Life Sciences is the study of living organisms, ranging from the very tiny world of microbiology and genetics to the physiology and zoology of the world’s great mammals – with plants, botany, and more in between!

At Waterloo, Life Sciences is a group of related majors.

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biomedical Sciences
• Psychology

Each of the majors bring together disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, and math to help you learn how living systems work and interact. When you apply to Waterloo, you'll select one of the majors and get to do labs and experiments starting right in first year. You can choose the co-op program or the regular system of study in all majors, except Biomedical Sciences, which is regular only.

You'll graduate with a Bachelor of Science in your major (Bachelor of Science in Honours Biochemistry, for example) and will be well prepared for careers in science or for further education in specialized graduate programs and health professions such as medicine, optometry, and pharmacy.

First-year courses

Most students take five courses per term, plus associated labs if applicable. Select your major of interest to see a list of first-year courses.

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biomedical Sciences
• Psychology