What is biology?

Biology is a branch of science that deals with living organisms and life processes. It includes the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living things — everything from microscopic bacteria to blue whales.

By studying biology, scientists uncover how life works at every level. This includes understanding how cells communicate, how species evolve over time, how ecosystems remain balanced, and how diseases spread. It’s a field that continuously adapts with new discoveries, making it one of the most exciting areas of science.

Whether you’re fascinated by genetics or passionate about environmental conservation, biology offers countless reasons to dive deeper into the study of life. 

Biology challenges you to be curious, observant, and open to discovery. You’ll learn skills that go far beyond the classroom.

• Critical thinking: Biology teaches you to question assumptions, analyze information, and solve problems using logic and evidence. Whether you're interpreting lab results or exploring scientific theories, you’ll learn to think deeply and make informed decisions. 

• Creativity: Scientific discovery often involves thinking outside the box. Biology encourages creative approaches to designing experiments, visualizing processes, and finding innovative solutions to real-world challenges. 
• Collaboration: Many biology courses include group work in labs, field studies, or presentations. These experiences build communication and teamwork skills, which are very important in both academic and professional settings. 
• Communication: Writing lab reports, presenting research, and explaining complex ideas in simple terms will help you become a more effective communicator. 

Biology graduates find career opportunities in fields like health care, research, the environment, education, and public policy. They might work as

• physicians, pharmacists, or genetic counsellors; 
• molecular biologists or lab technologists;
• wildlife biologists or conservationists;
• science teachers or museum educators; or 
• public health officers or policy analysts. 

Biology also provides a strong foundation for further studies in medicine, dentistry, or other graduate programs.

Medical and health professions

Programs like medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and public health require a strong understanding of living systems. Biology equips you with knowledge in anatomy, physiology, genetics, and microbiology which are all essential for diagnosing disease, understanding treatment, and improving health outcomes.

Graduate research (master's or PhD) 

Biology also leads to advanced study in research-based fields such as

• biochemistry,
• computational biology,
• ecology and evolution,
• microbiology,
• physiology and cell biology.

These areas can lead to careers in academic research, government science agencies, or private sector innovation, especially in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or environmental consulting.

Whether you choose to enter the workforce after your degree or continue your studies, biology provides a flexible, future-ready foundation for a wide range of careers.

Biology isn’t just about studying life — it’s about improving it. Biological research plays a critical role in tackling many of today’s most urgent global challenges. Through biology, we gain the knowledge and tools to 

• understand and treat disease,
• combat climate change,
• protect endangered species and restore ecosystems,
• improve global food security, and
• support sustainable living. 

Biology is a discipline grounded in curiosity and responsibility. It equips students and researchers with the knowledge to make informed decisions, create positive change, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. Whether in a lab, a hospital, a forest, or a classroom, the impact of biology is everywhere, and studying it gives you the chance to be part of that impact. 

Biology is a broad subject, and you can explore many different areas within it.

Focuses on the molecular mechanisms inside cells, particularly how DNA, RNA, and proteins interact to control cellular functions. This field plays a big role in medical research, including cancer studies and drug development.

Examines how traits are passed from one generation to the next. Genetics helps us understand hereditary diseases, gene therapy, and even how species evolve.

Looks at how living things interact with each other and their environments. Ecologists study ecosystems, population dynamics, and environmental impacts like pollution and climate change.

Investigates how species have changed over time and adapted to their environments. It’s essential for understanding biodiversity and the history of life on Earth.

Studies microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Microbiology is key in areas like infectious disease, fermentation, and antibiotics.

Explores how the systems within an organism (like the nervous, muscular, or circulatory systems) work together to keep the body functioning.

Studies the chemical reactions and properties within living systems, focusing on applying chemistry to understand biological processes.

Biology programs at Canadian universities combine coursework, labs, and real-world experience to help you build a solid scientific foundation. At Waterloo, you’ll stand out by gaining hands-on experience through the world’s leading co-op program, as well as access to cutting-edge research opportunities and state-of-the-art lab facilities.

In the first two years of a biology program, you usually take foundational courses that introduce the major concepts and methods. These often include cell biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, molecular biology, and essential supporting subjects like chemistry, physics, and statistics for the biological sciences. At Waterloo, for example, Biology students take core courses like Cellular Biology and Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, building a strong base of knowledge and skills that prepare you for advanced study in more specialized areas in your upper years.

Biology comes to life when you apply what you learn through experiments, field work, and real-world practice. Most programs place a strong emphasis on lab experience, giving you hands-on training in techniques like microscopy, DNA extraction and analysis, bacterial culturing, and more.

Field work is also a common component, especially in areas like ecology or environmental biology. At Waterloo, you can take part in field courses to study terrestrial, aquatic, or marine biology in locations such as Algonquin Park and Jamaica. You can also gain professional skills through co-op work terms if you choose to be in a co-op program.

As you move into your upper years, you can begin to shape your degree around your specific interests, allowing you to dive deeper into areas you're passionate about while still maintaining the flexibility to explore multiple subfields. 

At Waterloo, students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of specialized areas within biology, including molecular and cellular biology, bioinformatics, physiology, conservation biology, and environmental biology.  

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To apply for a biology program, most Canadian universities expect you to have completed key Grade 12 courses such as biology, chemistry, math, and English. Some programs may also recommend taking physics, especially for students interested in molecular biology, biophysics, or pre-med pathways. At Waterloo, the specific requirements for Biology include 

• Grade 12 English,
• Advanced Functions,
• Calculus and Vectors, and 
• two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics.

Academic performance is important, but getting involved outside the classroom can help you explore your interests and make what you learn in your courses come to life. Joining science clubs, entering school science fairs or national competitions, or volunteering at places like hospitals, zoos, or environmental organizations can deepen your understanding of biology and show you how it connects to the real world, helping everything click when you’re back in the classroom.

Biology is evolving rapidly thanks to new technologies and global research efforts. Breakthroughs in areas like gene editing, synthetic biology, and personalized medicine are changing how we think about health, sustainability, and life itself.

As the field continues to grow, students entering biology now will be part of the next generation shaping how we understand and improve life on Earth, whether through innovation, conservation, or discovery.

Biology is a field full of wonder, challenges, and discovery. It’s perfect for students who are curious, analytical, and passionate about life in all its forms. Whether your goal is to work in health care, solve environmental problems, or contribute to groundbreaking research, biology offers a strong foundation and endless possibilities. 

Learn more about Waterloo’s Biology program.

This article was created with the support of Generative AI.