Photograph of a chemistry instructor in the chemistry lab. Links to Chemistry faculty bios at https://scitech.viu.ca/chemistry/faculty.

Biology Mission Statement

The Vancouver Island University Biology Department offers its students a comprehensive education in the biological sciences. We recognize the breadth and diversity in the life sciences and offer students an opportunity to pursue a BSc degree with an emphasis in at least one of three major areas of study:

  1. organismal biology and ecology,
  2. molecular and cellular biology, or
  3. microbiology

Our goal is to graduate students who have acquired not only a broad knowledge of their subject area, but also excellent critical-thinking, problem-solving and oral and written communication skills. The hallmark of our program is our fourth year independent research project, which all students intending to graduate with a BSc Major in Biology from VIU must complete under the mentorship of a faculty member. This research experience, in combination with the theoretical knowledge and laboratory experiences gained in their other courses, prepares students to pursue a range of careers in the biological sciences, including continuation to graduate and professional schools and employment in government or industry.