In Laurier Waterloo's Biology programs, you'll explore cell and molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology and biodiversity through hands-on labs, specialized concentrations, fieldwork and optional co-op giving you the skills employers and professional programs demand.
Choose the Bachelor of Arts (BA) if you're drawn to biology but want to combine it with courses in other areas such as communication, education, or policy—perfect for careers in teaching, environmental advocacy, or science writing. Choose the Bachelor of Science (BSc) for a research-intensive path that includes courses in chemistry and math—ideal preparation for graduate school, medicine, or biotech.
Choosing between a BA or a BSc degree? Discover the path that aligns best with your interests, strengths and career goals:
Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):
Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your BA or BSc degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.
Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.
In addition to your concentration these are a few popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:
The Management Option is for students interested in adding management-specific education to their degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit option that includes courses covering all the core pillars of business and economics.
Apply directly to Biology with Management Option on the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) by choosing ‘Management Option’ as your program enhancement.
Add a minor in Chemistry, gaining a solid theoretical foundation through the study of matter and the way materials act and react while mastering experimental techniques as part of your labs.
Check out other options to enhance your degree.
Beginning in third year, single-major Biology students (i.e. students who do not combine this program with another program) can optionally specialize in one of three concentrations:
Expand your field of expertise by pairing your BA or BSc Biology major with another major like:
The following opportunities allow you to pursue additional, related qualifications from another postsecondary institution (either before or after your time at Laurier):
OUAC code: UZF
When you apply on the OUAC application:
BA requirements
Students applying to this program from a Canadian province outside of Ontario are encouraged to review our course equivalents by province chart. This chart will show you what courses from your province are equivalent to the admission requirements listed under the Ontario High School Admission Requirements section.
Students applying to this program from an international curriculum must present the following:
BA requirements
BSc requirements
Students applying to this program from an international curriculum are encouraged to review our curriculum-specific requirements. You will find which courses from your country's curriculum are equivalent to the admission requirements listed above. If your country or curriculum is not listed, please reach out to international@wlu.ca.
Laurier's language of instruction is English, and so we may require you to provide evidence of your English proficiency to help make sure you are successful in your academic courses.
Your three most recent years of full-time education must be in English without taking any ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. If you do not meet this requirement, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.
We reserve the right to request an English-language test from any applicant.
If you do not meet Laurier's English proficiency requirement but are academically qualified for your program, you may be eligible for a conditional offer of admission.
The Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) program is offered through our affiliated institution, Wilfrid Laurier International College, and provides an option for meeting our English-proficiency requirement. If you have received an offer to Laurier with a condition to meet our English-proficiency requirement, you can meet that condition by successfully completing the ATP program.
Students applying to this program from another post-secondary institution are encouraged to review our transfer-specific requirements. This page will show you the admission requirements for your unique transfer situation and provide more details about transferring to Laurier.
Visit our admission requirements section to find specific requirements for transfer students, indigenous applicants, mature learners, homeschooled applicants, senior citizens, refugees, and more.
It’s not only about the journey; the destination matters. Let us help you get set up for a meaningful career.
Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?
Note: Additional training and education may be required.
Biology (BA):
Biology (BSc):
Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.
Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.
You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.
Interested? Learn more about co-op.
99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2024 / 2025
Getting a university education is an investment in your future.
At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.
Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.
Attend all your classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses.
Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.
Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.
Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.
Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?
