Biological Sciences

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Options available

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Arts & Science
  • Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Management

Campus

  • Lethbridge

Intake

Fall & Spring

Program description

Biological sciences delve into the world of living organisms — from microbes, to human beings, to entire ecosystems. It is the science of life on, under and above earth.

Exploring the nature of life leads biologists out into the world where they study how organisms interact with their environment, how they function and how they evolved over time.

The Department of Biological Sciences provides you with hands-on learning, moving you beyond textbooks and lectures to engaging research projects. Biology is a research-intensive science that can lead to a wide range of study areas, like environmental work, medicine, microbiology or agriculture.

Today’s biologists require a strong background in cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, genetics, evolution and ecology. Additionally, you will be required to complete courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics, ensuring a strong foundation in the core sciences.

You will also have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities, like the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Water Research. This facility provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty, your instructors, as they investigate diverse areas within behavioural and evolutionary ecology, plant biology and systemic biology, cellular and molecular biology and genetics.

Research internship concentration | This concentration is an exciting opportunity for qualifying students to be immersed in research right from the beginning of their degree program. Starting in first year, you will be combining skills development with participation in research projects under the guidance of faculty members. In subsequent years, courses will be combined with independent studies, or an honours thesis with your goal being development and participation in novel self-directed research projects in conjunction with faculty.

Undergraduate Research | Research Internship Concentration

 

Other concentrations (optional) | Biomedical sciences and conservation & biodiversity; contact the department to learn more.

Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Pursue a second passion by adding a minor to your degree.

Honours thesis | If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.

Skills acquired | In addition to developing exceptional written and oral communication skills in this program, you’ll also develop strong critical and analytical thinking skills, advanced information acquisition and management skills, as well as precise attention to detail. All of these abilities are highly sought after in the business world and can be applied to practically any scenario.

Possible careers

  • Toxicologist
  • Drug Testing Technician
  • Molecular Lab Technician
  • Forensics Technician
  • Food Industry Quality Control Specialist
  • Agricultural Products Inspector
  • Water Quality Inspector
  • Ecologist / Conservationist
  • Naturalist / Park Interpreter
  • Wildlife & Fisheries Biologist
  • Environmental Protection Specialist
  • Environmental Consulting

Who Hires Biologists?

  • Biotech Research Companies
  • Dairy & Vegetable Producers
  • Brewers & Distillers
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Petroleum Producers
  • Mining & Forestry Companies
  • National & Provincial Parks
  • Environmental Consulting Firms
  • Federal & Provincial Regulators
  • Municipal Utility Companies
  • Agricultural Companies
  • Government Agencies

Professional disciplines & graduate studies | Your undergraduate degree in biological sciences provides an excellent foundation for environmental law, medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine and education. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers programs, at the master and doctoral levels, in more than 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Admission requirements

General-ALL-ALL

​For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:

This course
  • English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses
  • Aboriginal Studies 30
  • Art 30 or Art 31
  • Biology 30
  • Chemistry 30
  • Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
  • Dance 35
  • Drama 30
  • Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
  • Mathematics 31
  • Physics 30
  • Science 30
  • Social Studies 30-1
  • Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
  • One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional
  • That has not already been used
  • May be from the list above
  • Must be at the 30 level
  • Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
  • Cannot be a Special Project

Program-AS-BSC-BASC-Combined-1

This program also requires

If you are taking it as a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts & Science or a Bachelor of Science combined degree that three of the courses you include are:

  • Biology 30
  • Chemistry 30
  • Mathematics 30-1

 

 

First year cost estimator

For Biological Sciences

Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.

Take full advantage of every opportunity offered to you. The University of Lethbridge is incredible in that you are provided with so many chances to engage with your instructors and professors. Get involved, whether that be with research, tutoring, clubs, volunteer work or athletics. Find what makes you shine and pursue it!
- Chloe, Biological Sciences

Sample classes

Sample class list:

  • Cellular Basis of Life
  • Diversity of Life
  • Principles of Genetics
  • Biostatistics
  • Principles of Ecology
  • Cell Biology
  • Evolution