Programs
Visit the Future Students website to learn about admissions requirements, important application dates, life at SMU and more!
Learn more and apply Visit the Future Students website to learn about admissions requirements, important application dates, life at SMU and more!
Learn more and applyThe Department of Biology offers a major, minor, honours, and a concentration in biology. A double major or double honours in biology and another science subject can also be completed. Students may also pursue a cooperative education program.
The opportunitity for graduate study is available through the Master of Science in Applied Science program.
Quick Links to Program Information
- Course Descriptions
- Academic Regulations
- Academic Advising
- Directed Study in Biology Course
- Honours Thesis Guidelines 2021-2022
In order to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, all students must comply with the academic regulations pertaining to the major AND the requirements of the Faculty of Science. If a student is unclear about these regulations, it is recommended to make an appointment with an academic advisor.
If you have any questions about degree requirements, please contact the Science Advising Centre.
All biology courses have a three-hour per week lab component unless otherwise noted. Students must pass both the laboratory and the lecture components of a course to pass the course. Students majoring in biology must achieve a minimum grade of C in all biology courses applied to their degree.
Directed Study in Biology (BIOL 4876-4899)
These courses are available to senior students who have specific interests in a particular topic in biology and want to persue further coursework in that area and have found a faculty member who has agreed to provide direction in the course. The course is completed over one academic term (including spring and summer sessions) and is directed by a faculty member. Both the student and the faculty member develop course content, an evaluation scheme and a schedule for the course. The ApplicationforDirectedStudy-Update0708 must be completed with a course title, description and evaluation scheme attached. The form then goes to the biology department's chairperson for course number selection and final authorization.
Directed Study courses are offered at the discretion of individual faculty members. Please note that professors are not obligated to deliver a course (even if a request is made).