Biology Option

Department of Biology

• General Information
• Program Requirements
• Concentrations

Faculty

• Addison, Jason A., BSc, PhD (Dal.), Prof - 2008
• Alexander-Trusiak, Alexa, BSc (Queen's), MSc, PhD (UNB), Visiting Res Prof - 2018
• Baird, Donald J., BSc, PhD (Glasgow), Visiting Res Prof - 2003
• Barbeau, Myriam A., BSc (McG.), PhD (Dal.), Prof - 1999
• Bardon-Albaret, A., BSc (Montpeillier), PhD (USM), Adjunct Prof - 2024
• Barclay, Katherine D., BSc (UNB), MSc (Wat.), PhD (Guelph), Teaching Prof - 2001
• Benfey, Tillmann J., BSc (McG.), MSc (Memorial), PhD (Br.Col.), Prof - 1989
• Clark, Denise V., BSc (Br.Col), PhD (S.Fraser), Honorary Res Prof - 1994
• Crawford, Bryan D., BSc (Alta), MSc (Vic.BC), PhD (S.Fraser.) - Prof 2006
• Curry, R. Allen, BES (Wat.), MSc (Trent), PhD (Guelph), Prof, Recreational Fisheries (Joint ForEM) - 1997
• Cunjak, Richard A., BSc (Guelph), MSc (Memorial), PhD (Wa), Emeritus Prof (Joint ForEM) - 1997
• Cwynar, Les C., BSc, MSc, PhD (Tor.), Prof - 1988
• Diamond, Antony W., BA (Cambridge), MSc, PhD (Aberdeen), Emeritus Prof, Atlantic Laboratory for Avian Research (Joint ForEM) - 1994
• Duffy, Michael, BSc, PhD (UNB), Assoc Prof - 2005
• Durnford, Dion G., BSc (Dal.), PhD (Br.Col.), Prof - 1997
• Edge, Christopher, BSc (Guelph), MSc (Laurentian), PhD (UNB) - Adjunct Prof - 2019
• Erickson, Timothy, BSc, MSc, PhD (Alberta), Assoc Prof - 2021
• Forbes, Graham J., BA (York), MA, PhD (Wat.), Prof (Joint ForEM) - 1997
• Gagarinova, Alla, BSc (Tor.), MSc (Wat.), PhD (Tor.), Asst Prof - 2023
• Garber, Amber, BSc (BGSU), MSc (USM), PhD (NUC), Adjunct Prof - 2024
• Hamilton, Diana J., BSc (McG.), MSc (Wat.), PhD (Guelph), Adjunct Prof - 2023
• Hayden, Brian, BSc, PhD (Dublin), Assoc Prof, Scientific Director of SINLAB - 2018
• Heard, Stephen B., BSc (Wat.), PhD (Pennsylvania), Honorary Res Prof - 2002
• Hind, Katharine R., BSc (Vic, BC), PhD (UNB), AssocTeaching Prof - 2022
• Johns, Robert, BSc (St.FX), PhD (UNB), Adjunct Prof - 2012
• Lawrence, Janice E., BSc, PhD (Dal.), Assoc Prof - 2003
• Linnansaari, Tommi, BSc, MSc (Helsinki), PhD (UNB), Prof (Joint ForEM) - 2017
• MacLellan, Shawn R., BSc (Guelph), MSc (Guelph), PhD (McMaster), Assoc Prof - 2010
• Malenfant, Rene M., BSc (St.FX), BSc, PhD (Alberta), Assoc Teaching Prof - 2016
• Miles, Kelly, BSc (Dal.), MSc (Dal.), Teaching Prof - 2012
• Nedelcu, Aurora M., BSc (Romania), PhD (Dal.), Prof - 2002
• Ollerhead, Jeff, BSc (Guelph), MSc (Tor.), PhD (Guelph), Adjunct Prof - 2022
• Parachnowitsch, Amy, BSc (S Fraser), MSc (Guelph), PhD (Cornell) Assoc Prof - 2018
• Patten, Cheryl L., BSc, PhD (Wat.), Honorary Res Prof - 2004
• Peake, Stephan J., BSc General, BSc Honors (Guelph), MSc (Wat.), PhD (S. Fraser), Assoc Prof - 2002
• Pureswaran, Deepa, BSc, MSc, PhD (S.Fraser), Adjunct Prof - 2010, Visiting Res Prof - 2024
• Rendell, Drew, BSc (Calg.), MSc (California), PhD (California), Prof - 2015
• Reyes Prieto, Adrian, BSc, PhD (Mexico), Assoc Prof - 2009
• Sacobie, Charles F., BSc, MSc, PhD (UNB), Assoc Prof - 2013, Indigenous Science Scholar - 2022
• Saunders, Gary W., BSc, MSc (Acad.), PhD (S. Fraser), Prof, UNB Chair in Molecular Systematics & Biodiversity - 1995
• Sharp, Lisa, BSc (Br.Col.), MSc (Vic. BC), BCIDP (Vancouver Community College), Teaching Prof - 2001
• Sherrard, Mark, BSc (MTA), MSc, PhD (Guelph), Assoc Teaching Prof - 2020
• Tai, Helen H., BSc (Tor), PhD (Ottawa), Adjunct Prof - 2021
• Trudel, Marc, BSc, PhD (McG), Adjunct Prof - 2020

General Information

Biology Goal

The educational goal of the Department of Biology at UNB is to foster a fascination with and an ability to learn about progress in the biological sciences, and appreciate the importance of these fields to society. This is achieved through teaching within the department that emphasises the questions of contemporary biology, and how they are asked.  Our graduates understand that the sub-disciplines of 21st century biology are interrelated, ask questions at a range of spatial and temporal scales, with a broad taxonomic scope, and that these dynamic disciplines have a strong quantitative foundation.

Our aim is to provide students with a foundation upon which they can build in future professional or postgraduate training, and as scientifically literate citizens of our society.

Programs in Biology

The Department of Biology offers the following programs: Honours (by Thesis or by Course), Major and Minor.

Either of the Honours programs provides students with the preparation required for graduate work in Biology or admission to many professional schools.*

The Major program is designed to provide concentrated study in Biology while maximizing a student's access to the offerings of other Departments and Faculties. It will therefore be of use to students with interdisciplinary educational and career objectives. With care, students should be able to use this to satisfy prerequisites to many professional schools.*

The Minor program is structured to meet the individual needs of the student and will complement their major program.
Admission to this program is by application to the Biology Director of Undergraduate Studies. Minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) requirements and prerequisites may be required for admission. Courses for the Biology Minor must be approved according to the guidelines given below.

Students are reminded that courses offered by other Departments form an important complementary part of the overall program of studies. A minimum of 12 ch of electives selected from the course offerings of the Faculty of Arts are required in the Honours and Major programs.

NOTE:* Students interested in pre-health professional studies must discuss their intentions with their Biology advisor early in their program to ensure appropriate timetabling of appropriate electives. They should also consult an Assistant Dean of Science for up-to-date information about prerequisites required by professional schools, and advice on program planning.

Program Requirements 

Major Program (132 ch total)

First Year

1. BIOL 1001, BIOL 1006, BIOL 1012, BIOL 1017; CHEM 1001, CHEM 1006, CHEM 1012, CHEM 1017; MATH 1003 or MATH 1053 and one of MATH 1013, MATH 1063 or STAT 2264, SCI 1001
2. Two more term courses of first year science lectures (Physics or Earth Sciences).

Second Year

1. BIOL 2003, BIOL 2008, BIOL 2023, BIOL 2028, BIOL 2063, BIOL 2068; and one of the pairs BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2018 or BIOL 2053 and BIOL 2103; CHEM 2401 (3 ch) and STAT 2264 (3 ch) * (See Note 2)

Third and Fourth Years

Third and fourth year Biology courses totalling a minimum of 34 ch, including a minimum of 12 ch of laboratory or field courses (denoted by the course designation “L” in the course description). Courses considered toward the laboratory and field experience requirement include BIOL 3058, BIOL 3083, BIOL 3113, BIOL 3173, BIOL 3207, BIOL 3293, BIOL 3301, BIOL 3371, BIOL 3383, BIOL 3412, BIOL 3441, BIOL 3541, BIOL 3593, BIOL 3603, BIOL 3703, BIOL 3883, BIOL 3908, BIOL 3933, BIOL 4182, BIOL 4211, BIOL 4221, BIOL 4393, BIOL 4443, BIOL 4523, BIOL 4533, BIOL 4581, BIOL 4641, BIOL 4691, BIOL 4723, BIOL 4732, BIOL 4746, BIOL 4851, BIOL 4863, BIOL 4981, and BIOL 4991 (but do not include BIOL 3149, BIOL 4149, or BIOL 4090). 

Electives

1. 12 ch of Arts courses.
2. 24 ch of other courses (in almost any field including Biology) * (see Note 4).

Notes: (*)

1. A C grade or better is required in all courses for Biology degree programs. Students in all Biology programs will not be allowed to take any third or fourth year Biology courses, until they have passed (C minimum) all first year requirements for Biology programs.
2. If STAT 2264 is counted as a first year requirement, then an extra 3 ch of third or fourth year courses must be taken.
3. Students are urged to register early (by the end of classes, Winter term) for courses they plan to take in the next academic year that are required for their program and that have limited enrolment.
4. Some courses offered in other Faculties will not be considered for credit toward a BSc; so, students should see their advisor for course approval. 
5. Registration in online third and fourth year Biology courses reqires permission of an academic advisor, and is normally limited to 9 ch.

Honours Program (144 ch total):

There are two honours programs: Honours by Course and Honours by Thesis. Students must have (and maintain) a minimum CGPA of 3.0 to be accepted in and remain in either program.

The process to pursue an Honours by Thesis typically begins near the end of the Year 2. Through conversation with your academic advisor you will 1) select courses that are required for the Biology Honours program, and 2) plan to take enough credit hours to allow for completion of the Honours program (144 ch) by the end of Year 4. Instructions for official application to the Honours by Thesis will be communicated to students in Year 3 of the program. Students will submit their application to biohonours@unb.ca. 

First Year

1. BIOL 1001, BIOL 1006, BIOL 1012, BIOL 1017; CHEM 1001, CHEM 1006, CHEM 1012, CHEM 1017; MATH 1003 or MATH 1053 and one of MATH 1013, MATH 1063 or STAT 2264, SCI 1001
2. Two more term courses of first year science lectures (Physics or Earth Sciences).

Second Year 

BIOL 2003, BIOL 2008, BIOL 2023, BIOL 2028, BIOL 2063, BIOL 2068; one of the pairs BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2018 or BIOL 2053 and BIOL 2103; CHEM 2401 (3 ch) and STAT 2264 (3 ch)* (see Note 2).

Third and Fourth Years

Third and fourth year Biology courses totalling a minimum of 46 ch, including a minimum of 12 ch of laboratory or field courses (denoted by the course designation “L” in the course description). Courses considered toward the laboratory and field experience requirement include BIOL 3058, BIOL 3083, BIOL 3113, BIOL 3173, BIOL 3207, BIOL 3293, BIOL 3371, BIOL 3383, BIOL 3412, BIOL 3441, BIOL 3541, BIOL 3593, BIOL 3603, BIOL 3703, BIOL 3883, BIOL 3908, BIOL 3933, BIOL 4182, BIOL 4211, BIOL 4221, BIOL 4393, BIOL 4443, BIOL 4523, BIOL 4533, BIOL 4581,  BIOL 4641, BIOL 4691, BIOL 4723, BIOL 4732, BIOL 4746, BIOL 4851, BIOL 4863, BIOL 4981, and BIOL 4991 (but do not include BIOL 3149, BIOL 4149, or BIOL 4090). For the Honours by Thesis, the minimum of 46 ch also includes BIOL 4090 and one of the general research skills courses (BIOL 3933, BIOL 3943, BIOL 4463, BIOL 4483, or BIOL 5473).

Electives

1. 12 ch of Arts courses.
2. 24 ch of other courses (in almost any field, including Biology)* (see Note 4). 

NOTES:(*)

1. A C grade or better is required in all courses for Biology degree programs. Students in all Biology programs will not be allowed to take any third or fourth year Biology courses, until they have passed (C minimum) all first year requirements for Biology programs.
2. If STAT 2264 is counted as a first year requirement, then an extra 3 ch of third or fourth year courses must be taken.
3. Students are urged to register early (by the end of classes, Winter term) for courses they plan to take in the next academic year that are required for their program and that have limited enrolment.  
4. Some courses offered in other Faculties will not be considered for credit toward a BSc; so, students should see their advisor for course approval. 
5. The Honours student (by course or by thesis) must achieve a minimum final CGPA of 3.7 to obtain First Class Honours standing upon graduation. A student completing all course requirements for Honours but with a CGPA below 3.0 will be given a Majors degree.
6. Registration is online upper-level Biology courses reuires permission of an academic advisor, and is normally limited to 9 ch.

Minor Program:

The Minor in Biology is available to students in other Departments of the Faculty of Science, and outside the Faculty of Science, who are interested in a coherent package of Biology courses. The Minor follows section V in the “University Wide Academic Regulations” of the Undergraduate Academic Calendar and consists of BIOL courses, totalling at least 24 credit hours with a grade of C or better, approved by the Biology Director of Undergraduate Studies. Core Second Year BIOL courses and the Concentrations can be used as guidelines. Students requiring BIOL 1001, BIOL 1006, BIOL 1012 / BIOL 1019 and BIOL 1017, or other BIOL courses for their Major are not eligible to also count these courses towards a Biology Minor. Students not requiring Biology courses for their Major must take, and can count, BIOL 1001, BIOL 1006, BIOL 1012 and BIOL 1017 as part of their Biology Minor. Up to 6 ch of first and second year human biology courses can count toward the Biology Minor (possible courses are BIOL 1711/BIOL 1719, BIOL 1782/ BIOL 1789, BIOL 2251/ BIOL 2259, BIOL 2501/BIOL 2509, BIOL 2513/BIOL 2519, BIOL 2629, BIOL 2721, BIOL 2761/BIOL 2769, BIOL 2792).

Co-operative Work Experience in Biology

The Faculty of Science seeks to provide opportunities for students and employers to develop relationships that enhance the learning experience for students and present employers with skilled, motivated employees looking to make a career connection. To achieve this, the Faculty, through the Department of Biology and other Science departments and programs, operates a Co-operative Education Program. Co-op opportunities are available for qualified students; please refer to the Science section of this Calendar for detailed information.

Concentrations

Upper year Honours and Major students in Biology can choose from many Biology courses (see requirements for third and fourth years, above). Concentrations are optional and designed to guide students who want more focused education in a specific area, and can be indicated on the final transcript at graduation if a student successfully completes a minimum of 24 ch from the Concentration. The majority of these 24 ch should come from the “Recommended courses” list, and the remaining ch from the “Other Relevant courses” list. Note that BIOL 3933, BIOL 3943 and BIOL 5473 can count towards any of the Concentrations. Selection must be approved by an academic advisor, and the student must then indicate their concentration on their application to graduate. Note that only one concentration can be selected per degree.