Biology Degree Planner

Faculty, staff and students participate in the Bio Blitz at Dalhousie University

Biology

The Department of Biology at Dalhousie University offers the widest range of biology courses in Atlantic Canada and Majors in both Biology and Marine Biology. Complete your undergraduate degree as a major, or consider completing an honours or co-op degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program.

Gain skills and hands on experience

Co-operative education program Courses abroad Research and experiential learning opportunities SEASIDE program Visit the department's website

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Customize your degree with a certificate

Animal Behaviour Aquaculture and the Environment Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Genetics Geographic Information Science (GIS) Science Communication and Leadership Explore all certificates

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Your major map: Biology

The Biology Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Dalhousie and use the Academic Calendar and Timetable to create their course plan.

Before you arrive

Visit the course registration website and watch the registration video series
Visit Register on Track for guidance on course registration and connect with advisors in the Bissett Student Success Center
Attend events for future students, including Open House and Preview Day. See event listings here
Learn about the Dal Science community by listening to the Sciographies podcast

Learn more about first-year science

Students observe samples they found together while they participate in the Bio Blitz at Dalhousie University

BSc Truro Start

Complete your first year in Truro prior to transitioning to the Halifax campus for the remainder of your program. Benefit from smaller class sizes, a dedicated program coordinator and advisor, and a small-school experience with a big-city impact!

Apply here

Two students stand outdoors and look at an object on the Truro Campus

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

Complete required introductory courses in biology: BIOL 1010/1011 and in other subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

You will start taking more core courses* in BIOL, gaining knowledge and lab experience: BIOL 2003, BIOL 2004, BIOL 2020, BIOL 2030, BIOL 2040, BIOL 2060
Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate
Consider incorporating summer field courses through the SEASIDE program or courses abroad

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

Aim to take 4-6 BIOL courses*. Make sure you're on track with course requirements using DARS
Looking for a hands-on learning experience? there are many experiential learning and directed research courses offered by the department
Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

In your final year, you should be taking 4-6 BIOL* courses
Complete any requirements for a certificate or minor and check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduate
Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocation

*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honours). Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.

*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect with program advisors for course planning and any other questions related to your program.

Take courses that fire your curiosity

Sample Course Offerings:

BIOL 3634: Agroforestry
BIOL 4004: Principles of Indigenous Medicine
BIOL 4001: Environmental Impact Assessment
BIOL 3322: Parasitology

Course Syllabus List

Dalhousie Science student wades into shallow water while on a field trip in Halifax Canada

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

Build connections by enrolling in a first-year interest group (FIGS) like Earth and Environment, Climate Change, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Sign up to be mentored by an upper-year student

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

Explore the myCareer portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campus
Combine academic study and paid career-related work experience by enrolling in co-op

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

There are 70 Faculty-coordinated summer research awards available each year that you can apply for on a competitive basis
Other opportunities include science communication internships, science innovation and entrepreneurship through SURGE, and student society leadership roles

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

Gain teaching and communication skills by applying for a teaching assistant role or working with a science outreach organization like SuperNova or Let's Talk Science
Attend career prep workshops or apply for graduate or professional programs
Don't forget to complete your Co-Curricular Record!

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
Consider joining DABS – Dalhousie Association of Biology Students! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun events

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

Reach out to the Department's many world-class researchers and faculty to join a research lab as a volunteer
Attend departmental seminars every Thursday to listen to talks by faculty, graduate students and industry experts about ongoing research

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

You're about to join over 30,000 other grads all over the world as a Dal Science alumni!
Stay involved with your faculty and department and connect with our incredible network of alumni

Student Society: Dalhousie Association of Biology Students (DABS)

Meet like-minded people by joining DABS Explore other societies

Four students pose for a photo at a welcome event

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

Familiarize yourself with Dalhousie's many supports and reach out to advisors for guidance
Plan out your course credits using the department's degree checklist

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

Explore career paths and industries that spark your interest by attending an alumni panel discussion

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

See which scholarships and prizes might be available to you through the department, on a competitive basis

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

Connect with the Bissett Student Success Success Centre career supports to get prepared for interviews, and more as your prepare to head out on the job hunt or to apply for graduate school
Time to celebrate your achievements and graduate!

For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!

Where your degree can take you

A BSc degree in Biology provides great preparation for a variety of careers. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied, but are not limited to career paths in:

Research, conservation, government and regulatory affairs, consulting, agriculture, education, park services, pharmaceutical development, health services, medicine, veterinary medicine and technical writing, among many more.

Graduate Studies

The department also offers MSc and PhD programs for students interested in pursuing further studies in Biology

Browse graduate programs

Core competencies gained

Discipline-level skills:

Understanding of core biological topics (ecology, evolution, cell, animal and plant diversity, and genetics)
Understanding of the interdependence of biological networks and the flow of energy and matter in systems
Knowledge of the mechanisms of genetic inheritance and information and structure-function relationships from molecules to ecosystems
Ability to apply biological theories, practices, and ethics with an interdisciplinary approach

Transferable skills:

Academic writing and presentation skills
Critical thinking, synthesis and analytical skills
Communication skills
Numeracy skills
Time management
Leadership and teamwork
Basic statistical analyses
Research skills
Fieldwork techniques

Possible careers and employment

Biology alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices, and certificates. Some of the options below will typically require additional or graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of the baccalaureate program only.

Biological Technician
Biologist*
Botanist*
Ecologist*
Environmental Educator
Food Scientist/Technologist*
Forester
Geneticist*
Health Policy Analyst
Health Care Manager

Laboratory Technologist
Nurse Practitioner*
Occupational Therapist*
Physician Assistant
Researcher
Science Writer
Teacher/Professor*
Veterinarian Assistant
Wildlife Biologist*
Zoologist*

Biology Degree Planner

Biology

Gain skills and hands on experience

Customize your degree with a certificate