Becoming a student of our Biology program will allow you to engage your curiosity and use your degree to meaningfully contribute to society.

Emerging diseases, environmental sustainability, and genomics are just a few topics that you will investigate. At TWU, you will be prepared for a career in the health sciences, research, or education, with solid training in science and ethics from a Christian worldview.

Our biology faculty are experts in their fields who integrate research, love for teaching, and Christian faith in the classroom. As a biology student, you will have the opportunity to work with faculty on cutting-edge research in cell biology and genetics, ecology and environmental biology, and applied and medical microbiology. This valuable research experience, coupled with our rigorous curriculum, can lead you to high-profile medical, dental, veterinary, and graduate programs around the world.

OUR BIOLOGY PROGRAM OFFERS:

• A major in Biology leading to a BSc (Honours) degree specializing in:
• Cell and Developmental Biology Emphasis
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Emphasis
• Ecology Emphasis
• General Biology Emphasis
• A major in Biology leading to a BSc degree

Our small class sizes mean you receive more individual attention, as well as mentoring opportunities to work with faculty on research. We are committed to providing you with hands-on instruction at all year-levels, so you will be in the lab more—and sooner. As a biology student, you will have the opportunity to participate in travel studies courses, such as botany and ecology, in BC’s Gulf Islands and Hawaii.

ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE:

“My Honours Biology degree gave me the skills and smarts to do cancer and diabetes research at TWU—and to work as a hospital clinic lab technician in Tanzania—while also training me to scientifically discover the world as God’s creation. I’ve now been accepted to medical school at Western University, and I’m so pumped to start!”

AREND STRIKWERDA, 2011

SAMPLE COURSES

BIOL 223 • Cell Biology

A study of the molecules and processes that determine cell structure and function, including how this information is derived from the wide range of visual and analytical tools available today. This course describes the chemical nature of cells and the structure and behaviour of cells in the context of tissues.

BIOL 336 • Immunology

This lecture course covers current topics in immunology, including the cellular basis of immunity, the molecular genetics of antibody diversity, the major histocompatibility complex, antigen recognition, lymphocyte development, the complement system, hypersensitivity reactions, and immunodeficiency diseases. This course provides an integrated view of the immune system and the immunologic response to disease.

BIOL 364 • Coral Reef Ecology

This field course focuses on the systems and ecology of tropical coral reef organisms. Through snorkeling excursions and laboratory studies, you will examine plants, animals, and physical factors of a fringing coral reef. One species is chosen for a detailed research project. Includes field course work in Maui, Hawaii.

AFTER GRADUATION

Graduates of the Biology program are well prepared to continue their studies toward degrees in the Hhealth Ssciences, including Human Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy. Graduates of the Honours program are also well prepared to excel at Master's and Doctoral Studies in the Life Sciences. Our Biology graduates can go on to other vocations, includingsuch as teaching, research, and environmental fields.