Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity

at University of Guelph Canada

Biological Science focuses on the study of living organisms, their evolution, interactions with other organisms and the ecosystems that they live and rely on. The many areas of study under the umbrella of biological science allows for flexibility within the major and allows you to tailor the major to your interest.   

The B.Sc. major in Biological Science (BIOS) will provide you with opportunities to acquire the skills you need to be successful in a variety of careers. This major allows you to choose courses that fit your interests and career goals. Foundation courses cover molecular biology and genetics, biochemistry, evolution, physiology, ecology and statistics which will allow you to explore multiple areas of biology or focus in on one more specifically. The breadth of science that we offer at the University of Guelph provides students a unique opportunity to discover what fields of biology truly connects with their interests and professional goals. 

Explore the biological aspects of human movement, function, and performance in health, aging, and chronic disease. Study nutrition, physiology, biomechanics, anatomy, genetics, and genomics. Experience comprehensive hands-on laboratories in exercise testing and assessment of human movement, and an in-depth dissection-based anatomical study of the human body. Gain the requirements to become a certified Kinesiologist. Pursue graduate work or a variety of related professional programs. If you're interested in Kinesiology, please see the University of Guelph-Humber B.A.Sc. Kinesiology program.

Students can establish themselves and build successful careers in an emerging and fast-growing field: Nanoscience, the science of the very, very small; an inherently multidisciplinary approach that unites chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics. Understanding the world at the molecular level is increasingly important for the development of many new technologies.

In this major, you will focus on the understanding and synthesis of nanoscale materials, in an industry that has been recognized as a revolutionary field of science and technology, comparable to the introduction of electricity, biotechnology, and digital information revolutions. Students take an integrated MATH and PHYS course in first year along with the chemistry and biology taken by other Bachelor of Science students. In second through fourth year, focus on the core nanoscience courses along with chemistry and physics. The nanoscience courses combine aspects from different science disciplines, reinforced and extended by the unique laboratory available where students learn to synthesize nanoparticles and nanostructured materials, and characterize the physical properties of these materials using a wide range of research-grade nanotools.

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Apply scientific methods and processes by formulating questions, designing investigations and synthesizing data to draw conclusions and make scientifically-based decisions.
• Generate and interpret scientific data using quantitative, qualitative and analytical methodologies and techniques.
• Demonstrate advanced, contemporary and relevant knowledge in the chemistry and physics of materials at the molecular level.
• Apply intermediate level mathematics techniques to enhance understanding in the chemistry and physics of materials at the molecular level.
• Demonstrate advanced laboratory skills to practically realize concepts in the chemistry and physics of materials at the molecular level, and apply these skills in self-directed learning.
• Work safely and effectively in the laboratory to generate reproducible and reliable results.
• Apply modern computational techniques to investigate various physical phenomena and demonstrate proficiency in using mathematical software.

Explore human societies and cultures within contemporary global structures through Anthropology. Courses include Contemporary Native Peoples of Canada; Kinship, Family, and Power; Culture, Rights and Development; and the Anthropology of Health, giving you a critical understanding of issues of multiculturalism and the globalization of our daily experience. You can also choose to continue on in graduate studies in anthropology, law, public health, and social work.

Explore the ways writing can drive social justice and environmental awareness. Create meaning through your writing and storytelling. You will take courses in speculative fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting and writing for the inclusive stage. You will develop a body of creative work that includes writing exercises, short creative pieces and a portfolio. 

The Bachelor of Arts - History program discover the past and create the future. Study a range of thematic courses, including Food History, War and Society, Gender and Sexuality and Rural History. Enjoy small seminars in the first year, access to special archives and courses with community partners such as the Guelph Black Heritage Society, and the Guelph Civic Museum. Graduates are flexible, intelligent, polished communicators, researchers and problem solvers who follow their passions in business, law, education, civil service, journalism, and the arts.

Create your own curriculum and explore Physical Science. Focus on chemistry, computing and information science, mathematics, physics or statistics. Build the necessary background for further studies in a specific area of your choice or continue in the major of Physical Science. Choose a minor in subjects like biotechnology, geographic information systems, psychology or business to meet your career goals or pursue professional schools.

Molecular Biology and Genetics covers genomes and the genetics of microorganisms, plants and animals, and the structure and function of cells.

The variety of courses offered in the program covers a broad range of topics such as molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, developmental biology and agricultural genetics. Undergraduate laboratories will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to perform basic procedures commonly used in the field of molecular biology and genetics. Additionally, you will develop the ability to analyze and interpret experimental results obtained in a laboratory setting. In your upper years, you will also have the opportunity to access some of the University of Guelph’s outstanding research labs and facilities.

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Explain the molecular mechanisms of genetic inheritance that drive the evolution of populations.
• Describe the synthesis and structure of macromolecules and their roles in cellular processes.
• Explain how gene regulation networks and signal transduction cascades enable development and adaptation to the environment.
• Design and implement experimental procedures using relevant techniques in gene analysis and manipulation and genetic engineering in model systems.

Our Honours and BA programs are specifically designed so students can explore English literature in greater depth and detail as they progress throughout the course of their degree. As a department we have diverse strengths in the following areas:

• Colonial, Postcolonial, and Diasporic Studies 
• Canadian Literature 
• Early Modern Studies 
• Media, Technology, and Literacy in the Humanities 
• Studies in Performance and Politics 
• Sexuality and Gender Studies 
• Transnational Nineteenth-Century Studies'
• Critical and Cultural Theory 
• Environmental Writing and Topics in Social Justice 

The areas above are taught in a variety of lecture and seminar based courses. In order to familiarize students with both modes of learning, The School of English and Theatre Studies offers a first-year core course that provides students with the opportunity to attend weekly seminars in order to discuss material covered in the week's preceding lectures. As students proceed in their respective programs they can expect to take classes that incorporate and build on both models of delivery. 

The Mathematical Science program provides students with the ability to Tackle current issues in the arts, humanities, social sciences, business or computing by blending your studies in mathematics and statistics with their application to a secondary field of interest. Mathematical Science is key to understanding and changing the world around us. Choose from three areas of emphasis: Economics; Computer Science; or an Individualized area of emphasis in humanities and social sciences.