Biology Department

Biology is the scientific study of living things, their functions, their appearance, their interactions with one another and their non-living environment, their reproduction, and their changes over time. Biology courses provide a sound knowledge of biological principles useful for informed decision making in everyday life.

Biology offers university transfer courses at the first- and second-level for transfer into programs which have biology or laboratory science requirements (e.g. Biology, other sciences, Education, Physical Education). Human Biology courses are also offered as service courses to Douglas College Programs, including Health Information Management, Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Therapeutic Recreation Training.

First and second-year Biology courses have a laboratory component. Labs for these courses are unscheduled, but will require up to three hours per week. The laboratory is open during the day on weekdays and one or more evenings each week and students may choose appropriate times within the open hours. The open hours vary from semester to semester depending on course offerings.

Department Website

For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.

Career/Further Educational Opportunities

Biology courses are a prerequisite for Programs in the Health Sciences, Sport Science and Agricultural Sciences. University transfer courses allow students to transfer into the third year of a number of program fields including Medicine, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Kinesiology and Environmental Science.

Location

First-year and second-year courses offered at New Westminster Campus. First-year courses offered at David Lam Campus.

Intake Dates/Application Deadlines:

**Application deadlines may be extended.
Biology courses are offered in all three semesters - Fall, Winter and Summer. As Biology courses are in high demand, they fill early in the registration process.

See Application Deadlines.

Prerequisite Compliance

1. General Admission Requirements
2. English 12 with a minimum grade of "C" or approved substitution

Students who are requesting transfer credit from other institutions or submitting high school transcripts from outside of BC to satisfy prerequisite compliance are required to apply and submit those documents no later than three months in advance of the intake.

Credentials

Courses can be applied towards the Associate Degree in Science, the Associate Degree in Environmental Science, and the Diploma in Science (see the Credentials section for details).

Recommended Course Sequence

Students intending to transfer to a major or honors program in biology should take the following courses in the first year:

The following courses are recommended in the second year. Selection of these and additional courses will depend on the program and institution to which you plan to transfer. Consult the appropriate calendar for further information.