Biology
Biology is the study life at all levels of organization, from the gene to the ecosystem. In this program, you’ll develop skills through:
- lab work
- field work
- research projects
Potential careers
What can you do with a biology degree? Here are a few jobs and fields that relate to the program:
- biologist
- research assistant
- environmental scientist
- health care professional
- environmental educator
- parks department professional
- ecologist
- fisheries biologist
- teacher or instructor
- forest biology
- medical biotechnology
- laboratory scientist
- sustainability consultant
- medicine
- veterinary medicine
- dentistry
- pharmacology
- physiotherapy
Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.
Find a career that fits you
- Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
- Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
- Take part in the Career Clarity program to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.
Experience & connections
Opportunities in the biology program
- With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
Opportunities outside your program
- With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
- Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.
Networks you can connect to
Here are a few professional associations related to biology:
Hands-on learning opportunities
These courses in the biology program offer extensive hands-on learning.
Co-op
Co-op work terms
Alternate academic study with paid work terms to gain workplace experience
Course-based
BIOL 330 - Study Design and Data Analysis
Analyze field data and prepare an independent report
BIOL 362 - Techniques in Molecular Biology
Learn molecular techniques in a hands-on project
BIOL 409B Experimental Neurobiology
Investigate the neural basis of behaviour in the lab
Field experience
BIOL 215 - Principles of Ecology
Examine ecological field methods
BIOL 311 - Biological Oceanography
Collect data during a research cruise on a UVic vessel in Saanich Inlet
BIOL 312 - Entomology
Examine entomology field methods and observe aquatic and pollinating insects
BIOL 319 - Marine Ecology
Explore the ecology of local mudflats
BIOL 321 - Survey of Invertebrates
Take part in a field trip to observe marine invertebrates in local intertidal zones
BIOL 325 - Tree Biology
Study trees during field trips to local forests
BIOL 329 - Biology of the Vertebrates of British Columbia
Explore the diversity of local birding areas in weekend birding outings
BIOL 335 - Ichthyology
Study the evolution and diversity of fish in intertidal zones during field trips
MRNE 401 - Special Topics in Marine Biology
Examine the patterns of biodiversity at local, regional and global scales
MRNE 410 - Marine Invertebrate Zoology
Survey marine invertebrate phyla around Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
MRNE 415 - Structure and Function in Animals
Study the structure of marine animals at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
MRNE 417 - Crustacean Biology
Take part in lab and field activities related to crustacean biology
MRNE 418 - Marine Behavioural Ecology
Observe intertidal ecology and animal behaviours and conduct group-oriented research
MRNE 421 - Terrestrial and Freshwater Conservation
Gain field experience related to terrestrial and freshwater conservation
MRNE 425 - Ecological Adaptations of Seaweeds
Observe the ecological adaptations of seaweed in diverse environments
MRNE 430 - Marine Ecology
Investigate subtidal and benthic environments by diving and dredging
MRNE 437 - Marine Population Ecology and Dynamics
Examine intertidal and subtidal communities in the Barkley Sound region
Research project
BIOL 490 A - Directed Studies and Research in Botany
BIOL 490 B - Directed Studies and Research in Ecology
BIOL 490 D - Directed Studies and Research in Marine Biology
BIOL 490 E - Directed Studies and Research in Zoology
BIOL 490 F - Directed Studies and Research in Cell and Molecular Biology
BIOL 490 G - Directed Studies and Research in Evolution
BIOL 490 H - Directed Studies and Research in Neurobiology
BIOL 490 J - Directed Studies and Research in Forest Biology
Learn independently in the lab or through a written research project
BIOL 499 A - Honours Thesis I
BIOL 499 B - Honours Thesis II
Research, write and orally defend a graduating honours thesis
MRNE 400 - Directed Studies
Conduct an independent research project in your field of interest
MRNE 414 - Coastal Biodiversity and Conservation
Complete an independent research project related to coastal biodiversity and conservation
MRNE 419 - Subtidal Science
Learn the techniques and practical aspects of performing research underwater using SCUBA
Work experience
Work experience work terms
Take part in a modified co-op program requiring one or two work experiences
These courses are not always offered as described.
What you'll learn
Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the biology program.
Biology knowledge
- understand the biological diversity of plants and animals
- understand genetics and the mechanisms leading to diversity (Mendelian, molecular and population genetics)
- use genetic analysis on a biological problem
- apply the principles of evolutionary theory and natural selection in creating diversity
- understand plant and animal structure and function
- analyze biological problems at the genetic, molecular, developmental, organismal and ecological levels
- use the concepts and tools of mathematics, chemical science and physical science to understand biology
- understand the history of ideas in biology
- consider the larger role of biology in society
Research skills
- understand and use the scientific method and experimental techniques to solve specific problems
- search and assess scientific literature
- work with new and emerging concepts
- gather evidence through observation and experimentation
- use inductive reasoning and deductive methods to develop a testable, falsifiable hypothesis and predict expected results
- design quantitative approaches and experiments to test and evaluate hypotheses
- observe and record the results of research
- use mathematical and statistical methods and tools to evaluate data
- draw conclusions
- communicate results and ideas clearly in scientific reports, papers and oral presentations
- understand research and propose steps required to further the goals of an experiment
Field skills
- practice safety at all times
- maintain and operate field equipment
- observe the natural environment
- identify species by sight, sound, scat or footprint
- handle organisms and collect data such as sex, length, weight, height, tissue or blood
- keep records in the field
- use proper field sampling protocols
Lab skills
- use safe and careful practices
- keep lab records
- use sterile and aseptic techniques
- use pipetting technique
- follow standard methods and procedures for lab experiments
- take accurate measurements and identify potential sources of error
- troubleshoot and optimize methods and techniques
- develop methods and procedures
- analyze, make, purify, modify and characterize compounds, samples or devices
- use lab instruments
- calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot instruments
- assess lab data