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. Mar. 19, 2019Ensuring fish are safe to eat in the Canadian north
    Heidi Swanson holding a fish

    By Water Institute

    In 2011, Heidi Swanson’s phone rang. An unfamiliar voice said, “Hi, Heidi? This is George. I heard you work on fish mercury and that you are good at working with communities.”

    Eight years later, Swanson and George, who turned out to be George Low, coordinator for the Dehcho Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management program in the Northwest Territories, are planning their seventh field season together.

  2. Mar. 19, 2019Continuing lecturer Marcel Pinheiro wins 2019 Excellence in Science Teaching Award
    Marcel Pinheiro headshot

    Biology continuing lecturer Marcel Pinheiro has been awarded the Faculty of Science's 2019 Excellence in Science Teaching Award for his innovative and engaging teaching methods.

  3. Feb. 15, 2019Medtech Startup Curiato tackles the bedsore "silent epidemic"
    Woman laying in hospital bed

    Three Waterloo Science alumni created a smart healthcare solution to tackle life-threatening pressure injuries. Their smart products are currently in clinical pilot trials.

Read all news