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Areas of Concentration

Students in the Biology BSc and Biology BSc Hons programs may choose to complete an Area of Concentration. The Area of Concentration allows a student to focus more closely on an aspect of the biological sciences. There is no difference in the total number of credit hours, or credit hours in the major, needed to complete a degree with an Area of Concentration instead of the general Biology degree.

There are two Areas of Concentration: Cellular & Molecular Biology (CMB), and Ecological & Environmental Biology (EEB). The latter program (EEB) is distinct from the BSc in Environmental Biology, which is a joint degree "2+2" program between the U of R and various other institutions.

The course requirements for an Area of Concentration, and for the general Biology degree, are outlined in the Undergraduate Calendar and in the Undergraduate Programs section. A chosen Area of Concentration will appear on official transcripts but not on the graduation diploma.

Depending on the student's home institution, students wishing to complete an Area of Concentration should register that intent with:

Courses that can be included in the two Areas of Concentration

  • The Undergraduate Calendar lists the 300- and 400-level courses that can be included in the Areas of Concentration.
  • A number of "Selected Topics/Reading Courses" (these are labeled as "BIOL399XX or BIOL 490XX"); can be included in one of the Areas. Please consult with the Biology Dept about including these courses.
  • BIOL 396 (Independent Research in Biology) may also be included in an Area of Concentration. Please consult with the Biology Dept about including BIOL 396  in an Area of Concentration.