Biology degree
Study life. It’s in your DNA.
Explore all aspects of life and living creatures — from cells and genes to species and diversity.
Some of the greatest scientific discoveries have occurred within the field of biology, including the mapping of the human genome, identifying the structure of DNA, and how photosynthesis works. All of these revelations happened because dedicated scientists looked at the world a little differently.
At Waterloo, you’ll dive into your Biology major right from day one. With more than 80 biology courses available, you can choose courses in human health (physiology, anatomy), microbes living in and around us (microbiology, pathogenesis), the plants and animals that make up our living world (botany, zoology), or the relationships of living things within the environment (ecology, conservation). We've got something for anyone who is passionate about living systems. Through co-op, you can graduate with nearly two years of paid work experience.
Biology offers a broad education, a wide variety of hands-on and communication skills, and a strong base of lab safety. You’ll graduate ready for a career in laboratory or field research, environmental assessment, education, health professions, or industry.
What courses will you take in Biology?
First-year courses
Programs/majors in the Faculty of Science start right in first year. To select your program with confidence, here’s some handy info to get you started.
This a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
Most of the classes you’ll take will be Biology courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
View all the courses required for your degree.
Types of courses you'll take

This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
Skills you'll develop with this major
- Technical writing
- Organization and time management
- Laboratory methodologies and data analysis
- Teamwork
- Logical thinking
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills a Biology major can provide.
Your experience will be unique, and the skills you develop will depend on your goals; which courses you take; and your involvement with any clubs, jobs, or research projects.
Customize your degree in Biology
Add a diploma
If you're looking for hands-on lab skills and experience in an emerging field, add a Biotechnology Technician diploma from Conestoga College to your Waterloo degree. This diploma is available to students in the Biology and Biomedical Sciences programs.
Options
Also, you can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including options (which are usually a series of six to eight courses) in Bioinformatics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Environmental Biology, and Microbiology.
Minors
Finally, you can also include minors (which usually consist of 10 courses) in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Medical Physiology, or Neuroscience on top of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Popular minors for Biology students include:
Faculty:
Faculty of Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Connect and belong with BUGS. Make some time in your schedule for the Biology Undergraduate Society (BUGS), which organizes student-professor nights, tutoring sessions, and a full calendar of social events.
Get boots-on-the-ground skills. Take advantage of hands-on field courses to study terrestrial, aquatic, or marine biology in locations such as Algonquin Park and Jamaica.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Genetic counselling assistant
- Field and lab technician
- Plant pathology research assistant
- Bioinformatics assistant
- Animal care research assistant
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
Your first work term will be in the winter term of your second year.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
What can you do with a biology degree?
A degree in biology can lead you to many career options. It's flexible enough to tailor your courses to meet the requirements for professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, or teaching. Many students continue their education with specialized Master's and PhD programs which can lead to jobs in the research industry or in academia.
Graduates often work in consulting, analysis, or technician positions in fields such as health care, microbiology, and genetics. Employers can range from agricultural companies, hospitals and health science centres, pharmaceutical companies, medical research centres, government, and energy companies. Education is also a popular area where graduates work as teachers, university lecturers and researchers, and more.
The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!
Wildlife biologist
In this role, you contribute to the study of animals and their habitats in the field. You might track collect data on animal populations, and their behaviors. This is a terrific path especially if you enjoy the outdoors and are passionate about conservation.
Environmental consultant
This career involves helping organizations understand how their activities affect ecosystems and wildlife. Your day-to-day life could include conducting field studies or recommending ways to reduce environmental harm. This is an ideal choice if you want to apply biology to real-world environmental challenges from a broader perspective.
Biology laboratory technician
Support experiments by preparing samples, running tests, and keeping lab equipment in good condition. Help scientists who are studying living organisms and using techniques for new discoveries. This is a great option if you enjoy hands-on laboratory work and a structured environment.
Science educator
You’ll teach biology concepts to people that visit museums, zoos, or outreach programs. Your goal will be to make science interesting, fun, and accessible to a wide audience. If you love both learning and sharing knowledge, this path lets you inspire others.
Marine biology technician
You will assist in studying ocean life, from coral reefs to fish populations. Your work might involve collecting water samples, observing marine species, or supporting research projects. This is a great choice if you’re fascinated by aquatic ecosystems.
Field research specialist
Support scientists by collecting data outdoors in ecosystems like forests, wetlands, or grasslands. This might include taking samples, recording observations, or setting up experiments. This is ideal if you enjoy active, hands-on work in nature.
Animal care manager
You’ll work with animals in labs, zoos, or veterinary settings, ensuring their health and well-being. Your tasks might include feeding, monitoring behaviour, and assisting with procedures. This is a strong choice if you’re passionate about animal care.
Healthcare laboratory associate
You’ll work with medical teams by processing human biological samples (or samples from people), which could include blood, urine, or tissue samples. Your work will help doctors and other medical professionals to diagnose and treat patients. This role is perfect if you’re interested in human biology and healthcare.
Conservation officer
You would help protect natural areas by enforcing laws and supporting conservation efforts. Your duties might include patrolling parks, educating the public, and monitoring wildlife. This is a meaningful career if you want to actively protect the environment.
Pharmaceutical sales representative
You’ll use your understanding of biology to explain medications to healthcare professionals. This path involves communication, relationship-building, and learning about new treatments. This is well suited if you enjoy science and working with people.
Food safety inspector
Inspect food production and processing to ensure safety and cleanliness standards are met. This includes checking for contamination and proper handling practices. Your biology background helps protect the health of the population in their everyday activities.
Biotechnology researcher
You’ll work with living cells and biological systems to create products like medicines or vaccines. This could involve lab work, testing processes, and maintaining strict conditions. This is an exciting field where biology meets innovation.
Public health associate
You will support programs that protect community health, such as tracking diseases or promoting healthy practices. Your biology knowledge will help you understand how illnesses spread and how to prevent them. This is a people and population-focused career with a real community impact.
Environmental monitoring co-ordinator
You will measure and track environmental conditions that include water quality, biodiversity, or pollution levels. Your data will help scientists and governments make informed decisions. This role connects biology with environmental protection efforts.
Technical writer
You will turn complex biological concepts into clear, easy-to-understand documents like reports, manuals, or articles. Your work will share scientific knowledge with a broader audience. If you enjoy writing and science, this career combines both skills effectively.
Learn about the future of careers in science.
What's the difference between Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Biochemistry?
- Biology starts with a broad foundation in all aspects of the major. After first year, you can then use your many elective courses to focus on a specific aspect of biology such as plants, animals, or microbiology.
- Biomedical Sciences also starts off with a fairly general first year but keeps a focus on human and animal biology. It includes a Physics lab that offers a broad foundation in the Sciences, and prepares you for any future medical/professional school applications.
- Biochemistry studies the chemical reactions in living systems, so your courses will be about 60% chemistry with some biology and physics.
Admission requirements
Ontario students
Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario?
Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply to Life Sciences and select Biology as your major.
Get information about programs, applying, and more!
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
Get valuable updates and tips sent straight to your inbox!
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Science recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.
From the Missing Manual
Did you know mushrooms pre-date dinosaurs and even plants? Or that ancient Egyptians called mushrooms, “food of the gods” believing that by eating them, some fungi would lead to longer lives? Read our article on...