Biology

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Immerse yourself in the science of life – from biological molecules, genes and cells to organisms (parasites, microbes, insects, plants, animals) to ecosystems and advanced biotechnology.

Dr. Chase Mason examines plants in the lab with students

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

Quick Find

Why study Biology at UBC Okanagan?

Examine life at every level through courses in cell biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, ecology, neuroscience, microbiology and biostatistics. Our integrated approach combines lectures with small, lab-based learning which provides hands-on experience in biological systems, experimental design and data analysis.

Distinctive opportunities include honours and summer research placements, faculty-mentored independent projects, interdisciplinary options in health, climate change and biotechnology, co-op and community-engaged initiatives, and access to cutting-edge facilities that prepare you for competitive professional programs, graduate study and impactful bioscience careers.

Reducing the side effects of cancer therapy

How a research cluster is advancing personalized radiation therapy while empowering undergraduate researchers

Reducing the side effects of cancer therapy

How a research cluster is advancing personalized radiation therapy while empowering undergraduate researchers

Degree Options

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

Students can customize their degree by focusing on areas such as ecology, microbiology and immunology, cell and molecular biology, plant and animal biology, and physiology. As you advance, you’ll also have the option to take fourth-year Special Topics electives led by faculty who are active researchers and recognized experts. These advanced courses let you explore essential questions in biology while deepening your specialization and building experience that is highly valuable for careers and further study.

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Focus Areas

This program is perfect for students that know that they love Biology, but don’t want to constrain themselves to focusing on a specific sub-discipline. It also allows the flexibility to design a Biology degree that specifically suits your interests, making it easy to create a personalized degree just for you. We offer courses that span the range of biological sub-disciplines, including cell and molecular biology, plant and animal form and function, to population ecology, biodiversity, conservation, human health, neuroscience and more.

Sample Courses

BIOL_O 116 – Biology for Science Majors I
BIOL_O 125 – Biology for Science Majors II
CHEM_O 121 – Atomic and Molecular Chemistry
PHYS_O 112 – Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences I
MATH_O 103 – Integral Calculus with Applications to Life Sciences

BIOL_O 200 – Cell Biology
BIOL_O 201 – Introduction to Evolution and Ecology
BIOL_O 202 – Introduction to Biostatistics
BIOL_O 204 – Vertebrae Structure and Function
BIOL_O 210 – Land Plants
BIOL_O 265 – Principles of Genetics

BIOC_O 304 – Molecular Biochemistry I
BIOL_O 314 – Medical Microbiology
BIOL_O 350 – Clinical Neuroscience
BIOL_O 354 – Cell Physiology
BIOL_O 357 – Introduction to Entomology
BIOL_O 363 – Developmental Biology
BIOL_O 358 – Plant Ecophysiology
BIOL_O 318 – Immunology
BIOL_O 308 – Population Biology
BIOL_O 370 – African Savannah Biology
BIOL_O 380 – Food and Industrial Microbiology
BIOC_O 393 – Biochemistry laboratory

BIOL_O 401 – Spatial Ecology
BIOL_O 407 – Functional Glycoscience
BIOL_O 422 – Conservation Biology
BIOL_O 413 – Wildfire Ecology
BIOL_O 423 – Endocrinology
BIOL_O 424 – Global Food Systems: Society, Ecology, Sustainability
BIOL_O 426 – Cancer Biology
BIOL_O 461 – Cell Signalling
BIOL_O 477 0 Bioinformatics

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,

Careers

Employable Skills

  • Agricultural technologist
  • Animal care technician
  • Biogeographer
  • Bioinformatics Analysist
  • Biomedical technician
  • Biostatistician
  • Botanical technician
  • Climate change/sustainability project assistant
  • Conservation officer
  • Science/ Environmental educator
  • Environmental impact assessor
  • Fish and wildlife officer
  • Food and drug inspector
  • Food science technologist
  • Forensic biologist
  • Genetic technologist
  • Laboratory research assistant
  • Quality control technologist
  • Park ranger
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Plant breeding technician
  • Research Assistant
  • Restoration ecology technician
  • Science Communicator (journalist/ writer/ videographer)
  • Science policy analyst
  • Toxicologist
  • Veterinary assistant
  • Wildlife biologist

A degree in Biology also provides a solid foundation from which to pursue advanced degrees, such as medicine, veterinary medicine, graduate school, dentistry and more.

Students working in a biotech lab

Professional Master’s will train next generation of biotech experts

UBC Okanagan program addresses projected talent gap in biotechnology industry

Professional Master’s will train next generation of biotech experts

UBC Okanagan program addresses projected talent gap in biotechnology industry

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.

Admission requirements Application Deadlines
Cost Estimator Financial Planning
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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, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education.

RESEARCH CONNECTIONS

Work closely with faculty while doing your own independent research. Our professors do world-class research on a range of topics, including wildlife conservation, human health, genomics, sustainable agriculture and more.

Build your Network

Student-led clubs and course unions offer community, events and identity. They enrich your academic experience through networking, advocacy, expanded access to academic and professional resources.  Together, they create a supportive environment where you can build friendships, develop skills and explore future pathways in biology.

From textbooks to tissue models

How hands-on undergraduate research is advancing immunobiology

From textbooks to tissue models

How hands-on undergraduate research is advancing immunobiology

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 3% university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

International Prospective Students Student Life at UBCO

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful lakes, 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.

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