Biology and Biochemistry

Our programs cover a wide range of subjects, all with a focus on the components and processes that make up life. Whether it is studying biologically important molecules or entire ecosystems, our programs are designed to help students gain an understanding of one of the many fields within the life sciences and develop their own abilities to further explore subjects in these fields.

Our department offers several degrees options for students; a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry, a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biology, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology, and Minors in both Biochemistry and Biology. The B.Sc. and B.A. degrees in Biology offer two concentrations, a health science concentration and a biodiversity and ecology concentration.

Why study Biology and Biochemistry at Bishop’s?

students in a class

Teaching Focus

Our professors have chosen to concentrate on teaching, while maintaining research profiles that encourage undergraduate student involvement.

Great Facilities

Our indoor laboratory facilities include biochemistry and molecular biology equipment, aquatic and terrestrial animal rooms, a greenhouse, incubators, centrifuges, and research microscopes. Our outdoor facilities include the Peter Curry Marsh, acres of surrounding woodland, canoe access to the Massawippi and St Francis rivers, and easy access to the Johnville Bog.

students in a small laboratory

Small Classes

Small class sizes foster student engagement. Students learn to critically evaluate scientific evidence and clearly articulate their thoughts and interpretations, both orally and in writing – necessary skills for success in future studies or science-related careers.

student working in a lab

Practical Experience

Our courses have a strong emphasis on labs and experiment-based inquiry, allowing students to learn practical skills useful for their future careers. Students get hands-on experience both in the field and in the laboratory, with a focus on actually doing and not just observing. Our programs are designed to foster a capacity for independent thought and work, with ample opportunities to engage in independent research projects that act as excellent training for graduate or professional programs.

students and professors outside

Community

The entire Biology and Biochemistry student population is smaller than a first-year Biology class at a larger institution. Professors know their students by name, and our Biology and Pre-Medicine clubs promote professor-student interactions outside the classroom.

Courses & Programs

Incoming students can choose between three different degrees: the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry, the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biology and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology. Students entering either Biology degree program must choose between two concentrations: Health Sciences or Biodiversity and Ecology. Upper-year B.Sc. students also have the opportunity to transfer into the Honours program in their final year if they meet the necessary requirements.

B.Sc Biochemistry

Two B.Sc. Biochemistry programs are offered, an honours and a major program. Both programs provide the student with a strong grounding in biology, biochemistry and chemistry. The honours program, in addition, provides the student with the opportunity to complete their own research project. Students graduating with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry are well prepared to enter graduate studies (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) or professional schools (e.g. medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy or veterinary medicine).

B.Sc. Biology

Two B.Sc. Biology programs are offered, an honours and a major program. For either program the student must select one of two concentrations; health sciences or biodiversity and ecology. Both B.Sc. programs provide the student with a strong grounding in the core sciences (math, physics, and chemistry) and a broad foundation in biology. The honours program, in addition, provides the student with the opportunity to complete their own research project. Students graduating with a B.Sc. in Biology are well prepared to enter graduate studies (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) or professional schools (e.g. medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy or veterinary medicine)

B.A. Biology

The B.A. Biology program is designed with fewer required courses than the B.Sc. programs, allowing the student to complete a second major of interest (e.g. Psychology, Environmental Studies or some other major) while providing a solid foundation in the biological sciences. As with the Biology B.Sc. programs, the student must select one of two concentrations; health sciences or biodiversity and ecology.

B.Sc. Pre-Medicine Double Major

Many students enrolled in the biology and biochemistry programs are interested in continuing their studies in medicine. For those students who are unsure of which medical school they would like to apply to and want to cover as wide a set of potential prerequisite courses as possible, Bishop’s offers an inter-disciplinary B.Sc. Pre-Medicine double major. This program provides students with the courses necessary to apply to most of the major medical schools in Canada and the US, as well as many other countries. 

Opportunities

Students in the BWH classroom
Where can this lead you?

Career Possibilities

A Bishop’s Biology or Biochemistrydegree can prepare you for:

  • Graduate studies (M.Sc./Ph.D.) in various fields within the life sciences, such as biochemistry, molecular or cell biology, environmental studies,
  • Professional programs, such as education, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or physiotherapy 
  • Employment in fields as diverse as biotechnology, environmental assessment, and wildlife management. 
Students walking outside the university
We can get you there

Your Path to Medical School

Many students enrolled in the biology and biochemistry programs are interested in continuing their studies in medicine. For those students who are unsure of which medical school they would like to apply to and want to cover as wide a set of potential prerequisite courses as possible, Bishop’s offers an inter-disciplinary B.Sc. Pre-Medicine double major. This program provides students with the courses necessary to apply to most of the major medical schools in Canada and the US, as well as many other countries.
However, students should be aware that the entrance requirements can vary greatly between medical schools, and often change from year to year, therefore we recommend that students decide on which schools they are hoping to go to and then research what are the particular requirements of that school (the faculty can help you with this search).

teachers and students

About your professors

Our department’s best attribute is its teachers. The faculty at Bishop’s is dedicated to undergraduate student teaching. Students who come to Bishop’s are treated as individuals, not numbers, and will be exposed to numerous hands-on laboratory situations. At Bishop’s you won’t just be shown how something is done, you will be taught how to do it yourself.

Questions?

Want to know more about studying Biology or Biochemistry?

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