Biology

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Examine the Earth’s biota—animals, plants, insects and microbes—and their environments in biology, a natural science concerned with the study of life, living organisms and vital processes.

A certificate icon
Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

Why study Biology at UBC Okanagan?

Get your UBC degree in biology, the study of all aspects of living things and their processes, including plants, animals and insects, and their relationships to their environment.

Students in our undergraduate program gain an excellent foundation in all fields of biology while learning the practical skills of a working biologist.

Degree Options

At UBC Okanagan, you can complete a BSc degree with a major, minor or honours in biology.

Students can choose to specialize in a number of subject areas, including ecology, cell and developmental biology and physiology.

This program is accredited by the College of Applied Biology and offers you a wide variety of practical experience in laboratory and fieldwork, using computers and in communication (both oral and written).

BSc

Sample Courses

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies. To plan your academic journey, please visit undergraduate student resources.

BIOL 122 - Physiology of Multicellular Organisms
BIOL 117 - Evolution and Ecology
BIOL 104 - Concepts of Biology: An Aboriginal Perspective
BIOL 133 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II

BIOL 205 - Comparative Invertebrate Zoology
BIOL 232 - Human Infectious Disease
BIOL 201 - Introduction to Evolution and Ecology
BIOL 265 - Principles of Genetics

BIOL 375 - Flora and Fauna of Inland Waters
BIOL 354 - Cell Physiology
BIOL 318 - Immunology
BIOL 308 - Population Biology

BIOL 414 - Advanced Field Ecology
BIOL 422 - Conservation Biology
BIOL 401 - Spatial Ecology
BIOL 460 - Population Genetics

Plan your academic journey by exploring the first-year planning guides designed for Bachelor of Sciences students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Agricultural technologist
  • Agrology technician
  • Aquaculture technician
  • Bacteriology technician
  • Bioanalyst
  • Biogeographer
  • Biological laboratory technologist
  • Biostatistician
  • Biotechnologist
  • Botanical technician
  • Conservation office
  • Environmental educator
  • Environmental impact assessor
  • Fish and wildlife officer
  • Fish hatchery technician
  • Food bacteriological technician
  • Food inspector
  • Food science technologist
  • Forensic biologist
  • Horticulturist
  • Hydrometric technologist
  • Interpretive naturalist
  • Microbiology quality control technologist
  • Park warden
  • Pathology assistant
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Plant breeding technician
  • Pollution control technologist
  • Science policy analyst
  • Seed technologist
  • Soil conservationist
  • Toxicologist
  • Wildlife manager

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global and Undergraduate Research Awards opportunities at Experiential Education.

LIVING LABS

Join biology professors on campus safaris focused on the Okanagan region’s vast biodiversity. Hands-on experiential learning is an integral part of UBC Okanagan’s biology program.

RESEARCH CONNECTIONS

Tap into research opportunities and the expertise of renowned UBC Okanagan professors working in campus labs such as the Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology Research Facility; the Okanagan Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience, and Ecosystem Services (BRAES); and the Centre for Microbiome & Inflammatory Research.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.