Biology (BSc)

Requirements for a Major

Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements, and all core courses listed below. 

Note: Most core and elective courses have prerequisites. Students should check prerequisites carefully, and consult the B.Sc. Degree Advisor when planning their program.

Core Courses

The Core component of the degree, combined with appropriate electives, gives students sufficient knowledge and experience in their field to facilitate entry into graduate or professional schools, or into employment in their field.

Note: Students are strongly encouraged to complete all Year 1 and Year 2 core requirements in the order listed to minimize potential scheduling conflicts later in their degree.

* CHEM 142A/142 is for students who have taken Chemistry 12 and scored at least a C+. CHEM 141A/141 is for students who do not meet this Chemistry 12 requirement. Both courses share the same laboratory material, and final examination.

Note: At the end of first year or after completing a minimum of 24 credits, students need to declare their educational goals in consultation with the B.Sc. Degree Advisor.

* Check individual course prerequisites.

Note: Students wishing to satisfy the academic requirements for registration as a Registered Professional Biologist with the College of Applied Biology of BC must take any one of BIOL 457, FISH 223, RMOT 400, or RMOT 401. All other academic requirements for professional registration are included in the Major in Biology.

Undergraduate Research Project

The Biology Department encourages education gained by participating in active research. Students have the option to complete a research project (BIOL 490 or 491) in their final year. For these courses, students carry out their research under the direction of a Research Advisor from the Biology Department (in some cases, a Co-Advisor may be from another Department). Students interested in taking BIOL 490 or 491 should consult a faculty member as early as possible in their academic career. Details of the special registration process required for BIOL 490 and 491 may be obtained from the Biology Chair or B.Sc. Degree Advisor.

Further information on previous research projects performed by VIU Biology graduates is available at VIU Biology.

Requirements for a Minor

Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

* CHEM 142A/142 is for students who have taken Chemistry 12 and scored at least a C+. CHEM 141A/141 is for students who do not meet this Chemistry 12 requirement. Both courses share the same laboratory material, and final examination.

** Students should check upper-level course prerequisites to guide second year course choices.

* Check individual course prerequisites.

• General admission requirements apply.
• A minimum "B" grade in either Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12. 

Notes on Admission

• Courses in first year have different prerequisites. To satisfy all first year course prerequisites, students must complete all of the following B.C. Secondary School course requirements:
  • A minimum grade of "C" in English 12;
  • A minimum grade of "C+" in each of Biology 11 or 12, Chemistry 11 and 12 and Physics 11 (Principles of Physics 11); and,
  • A minimum grade of "B" in Mathematics 12 (Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12).
  • Physics 12 is recommended but not required.
  • Some seats are available for students who have only completed Chemistry 11 with a minimum "C+".
• Students who do not satisfy all of the first year course prerequisites will not likely be able to complete the full degree program in four years. Students who are lacking any or all of the first year course prerequisites should speak with a VIU Advisor about upgrading courses.
• Students with a two-year diploma in a field related to the Biological Sciences may receive advanced standing, depending upon their program.
• Students are encouraged to become computer literate in word processing, spreadsheets and databases by second year.
• Transcripts from other institutions for courses used towards the B.Sc., Major in Biology degree must be received by VIU’s Records office by August 15 for the Fall semester, and November 30 for the Spring semester.

Domestic (Canadian)

International