Program Overview

The Department of Biology at Trinity Western University prepares students to make an impact in modern society through cutting edges of development and research in biotechnology, the health sciences, ecology, and environmental stewardship. Biology faculty and staff seek to equip students for their future academic life by not only increasing a person’s knowledge base but also by helping them develop strong critical-thinking skills, first-rate practical skills, and thoughtful Christian values.

The biology program at TWU incorporates both theoretical and practical learning. In lectures, students gain knowledge from professors who are highly skilled and involved in their areas of research. Small class sizes allow students to directly interact with professors and benefit from their expertise. Laboratory courses supplement the knowledge gained in lectures and provide students the opportunity to interact with the materials and learn skills that are valuable for future occupational endeavors.

At Trinity Western University students are encouraged to approach biology as an integrative science where biological issues are viewed in light of a thoughtful Christian perspective. Students are challenged to develop their own answers to many of the ethical issues facing society.


Trinity Western University offers a major, a minor, and a concentration in Biology. In addition to a biology major, an honours program is available for those interested in pursuing graduate or medical school. Four emphases are offered under the honours program: Cell and Developmental Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ecology, and a General Honours Biology that includes specializations in two subject areas of biology.

In collaboration with the Department of Chemistry and School of Business, the Biology Department offers a Biotechnology program.

The Biology Department also contributes to the Environmental Studies program, an interdisciplinary major involving the Natural Sciences and Social Sciences Faculties.


Biology Major Degree

The Biology Major provides students the opportunity of studying a broad range of biological fields in contemporary cell biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology, botany, zoology and ecology. Courses of study in a major fully meet the requirements for professional schools as well as those for graduate schools.

Refer to the course requirements for Biology to view and download the course checklist for each program.

Please see the course descriptions section of the Academic Calendar for further details on Biology courses.


Biology Honours Degree

The Honours degree in Biology provides students with sufficient latitude to design an in-depth program of study tailored to a specific emphasis in Biology. The Biology Department currently offers four emphases in the Honours program:

  1. Cell and Developmental Biology
  2. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  3. Ecology
  4. General Biology

Refer to the course requirements for Biology to view and download the course checklist for each program.

Please see the course descriptions section of the Academic Calendar for further details on Biology courses.

Honours - Cell and Development Biology

This degree provides training in contemporary cellular and developmental biology and prepares students for a career in life sciences. Students will expand their knowledge and skills as they learn more about the details of the development and cellular structure of God’s creation. Course material includes animal development, virology, neuroscience, cell biology of neoplasia, histology, and genetics. As part of their instruction, students gain experience in a number of contemporary laboratory techniques involving recombinant DNA technology, functional genomics, mobile genetic elements, somatic mosaic analysis, molecular cloning and epifluorescence/deconvolution microscopy.

Refer to the course requirements for Biology 2013/2014 to view and download the course checklist for each program.

Please see the course descriptions section of the Academic Calendar for further details on Biology courses.

Honours - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

This is an interdisciplinary degree which draws from both chemistry and biology. Students completing this degree will be educated in contemporary biochemistry and molecular biology techniques which will prepare them for applications in medicine, industry and agriculture.  Courses taken cover DNA structure, genetics, biological pathways, microbiology, plant and/or animal physiology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry.

Refer to the course requirements for Biology 2013/2014 to view and download the course checklist for each program.

Please see the course descriptions section of the Academic Calendar for further details on Biology courses.

Honours - Ecology

Students in the Ecology honours program study the living creation around them and the interactions within it. Course work is focused in organismal biology in Botany, Zoology and Microbiology, involving taxonomy and phylogeny, and the relationships between organisms and their surroundings. Ecology courses provide a broad understanding of ecosystems, as well as the role of human activities in the environment. There are many opportunities for hands-on experience, both locally and at more exotic locations.

Refer to the course requirements for Biology 2013/2014 to view and download the course checklist for each program.

Please see the course descriptions section of the Academic Calendar for further details on Biology courses.

Additional electives are also available through Au Sable Institute.

Honours - General Biology

The General Biology Emphasis allows a student the opportunity of further study in two areas of Biology. In council with an advisor the student can tailor their studies towards particular interests and goals.         

Refer to the course requirements for Biology 2013/2014 to view and download the course checklist for each program.

Please see the course descriptions section of the Academic Calendar for further details on Biology courses.