Biology Program

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Biology Honours Programs

In Biology an Honours program usually involves intense specialization in a single field or combination of fields (Combined Honours) and is the normal route to graduate studies. An Honours program requires maintenance of a high academic standing and involves preparation of a graduating thesis.

*** Students must first be accepted into a 3rd year Biology Major Program before they can apply to Honours. Please read this information before applying***

Honours Application BIOL 449 - Registration Form (Word Doc or PDF)
BIOL 449 - Information BIOL 449 - ISP Information & Application

Faculty of Science Requirements

In addition to meeting the specific department course requirements, Honours candidates are expected to complete all courses attempted and to maintain a minimum overall 68% average in each academic session. Honours candidates in a co-operative education program are expected to complete at least 15 credits of study each term. Other Honours students are expected to complete at least 30 credits in each Winter Session. (UBC Calendar)

Biology Program Requirements

Students wishing to enter into a Biology Honours program in their 3rd or 4th year must have an average of 75% or higher in the previous winter session (or 72% or higher for the combined honours programs) and have taken a total of 30 credits or more during that session. As well, students must continue to take a full course load of 30 credits or more each year and maintain an average of 75% or higher (or 72% or higher for the combined honours programs) once they have been admitted into an Honours Biology Program. Additionally, student applying to the honours programs cannot have failed any courses. For specific Biology Honours Program requirements please consult the appropriate program worksheet and electives list .

The Biology Honours experience includes three specifically designed Honours courses: BIOL 347, BIOL 447, and BIOL 449. BIOL 347 – Principles and Methodology in Biological Research I, is recommended for third year students. Aside from providing students with seminars on specific research areas, this course helps students focus their future thesis topic and locate potential supervisors. BIOL 447 – Principles and Methodology in Biological Research II and BIOL 449 – Honours Thesis are required and corequisite to each other. They are taken in the 4th year of study. Similar to BIOL 347, BIOL 447 introduces students to research issues in Biology through seminars, workshops and discussions, but in addition helps students sharpen their analytical, writing, and presentation skills in preparation for their thesis defence. Biology 449 is the honours thesis course requiring an honours thesis supervisor (any life science faculty member) and students must fill out an application form with their supervisor to register for this course. - If you are entering the Honours Program in your 4th year, please have a thesis supervisor before you apply.

Biology Honours Programs

- Animal Biology

- Applied Plant Biology

- Cell & Developmental Biology

- Chemistry & Biology, Combined Honours

- Computer Science & Biology, Combined Honours

- Conservation Biology

- Ecology & Environmental Biology

- Evolutionay Biology

- Genetics

- Marine Biology

- Oceanography & Biology, Combined Honours

- Plant Biology

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