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Biological Science

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Why Study Biological Science at U of G?

Discover the wonders of life, from molecules to ecosystems, with a Biological Science major at the University of Guelph, home to Canada's largest faculty of dedicated biologists.

Take advantage of our cutting-edge research and teaching facilities and the opportunity to learn directly from researchers working to address some of the biggest challenges facing us today. Tailor your studies to suit your interests and career aspirations with courses in health and nutrition, animals and the environment, and molecular and cellular biology.

Preparation For Diverse Career Paths

Career paths for Biological Science graduates are as diverse as the courses you can choose. Our grads go on to pursue careers in health care, education, research, government, and industry.

Gain Hands-on Experience

Study in the lab or the field with internationally renowned researchers or pursue an internship or international exchange. You can further customize your degree by adding a minor or second major, either in another science discipline or the arts, social sciences or business.

Complete a B.Sc. Honours Degree in 3 Years

By taking a full courseload in fall, winter and summer semesters, Biological Science students can complete a full Honours Bachelor of Science degree in eight straight semesters, or three years. See a sample course schedule.

To see all courses offered in the Biological Science program, visit our Academic Calendar.

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Top Comprehensive University
in Canada (Maclean’s)
Top 150 in the World
for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2026)
Top 20% in the World
for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Top 5 in Canada for Life Sciences
Top 4 for Life Sciences Teaching (THE 2026)
Student looking at microscopic image

Careers in Biological Science

The breadth of courses offered at the University of Guelph provides Biological Science students with the opportunity to discover what fields of biology connect with their interests and professional goals. Our graduates land careers in human and animal medicine, government, academia, and for-profit and not-for-profit industries.

Here are just a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:

  • Conservation Biologist
  • Dentist
  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Health Product Research and Development
  • Medical Sales
  • Optometrist
  • Physician
  • Professor
  • Public Health Specialist
  • Veterinarian

Choose Your Path, Choose Your Future

With the flexibility of the Biological Science major, you can tailor your electives for your future career or further education or follow one of the interdisciplinary focal areas below to prepare for a diversity of careers.

Student using microscope

Healthcare Professional Foundation

Interested in a future career in medicine or health care? With a wide range of courses to choose from, you'll have the knowledge and training needed to apply to professional schools, including medical school.

Future careers:

  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary medicine
Pippette with chemical

Healthcare Leadership and Innovation

Health care needs strategic leaders with a strong background in science who can make informed, evidence-based decisions to shape the future. Choose from courses in public health and epidemiology, exercise and rehabilitation, health and disease, and nutrition and lifestyle medicine.

Future careers:

  • Health Policy
  • Public Health Education
  • Clinical Healthcare
  • Health Communications
Students in the Arboretum

Sustainable Ecosystems Biology

With foundational knowledge in integrative biology, ecology and environmental sciences, graduates are prepared to address the complex environmental challenges faced today, including habitat loss and biodiversity collapse, through research, conservation and sustainable management practices.

Future careers:

  • Natural Resource Management
  • Environmental Consultancy
  • Conservation Ecology
  • Environmental Education
western blot

Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology

With an entrepreneurial mindset and a deep understanding of the molecular and cellular underpinnings of life, you’ll be equipped to develop innovative solutions to global challenges, such as disease and pollution, in the rapidly evolving biotechnology field.

Future careers:

  • Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
  • Regulatory Affairs and Policy Analysis
  • Product Research and Development
  • Knowledge Translation

Hear From Biological Science Students and Graduates

Tony Nguyen

In 2018, I embarked on an enriching journey at U of G, drawn by its reputation in Biological Science. Over 3 years, I acquired robust foundational knowledge through core classes while honing practical research skills in Dr. Bailey’s Neuroscience Laboratory. My experience with Student Wellness also equipped me with invaluable interpersonal and crisis support skills. To this day, these experiences continue to support my future career as a physician. However, one of the most magical aspects of Guelph is its community. Small gestures like the cafeteria staff greeting you by name, familiar faces in lecture halls and a community that genuinely values student well-being make Guelph special.

Tony Nguyen, AlumniMedical Student, Biological Science Graduate (BSc '21)
Moronke Harris sitting with a deep-sea submersible on board of a large ship with the ocean and white clouds in the background.

I loved the variety the Biological Science program offered. As someone who wanted a career in science but wasn’t sure in which direction, the program gave me the freedom to explore. Courses in genetics, cell biology, marine ecology, histology, parasitology, and invertebrate zoology built a well-rounded background that has been invaluable for the diverse research conducted at sea, and the wide variety of placements I've been able to experience. I also really enjoyed the hands-on lab courses. From dissections and diagnostics to reports and presentations, U of G's excellent infrastructure made it possible to develop practical skills and scientific confidence.

Moronke Harris, AlumniScience Manager, Ocean Exploration Trust, Biological Science Graduate (BSc '17)Read about Moronke's journey.
Krish Tangri

Choosing the Biological Science program at the University of Guelph was the best decision I made for myself. It provides me with a flexible course plan to explore all my interests and grow into a well-rounded professional. The support from the Biological Science community has always been immense - and as the president of the Biological Science Student Association and a Cluster Leader in a Biology cluster, I can't wait to give back to future Biological Science students!

Krish Tangri, Undergraduate StudentBiological Science (BSc '26)
Laura Gilchrist

My degree in Biological Science provided me the flexibility to explore various interests within a wide range of disciplines. I developed a strong foundation in science while having the versatility to choose courses which allowed me to obtain prerequisites for further education, and prepared me well for a career in health care. I recommend this program to anyone looking for a comprehensive yet customizable science degree that provides endless opportunities.

Laura Gilchrist, AlumniRegistered Respiratory Therapist, Biological Science Graduate (BSc '13)
Close-up portrait of Ashley smiling, dressed in a short sleeve and wearing a vest, with plants in the background.

I love the Biological Science program for its flexibility, as I've been able to gain experience in all areas of biology, from aquatic ecology to human neuromuscular physiology. The course flexibility has also allowed me to easily add a minor program and fit an on-campus work-study position at the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG) into my schedule.

Ashley Parkhill, AlumniResearch Technician, Biological Science (BSc '25)Hear more about Ashley's work-study experience at CBG
Arielle Ramnath

Hi everyone! My name is Arielle, and I’m from Trinidad and Tobago. As an incoming international student, I wanted to be able to explore the various fields and career paths that U of G offers. The Biological Science program was the best choice; with all my required courses ending mid-second year, I could choose my courses for future semesters. This allowed me to take courses in multiple program streams, including pharmacology, evolution, genetics, chemistry, etc. Using this, I could trial which areas were a good fit for me.

Arielle Ramnath, AlumniBiological Science Graduate (BSc '24)
Jade

I chose U of G for its high rankings in biological sciences and the beautiful campus. The community here has been so supportive and I have no doubt that I made the right decision.

I love the biological sciences major because of its flexibility. The program allows you to browse different categories within biology, and figure out what truly inspires you. I have gained hands-on experience through fieldwork and data analysis, and have learned how to share that learning through research papers and public speaking.

Jade Muller, AlumniBiological Science Graduate (BSc '23)

Discover More Options

Students considering Biological Science may also be interested in Animal Biology, Biochemistry, Bio-Medical Science, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology and Immunology, Neuroscience, Wildlife Biology and Conservation, or other majors.

Admission Requirements

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