Biology Option

Department of Biology

• General Information
• Program Requirements
• Concentrations

Faculty

• Addison, Jason A., BSc, PhD (Dal.), Prof - 2008
• Alexander-Trusiak, Alexa, BSc (Queen's), MSc, PhD (UNB), Visiting Res Prof - 2018
• Baird, Donald J., BSc, PhD (Glasgow), Visiting Res Prof - 2003
• Barbeau, Myriam A., BSc (McG.), PhD (Dal.), Prof - 1999
• Bardon-Albaret, A., BSc (Montpeillier), PhD (USM), Adjunct Prof - 2024
• Benfey, Tillmann J., BSc (McG.), MSc (Memorial), PhD (Br.Col.), Prof - 1989
• Clark, Denise V., BSc (Br.Col), PhD (S.Fraser), Honorary Res Prof - 1994
• Crawford, Bryan D., BSc (Alta), MSc (Vic.BC), PhD (S.Fraser.) - Prof 2006
• Curry, R. Allen, BES (Wat.), MSc (Trent), PhD (Guelph), Honorary Res Prof (Joint ForEM) - 1997
• Cunjak, Richard A., BSc (Guelph), MSc (Memorial), PhD (Wa), Emeritus Prof (Joint ForEM) - 1997
• Cwynar, Les C., BSc, MSc, PhD (Tor.), Prof - 1988
• Diamond, Antony W., BA (Cambridge), MSc, PhD (Aberdeen), Emeritus Prof, Atlantic Laboratory for Avian Research (Joint ForEM) - 1994
• Douglas, Gavin M., BSc, MSc (Tor.), PhD (Dal.), Asst Prof - 2025 
• D’Souza, Kenneth, BSc, MSc (McMaster), PhD (Dal.), Asst Teaching Prof. - 2025 
• Duffy, Michael, BSc, PhD (UNB), Assoc Prof - 2005
• Durnford, Dion G., BSc (Dal.), PhD (Br.Col.), Prof - 1997
• Edge, Christopher, BSc (Guelph), MSc (Laurentian), PhD (UNB) - Adjunct Prof - 2019
• Erickson, Timothy, BSc, MSc, PhD (Alberta), Assoc Prof - 2021
• Forbes, Graham J., BA (York), MA, PhD (Wat.), Prof (Joint ForEM) - 1997
• Gagarinova, Alla, BSc (Tor.), MSc (Wat.), PhD (Tor.), Assoc Prof - 2023
• Garber, Amber, BSc (BGSU), MSc (USM), PhD (NUC), Adjunct Prof - 2024
• Hamilton, Diana J., BSc (McG.), MSc (Wat.), PhD (Guelph), Adjunct Prof - 2023
• Hayden, Brian, BSc, PhD (Dublin), Assoc Prof, Scientific Director of SINLAB - 2018
• Heard, Stephen B., BSc (Wat.), PhD (Pennsylvania), Honorary Res Prof - 2002
• Hind, Katharine R., BSc (Vic, BC), PhD (UNB), AssocTeaching Prof - 2022
• Johns, Robert, BSc (St.FX), PhD (UNB), Adjunct Prof - 2012
• Lawrence, Janice E., BSc, PhD (Dal.), Assoc Prof - 2003
• Linnansaari, Tommi, BSc, MSc (Helsinki), PhD (UNB), Prof (Joint ForEM) - 2017
• MacLellan, Shawn R., BSc (Guelph), MSc (Guelph), PhD (McMaster), Assoc Prof - 2010
• Malenfant, Rene M., BSc (St.FX), BSc, PhD (Alberta), Assoc Teaching Prof - 2016
• Miles, Kelly, BSc (Dal.), MSc (Dal.), PhD (UNB), Teaching Prof - 2012
• Nedelcu, Aurora M., BSc (Romania), PhD (Dal.), Prof - 2002
• Ollerhead, Jeff, BSc (Guelph), MSc (Tor.), PhD (Guelph), Adjunct Prof - 2022
• Parachnowitsch, Amy, BSc (S Fraser), MSc (Guelph), PhD (Cornell) Assoc Prof - 2018
• Patten, Cheryl L., BSc, PhD (Wat.), Honorary Res Prof - 2004
• Peake, Stephan J., BSc General, BSc Honors (Guelph), MSc (Wat.), PhD (S. Fraser), Assoc Prof - 2002
• Pureswaran, Deepa, BSc, MSc, PhD (S.Fraser), Adjunct Prof - 2010, Visiting Res Prof - 2024
• Rendell, Drew, BSc (Calg.), MSc (California), PhD (California), Honorary Res Prof - 2015
• Reyes Prieto, Adrian, BSc, PhD (Mexico), Assoc Prof - 2009
• Sacobie, Charles F., BSc, MSc, PhD (UNB), Assoc Prof - 2013, Indigenous Science Scholar - 2022
• Saunders, Gary W., BSc, MSc (Acad.), PhD (S. Fraser), Prof, UNB Chair in Molecular Systematics & Biodiversity - 1995
• Sharp, Lisa, BSc (Br.Col.), MSc (Vic. BC), BCIDP (Vancouver Community College), Teaching Prof - 2001
• Sherrard, Mark, BSc (MTA), MSc, PhD (Guelph), Assoc Teaching Prof - 2020
• Tai, Helen H., BSc (Tor), PhD (Ottawa), Adjunct Prof - 2021
• Trudel, Marc, BSc, PhD (McG), Adjunct Prof - 2020

General Information

Biology Goal

The educational goal of the Department of Biology at UNB is to foster a fascination with and an ability to learn about progress in the biological sciences, and appreciate the importance of these fields to society. This is achieved through teaching within the department that emphasises the questions of contemporary biology, and how they are asked.  Our graduates understand that the sub-disciplines of 21st century biology are interrelated, ask questions at a range of spatial and temporal scales, with a broad taxonomic scope, and that these dynamic disciplines have a strong quantitative foundation.

Our aim is to provide students with a foundation upon which they can build in future professional or postgraduate training, and as scientifically literate citizens of our society.

Programs in Biology

The Department of Biology offers the following programs: Honours (by Thesis or by Course), Major and Minor.

Either of the Honours programs provides students with the preparation required for graduate work in Biology or admission to many professional schools.*

The Major program is designed to provide concentrated study in Biology while maximizing a student's access to the offerings of other Departments and Faculties. It will therefore be of use to students with interdisciplinary educational and career objectives. With care, students should be able to use this to satisfy prerequisites to many professional schools.*

The Minor program is structured to meet the individual needs of the student and will complement their major program.
Admission to this program is by application to the Biology Director of Undergraduate Studies. Minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) requirements and prerequisites may be required for admission. Courses for the Biology Minor must be approved according to the guidelines given below.

Students are reminded that courses offered by other Departments form an important complementary part of the overall program of studies. A minimum of 12 ch of electives selected from the course offerings of the Faculty of Arts are required in the Honours and Major programs.

NOTE:* Students interested in pre-health professional studies must discuss their intentions with their Biology advisor early in their program to ensure appropriate timetabling. 

Program Requirements 

Major Program (136 ch total)

First Year

1. BIOL 1001, BIOL 1006, BIOL 1012, BIOL 1017; CHEM 1001, CHEM 1006, CHEM 1012, CHEM 1017; MATH 1003, SCI 1001
2. Two more term courses of 1000-level science lectures (Physics and/or Earth Sciences) 

Note: Students may opt to take STAT 2264 in Winter semester of first year.  Additionally, students may choose to take 3-6 ch of Arts electives in their first year, and push one/both of the 1000-level Physics or Earth Sciences courses to a later year in the program. 

Second Year

1. BIOL 2003, BIOL 2008, BIOL 2023, BIOL 2028, BIOL 2043, BIOL 2053, BIOL 2063, BIOL 2068; and one of the pairs BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2018 or BIOL 2053 and BIOL 2103; CHEM 2401and STAT 2264.

Third and Fourth Years

1. 3000-level and 4000-level year Biology courses totalling a minimum of 37 ch, including a minimum of 4 laboratory or field courses (denoted by the course designation “L” in the course description).
2. 12 ch of Arts courses. 
3. Other courses (in almost any field including Biology)* to a program total of 136 ch (see Note 4). 

Notes: (*)

1. A C grade or better is required in all courses for Biology degree programs.
2. Students in all Biology programs will not be allowed to take any third or fourth year Biology courses, until they have passed (C minimum) all first-year Biology and Chemistry courses. 
3. Students are urged to register early (by the end of classes, Winter term) for courses they plan to take in the next academic year that are required for their program and that have limited enrolment.
4. Some courses offered in other Faculties will not be considered for credit toward a BSc; so, students should see their advisor for course approval. 
5. Registration is online thir and fourth year Biology courses reqires permission of an academic advisor, and is normally limited to 9 ch.

Honours Program (148 ch total):

There are two honours programs: Honours by Course and Honours by Thesis. Students must have (and maintain) a minimum CGPA of 3.0 to be accepted in and remain in either program. 

The process to purue an Honours by Thesis typically begins near the end of the Year 2. Through conversation with your academic advisor you will 10 select courses that are required for the Biology Honours program, and 2) plan to take enough credit hours to allow for completion of the Honours program (144 ch) by the end of Year 4. Instructions for official application to the Honours by Thesis will be communicated to students in Year 3 of the program, at which time students should approach members of the Biology faculty about potential positions. Students should submit their application to biohonours@unb.ca normally before March 15th of the academic year prior to their proposed project (though advanced planning may be required to facilitate field work during the summer months, etc.)

Biology Program, Honours by Thesis 

Third and Fourth Years

1. A minimum of 4 laboratory or field courses (denoted by the course designation “L” in the course description)
2. BIOL 4090 (9 ch)
3. One of the following general research skills courses: BIOL 3933,  BIOL 4463, BIOL 4483, BIOL 4533, or BIOL 5473 (typically selected through discussion with your Honours supervisor). 
4. Additional 3000-level and 4000-level Biology courses to a total of 49 ch. 
5. 12 ch of Arts courses. 
6. Other courses (in almost any field, including Biology)* to a program total of 148 ch (see Note 3).  

Biology Program, Honours by Course 

Third and Fourth Years 

1. 49 ch of 3000-level and 4000-level Biology courses, including a minimum of 4 laboratory or field courses (denoted by the course designation “L” in the course description). 
2. 12 ch of Arts courses. 
3. Other courses (in almost any field, including Biology)* to a program total of 148 ch (see Note 3). 

NOTES:(*)

1. A C grade or better is required in all courses for Biology degree programs.
2. Students are urged to register early (by the end of classes, Winter term) for courses they plan to take in the next academic year that are required for their program and that have limited enrolment.  
3. Some courses offered in other Faculties will not be considered for credit toward a BSc; so, students should see their advisor for course approval. 
4. The Honours student (by course or by thesis) must achieve a minimum final CGPA of 3.7 to obtain First Class Honours standing upon graduation.
5. A student completing all course requirements for Honours but with a CGPA below 3.0 will be given a Majors degree.
6. Registration is online upper-level Biology courses requires permission of an academic advisor, and is normally limited to 9 ch.

Minor Program:

The Minor in Biology is available to students in other Departments of the Faculty of Science, and outside the Faculty of Science, who are interested in a coherent package of Biology courses. The Minor follows section V in the “University Wide Academic Regulations” of the Undergraduate Academic Calendar and consists of BIOL courses, totalling at least 24 credit hours with a grade of C or better, approved by the Biology Director of Undergraduate Studies. Core Second Year BIOL courses and the Concentrations can be used as guidelines. Students not requiring Biology courses for their Major must take, BIOL 1001, BIOL 1006, BIOL 1012 and BIOL 1017 as part of their Biology Minor. Up to 6 ch of first and second year human biology courses can count toward the Biology Minor (possible courses are BIOL 1711/BIOL 1719, BIOL 1782/ BIOL 1789, BIOL 2251/ BIOL 2259, BIOL 2501/BIOL 2509, BIOL 2513/BIOL 2519, BIOL 2629, BIOL 2721, BIOL 2761/BIOL 2769, BIOL 2792).

Co-operative Work Experience in Biology

The Faculty of Science seeks to provide opportunities for students and employers to develop relationships that enhance the learning experience for students and present employers with skilled, motivated employees looking to make a career connection. To achieve this, the Faculty, through the Department of Biology and other Science departments and programs, operates a Co-operative Education Program. Co-op opportunities are available for qualified students; please refer to the Science section of this Calendar for detailed information.

Concentrations

Upper year Honours and Major students in Biology can choose from many Biology courses (see requirements for third and fourth years, above). Concentrations are optional and designed to guide students who want more focused education in a specific area, and can be indicated on the final transcript at graduation if a student successfully completes a minimum of 24 ch from the Concentration. The majority of these 24 ch should come from the “Recommended courses” list, and the remaining ch from the “Other Relevant courses” list. Note that BIOL 3933, BIOL 3943 , BIOL 4533 and BIOL 5473  and student projects completed as part of BIOL3149 and BIOL4149  in a Concentration area can count as relevant courses towards any of the Concentrations. Selection must be approved by an academic advisor, and the student must then indicate their concentration on their application to graduate. Note that only one concentration can be selected per degree.