grab your favourite afternoon drink, cozy up in your favourite chair and spend an hour with some truly inspirational women. Whether you'd like to just listen, or engage over text in the online chat forum, this virtual high tea social will be a lively commentary and round-table discussion about why women choose to challenge.

  2. Mar. 10, 2021Student Awards Celebration: The Stars at Waterloo
    stars banner

    Let's Celebrate our Student Award Recipients

    The Faculty of Science is celebrating the achievements of this year's student award recipients. Please help us celebrate! Join us virtually as we bring together our students, donors, faculty and staff to recognize the tremendous accomplishments of our Science Stars.

    Following the main celebration, attendees will be have the opportunity to slip into smaller meet & greet groups for more interactive discussion with those from their own academic program.

  3. May 11, 2021Notice of PhD Defence

    Ms. Courtney Robichaud will defend her Ph.D. thesis on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 1:30p.

    Title: Multi-trophic effects if invasive species suppression in a costal wetland

    Supervisor: Dr. Rebecca Rooney

All upcoming events