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 (no longer available after Fall 2020), 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.
Events
Biology Seminar Series
Join us for our Winter 2024 Biology Seminar Series
Hosted biweekly on Thursdays from 3-4 pm; In-person RCH 308 and online via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://uwaterloo.zoom.us/j/94566045694?pwd=dUVLWk4yQWE3OUdxbGt0S0tCZE5KQT09
Meeting ID: 945 6604 5694
Passcode: 642037
Biology Graduate Student Seminar Series
Join us for our Winter 2024 Biology Graduate Student Seminar Series
Hosted biweekly on Thursdays from 3-4 pm; In-person RCH 308 and online via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://uwaterloo.zoom.us/j/94566045694?pwd=dUVLWk4yQWE3OUdxbGt0S0tCZE5KQT09
Meeting ID: 945 6604 5694
Passcode: 642037
EcoEvo Journal Club
W2024 Edition
Join us to discuss selected papers with the Waterloo Ecology & Evolution community. Everyone is welcome. All career stages and all departments.
Time: Biweekly on Mondays 4-5 pm (Except on February 19)
Location (In person): B2-256 (room for up to 6 people)
Note: If you would like to attend remotely, please contact Hanna 2 days in advance (h2hickey@uwaterloo.ca).
News
Science That Matters: Master’s Student Researches the Potential Contamination of Endangered Species’ Nesting Ponds
The whooping crane is the tallest bird in North America and is named for its distinctive “whooping” calls that can carry for several kilometres. Yet, you have likely never seen or heard one before as fewer than 600 of these birds remain in the wild.
Surprising Bacterium From Canadian Lake Shines New Light on Ancient Photosynthesis
University of Waterloo PhD student, Jackson Tsuji (BSc ’15, PhD ’20), had a poorly growing bacterial sample he wasn’t ready to give up on, which ultimately led to a once-in-a-lifetime finding that could change how scientists view photosynthesis and its origins.
Celebrating Women in Science
At the Faculty of Science, we are constantly inspired by the remarkable women in our faculty and their determination to make a difference through science. Continue reading to learn more about their stories, what inspiring inclusion means to them, and their advice for emerging young scientists.