BSc offered by Glendon
Meet the demand for bilingual science professionals tackling global public health and environmental challenges. Join the first and only BSc Biology / Biologie program in southern Ontario offering courses in English and French. Explore conservation biology, ecology, and animal behavior in Glendon’s unique living lab—its very own forested “backyard.” You’ll also have access to York’s Keele campus, home to the university’s renowned biology program with world-class teaching and research professors. Combine cutting-edge science with linguistic versatility to stand out in today’s global job market.
Career Options in Biology / Biologie
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check Canada’s Job Bank for regional requirements.
- Agricultural Scientist
- Animal Behaviorist
- Aquatic Biologist
- Bilingual Grant Proposal Development
- Bilingual Science Outreach Program Coordinator/Manager
- Bioinformatics Specialist
- Biomedical Laboratory Technician
- Biostatistician
- Botanist
- Conservation Biologist
- Crime Scene Investigator (Forensic Biology)
- Cultural Competence Trainer in Science
- Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator in Science
- Drug Development Researcher
- Ecologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Health Officer
- Environmental Policy Developer
- Genetic Counselor (with further education)
- Genetics Technician
- Health Policy Analyst or Advisor
- Herbalist
- Horticulturist
- Immunology Technician
- International Conference Coordinator
- International Relations Specialist (with NGOs focused on biodiversity)
- Laboratory Manager
- Marine Biologist
- Medical Illustrator (with artistic skills)
- Microbiologist
- Multilingual Science Education Content Creator
- Museum Curator (Natural Sciences)
- Park Ranger
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Plant Pathologist
- Public Health Officer
- Quality Control Analyst (Biological Products)
- Scientific Equipment Sales Specialist
- Scientific Researcher
- Teacher (Biology)
- Toxicologist
- Translational Science Specialist
- Veterinary Technician
- Wildlife Biologist
This bilingual degree qualifies you for roles in bilingual environments or within French and English markets. Many positions in the Federal Government of Canada and other levels of government require proficiency in both official languages: English and French.
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
Entry-Level Positions with a Degree in Biology / Biologie
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
- Bilingual Grant Proposal Development
- Bilingual Science Outreach Program Coordinator
- Biological Technician
- Biotech Production Technician
- Clinical Research Coordinator (Entry-Level)
- Conservation Technician
- Ecology Field Technician
- Environmental Consultant (Junior Level)
- Environmental Educator
- Field Research Assistant
- Food Safety Inspector
- Genomics Technician
- Health and Safety Officer
- Laboratory Equipment Sales Representative
- Laboratory Technician
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Microbiologist Assistant
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Public Health Analyst
- Quality Control Technician or Analyst (Biotech/Food Industry)
- Regulatory Affairs Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Science Communicator/Science Writer
- Wildlife Technician
For career descriptions, visit Canada’s Job Bank. Some occupations may also be found on Career Cruising; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre’s homepage in Experience York.
Skills Developed through a Degree in Biology / Biologie
Core Skills
- Laboratory Techniques: Mastery of microscopy, genetics, and ecology-related lab methods.
- Field Research: Hands-on fieldwork, including biodiversity monitoring and environmental sampling.
- Data Analysis: Skills in statistical evaluation and interpretation of biological research data.
- Biological Conservation and Ecology: In-depth knowledge of conservation biology, animal behavior, and ecosystem dynamics.
- Application of the Scientific Method: Formulating hypotheses, testing predictions, and drawing conclusions from experimental results
Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- Clear Scientific Communication: Conveying complex biological concepts effectively through reports and presentations.
- Collaboration in Research: Working with peers and professors on interdisciplinary projects.
- Data Collection: Efficiently gathering and managing biological data during lab and fieldwork.
- Critical Reading: Analyzing scientific literature and staying updated with advancements in biology.
- Time Management: Organizing coursework, research projects, and practicum schedules
Management and Teamwork Skills
- Project Coordination: Leading and managing biology-related research or group initiatives.
- Team Leadership: Guiding peers in collaborative lab and field projects.
- Conflict Resolution: Navigating differing viewpoints during teamwork or group discussions.
- Adaptability: Handling dynamic research environments and real-world ecological challenges.
- Resource Allocation: Effectively using lab equipment and materials to achieve project goals
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- Canadian Society of Plant Biologists (CSPB): Promotes research in plant biology, covering areas such as molecular biology, ecology, and plant physiology, organizes conferences and provides support for members through grants and networking opportunities.
- Bioinformatics.ca: Offers bioinformatics Workshops and bioinformatics resources in Canada.
- Canadian Association for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (CACMID): Dedicated to advancing the field of medical microbiology and laboratory medicine in Canada through education, advocacy, and collaboration among professionals.
- BioTalent - Uniquely bridges the talent gap in biotechnology through specialized workforce development, addressing the sector's needs as it is projected to exceed $1 trillion globally by 2029.
- The Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB) - An association of active researchers in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, which advocates for research, promotes collaboration, supports trainees, and celebrates Canadian Science.
- Life Sciences Ontario (LSO) - Supports and promotes the growth of the life sciences sector in Ontario, fostering innovation, collaboration, and investment in health-related research and development.
- The College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) - Regulates the professionals who conduct medical lab tests across the province.
- The Ontario Society for Environmental Education (OSEE) – Provides support and resources to educators interested in integrating environmental topics into their teaching practice.
- The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO™): Engages in policy and government relations activities to enable the successful development and commercialization in Ontario of life science technology through investment, strategic alliances, stakeholder engagement and industry promotion.