Bachelor of Science Major in Biological Sciences

At a glance

Credential: degree
Credits: 120
Next start: monthly

As the demand for highly skilled professionals in the health science field increases, Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Science Biological Sciences Major (BSc-BIOS) will prepare you to pursue or further a professional career in areas such as health sciences, research and development, and biodiagnostics.

35
Average age
89%
Employment rate
^$65k
Median income
95%
Student satisfaction

Source: 2023 AU institutional data and 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS)

Be a part of the AU student community

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Sign up to receive more information from AU and start your education with us.

Start your journey

About Bachelor of Science Major in Biological Sciences

The Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences Major is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various professional career paths, such as health sciences, research and development, and biodiagnostics. This flexible program allows you to finish in as little as 2 years (post-diploma route), or at your own pace, offering a diverse range of courses including physiology, genetics, and nutrition, and includes innovative home and virtual lab options for added convenience.

Admission requirements

There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.

Program details

Overview

As the demand for highly skilled professionals in the health science field increases, Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences Major will prepare you to pursue or further a professional career in areas such as health sciences, research and development, and biodiagnostics.

The program includes courses in:

physiology
sexuality
genetics
health
nutrition

Like other Bachelor of Science programs, this program has some courses with lab components. However, our labs are offered to promote flexibility for students. We have developed home lab kits for some of our science courses. In addition, some of our courses have virtual labs. A few labs do require on-site attendance, but we have made it as flexible as possible by condensing the lab and also by allowing students to complete multiple labs in 1 trip.

Why take the Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences Major?

The program will prepare you for the science-based world of today and the increasing technological demands of the future by offering you a diversity of courses from across the discipline and allowing the flexibility to choose courses in your area(s) of interest.

AU's Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences Major may be used to meet the entrance requirements for pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, and pre-veterinary programs offered at other universities across Canada. Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. Check with your desired university for the entrance requirements.

Routes and options

The Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences Major is equivalent to a 4-year degree program. There are no set start dates - you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.

For students in the Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences Major program wishing to combine 2 majors, all requirements of both majors must be fulfilled. The choice of major may restrict course selection or require the completion of more than 120 credits.

Available minors

You now have the option of combining the Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences Major with minors, which may enhance your studies by providing background in a complementary discipline or broadening your education to prepare for a career in emerging areas such as environmental health, sustainable architecture, finance, computing, or bioinformatics. Students can select from the following minors:

Post-diploma route

The post-diploma route is an option for students presenting a 2-or 3-year science or computing related diploma who wish to pursue a university degree to further their academic studies. For example, if you already have an approved science-related technician or technology diploma in allied health or nursing, you can take the shorter post-diploma route.

Please note: If you hold a science-related diploma that is more than 10 years old from an approved college or technical institute, you may gain admission to the Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences Major post-diploma program if a current resumé and letter from your supervisor/employer provides evidence of currency in the field since the diploma was awarded.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 2 years (post-diploma route) or 4 years (degree route) of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your degree.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Transfer and advanced credit

Students holding a 2 or 3-year science or computing related diploma from an accredited college may receive a minimum block of 30 credits. Depending on the content of the diploma, up to a maximum of 60 credits may be transferred to the Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences Major post-diploma program.

Students without a major or minor route may also receive a block of 30 plus individual transfer credit up to a maximum of 60 or a block of 60 credits.

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Learn more about MyCreds

Tuition and fees

Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.

Estimated program costs are available in the Calendar.

Financial aid and awards

We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.

Explore financial aid and awards

0 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 0-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
0 credit total	$906	$906	$844	$844

1 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 1-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$219	$219	$203	$203
Students' Union Fee ($4.50)	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50
1 credit total	$223.50	$223.50	$207.50	$207.50

3 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 3-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($13.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50
3 credit total	$921.50	$921.50	$859.50	$859.50

4 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 4-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$876	$876	$812	$812
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($18) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$20	$20	$20	$20
4 credit total	$1,145	$1,145	$1,067	$1,067

6 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 6-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,314	$1,314	$1,218	$1,218
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($27) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$29	$29	$29	$29
6 credit total	$1,592	$1,592	$1,482	$1,482

9 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 9-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,971	$1,971	$1,827	$1,827
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($40.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50
9 credit total	$2,262.50	$2,262.50	$2,104.50	$2,104.50

0 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 0-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
0 credit total	$1,093	$1,093	$1,031	$1,031

1 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 1-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$219	$219	$203	$203
Students' Union Fee ($4.50)	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50
1 credit total	$223.50	$223.50	$207.50	$207.50

3 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 3-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($13.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
3 credit total	$1,108.50	$1,108.50	$1,046.50	$1,046.50

4 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 4-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$876	$876	$812	$812
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($18) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$20	$20	$20	$20
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
4 credit total	$1,332	$1,332	$1,254	$1,254

6 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 6-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,314	$1,314	$1,218	$1,218
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($27) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$29	$29	$29	$29
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
6 credit total	$1,779	$1,779	$1,669	$1,669

9 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 9-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,971	$1,971	$1,827	$1,827
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($40.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
9 credit total	$2,449.50	$2,449.50	$2,291.50	$2,291.50

0 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 0-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Out of country fee	$784 **	$784 **	$784 **	$784 **
0 credit total	$1,690	$1,690	$1,628	$1,628

1 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 1-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$219	$219	$203	$203
Students' Union Fee ($4.50)	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50
Out of country fee	$261	$261	$261	$261
1 credit total	$484.50	$484.50	$468.50	$468.50

3 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 3-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($13.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50
Out of country fee	$784 **	$784 **	$784 **	$784 **
3 credit total	$1,705.50	$1,705.50	$1,643.50	$1,643.50

4 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 4-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$876	$876	$812	$812
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($18) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$20	$20	$20	$20
Out of country fee	$784 **	$784 **	$784 **	$784 **
4 credit total	$1,929	$1,929	$1,851	$1,851

6 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 6-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,314	$1,314	$1,218	$1,218
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($27) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$29	$29	$29	$29
Out of country fee	$784 **	$784 **	$784 **	$784 **
6 credit total	$2,376	$2,376	$2,266	$2,266

9 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 9-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,971	$1,971	$1,827	$1,827
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($40.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50
Out of country fee	$784 **	$784 **	$784 **	$784 **
9 credit total	$3,046.50	$3,046.50	$2,888.50	$2,888.50

Courses

In Athabasca University's Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences Major program, you'll encounter a well-rounded curriculum that includes core courses such as Introduction to Statistics, Principles of Biology, and Human Physiology. You'll also have the freedom to tailor your education through a variety of elective courses ranging from Biology of Human Sexuality and Ecology to Organic Chemistry and Nutrition for Health, allowing you to focus on your specific areas of interest.

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Bachelor of Science, plus those specific to your major, minor or concentration.

Our program course plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you'll take them in. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.

Program requirements

Program course plan

Calculate course fees

Additional links

Program plan: BSc Biological Sciences degree with minor

Program plan: BSc Biological Sciences post-diploma degree

Program plan: BSc Biological Sciences post-diploma degree with minor

Program requirements: BSc Biological Sciences post-diploma degree

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.

$pageFileName

Career options

With a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences Major from Athabasca University, you'll be well-prepared for a wide array of career opportunities in sectors like healthcare, research and development, and biodiagnostics. Whether you're interested in pursuing further studies for a career in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science, or looking to work directly in fields such as genetics, environmental science, or public health, this flexible and comprehensive program equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel.

Careers with the Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences degree may include:

medical research assistant
healthcare consultant
environmental scientist
biotechnologist
laboratory technician
public health analyst
pharmaceutical sales representative
science writer
quality control analyst
food scientist
bioinformatics specialist
clinical trials coordinator
wildlife biologist

NOTE: Certain careers may require further studies or certification.

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.

Program resources

Additional resources

Program contact

Take your first step to online learning

We'll send you helpful information about programs, financial options, applying, and studying at AU.