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Program details
The Faculty of Science offers multiple undergraduate degree options in Biological Sciences. In addition to completing a common core set of courses, students are required to select one of five theme areas. This allows you to tailor your degree to meet specific interests within the biological sciences.
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Expected duration: 4 years, approximately (120 credit hours) of study with a minimum degree GPA of 3.00. To enter an Honours program, you need to complete a minimum of 24 credit hours with specific course and grade requirements.
Honours programs are the most advanced, in-depth undergraduate studies offered by the Faculty of Science. The programs allow you to make the smoothest transition to graduate studies. An Honours program is regarded as professional training. Students are generally involved in research opportunities and complete a project or research course as part of the curriculum.
Students in an Honours program are eligible to apply for Co-op, which provides exposure to the industry and valuable work experience. Students normally enter the program after the second year including designated courses and grades.
To earn a Bachelor of Science Honours degree a student must successfully complete 120 credit hours or more of study with minimum grades on all courses as specified in the Academic Calendar and a minimum degree GPA of 3.00. You must complete this degree on a full-time basis.
Once you are eligible and fulfill the entrance requirements for the program, please complete the appropriate form on the Academic Advising page.
Bachelor of Science (Major)
Expected duration: 4 years, approximately (120 credit hours) of study with a minimum degree GPA of 2.00. To enter a Major program, you need to complete a minimum of 24 credit hours with specific course and grade requirements.
The Faculty of Science Major program provides students with extensive study in their chosen field while allowing for educational breadth through other subjects of interest. The Major program offers flexibility and opportunities to select electives from other disciplines at the University of Manitoba. This flexibility means that the Major program doesn’t provide the same level of professional training as the Honours program.
Students in a Major program are eligible to apply for Co-op, which provides exposure to the industry and valuable work experience. Students normally enter the program after the second year including designated courses and grades.
To earn a Bachelor of Science Major degree a student must successfully complete 120 credit hours or more of study with minimum grades on all courses as specified in the Academic Calendar and a minimum degree GPA of 2.00. You can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
Once you are eligible and fulfill the entrance requirements for the program, please complete the appropriate form on the Academic Advising page.
Honours and Major themes
Cell, molecular and developmental biology - Learn about the small-scale biology from molecules to cells and how organisms develop from unicellular stages.
Ecology and environmental biology - Examine the large-scale biology and how organisms interact with each other and their physical environment.
Environmental and integrative physiology - Discover how organisms function and adapt to a changing environment.
Evolution and biodiversity - Study the mechanisms of evolution and how the diversity of living things arose.
Integrative biology - Gain a breadth of knowledge in this “general” biology program.
Sample course offerings
Here are some examples of the courses offered for this program:
- BIOL 1410: Anatomy of the Human Body
- BIOL 2260: Biology of Fungi and Lichens
- BIOL 2500: Genetics 1
- BIOL 2600: Computational Biology
- BIOL 3312: Community Ecology
- BIOL 3360: Animal Behaviour
- BIOL 4300: Evolution and Adaptation
- BIOL 4480: Comparative Endocrinology
For a full list of courses and descriptions of each, please visit the Academic Calendar.
Science Co-op
The Faculty of Science Co-operative Education program is an excellent way for students to enhance their classroom learning with on-the-job experience. Available in most Major and Honours programs, Co-operative education is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic education with relevant, supervised and paid work experience. Co-op students gain valuable skills to guide them through their academic education and prepare them for future careers after graduation. Students who enrol in the Co-operative Education program will complete their four-year (approx.) Major or Honours degree in five years (approx.), allowing them to complete three or four work terms. Each work term is completed within a four-month period beginning in January, May or September.
Learn more about the Science Co-operative Education program.
Admission requirements
To declare the BSc Honours or Major in Biological Sciences you first must be accepted into the Faculty of Science. The following are the minimum requirements for entry into the Faculty of Science.
Direct entry means you are applying to the program directly out of high school or have completed fewer than 24 credit hours at a recognized university or college.
Missing some requirements? Students who do not meet the direct entry admission requirements may apply to University 1 to prepare for entry into the Faculty of Science. You may be able to declare your specific Major when you transit or you can transit to the General degree. University 1 students who qualify may transit to the Faculty of Science using Aurora Student. See the Academic Calendar for entry requirements specific to this program.
Advanced entry Applicants are those who have completed one year (24 credit hours) or more of studies in another faculty at the University of Manitoba or another recognized post-secondary institution.
Note: When you apply to the Faculty of Science as a Direct or Advanced entry student, you do not select your Major areas of study (e.g., Biochemistry, Computer Science, Statistics, etc.). Each Major or Honours program has specific entry requirements and may be declared once you have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework, generally at the end of your first or second year of studies. For full details, please visit the Academic calendar.
How to apply
Domestic student application fee: $100
International student application fee: $130
Applications to the University of Manitoba are completed online. To begin your application, select the "Start or continue your application" button. The online application includes several parts, and you may be required to submit transcripts, proof of English Language proficiency and other documents.
If you are a University 1 student wishing to transit to the Faculty of Science, you are not required to submit an application. You may transit to the Faculty of Science student using Aurora Student. There is no application fee.
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Admission and application inquiries
Mailing address
Undergraduate Admissions
424 UMSU University Centre
University of Manitoba
65 Chancellors Circle
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
Office location
Room 424 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Submit a question
Phone: 204-474-8808
Toll-free: 1-800-224-7713 ext 8808
Program inquiries
Faculty of Science Advising Office
55 Chancellors Circle (formerly Fitzgerald), room 404
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Office hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 204-474-8256
Website: Undergraduate science academic advising