The Honours BA Biology program consists of 20.0 credits (or equivalent), of which not more than 6.0 may be taken at the 100 level. A minimum of 10.0 senior Biology credits must be taken, and a number of compulsory courses equivalent to a minor in the History and Philosophy of Science (3.0 credits) must be completed. The program emphasizes organismal biology including structure, function and taxonomy. It provides a broad exposure to laboratory and field work and develops the student's expertise in communication skills, both written and oral. See note 6.

Year 1
BI100*
0.5 credit in Philosophy (PY110 or PY111 recommended)
3.5 elective credits (MA105, MA122, or MA110*; CP102, CP104; and 100 level courses in AN, CH, EC, GG, HI, PC, PS, RE, or SY are recommended)

Year 2
BI232 and BI242 (fulfills HPS category C requirement)
2.0 senior BI credits
HP201 or HP202 (fulfills HPS category A requirement)
1.5 elective credits

Year 3
3.0 senior BI credits
0.5 credit from HPS category B
0.5 credit from any HPS category
1.0 elective credit
Biology Illustration Workshops (no credit)

Year 4
2.5 senior BI credits
BI491, BI492*
0.5 credit from any HPS category
0.5 elective credit

Regulations and Notes:

1. With departmental approval a student in the general degree program may transfer to the honours program after fulfilling all the honours requirements up to the time of transfer. Students (except those who have been permitted to proceed in Honours Biology on probation) who must transfer out of the honours program because of an insufficient GPA may re-enter the program provided that by the end of the academic year following transfer to the general degree program, they have:
   1. attained a cumulative GPA in Biology of at least 7.0;
   2. fulfilled all other honours program requirements by the time of reinstatement;
   3. attained a GPA of not less than 9.00 on a minimum of 2.5 Biology credits taken in that year.

2. 3.0 senior Biology credits must have a lab component.
3. 1.0 credit in Biology, in addition to BI491 and B492* must be at the 400 level.
4. Electives must include 1.0 credit from both Curriculum Division A and B.
5. Honours Biology students in senior years are expected to attend all Biology Department seminars.
6. The minor in History and Philosophy of Science requires senior credits in a number of disciplines. Students must obtain the necessary prerequisites for the senior courses that will be part of their program.

Faculty of Science Faculty of Science – Departments, Programs and Courses Biology

Official electronic version updated at 4:25 p.m. December 18, 2003

M. Watson, Editor Course Timetable