Life is very intriguing to study, and biology can satisfy our curiosity for living things. Biology consistently sees some of the highest numbers of enrollment worldwide. Not to mention, biology graduates have a positive satisfaction rate and above-average salaries.
Biology is also the perfect stepping stone for people who wish to be doctors. While many proceed with medical school, graduates also enjoy attractive offers in teaching, research, public health, and more.
Canada is popular among international students for its stellar education and high employment rates. Biology majors will find Canada a very suitable place to study because of its natural wonders and active research efforts.
Let us take a closer look at some of the best biology universities to study in Canada. Read on and discover what their biological sciences departments have in store for you.
Top Universities for Biology in Canada
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public university located in Ontario. With three campuses scattered in Upper Canada, it carries some 900 programs and ranks consistently among the top 10 public educational institutions nationwide and worldwide. The University of Toronto has some of the greatest contributions, such as the development of insulin and stem cell research. Rightfully, it tops the list of biological science programs in Canada.
Since the Univresity of Toronto is recognized as one of Canada’s best biology universities, all of its three campuses boast a dynamic Department of Biology. Every campus welcomes undergraduate students aiming to earn a major, minor, or specialist course in biology.
At the University of Toronto Mississauga specifically, biology students can expect a holistic learning experience. Resident biologists of the campus mentor the students to become globally competent contributors to all areas of biological sciences and specialize in research areas like genetics and evolution, and ecology and field biology.
The University of Toronto carries biology programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Tuition begins at $45,000 with generous scholarship grants offered every year.
2. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is the oldest in the province. The public research university ranks among Canada’s top three universities, with a strong research impact and a high number of annual publications. The University of British Columbia’s active participation in life sciences research lays down the framework for its competent biology curriculum.
The biology program offering of the University of British Columbia is divided into two departments: the Department of Zoology and the Department of Botany. These two departments work together in providing students the necessary knowledge and appreciation for biological concepts, practical skills, and ethics in working with living things.
The biology program at the University of British Columbia immerses students in the field’s various subfields of plant science, physiology, ecology, and more. The four-year degree program also aims to develop the students’ critical thinking through creating models predicting the patterns of change in a community.
Undergraduate and graduate students can study biology at this excellent biology institution. International biology students can expect tuition fees to start at around $34,000.
3. McGill University
McGill University is a prestigious public university situated in the province of Montreal. The university is flocked by international students for its medical school and sits at the top of domestic university rankings for universities with medical schools. Overall, McGill University excels in most academic disciplines, including biology.
The McGill University Department of Biology emphasizes the versatility of biology and its significance in the different sectors of society. The department also provides access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment, in partnership with the Montreal Neurological Institute and the Sheldon Biotechnology Institute, to name some. On top of the lectures, students also hone proficiency in the laboratory.
The biology program at McGill University is specially crafted to go over the broad areas of biology through large introductory classes. Specialist courses for subfields like ecology and ecosystems engage students in fieldwork with domestic and international reserves.
McGill University offers biology as a standalone, double major, and multitrack course of study. Undergraduate and graduate students can enroll in the biology program. Tuition fees start at $22,800.
4. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is another one of Canada’s best biology universities. It is a comprehensive academic and research university in Edmonton, Alberta. It is the alma mater of many pioneering doctors, with a notable contribution to academic publications on medicine, sustainability, and the environment. The University of Alberta is also dedicated to delivering a competent biology program and related services to its students and partner organizations.
The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta is among the largest and most diverse of its kind in Canada. Almost all of the teaching faculty participate in funded research, specializing in various subfields of biology.
The department oversees both undergraduate and graduate biology programs. Whereas undergraduate students are exposed to over 130 courses, graduate students engage in concentrated research for ecology, microbiology and biotechnology, physiology and cell biology, and more.
Studying biology at the University of Alberta comes with tuition fees starting at around $16,000 per year.
5. McMaster University
McMaster University, or simply Mac, is a public research university situated in Hamilton, Ontario. McMaster University oversees six academic faculties providing both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Ranking among the top five Canadian universities, McMaster also carries a competent biology curriculum for aspiring biologists and future doctors.
The Faculty of Science at McMaster University oversees the Department of Biology. This department offers some of the most popular programs in the university. Biology students get to explore the broad subfields of biology with the guidance of seasoned instructors and top-of-the-line laboratory equipment.
Alongside stacking students’ knowledge on biological theories and application, the Department of Biology also dedicates itself to applying its research efforts through interdisciplinary channels. Students can also receive one-to-one guidance from professors through research projects. The department specializes in varied areas of interest, among which are integrative biology and wetland ecology, and applied infectious disease and cancer research.
Undergraduate and graduate students can take biology as a course of study at McMaster University. Tuition fees begin at around $17,500.
Hopefully, this article on the best biology universities in Canada was helpful. If you are interested in learning more about studying abroad, check out the Canada Programs for International Students!
