The Biological Sciences program at Brock is designed to provide you with a broad base in modern biological thought, and prepare you for further studies or careers in the biological sciences and related fields.
Our program offers a strong core of courses that provide an overview of important concepts and problems in modern biology. Labs are designed as an integral part of your studies, you will gain hands-on experience in our modern, well-equipped facilities.
The faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences have demonstrated strengths in many key areas including: Cell and Molecular biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Plant Sciences, and Ecology and Evolution. This offers you a great selection of possible research areas in year four, and excellent opportunities for gaining skills and in-depth knowledge in a variety of areas. Our faculty are recognized on provincial, national and international levels. Within the department there is an UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability, Canada Research Chair, and a multi-year winner of the Mathematics and Science Council Excellence in Teaching and Student Engagement award. Our department faculty direct the Cool Climate Oeonology & Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), Centre for Neuroscience, and Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) which houses a Containment Level 3 Laboratory (CL3) insectary and is the only CL3 insectary housed in a Canadian university.
Our Programs
At Brock, our teaching and research labs are combined. This means you’ll apply current techniques and technology to biochemical problems using the same state-of-the-art equipment that our professors use for their research. The program begins with a set of core chemistry, cell biology and molecular biology courses. In Years 3 and 4, you may emphasize either biology or chemistry, choosing from courses in metabolism and energy flow, protein and enzyme action, macromolecular structures, information flow and molecular genetics, and bio-organic and biophysical chemistry.
Opportunities in program
Coop, Experiential learning, International opportunities, Med Plus, Law Plus
Career opportunities
- Medicine or dentistry
- Pharmaceutical research and marketing
- Research scientist
- Education
Required Grade 12 subjects
MHF4U or MCV4U (min. 70%), SCH4U (min. 70%) and two from the following list: SBI4U, SPH4U, SES4U, a second 4U math or ENG4U
Recommended subjects
ENG4U and a second 4U math
Coordinators
Fiona Hunter
Associate Professor
Phone: 905-688-5550 x3394
Office: MC F227
Email: fhunter@brocku.ca
Paul Zelisko
Associate Professor
Phone: 905-688-5550 x4389
Office: CRN 520
Email: pzelisko@brocku.ca
Administrative Staff
Brittany Kalbfleisch
Administrative Coordinator – Biological Sciences
Office: Mackenzie Chown F 234
905 688 5550 x3388
bkalbfleisch@brocku.ca
Nicole Mooney
Administrative Assistant – Biological Sciences
Office: Mackenzie Chown F 234
905 688 5550 x3388
nmooney@brocku.ca
Abigail MacCormack
Administrative Assistant – Chemistry
Phone: 905-688-5550 x3406
Office: CRN 411
Email: chemadmin@brocku.ca
Curriculum
We are ranked highly among undergraduate Canadian universities in medical and science research grants. You’ll have access to modern labs and the teaching and research knowledge of professors who have received provincial, national and international acclaim for their work. Lectures, laboratories and field studies will introduce you to the breadth of Biological Sciences, after which you can design your program from courses in biochemistry; cell biology; developmental biology; animal, plant and microbial physiology; genetics; molecular biology; neurobiology; ecology; animal behaviour and bioinformatics.
Opportunities in Program
Coop, Concurrent Education, Experiential learning, International opportunities, Med Plus, Law Plus
Career opportunities
- Medicine or dentistryVeterinary medicine
- Chiropractic practice
- Field biologist
- Environmental assessment
Required Grade 12 subjects
MHF4U or MCV4U (min. 70%), SCH4U (min. 70%) and two from the following list: SBI4U, SPH4U, SES4U, a second 4U math or ENG4U
Recommended subjects
ENG4U
Curriculum
Biological Sciences Honours
Biological Sciences 3 yr and 4 yr
This exciting program is intended for those interested in a career in medicine or biomedical research. The program is offered jointly by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Health Sciences, and is focused on the molecular basis of human health. It draws on the expertise of the Department of Health Sciences in the medical aspects of human health and the Department of Biological Sciences in the theory, methods and applications of molecular genetics. You’ll be exposed to subjects such as human physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, microbiology, biochemistry and genetics. You’ll receive excellent preparation for biomedical research careers in emerging areas such as human genetics and molecular biology.
Opportunities in Program
Experiential learning, International opportunities, Med Plus, Law Plus
Career opportunities
- Medicine and allied health professions
- Medical research
- Teaching
- Forensic research
- Pharmaceutical industry
Required Grade 12 subjects
MHF4U or MCV4U (min. 70%), SCH4U (min. 70%) and two from the following list: SBI4U, SPH4U, SES4U, a second 4U math or ENG4U
Recommended subjects
ENG4U
Coordinators
Fiona Hunter
Associate Professor
Phone: 905-688-5550 x3394
Office: MC F227
Email: fhunter@brocku.ca
Dan Malleck
Associate Professor
Phone: 905-688-5550 x5108
Email: dmalleck@brocku.ca
Administrative Staff
Brittany Kalbfleisch
Administrative Coordinator – Biological Sciences
Office: Mackenzie Chown F 234
905 688 5550 x3388
bkalbfleisch@brocku.ca
Nicole Mooney
Administrative Assistant – Biological Sciences
Office: Mackenzie Chown F 234
905 688 5550 x3388
nmooney@brocku.ca
Mary Montgomery
Administrative Assistant – Health Sciences
hlsc@rocku.ca
Curriculum
You’ll be on the forefront of research in this exciting and knowledge-based industry. You’ll take courses in biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry and biotechnology, exploring the use of living organisms to produce goods and services for practical and industrial purposes. Career opportunities in biotechnology are expanding rapidly due to a dramatic increase in global market demands for biotechnology products. As a modern biotechnologist, you’ll study areas such as recombinant DNA technology, genetic and protein engineering, cell fusion, and gene cloning and expression.
Opportunities in Program
Coop, Experiential learning, International opportunities, Med Plus, Law Plus
Career opportunities
- Medicine or dentistry
- Veterinary medicine
- Teaching
- Patent lawyer
- Research and development
Required Grade 12 subjects
MHF4U or MCV4U (min. 70%), SCH4U (min. 70%) and two from the following list: SBI4U, SPH4U, SES4U, a second 4U math or ENG4U
Recommended subjects
ENG4U
Coordinators
Fiona Hunter
Associate Professor
Phone: 905-688-5550 x3394
Office: MC F227
Email: fhunter@brocku.ca
Paul Zelisko
Associate Professor
Phone: 905-688-5550 x4389
Office: CRN 520
Email: pzelisko@brocku.ca
Administrative Staff
Brittany Kalbfleisch
Administrative Coordinator – Biological Sciences
Office: Mackenzie Chown F 234
905 688 5550 x3388
bkalbfleisch@brocku.ca
Nicole Mooney
Administrative Assistant – Biological Sciences
Office: Mackenzie Chown F 234
905 688 5550 x3388
nmooney@brocku.ca
Abigail MacCormack
Administrative Assistant – Chemistry
Phone: 905-688-5550 x3406
Office: CRN 411
Email: chemadmin@brocku.ca
Curriculum
Brock is the only university in Canada to offer a degree in grape and wine science. Come join us and we’ll prepare you for a rewarding career in the $9-billion Canadian grape and wine sector. Our ever-expanding network of alumni occupy key roles in the industry across the country and around the world. Once you are a graduate of Oenology and Viticulture at Brock, you’ll join a ready-made professional network that will help advance your career. Your education will be enhanced by an opportunity to apply what you learn in the lecture hall to hands-on winemaking labs and viticulture fieldwork. Extracurricular activities organized by Brock’s internationally renowned Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) connect you with leading researchers in the field and special, industry-only events. If you choose to add co-op to your degree, you will also gain essential industry experience in the vineyard, winery and boardroom during your time at Brock.
Opportunities in Program
Coop, Brock-transfer options, Experiential learning, International opportunities, Law Plus
Career opportunities
- Wine making: Wine maker, cider maker, operations manager, industrial microbiology specialist, consultant, labourer
- Viticulture: Vineyard manager, field technician, agriculture specialist, consultant, labourer
- Business: Wine marketing specialist, wine agent/exporter, wine buyer, product sales specialist
- Sensory and Consumer Science: Food/Beverage sensory scientist, product development advisor, quality assurance
- Research and Education: Laboratory technician (alcohol beverage, government, research), research scientist, teaching assistant, lecturer, education and outreach coordinator
Required Grade 12 subjects
MHF4U or MCV4U (min. 70%), SCH4U (min. 70%) and two from the following list: SBI4U, SPH4U, SES4U, a second 4U math or ENG4U
Recommended credits
ENG4U
Curriculum
Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system and how it generates behaviour in animals and humans. You’ll study the link between neural function and behaviour at many levels by using techniques in molecular genetics, biochemistry, cellular physiology, neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, pharmacology, behavioural biology, neuropsychology, cognitive psychology and kinesiology. You’ll also assist in active neuroscience laboratory research dealing with humans and non-humans. Brock has the longest established undergraduate Neuroscience program in Canada. Since 1991, our program has grown and now includes five streams of study: Neurobiology, Neuropsychology, Neurocomputing, Neuromotor, and Environmental Neuroscience.
Opportunities in Program
Coop, Experiential learning, International opportunities, Med Plus, Law Plus
Career opportunities
- Medical doctor
- Anesthesiologist
- Physical or occupational therapist
- Speech or language pathologist
- Pharmacist
Required Grade 12 subjects
MHF4U or MCV4U (min. 70%), SCH4U (min. 70%) and two from the following list: SBI4U, SPH4U, SES4U, a second 4U math or ENG4U
Recommended subjects
ENG4U
