Welcome

Biology is the science of the 21st century and at the forefront of stunning advances in our understanding of life processes, ranging from genome discoveries to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. The Department of Biology offers courses in a broad range of foundational and contemporary biological topics, and programs that can be tailored to meet individual interests. We emphasize hands-on, laboratory-based learning experiences in all of our undergraduate courses. Our degree programs promote critical skills development and provide exciting opportunities for sophisticated learning of fundamental principles and contemporary approaches to the science of life.

Students graduating with a degree from the Department of Biology are well suited for a wide range of careers - in education, environmental studies, applied research or biomedical sciences to name just a few. Biology is an excellent choice for students interested in gaining entrance to a health science program, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, and veterinary medicine. Our faculty conduct first-rate research over the entire biological spectrum and have particular strengths in integrating across all levels of biological organization. We are enthusiastic about our undergraduate teaching and actively encourage students to engage with us in our research. An Honours program is specifically designed to provide students with preparation for more advanced graduate level training in Biology or a related discipline.

What's New?

  • Our newest courses are now available for 2019-2020 registration:
    • BIOL 301 prerequisites now include a stats course. Check this out in the course catalogue!
    • We have a new credential called the Certificate in Biological Research. Check this out in the program catalogue! 
  • Saturday? Yes, Saturday! We will continue to offer a BIOL 120 lecture and lab option to run on Saturday during the Fall term of 2019/20. 
  • Interested in undergraduate research in biology? Check out the new undergraduate research page!
  • Research courses available: BIOL 380, BIOL 479, BIOL 480 or BIOL 481. Check the course catalogue for prerequisites and other information.

Our Programs

B.Sc. Three year: a sound introduction to the major areas of Biology.  This degree works well for students who are interested in some of the professional programs that require one or two years of preparatory coursework (like veterinary medicine, dentistry, law, nursing, pharmacy). It is also a useful degree to combine with a B.Ed. program from the College of Education. 

B.Sc. Four Year: allows students to develop a more in-depth program in Biology to suit their interests. This degree is good for students with a range of academic interests and who want to study in other disciplines along-side Biology. This is an excellent option for students who require a four year degree for entrance into professional programs such as medicine or physical therapy. 

B.Sc. Honours: for students who meet the required academic standing and who want more intensive training in Biology, especially if you want to fill your program with more courses in a specific area of Biology. This is a perfect choice for students who want to pursue future graduate training in the form of an M.Sc. or Ph.D. 

B.Sc. Double Honours: for students with equal interests in Biology and another subject area. Combine the Biology Honours program with that from the other discipline. 

Not sure which option to choose? The good news is that our program are extremely flexible and you can move between them relatively easily, especially if you are early in your studies.

This major offers B.Sc. Four Year and B.Sc. Honours programs.

This interdisciplinary program examines ecosystems with a focus on how living organisms interact with their environment.  A major in Environmental Biology will accommodate a wide variety of student interests and aspirations, including a career in environmental science or as preparation for more advanced study.  Students completing this program will have a comprehensive understanding of the basic science of environmental biology and ecological theory, an exposure to technical skills, and will be articulate and knowledgeable about the complex environmental issues facing our society.

This major offers B.Sc. Four Year and B.Sc. Honours programs.

Palaeobiology is the description of the organisms and the sediments in which they are found as well as the distribution and functional analysis of fossil animals and plants. This includes the definition of the spatial and temporal occurrence of these organisms and the reconstruction of their paths of evolution. Such evolutionary relationships are then tied to environmental data to reconstruct the way of life of fossil species. The palaeobiology program was designed by the Departments of Geological Sciences, Biology, and Archaeology to meet the needs of students interested in this interdisciplinary subject matter. The program is designed to offer guidance, yet allows students some flexibility within their special area of interest.

This can be taken with a major in a different subject area or an interdisciplinary program.

Requirements:

  • 6 credit units of 100-level BIOL, plus
  • 12 credit units senior BIOL
  • At least 3 credit units must be at the 300- or 400-level.

Courses listed under the "C6 Major Requirement" of the student's program major cannot be used to meet requirements for the minor. 

This Certificate is intended to provide students with a credential that recognizes proficiency in undergraduate research in biological science. Students will pursue authentic research questions and engage in independent research experiences with world-class faculty in the Department of Biology. Through their choice of a faculty supervisor, students are able to study a research problem that suits their area of interest. The Certificate will be a useful foundation for students who plan to continue their academic study, are seeking research-related skills, or are just curious about the discoveries to be made in the science of life.

Awards

NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards Program (USRA) 

The NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) is an opportunity to gain work experience in academic research, and possibly encourage students to take further studies at the graduate level, as well as provide financial support.  The 
NSERC USRA has a value of $4,500 for a full 16-week period, and is supplemented by at least 25%, making the minimum pay for the tenure of the award $5,740.

If you are interested in pursuing this award, please check the information  to determine if you are eligible and what you are required to do.

You will need to find an NSERC grant holder willing to supervise your project, and who will support your application before you apply to NSERC.  Please refer to the flow chart provided.

The College of Graduate Studies and Research (CGSR) invites your undergraduate students to submit applications for the 2019 NSERC USRA (Undergraduate Student Research Awards) competition by...more information to come soon!

Biology undergraduates are eligible for a number of scholarships and awards. Decisions on undergraduate awards are typically made in early spring at the end of Term 2 of the academic year. Please consult with the Biology main office if you are interested in applying for an award. Details on individual awards are provided below.

Biology Club Scholarship

Value: $500 
Number: 1 
Eligibility: Awarded annually to a student in the upper year who is continuing in the Biology program. Selection is based on academic achievement, student and community involvement, and evidence of interest in the biological sciences. 
Donor: The Biology Club 
Apply: Contact the Department of Biology for application procedure 
Deadline: Friday, April 21, 2023

Biology Field Course Prize

Value: $500 
Number: 1
Eligibility: Awarded to the B.Sc. Biology student with the highest grade in the Field Biology course at the U of S.
Donor: Maureen Rever-DuWors, former faculty member in the Department of Biology
Apply: No application required 

Biology Prize

Value: $2000
Number: One 
Eligibility: Awarded annually to the most distinguished student graduating with a B.Sc. (Four-year or Honours) or their equivalent. Selection will be based on the Cumulative Percentage Average (one-third weighting) and on the average in all Biology courses taken, including those given in other departments which are recognized for Biology credits, (two-thirds weighting). 
Donor: The Faculty of the Department of Biology. 
Apply: No application required. 

D.S. Rawson Memorial Prize

Value: TBD
Number: One 
Eligibility: Offered annually to a graduating student, majoring in Biology. Selection will be based on academic achievement and participation in student activities. 
Donor: The Biology Club, in memory of Dr. D.S. Rawson, former Head of the Biology Department. 
Apply: Contact the Department of Biology for application procedure.
Deadline: Friday, April 21, 2023

Eric Whiting Memorial Scholarship

Value: $300
Number: One 
Eligibility: Awarded annually to undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of study and are entering their third or fourth year of the B.Sc. degree program in Biology. Selection will be based on academic standing with documented extra-curricular activity in Biology and/or the environment as exemplified by membership and participation in the activities of Biological Societies, wildlife programs, research activities or other endeavors of such nature as determined by the Department of Biology. 
Donor: Faculty, staff and students of the Department of Biology, and family and friends of the late Eric Whiting in honour of his accomplishments in Biology and commitment to teaching. 
Apply: Consult the Department of Biology for application procedures.
Deadline: Friday, April 21, 2023 

James M. Naylor Memorial Scholarship Fund

Value: $1500
Number: One 
Eligibility: Awarded annually to a student in the College of Arts & Science going into the fourth year of Biology (Four-year or Honours). Selection will be based on academic achievement and biology-related extra-curricular activities, and will be made by the Faculty of the Department of Biology. 
Donor: Friends of the late Dr. J.M. Naylor. 
Apply: Contact the Department of Biology for application procedure.
Deadline: Friday, April 21, 2023 

Maureen Rever-DuWors Biology Studies Travel Award

Value: $1000
Number: 1
Eligibility: Awarded annually to an undergraduate student pursuing a B.Sc. in Biology who wishes to participate in a program of field studies or study abroad. Candidates must be declared Biology majors in the B.Sc. program who have completed at least 18 credit units in Biology at the U of S and who have achieved a minimum average of 75% in the previous academic year. The proposed program must be equivalent to at least 3 credit units of senior biology at the U of S if it is a summer course, and 6 credit units or more if a term abroad.

Selection will be based on academic merit, quality of application and statement of purpose, and relevance to the candidate's degree program. Recipients are expected to share their experiences with a relevant group of students and/or faculty on their return from the funded program of study. 
Donor: Maureen Rever-DuWors, former faculty member in the Department of Biology 
Apply: Contact the Department of Biology for application procedure.
Deadline: Friday, April 21, 2023 

Michael B. Zink Memorial Scholarship

Value: $1,000
Eligibility: Applicants must be full-time students entering their 3rd or 4th year of study in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Must have been a full-time student in the previous academic year. 
Donor: The family of the late Dr. Michael B. Zink, member of the Department of Biology from 1964 to 1996. 
Apply: No application required. 

Robert F. Horner Memorial Scholarship in Biology

Value: $1000
Number: One 
Eligibility: Awarded annually to an upper-year undergraduate student who is majoring in Biology. Selection will be based on academic achievement. 
Donor: Fred and Doreen Horner. 
Apply: No application required. 

Stuart Houston Book Prize in Ornithology 

Value: Book Prize for $200 
Number: One 
Eligibility: Awarded annually to the student with the highest academic standing in Biology 458.3, Ornithology. 
Donor: Donations from colleagues and friends of Dr. Houston. 
Apply: No application required. 

Edgar and Gladys F. Reeder Prize in Botany

Value: Book Prize for $200
Number: One 
Eligibility: Awarded annually at graduation to the student with an Honors degree either in Biology or in Agricultural Biology, or equivalent, who has the best record in botanical courses at the University of Saskatchewan.
Donor: Gladys F. Reeder, in memory of her husband, Edgar Reeder.
Apply: Contact the Department of Biology for application procedure.
Deadline: Friday, April 21, 2023

  • Biology Club Scholarship - Lesa Giesbrecht
  • Biology Field Course Prize – Breana Hipkin / Patricia Jellico
  • Biology Prize – Rachel Reed
  • Biology Convocation Prize – Rachel Reed
  • ENVB Convocation Prize - Azaria Larisa Antosh
  • D.S. Rawson Book Prize – Breanna Hipkin
  • Edgar and Gladys F. Reeder Prize in Botany – not awarded in 2022
  • Eric Whiting Memorial Scholarship - Lesa Giesbrecht
  • J.M. Naylor Scholarship – Taya Koob
  • Maureen Rever-DuWors Travel Abroad Award – not awarded in 2022
  • Michael B. Zink Memorial Scholarship – Grace Elizabeth Braaten
  • Robert F. Horner Memorial Scholarship Fund – Alexa Valora Arnyek
  • Stewart Houston Ornithology Book Prize – not awarded in 2022

Links and Resources

Student Advising

Need some academic advice?

People are available to help you plan a successful program compatible with your personal goals. Meetings with an academic advisors will help you understand degree requirements, make appropriate course choices, and navigate university policies and procedures. Make the most of your educational experience, see an advisor early in your program and every year thereafter!

You can get help from two places:

  • Start with the College Advising Office 
  • If you need more program specific advice see a professor in the Department of Biology.  Advising sessions are offered annually from March through September (or as required by a student's special circumstances). Students may make an appointment for an advising session at the Main Office of the Department of Biology located here in CSRB (Collaborative Science & Research Building, Room 110), by telephone at 966-4399, or via email at  biology.dept@usask.ca.