Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Biology/Life Sciences Major program, delivered online, equips students with a solid foundation in biology while emphasizing communication skills and computer literacy. It offers upper-level elective courses and the option of completing a directed studies course, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in medicine, biotechnology, teaching, and other fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Science (BSc), Major program is designed for students who want to specialize in biology/life sciences. It emphasizes communication skills and computer literacy, and offers the option of completing a directed studies course. The program aims to equip graduates with a strong foundation in biology and prepare them for a variety of careers in the field.
Outline:
Program Requirements:
- General Education Requirements (24 credits):
- Six credits in English (university-level composition and literature)
- Six credits in humanities other than English Literature and Composition
- Six credits in mathematics (including statistics) and/or science
- Six credits in social science
- Lower Level Requirements (27 credits):
- MATH 1141, Calculus I (3) and 1241, Calculus II (3) or equivalents
- STAT 1201, Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3) or equivalent
- 18 credits in first- or second-year science, with a minimum of 6 credits in any three of the following subject areas:
- Life science (biology, genetics, zoology, botany, microbiology, biological oceanography, plant and animal physiology)
- Chemical science (chemistry, biochemistry)
- Physical science (astronomy, physics)
- Earth science (geology, atmospheric science, physical geography, geophysics, physical oceanography)
- Mathematics (including statistics)
- Applied science (bioresource, chemical, civil, mechanical, electrical or computer engineering science; forensic, forest or agricultural science)
- Upper Level Requirements (45 credits):
- 30 credits total in the area of the major (biology/life science), including the option of three credits of Directed Studies
- 15 upper-level elective credits (may be science or non-science courses)
- Elective Requirements (24 credits):
- May be lower- or upper-level science or non-science courses, with the exception of MATH 1001, Pre-Calculus Mathematics
- Directed Studies:
- Concentrated study of a topic in the discipline of the major, selected in consultation with an Open Learning Faculty Member.
- Available after fulfilling General Education requirements, all lower-level requirements, and a minimum of 15 credits of upper-level courses in the subject of the major.
Careers:
Many BSc graduates are highly successful and pursue careers in:
- Medicine
- Veterinary medicine
- Medical genetics
- Elementary and high school teaching
- Resource management
- High tech industry
- Biotechnology
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
- Wildlife management
- Respiratory therapy
Other:
- The program promotes communication skills and computer literacy.
- Students have the option to complete a directed studies course.
- The program is delivered online.
- Students may need to complete some degree requirements through TRU (on-campus equivalents are offered for many OL courses) or through other recognized post-secondary institutions.
- Students can apply to transfer credit to the BSc, Major program.
- The OL website is updated with new courses.
