Suggested course sequences - biology

Choose your program pathway

Academic year 2026-2027

Year	Fall	Winter
1st year (30 units)	BIO1109 (If you have not completed the biology prerequisite, you must enroll in BIO1109. This course may be completed concurrently with BIO1131) BIO1131 CHM1311 (If you have not completed the chemistry prerequisite, you must enroll in CHM1301) MAT1330 PHY1321 (If you have not completed the physics prerequisite, you must enroll in PHY1331) 3 course units in English (ENG) at the 1000 or 2000 level	BIO1141 CHM1321 GEO1111 MAT1332 BIO1150 (Fall or winter)
2nd year (30 units)	BIO2129 BIO2137 CHM2120 STA2392 3 elective course units	BCH2333 BIO2133 BIO2135 3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS), ITI1120, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188 or SCI3101 3 elective course units
3rd year (30 units)	3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS), ITI1120, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188 or SCI3101 6 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188 or SCI3101 6 elective course units	3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS), ITI1120, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188 or SCI3101 6 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188 or SCI3101 6 elective course units
4th year (30 units)	BIO4922 6 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188 or SCI3101 6 elective course units	9 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188 or SCI3101 6 elective course units

Notes

BIO1109: This course is beyond the requirements of the programs in science.
At least 9 of the 30 elective course units must be from the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences or the Telfer School of Management.
In addition to the regular honours with specialization program, four other honours with specialization options are available: 1) Cellular and Molecular Option; 2) Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Option; 3) Physiology Option or 4) Plant Science. Please consult the relevant table for each of these options.
For students registered in the Faculty of Science: If the components of your program of study require common compulsory courses, you will have to replace the units with electives.

Within your program of study, you must complete a minimum of 12 course units at the 3000 or 4000-level with a laboratory component. These courses must be selected from the list of optional courses below:

BIO3103
BIO3126
BIO3128
BIO3137
BIO3146
BIO3151
BIO3152
BIO3154
BIO3158
BIO3310
BIO3333
BIO3360
BIO4004
BIO4009
BIO4150
BIO4156
BIO4158
BIO4302
BIM4316
BPS4104
BPS4127

Co-operative education is available with this program.
The French Immersion Stream is available with this program.
The minimum CGPA required to be on good academic standing is 5.0.
Please note that a maximum of 48 units at the 1000 level can be used towards your program.

Academic year 2026-2027

Year	Fall	Winter
1^st year (30 units)	BIO1109 (If you have not completed the biology prerequisite, you must enroll in BIO1109. This course may be completed concurrently with BIO1131) BIO1131 CHM1311 (If you have not completed the chemistry prerequisite, you must enroll in CHM1301) MAT1330 PHY1321 (If you have not completed the physics prerequisite, you must enroll in PHY1331) 3 course units in English (ENG) at the 1000 or 2000 level	BIO1141 CHM1321 GEO1111 MAT1332 BIO1150 (Fall or winter)
2^nd year (30 units)	BIO2129 BIO2137 CHM2120 STA2392 3 elective course units	BCH2333 BIO2133 BIO2135 6 elective course units
3^rd year (30 units)	BIO3137 BIO3302 3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS), BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188, ITI1120, PHA4107 or SCI3101 6 elective course units	BIO3303 3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS), BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188, ITI1120, PHA4107 or SCI3101 3 elective course units (Fall or Winter) 6 optional course units from: BCH3120 BIO 3147 BIO 3151 BIO 3152 BIO3350 BIO3360 BIO4120 BIO4127 BIO4158 BIO4175 BIO4302 BIO4351 BIO4551
4^th year (30 units)	BIO40091 BIO4922 3 optional course units from: BCH3120 BIO3147 BIO3151 BIO3152 BIO3350 BIO3360 BIO4120 BIO4127 BIO4158 BIO4175 BIO4302 BIO4351 BIO4551 6 elective course units (Fall or Winter)	BIO40092 3 course units from (Fall or Winter; may be taken in 3^rd or 4^th year): BIM4316 BIO3103 BIO3126 BIO3128 BIO3146 BIO3151 BIO3152 BIO3154 BIO3158 BIO3310 BIO3333 BIO3360 BIO4004 BIO4150 BIO4156 BIO4158 BPS4104 BPS4127 6 elective course units (Fall or Winter)

Notes

BIO1109: This course is beyond the requirements of the programs in science.
Within your program of study, you must complete a minimum of 15 course units at the 3000 level or above with laboratory component. These courses must be selected from the list of optional courses below:

BIM4613

BIO3103

BIO3126

BIO3137

BIO3146

BIO3151

BIO3152

BIO3154

BIO3158

BIO3310

BIO3333

BIO3360

BIO4004

BIO4009

BIO4150

BIO4156

BIO4158

BPS4104

BPS4127

At least 9 of the 30 elective course units must be from the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences or the Telfer School of Management.
Certain courses are offered in alternate years with the French equivalent.

For students registered in the Faculty of Science: If the components of your program of study require common compulsory courses, you will have to replace with electives.

Co-operative education is available with this program.
The French Immersion Stream is available with this program.
The minimum CGPA required to be on good academic standing is 5.0.
Please note that a maximum of 48 units at the 1000 level can be used towards your program.

Academic year 2026-2027

Year	Fall	Winter
1st year (30 units)	BIO1109 (If you have not completed the biology prerequisite, you must enroll in BIO1109. This course may be completed concurrently with BIO1131) BIO1131 CHM1311 (If you have not completed the chemistry prerequisite, you must enroll in CHM1301) MAT1330 PHY1321 (If you have not completed the physics prerequisite, you must enroll in PHY1331) 3 course units in English (ENG) at the 1000 or 2000 level	BIO1141 CHM1321 GEO1111 MAT1332 BIO1150 (Fall or winter)
2nd year (30 units)	BIO2129 BIO2137 CHM2120 STA2392 3 elective course units	BCH2333 BIO2133 BIO2135 6 elective course units
3rd year (30 units)	BIO3153 BIO3170 3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS), ITI1120, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188, PHA4107 or SCI3101 3 elective course units (Fall or Winter) 3 optional course units from: BCH3120 BCH4172 BIO 3102 BIO 3119 (Fall) BIO 3124 (Fall) BIO3126 (Fall) BIO3142 BIO3147 BIO3360 BIO4115 BIO4142 (Fall) BIO4144 BIO4145 BIO4158 (Fall) BIO4175 BPS3101 (Fall) BPS4104	BIO3151 or BIO3152 6 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS), ITI1120, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188, PHA4107 or SCI3101 6 elective course units
4th year (30 units)	BIO40091 BIO4922 3 elective course units 3 optional course units from: BCH3120 BCH4172 BIO 3102 BIO 3119 (Fall) BIO 3124 (Fall) BIO3126 (Fall) BIO3142 BIO3360 BIO4115 BIO4142 (Fall) BIO4144 BIO4145 BIO4158 (Fall) BIO4175 BPS3101 (fall) BPS4104	BIO40092 9 elective course units 3 optional course units from: BCH3120 (Winter) BCH4172 BIO 3102 (Winter) BIO 3119 BIO 3124 BIO3126 BIO3142 (Winter) BIO3360 BIO4115 (Winter) BIO4142 BIO4144 (Winter) BIO4145 BIO4158 BIO4175 (Winter) BPS3101 BPS4104 (Winter)

Notes

BIO1109: This course is beyond the requirements of the programs in science.
At least 9 of the 30 elective units must be from the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences or the Telfer School of Management.
For students registered in the Faculty of Science: If the components of your program of study require common compulsory courses, you will have to replace the units with electives.

A minimum of 15 units in BIO at the 3000-level or above with a lab component must be completed from this list:

BIO3103
BIO3126
BIO3128
BIO3137
BIO3146
BIO3151
BIO3152
BIO3154
BIO3158
BIO3310
BIO3333
BIO3360
BIO4004
BIO4009
BIO4122
BIO4150
BIO4156
BIO4158
BIO4302
BIM4316
BPS4104
BPS4127

Co-operative education is available with this program.
The French Immersion Stream is available with this program.
The minimum CGPA required to be on good academic standing is 5.0.
Please note that a maximum of 48 units at the 1000 level can be used towards your program.

Academic year 2026-2027

Year	Fall	Winter
1st year (30 units)	BIO1109 (If you have not completed the biology prerequisite, you must enroll in BIO1109. This course may be completed concurrently with BIO1131) BIO1131 CHM1311 (If you have not completed the chemistry prerequisite, you must enroll in CHM1301) MAT1330 PHY1321 (If you have not completed the physics prerequisite, you must enroll in PHY1331) 3 course units in English (ENG) at 1000 or 2000 level	BIO1141 CHM1321 GEO1111 MAT1332 BIO1150 (Fall or winter)
2nd year (30 units)	BIO2129 BIO2137 CHM2120 STA2392 3 elective course units	BCH2333 BIO2133 BIO2135 6 elective course units
3rd year (30 units)	BIO3122 3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS), ITI1120, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188, PHA4107 or SCI3101 (Fall or Winter) 9 elective course units	3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS), ITI1120, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188, PHA4107 or SCI3101 (Fall or Winter) 9 elective course units 3 optional course units from: BIO3102 BIO 3103 BIO 3115 BIO 3117 BIO3119 (Fall) BIO3128 (Fall) BIO3146 BIO3154 (Fall) BIO3176 (Fall) BIO3310 BIO3360 BIO4146 (Fall) BIO4150 (Fall) BIO4156 BIO4159 BIO4551
4th year (30 units)	BIO40091 BIO4922 BIO4158 6 elective course units	BIO40092 3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS), ITI1120, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4125, BCH4188, PHA4107 or SCI3101 (Fall or Winter) 6 optional course units from: BIO3102 BIO 3103 BIO 3115 BIO 3117 BIO3119 (fall) BIO3128 (fall) BIO3146 BIO3154 (fall) BIO3176 (fall) BIO3310 BIO3360 BIO4146 (fall) BIO4150 (fall) BIO4156 BIO4159 BIO4551

Notes

Some 3000-4000 level lecture courses are offered in French and English in alternate years.
BIO1109: This course is beyond the requirements of the programs in science.
At least 9 of the 33 elective course units must be from the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences or the Telfer School of Management.
For students registered in the Faculty of Science: If the components of your program of study require common compulsory courses, you will have to replace the units with electives.

Within your program of study, you must complete a minimum of 15 course units at the 3000 or 4000 level with a laboratory component. A complete list of courses having a laboratory component can be found below. Please note: if a course listed below has already been used to fulfil a compulsory or optional requirement in your program listed above, these course units count toward this total of 15 units.

List of Optional Courses with a Laboratory Component:

BIM4316
BIO3103
BIO3126
BIO3128
BIO3137
BIO3146
BIO3151
BIO3152
BIO3154
BIO3158
BIO3310
BIO3333
BIO3360
BIO4004
BIO4009
BIO4150
BIO4156
BIO4158
BIO4302
BPS4104
BPS4127

Co-operative education is available with this program.
The French Immersion Stream is available with this program.
The minimum CGPA required to be on good academic standing is 5.0.
Please note that a maximum of 48 units at the 1000 level can be used towards your program.

Academic year 2026-2027

Year	Fall	Winter
1^st year (30 units)	BIO1109 (If you have not completed the biology prerequisite, you must enroll in BIO1109. This course may be completed concurrently with BIO1131) BIO1131 CHM1311 (If you have not completed the chemistry prerequisite, you must enroll in CHM1301) MAT1330 PHY1321 (If you have not completed the physics prerequisite, you must enroll in PHY1331) 3 course units in English (ENG) at the 1000 or 2000 level	BIO1141 CHM1321 GEO1111 MAT1332 BIO1150 (Fall or winter)
2^nd year (30 units)	BIO2129 BIO2137 CHM2120 STA2392 3 elective course units	BCH2333 BIO2133 BIO2135 6 elective course units
3^rd year (30 units)	BIO3140 12 elective course units (Fall or Winter)	BIO3542 BIO3710 9 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS), ITI 1120, BCH 3120, BCH 3125, BCH 3356, BCH 4122, BCH 4125, BCH 4188, PHA4107 or SCI 3101 with at least 3 of the 12 optional course units at the 3000 or 4000 level
4^th year (30 units)	BIO40091 BIO4922 9 course units from (Fall or Winter; may be taken in 3rd or 4th year): BCH3120 (Winter) BIO3128 (Fall) BIO3146 (Winter) BIO3360 BIO4142 (Fall) BIO4144 (Winter) BIO4145 BIO4158 (Fall) BPS3102 (Fall)	BIO40092 9 elective course units (Fall or Winter)

Notes

BIO1109: This course is beyond the requirements of the programs in science.
Within your program of study, you must complete a minimum of 15 course units at the 3000 level or above with laboratory component. These courses must be selected from the list of optional courses below:

BIM4316
BIO3103
BIO3126
BIO3128
BIO3137
BIO3146
BIO3151
BIO3152
BIO3154
BIO3158
BIO3333
BIO3360
BIO4004
BIO4150
BIO4156
BIO4158
BIO4302
BPS4104
BPS4127

BIO3142: This course is only offered every two years.
At least 9 of the 30 elective course units must be from the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences or the Telfer School of Management.
Some 3000-4000 level lecture courses are offered in French and English in alternate years.

For students registered in the Faculty of Science: If the components of your program of study require common compulsory courses, you will have to replace with electives.

Co-operative education is available with this program.
The French Immersion Stream is available with this program.
The minimum CGPA required to be on good academic standing is 5.0.
Please note that a maximum of 48 units at the 1000 level can be used towards your program.

Academic year 2026-2027

Year	Fall	Winter
1st year (21 units)	BIO1109 (If you have not completed the biology prerequisite, you must enroll in BIO1109. This course may be completed concurrently with BIO1131) BIO1131 CHM1311 (If you have not completed the chemistry prerequisite, you must enroll in CHM1301) MAT1330	BIO1141 CHM1321 GEO1111 BIO1150 (Fall or winter)
2nd year (21 units)	BIO2129 BIO2137 CHM2120 STA2392	BCH2333 BIO2133 BIO2135
3rd year (9 units)	3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4188, BCH4125 or SCI3101	6 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4188, BCH4125 or SCI3101
4th year (9 units)	3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4188, BCH4125 or SCI3101	3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS), environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level, BCH3120, BCH3125, BCH3356, BCH4122, BCH4188, BCH4125 or SCI3101

Notes

BIO1109: This course is beyond the requirements of the programs in science.

For students registered in the Faculty of Science: If the components of your program of study require common compulsory courses, you will have to replace the units with electives.

Please note that all programs in the Faculty of Science require a minimum of 12 units from the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences or the Telfer School of Management.

Co-operative education is available when taken as part of an honours degree.
The French Immersion Stream is available when taken as part of an honours degree.
Please note that a maximum of 48 units at the 1000 level can be used towards your program.

Academic year 2026-2027

Year	Fall	Winter
1st year (6 units)	BIO1109 (If you have not completed the biology prerequisite, you must enroll in BIO1109. This course may be completed concurrently with BIO1131) BIO1131	BIO1141 BIO1150 (Fall or winter)
2nd year (6 units)	BIO2129 (Fall) or BIO2133 (Winter)	BIO2135 (Winter) or BIO2137 (Fall)
3rd year (9 units)	3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level (Fall or Winter) 3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS)	3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS)
4th year (9 units)	3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS) at the 3000 or 4000 level (Fall or Winter)	3 optional course units in biology (BIO), biopharmaceutical science (BPS) or environmental science (EVS)

Notes

BIO1109: This course is beyond the requirements of the programs in science.

Please note that a maximum of 45 units at the 1000 level can be used towards the Bachelor of Science with Minor.

Disclaimer

The above should match the information in the official program calendar (and related archives), under “program requirements”. However, we cannot guarantee complete accuracy despite our rigorous control procedures.

In the event of a discrepancy between the content on this page and the official calendar, the calendar takes precedence and is the authoritative source.
Please note that you must follow the program requirements in effect in the calendar year of your first enrolment. Additional requirements may apply.

Suggested course sequences - Biology

Choose your program pathway

Honours BSc in Biology (120 units) arrow_drop_down

Academic year 2026-2027

Notes

Honours BSc in Biology – Animal Physiology Option (120 units) arrow_drop_down

Academic year 2026-2027

Honours BSc in Biology - Cellular/Molecular Option (120 units) arrow_drop_down

Academic year 2026-2027

Notes

Honours BSc in Biology - Ecology/Evolution/Behaviour Option (120 units) arrow_drop_down

Academic year 2026-2027

Notes

Honours BSc in Biology – Plant Science Option (120 units) arrow_drop_down

Academic year 2026-2027

Major in Biology (60 units) arrow_drop_down

Academic year 2026-2027

Notes

Minor in Biology (30 units) arrow_drop_down

Academic year 2026-2027

Notes

Disclaimer