COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biology at Wilfrid Laurier University provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines foundational knowledge with specialized study and practical experience. In the first year, BA students take core courses such as Biological Diversity and Evolution, Practical Skills for Biologists, Unifying Life Processes, and a half-credit in Philosophy, alongside three elective credits, providing a broad introduction to biological concepts, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking. First-year electives allow students to explore complementary disciplines, including Introduction to Psychology, Foundations of Teaching, Human Rights and Human Diversity, and Love and Its Myths, fostering interdisciplinary understanding and communication skills. As students progress into upper-year courses, they can pursue more specialized topics in both BA and BSc streams. Sample upper-year courses include Ecology, Molecular Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Embryology, which provide in-depth scientific knowledge and laboratory experience; Global Biogeography and Conservation Biology, focusing on ecological systems and environmental stewardship; Plants and People, Field Botany: Flora of Ontario, and Life on Earth courses emphasizing organisms’ roles in ecosystems; Genome Dynamics and Animal Communication, which examine genetics and behavior; Science Communication, highlighting the importance of sharing scientific knowledge; and Global Issues in Water and Environmental Health, linking biology to societal and environmental challenges. This curriculum equips students with critical thinking, research, and practical skills essential for careers in science, education, policy, or graduate studies.