Our Vision

Discover Life's Potential

Our Mission

The mission of the Department of Biology at Acadia is to engage students in an experiential learning and research environment. Through a rigorous curriculum, students will develop a strong foundation that allows them to think critically about biology, from molecules to ecosystems, and to contribute meaningfully to our rapidly changing world.

Why study Biology at Acadia? If you are interested in learning biology by doing biology, this may be the program for you. We focus on student-centered learning, are dedicated to undergraduate research, and have amazing staff and faculty. Our unique learning environment helps students develop their potential and equips them to take on the challenges of practicing biology in a time of unprecedented environmental change.

Biology At-A-Glance

Welcome to the Department of Biology at Acadia University, located at 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Our main office is on the third floor and is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9-4.  Drop-ins, in person or virtual meetings are all welcome. Our Administrative Assistant works remotely on Wednesdays but can be reached via email (biology@acadiau.ca).

We offer a broad biology program that supports students with wide-ranging career goals, and focusses on three themes: Health Science, Biodiversity and Ecology and Genetics and Evolution. Students learn foundational concepts and discipline- specific content, and have an opportunity to place these within the context of emerging global issues. As we prioritize experiential learning, students are able to gain practical skills with hands-on labs, opportunities for research (for program credit or as an intern), and opportunities to participate in Acadia’s excellent Co-operative Education program.

The BSc BIOL program starts with the Biology Core which provides a comprehensive foundation in the first two years of study.  We offer ~ 50 biology courses overall, and upper-level students have a diverse selection of courses that span disciplines, taxonomic groups, include theory and skills-based learning, and provide immersive field experiences. Our program helps students develop the critical and creative learning skills needed for biology-related careers, and our graduates have a proven track record of success.

The MSc BIOL program is a research-intensive program with minimal course work that spans molecular to ecosystem biology. Masters students become deeply engaged with the program, and have opportunities to be Teaching Assistants as well as to contribute in many ways to the program overall.

EDIAR

The Department of Biology is committed to creating an inclusive learning and research environment which is free of harassment and where diverse perspectives are valued. We are grateful to work and learn in Mi'kmaki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people, and in an area that has been home to people of African descent for over 400 years and to les Acadiens since 1604. Together, we are working to build a better future for all and for the planet through collaboration, curiosity, mutual learning, and kindness in our teaching, research and service.