Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics

at University of Guelph Canada

Biological Science focuses on the study of living organisms, their evolution, interactions with other organisms and the ecosystems that they live and rely on. The many areas of study under the umbrella of biological science allows for flexibility within the major and allows you to tailor the major to your interest.   

The B.Sc. major in Biological Science (BIOS) will provide you with opportunities to acquire the skills you need to be successful in a variety of careers. This major allows you to choose courses that fit your interests and career goals. Foundation courses cover molecular biology and genetics, biochemistry, evolution, physiology, ecology and statistics which will allow you to explore multiple areas of biology or focus in on one more specifically. The breadth of science that we offer at the University of Guelph provides students a unique opportunity to discover what fields of biology truly connects with their interests and professional goals. 

Computers play many roles in our lives. At the School of Computer Science, we recognize that relationship and its variable nature. If you enjoy solving problems, nothing is more exciting than working and studying at the leading edge of computer science.  You will develop skills throughout your degree as you explore different course materials within the field of computer science and across other disciplines. The program provides you with a strong foundation in hardware and theory with a particular focus on applied software development. By the time you graduate you will be a sought-after expert with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills that will make you indispensable.

Software Engineering
Contribute to innovative and cutting-edge software design. Providing a foundation in computer science concepts, this program focuses on team-based software development and professional standards. This major provides an excellent background in design and development, as well as the implementation and the evolution of software. Students’ soft skills such as communication and teamwork will be enhanced and strengthened. You will have a unique opportunity to take courses on different aspects of software engineering, including design methods, team interactions, communications and managing real-world software engineering projects.

Co-op Option
The Co-op program in Software Engineering is a five year program, including five work terms. Students must complete a Fall, Winter and Summer work term and must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below.

To be eligible to continue in the Co-op program, students must meet a minimum 70% cumulative average requirement after second semester, as well as meet all work term requirements. Please refer to the Co-operative Education program policy with respect to work term performance grading, work term report grading and program completion requirements. 

Understand the geographical, political and economic factors that shape environmental issues. Learn how to identify and manage these issues across sectors. Address environmental challenges through creative partnerships between governments, communities and businesses. Train to be an environmental professional at the leading edge of sustainability.

The Major in Biodiversity offers a broad education in the diversity and evolution of life while providing a more specialized understanding of biology at the level of the organism. It is the most flexible of the majors offered by the Department of Integrative Biology and as such, it allows students the opportunity to design a customized program around their interests. The major qualifies students for postgraduate work in biodiversity, botany, zoology, and other life sciences and provides a sound science background for students wishing to pursue professional life science degrees or careers in teaching, government service or the private sector.

Biodiversity impacts every aspect of our planet. To maximize a student’s exposure to biodiversity we strongly encourage students to consider an international exchange in their fifth semester. An increase in global awareness of the diverse issues facing biodiversity from different economic, social, environmental and biological landscapes will help students to critically think, analyze and recognize the inherent complexities within the field.

In the Bachelor of Arts - Sociology program, students will Examine society’s vast influence on the lives of groups and individuals. Discover patterns and relationships in human culture and behaviour. Gain insight into the cause of inequalities and learn the skills needed to tackle societal problems and improve life.

Bring about positive change in the world. Explore the nature and impacts of economic and social development in Canada and around the world and gain experience engaging with development organizations. Tackle the big issues like poverty, social justice, food insecurity, gender, inequality and climate change. You can choose from five areas of emphasis: Agriculture and Food Security; Development in the Canadian Context; Development in Fragile Contexts; Environment and Sustainable Development; and Gender and Inclusive Development.

The Bachelor of Arts - History program discover the past and create the future. Study a range of thematic courses, including Food History, War and Society, Gender and Sexuality and Rural History. Enjoy small seminars in the first year, access to special archives and courses with community partners such as the Guelph Black Heritage Society, and the Guelph Civic Museum. Graduates are flexible, intelligent, polished communicators, researchers and problem solvers who follow their passions in business, law, education, civil service, journalism, and the arts.

Position yourself as an expert in interesting and puzzling issues of our time, like fluctuations in interest rates and oil prices, or the implications of continental free trade. Integrate pure and applied economic theories with modes of thought, techniques and critical analysis drawn from the arts. 

Water Resources Engineering focuses on the use and management of land and water resources in rural and urban watersheds.

A growing population and the need for clean water demands Water Resources Engineers to develop solutions that are environmentally sustainable and economically viable.  Water Resources Engineering combines elements of other disciplines such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, agriculture, planning and geography in a unique combination ideally suited to address society's concerns and needs surrounding water.

Students design and develop creative solutions to protect groundwater, soil, wetlands, streams and lakes to ensure that the development of new water supplies not disrupt natural processes.  Students learn to apply engineering analysis and computer models to identify water resources problems and design engineering solutions to these challenges.

Co-op
The Co-op program in Water Resources Engineering is a five year program, including five work terms. Students must complete a Fall, Winter and Summer work term and must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below.

To be eligible to continue in the Co-op program, students must meet a minimum 70% cumulative average requirement after second semester, as well as meet all work term requirements. Please refer to the Co-operative Education program policy with respect to work term performance grading, work term report grading and program completion requirements.

The Marine and Freshwater Biology major capitalizes on Guelph’s recognized excellence in aquatic research and provides a broad perspective on aquatic environments based on the physical as well as the biological sciences. In this major, students will build upon core courses in ecology, evolution, genetics, and physiology of aquatic biota as they study freshwater and marine environments and work with aquatic organisms experimentally in the field and in the lab. They will have the opportunity to perform independent research projects under a variety of field and laboratory conditions to enhance their learning experience. The major prepares students for post-graduate work in the aquatic sciences, and provides a sound scientific background for students wishing to pursue careers in academia, government service, private sector (e.g., NGOs, fisheries, aquaculture, biotechnology, consulting), conservation, education and research.