Study the science of living things.
Life Sciences is the study of living organisms, ranging from the very tiny world of microbiology and genetics to the physiology and zoology of the world’s great mammals – with plants, botany, and more in between! At Waterloo, Life Sciences is a group of related majors.
What are Life Sciences majors at Waterloo?
The four Life Sciences majors bring together disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, and math to help you learn how living systems work and interact. When you apply to Waterloo, you'll select one of the majors and get to do labs and experiments starting right in first year.
You'll graduate with a Bachelor of Science in your major, e.g., Honours Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, and will be well prepared for careers in science or for further education in specialized graduate programs, medicine, optometry, pharmacy or other health professions.
Choose the co-op and regular systems of study in all majors, except Biomedical Sciences, which is regular only.
As a Life Sciences student, you'll be able to specialize in your major of interest in your first year. Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to tackle current issues in agriculture, medicine, technology and more.
About the Life Sciences program
Most Life Sciences majors offered as a 
Choose from 4 different majors within Life Sciences
Earn a Bachelor of Science in your major
Life Sciences admission requirements
- Ontario students: 6 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)
- 2 of: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics (Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics are recommended)
- Admission averages: Low 80s
- An Admission Information Form is recommended
- Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements
First-year courses
Most students take 5 courses per term, plus associated labs if applicable. Select your program of interest to see a list of first-year courses.
Gain relevant work experience through co-op
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore careers in Life Sciences as your career interests evolve and earn money to help pay for school.
Co-op work/study sequences
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | School | School | Off |
| Second year | School | Co-op | School |
| Third year | Co-op | School | Co-op |
| Fourth year | School | Co-op | Co-op |
| Final year | School | School | |
|
Fall = September to December, Winter = January to April, Spring = May to August |
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Learn more about Life Sciences
- Email our Science Recruitment Team, who can answer any questions about Life Sciences
- How do I choose between Health Sciences and Life Sciences?
- Related programs: Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Health Studies, Kinesiology
