Biology

Program Overview

Cape Breton University's Biology program offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on hands-on learning and field-based exercises. Students gain a solid foundation in biology and develop skills for careers in various fields, including conservation, education, and healthcare. The program emphasizes collaboration and provides opportunities for experiential learning through research projects and field trips. Graduates are prepared for graduate studies or careers in any branch of biology.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Program Types: Major, Minor
• Fields of Study: Sciences, Sustainability
• Program Type: Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Assessment:

• More than 85% of courses include a laboratory component.
• Emphasis on hands-on activities, skills development, and field-based exercises.
• Many labs take students outside the classroom to apply learned material.
• Students will meet real people in communities and make a real impact on environmental interaction.

Teaching:

• CBU biology faculty are actively engaged in diverse fields of research, including:
• Forest ecology
• Plant genetics
• Invertebrate zoology
• Freshwater and marine biology
• Avian behavioural ecology
• Neuroethology
• Vertebrate palaeontology
• Biology at CBU offers a solid foundation for a wide variety of professional careers in fields including:
• Business
• Conservation
• Education
• Health care
• Natural resources
• Technology

Careers:

• Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in biology at CBU are prepared to go on to graduate studies to pursue research or academic careers in any branch of biology.
• Possible career paths include:
• Biologist/technician
• Business
• Conservation
• Education
• Health care
• Natural resources
• Experiential Learning Opportunities:
• CBU biology research projects have taken students to:
• Snorkelling in the tropical waters of Barbados.
• Sampling whelk and sea cucumber from fishing boats off Scatarie Bank.
• Examining the effects of moose grazing in the Cape Breton Highlands.
• Prospecting for fossils in the southern United States.
• Looking for rare freshwater mussels in Cape Breton streams.

Other:

• CBU's biology program emphasizes collaboration and collective learning environments.
• The program offers a sound foundation for a variety of professional careers.
• Graduates are prepared for graduate studies or careers in any branch of biology.
• Faculty & Staff: The Biology program page provides a list of faculty and staff with their contact information and areas of expertise.
• Sample Courses and Resources: The page also includes a link to the CBU course catalogue, where you can find a complete list of biology courses offered.