BIOLOGY Major Map
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS (SPECIALIZATION) │ BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS (MAJOR) │ BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE (MINOR)
Get the
Courses
You Need
1st Year
2nd Year
3rd Year
Final Year
Take BIOL 102, 103, CHEM
112 and MATH 120 or 121.
In second year you can enroll
in the Biology Honours plan,
Biology General plan, or one
of our two specialized plans
(Biology and Psychology or
Biology and Mathematics).
Take core courses in Ecology
(BIOL 302 or BIOL 303),
Physiology (BIOL 341 or
BIOL 339), and Cell Biology
(BIOL 330).
Your final year offers a wide
range of options for courses
and research experience.
Interested in the Biology and
Psychology Specialization?
Take PSYC 100. Interested in
the Biology and Mathematics
Specialization? Take MATH
110 or 111.
For plan requirements or
thresholds, see the Arts and
Science website. Speak to an
academic counselor at the Arts
and Science Office or the
Undergraduate Chair for help.
Get
Relevant
Join teams or clubs on campus
such as Queen’s First Aid, the
Core courses such as Diversity
of Life, Genetics, and
Biostatistics will lay the
foundation for 3rd and 4th year.
You can focus your study into
thematic areas: view
suggested courses online.
Check out our field courses
(BIOL 307, 308, 317 and
327).
Volunteering is a great way to
get practical experience and
build your CV towards getting
Consider applying to research
opportunities at Queen’s
University Biological Station
Thinking about graduate
Programs? Check out our
Honour Thesis course (BIOL
537) and Research Mentorship
courses (BIOL 538-540).
If you’re looking for a unique
study experience, check out
our Honours Seminar courses
(BIOL 501-536) and 4th year
labs (BIOL 401-404).
Investigate full-time jobs or
other opportunities related to
careers of interest. Assess
Experience
1st Year
2nd Year
3rd Year
Final Year
Queen's Association for
Technology in Medicine and
Biology (QATMB), the
Queen's Genetically
Engineered Machine Team
(QGEM) and the Queen’s
Synthetic Biology
Organization (QSYNBIO).
Biology jobs during your
degree. Contact individual
faculty in areas that are of
interest to you to see what
opportunities are available.
or through the Biology
Undergraduate Summer
awards.
what experience you’re
lacking and fill in gaps with
volunteering, clubs, or
internships.
See the Co-Curricular
Opportunities Directory or
AMS Clubs Directory for
more ideas.
Volunteer on or off-campus
Get
Connected with different community
organizations, such as
with Your
Queen’s Health Outreach,
Community Let’s Talk Science, and
Women in Science &
Engineering at Queen's
University (WISE).
Get
Thinking
Globally
Get Ready
The Queen’s University
International Centre will be
your first stop to
internationalizing your degree.
Speak to a QUIC advisor or
get involved in their many
programs, events and training
opportunities.
Grappling with program
Look into summer jobs in the
Biology department through
Career Services programs
(SWEP, Work Study) or
NSERC awards.
Get involved with the
Departmental
Student Council (DSC). Start
or continue volunteering with
organizations.
If interested, attend
conferences and talks like the
Canadian Undergraduate
Conference on Healthcare
(CUCOH).
Is an exchange in your future?
Start thinking about where
you would like to study
abroad. Apply in January for a
3rd year exchange through the
International Programs Office.
Look into a BIOL 307/317
Field Biology International
Exchange.
Explore different careers of
Consider entrepreneurial
opportunities at programs like
the Queen’s Summer
Innovation Initiative (QSII)
and the Summer Company
Program.
Do some targeted networking
with people working in
careers of interest (with
alumni, using LinkedIn, etc.).
Consider joining professional
associations like Canadian
Society for Molecular
BioSciences, BIOTECanada,
and the
Connect with professors at
Canadian Society for Ecology
events or workshops hosted by and Evolution.
the DSC.
Build your intercultural
competence by getting
involved with other cultures or
by practicing or improving
your language skills. Stop by
QUIC for ideas to go abroad,
volunteer at QUIC or attend
one of their events.
Prepare yourself to work in a
multi-cultural
environment by taking
QUIC’s Intercultural
Competency Certificate, and
start thinking about work or
further studies abroad.
Start focusing on areas of
Apply to jobs or future
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
for Life
After
Graduation
1st Year
2nd Year
3rd Year
Final Year
decisions? – go to different
Major Nights by the
departments or various Career
Fairs during the year. Get
some help deciding by visiting
Career Services.
interest by reading books in
the Career Services
Information Area, such as
Opportunities in
Biotechnology Careers,
talking to people whose
careers interest you, or
connecting with alumni on
LinkedIn.
interest. Learn about the
requirements for careers of
interest– do they need
additional schooling? If so,
prepare to take the required
tests (such as the LSAT or
MCAT). Attend Grad School
workshops at Career Services
if interested.
education, or make plans for
other adventures. Prepare
reference letters if you’re
applying to graduate school.
Make an appointment with
Career Services for help with
future plans.
Caution: *This map is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your university career. The activities, resources, and careers mentioned are possibilities – you are not
restricted to them and you don’t have to follow this exact timeline. Every person (including you!) will find their own unique path through their degree at Queen’s and beyond.
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Where could I go after graduation?
Academic and applied research
Agricultural Sciences
Bioeconomics
Bioethics
Bioinformatics
Biomechanics
Biotechnology
Chiropractor
Community Health
Dentistry
Environmental conservation
Epidemiology
Fisheries science
Food Industry
Forensic science
Genetic counselling
Health administration
Marine biology
Medical research
Medical technology
Medicine
Nursing
Occupational therapy
Oceanography
Optometry
Pharmaceutical sales
Pharmacology
Physical therapy
Protection and law
Teaching
Toxicology
Veterinary medicine
Zoologist
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
*some careers may require additional training
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Biology at Queen’s
Why study Biology at Queen’s?
There has never been a more exciting time to study Biology, with subjects ranging as broadly as climate change and the conservation
of biodiversity, the origin and evolution of life, the form and function of organisms, and the ongoing “omics” revolution at the
molecular level. Reflecting this diversity, Queen’s Biology students have an extraordinary range of courses to choose from in the
broad areas of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, organismal and Integrative Biology, Genetics, and Molecular and Cell Biology. The
program emphasizes interactive learning with hands-on laboratories, small senior seminar modules and field courses at the
internationally-recognized Queen’s Biological Station and around the world. Numerous opportunities exist for independent research
in professors’ laboratories, including our capstone 4th year thesis projects, which ready graduates for a career by developing both
research and presentation skills.
What program options are there?

Specialization – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology and Psychology
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Specialization – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology and Mathematics
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Specialization – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Biology

Major (Science) – Bachelor of Science (Honours)

General in Biology – Bachelor of Science

Minor in Biology with Bachelor of Arts or Science
See the department website for course requirements: queensu.ca/biology
Getting what you need to succeed in the workplace
What do employers want?
In a recent survey from the Canadian Council of Chief Executives the top 6 skills sought by employers were:
1 People skills
2 Communication skills
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
3 Problem-solving skills
4 Analytical abilities
5 Leadership skills
6 Industry-specific Knowledge
How do I get the skills I need?
It is important to develop a balanced skill set – many of which you will develop during your studies. To stand out from the crowd,
gain experience outside the classroom through the multitude of clubs and activities in and around Queen’s. Check out ideas in the
Get Relevant Experience section of this map.
What can I learn studying Biology at Queen’s?
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Knowledge of biological functions
Use laboratory equipment and instruments
Hands-on experience studying biology in the field
Comply with quality control and safety regulations
Collect and preserve organisms
Design experimental studies
Present literature and research findings in posters and seminars
Observe and make measurements
Write, review, and summarize reports/ scientific writing
Analyze and evaluate information
Statistical analysis of biological data
Solve quantitative problems
What makes ME special?
You have a unique set of skills and experiences. Take the time to think about the skills you have personally developed at Queen’s.
Explaining your strengths with compelling examples will be important for applications to employers and further education. For
help, check out the Career Services skills workshop.
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Biology Major Map
How to use this map
• Got
questions about careers and classes?
• Feeling a little lost or overwhelmed by choices?
• Wondering what you are “supposed” to be doing?
Use this map to plan for success in five overlapping areas of career and academic life. Each map helps you explore possibilities, set
goals and track accomplishments. To make your own custom map, use the My Major Map tool.
Don’t stress if you haven’t done all of the suggested activities. The map is not a prescription – it’s a tool for finding your own way at
Queen’s.
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Support for Student Success
Aspect of Student Health
Personal and Physical Health
Socio-Cultural and Spiritual Health
Career and Professional Health
Academic and Intellectual Health
Emotional and Mental Health
Social and Interpersonal Health
Resources
Athletics and Recreation
Health Counselling and
Disability Services
Aboriginal Student Centre
International Centre
Chaplain
Outreach Counsellor
Cross-Cultural Counsellor
Student Community Relations
Career Services
AMS
International Centre
Student Academic Success
Services: Learning
Strategies and the Writing Centre
Academic Advising
Adaptive Technologies
Learning Commons
Health Counselling and
Disability Services
Peer Support Centre
AMS
Rector
Residence Life
Student Experience Office
Queen’s Legal Aid
See queensu.ca/studentaffairs for details
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Department of Biology
Faculty of Arts and Science
Biosciences Complex
116 Barrie St
613.533.6160 ext. 77782
queensu.ca/biology
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015