Undergraduate
Biology
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- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
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- Peterborough
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- Fall & Winter & Summer
- Science, Technology & Math
At a glance:
- Degree Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Campus Peterborough
- Program is Offered Fall & Winter & Summer
- Study Options Part time/Full time
- OUAC Codes RBI - Peterborough
- Apply Now Stay in Touch
The Trent Advantage
Tailor your Biology degree to your passions in conservation, health, or natural history while learning in Trent’s 1,400-acre living laboratory.
Trent Biology students learn about the environment while immersed in it. Through fieldwork in Trent’s 1,400 acres of Nature Areas, hands-on lab experience, and placement with leading conservation and research organizations, you’ll develop the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in conservation, health, research and beyond.
- Complete internships and placements with organizations such as the Ministry of Natural Resources (right on campus), Parks Canada, Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, and the Royal Ontario Museum.
- Conduct independent research with faculty mentors through Trent’s conservation and biological science research groups.
- Customize your degree through joint major options in field such as Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geography, Anthropology, and Psychology.
Accelerated Masters
Fast-track your education, by earning your M.Sc. in Environmental & Life Sciences in only 12-20 months of graduating from your Honours B.Sc.
Program Possibilites
Specialize your studies in Biology with a focus on a specific field within your degree
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Conservation Biology
The global demand for skilled practitioners who can inform planning and economic activities through a sustainability and conservation lens continues to grow daily. In this specialization, students examine the human impact on biodiversity, develop practical, evidence-based approaches to conserving nature and wildlife, and build knowledge in ecology, evolution, and population genetics.
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Health Sciences
Interested in healthcare or health-related research? This specialization tailors your degree towards topics in health, exercise, psychology, sleep, and ethics. Through advanced learning opportunities, you’ll be able to complete a health-based research thesis project in Biology or Biochemistry with support from Trent’s award-winning faculty.
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Natural History (Biology)
Natural history is the study of living organisms (plants, animals, fungi, and microbes), focusing on how they live, interact, and change over time in their natural environments. The Specialization in Natural History is designed for students who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity and the many ways in which organisms interact with their environment. This knowledge underpins many aspects of ecology and conservation biology and is relevant to a wide range of careers in parks, government ministries, environmental consultancies, conservation authorities, museums, herbaria, zoos, outdoor education centres, ecotourism, and other arenas.
Add an Option to your Biology degree to explore an additional area of interest
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Pre-Medical Studies
Medicine, dentistry, veterinary and pharmacy – just a few professional programs that require individuals to have a well-rounded background in the physical sciences and life sciences, as well as the social sciences and humanities. This option will help prepare you for a future in a medical profession and will give you a significant advantage when it comes time to prep for examinations like the MCAT or DAT.
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Leadership
What does it mean to be a leader? How does one learn to lead? In this option you will learn all about the importance of building relationships and directing people to work together to achieve common goals and objectives. With opportunities to learn from Trent University’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, and take courses from across disciplines, you will develop comprehensive perspectives on leadership and earn a formal designation that signals your leadership capacity to future employers.
Career experience while you learn
Every Biology student has a guaranteed route to paid, credited experience before they graduate.
Research Opportunities
- Lead independent research project with faculty mentors through the Trent Centre for Communicating Conservation, or the Molecules, Cells and Systems Research Group.
- Complete a fourth-year research thesis investigating a specialized area of biology under faculty supervision.
- Access advanced research facilities, including the Biology Imaging Suite and DNA Profiling & Forensic Centre.
- Gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation, including advanced microscopy and histology equipment in the Life and Health Sciences Building.
Field Schools and Hands-On Courses
- Expand your field experience through immersive courses across Canada and internationally through the Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology, which gives Trent students access to field courses offered by participating Ontario universities.
Study Abroad
- Take your Trent education global. Spend a semester or year studying at one of Trent’s 50+ international partner universities, participate in a summer field course, or gain international experience through a placement or internship.
- With opportunities in more than 35 countries, you can broaden your academic perspective, experience new cultures, and build skills that prepare you for a global career.
Placements
- Gain professional experience by working alongside conservation professionals on real-world research and environmental projects through a for credit community placement.
- Build your network and explore career paths through placements with organizations such as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Parks Canada, Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, Royal Ontario Museum, Metro Toronto Zoo, Kawartha Land Trust and Peterborough Field Naturalists.
Career Paths
- Conservation Biologist
- Genetic Counsellor
- Zoologist
- Dentist
- Epidemiologist
Admissions
Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.
Requirements
If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U, SBI4U, SCH4U | 4U Math | 70-75% |
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
Requirements
With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.
Tuition Estimate
Estimate your tuition, ancillary fees, and potential entrance scholarships based on your program, residency status, and academic average.
Tuition
Base Tuition Fee
$6,240.85
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary Fees (non-tuition costs supporting student services, such as athletics, campus safety, college fees, etc.)
$2,122.22
Total:
$ 8,363.07
* The tuition details and scholarships listed are for domestic students only. International applicants should contact the financial aid office directly for equivalent guidance.
Scholarships
If you’re a top scholar with an average of 80% or higher, you qualify to automatically receive an entrance scholarship to Trent. Scholars with 95% or higher? You earn free first-year tuition – no application required.
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
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| 95%+ | $18,241 | $6,241 first year Full Tuition + $4,000 x 3 years |
| 90-94.9% | $12,000 | $3,000 x 4 years |
| 85-89.9% | $8,000 | $2,000 x 4 years |
| 80-84.9% | $6,000 | $1,500 x 4 years |
* Available to Domestic students only. Based on 2026/27 tuition for a general arts and science program
Explore additional funding for domestic and international students
- Biology Department Scholarship
- Roy L. Edwards Scholarship
- Jean McKerracher Scholarship in Biology
- TD Green Undergraduate Scholarships
- Biology Department Prizes
- Botany Prize
- Department of Biology Prizes
- Joseph Ernest Goodhead Prize
- Dr. Erica Nol Biology Prize
- Powles Prize
- Ellen Bentzen Community Leadership Prize
- TD Green Undergraduate Awards