Marine Biology

Students interested in Marine Biology programs are requested to seek counselling from an undergraduate academic advisor.

BSc Marine Biology Major

Bachelor of Science students pursuing a Major in Marine Biology must complete the following courses. A recommended sequence is outlined below: 

First Year

  1. BIOL 1105, BIOL 1205, BIOL 1017, BIOL 1202.
  2. CHEM 1041, CHEM 1046, CHEM 1072, CHEM 1077.
  3. MATH 1001, STAT 1793.
  4. GEOL 1044.
  5. 5 ch of Physics.
  6. A minimum of 3 ch in approved electives*, for a total of 40 ch. 

Second Year

  1. BIOL 2585, BIOL 2615, plus three of BIOL 2015, BIOL 2065, BIOL 2125, BIOL 2245, BIOL 2485.
  2. CHEM 2421.
  3. STAT 2793 .
  4. A minimum of 9 ch in approved electives*.

It is expected that students will take a minimum of 36 ch during their second year.

Third and Fourth Years

  1. BIOL 3022 and 43 ch of advanced Biology courses. This can include BIOL 4090 and the two remaining second year elective Biology courses (BIOL 2015, BIOL 2065, BIOL 2125, BIOL 2245, or BIOL 2485). 30 ch must be from courses designated as having a marine content including BIOL 3165, BIOL 3755, BIOL 3875, BIOL 3955, BIOL 4645, BIOL 3776.
  2. 16 ch of approved electives*.
  3. A total of at least 139 ch is required for graduation.

*the electives must bring the total credit hours counting towards the program to 139; a minimum of 12 ch of the electives must be from non-Biology subjects.

BSc Marine Biology Honours

Students intending to apply to the honours program are advised to consult with their intended faculty member supervisor at the beginning of their third year. An Honours student must complete the requirements for their Major and complete BIOL 4090 (Honours Project) as one of their required upper level Biology Courses.

An Honours student must achieve a minimum final CGPA of 3.7 to obtain First Class Honours standing upon graduation. A student completing all course requirements for the Honours program but having a CGPA below 3.0 will be given a Majors degree upon graduation.

Zoology Specialization

Students in the Marine Biology Major or Honours programs can specialize in Zoology. Information on the specific courses required for this specialization is available from the Department of Biological Sciences.