Quebec offers biology students a mix of French- and English-language university options, major research universities, and opportunities to study in cities such as Montreal, Quebec City, and Sherbrooke. This article takes a closer look at notable universities offering biology programs in Quebec.
Top Schools Offering Biology in Quebec
1. McGill University
McGill University is a well-known university situated in the city of Montreal. It was founded as McGill College through a royal charter granted by King George IV in 1821. Over more than two centuries, the university has become known for research and innovation in Quebec and Canada. Nobel laureate Ernest Rutherford carried out major research on radioactivity at McGill, where he served as Macdonald Professor of Physics from 1898 to 1907.
The McGill Department of Biology is part of the university’s Faculty of Science and offers undergraduate and graduate study options in biology. Within the department, students study life from molecules and cells to organisms, ecosystems, evolution, development, and behavior. McGill’s biology programs include undergraduate Biology options and graduate M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs that combine analytical and technical approaches to biological systems.
2. Universite de Montreal
The University of Montreal, locally known as Université de Montréal, is a French-language research university in Montreal. Founded in 1878, it later became independent from Université Laval and took the name Université de Montréal in 1920. Today, UdeM describes itself as a major research university with roots in Montreal and an international outlook.
The university’s Department of Biological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Its Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences introduces students to the complexity and diversity of life and covers areas such as biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, plant and animal biology, ecology, and evolution. At the graduate level, UdeM offers a Master’s in Biological Sciences and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, with options such as general biology and museum studies at the doctoral level.
3. Université Laval
Centered in Quebec City, Université Laval, or Laval University, traces its roots to the Séminaire de Québec, established in 1663. In 1852, Queen Victoria signed a royal charter giving the Séminaire de Québec the right to confer degrees, and Université Laval was founded. The university describes itself as the first French-language university in North America.
The Laval Department of Biology is situated within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. It offers degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including a Bachelor’s in Biology, a Master’s in Biology with thesis, and a Ph.D. in Biology. The bachelor’s program is a 91-credit program estimated at three years of full-time study, while the master’s and doctoral biology programs are listed as 45-credit and 90-credit programs, respectively. Students can study areas such as molecular biology, ecology, conservation, animal ecology, marine and freshwater ecology, and research methods through coursework, laboratory work, fieldwork, and research training.
4. Université de Sherbrooke
The Université de Sherbrooke is a French-speaking university in Quebec’s Estrie region. In addition to its main campus in Sherbrooke, the university lists a health campus in Sherbrooke and a campus in Longueuil. The university emphasizes practical learning, research, and community impact across its programs.
The Department of Biology at Sherbrooke is part of the Faculty of Science. Its undergraduate biology offerings include Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ecology, and Microbiology, with laboratory and field activities as part of the student experience. The Bachelor’s in Biology is a 90-credit program offered at the main Sherbrooke campus, while the Master’s in Biology includes research and course-based pathways. At the doctoral level, the Ph.D. in Biology is a 90-credit program that allows students to specialize in fields such as bioinformatics, molecular and cellular biology, ecology, and microbiology.
5. Concordia University
Another university located in Montreal, Concordia University is an English-language university officially founded on August 24, 1974, after the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University. Since then, it has grown into a large urban university with a strong focus on research, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary education.
Its Department of Biology is found within the Faculty of Arts and Science. The department offers undergraduate programs in Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Ecology, as well as graduate programs leading to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Biology. Biology students can study areas such as cell biology, genetics, genomics, biotechnology, organismal biology, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Concordia also notes that its biology faculty has internationally recognized research programs in molecular and cellular biology, genomics, behavior biology, ecology, and population biology.
FAQS About Studying Biology in Canada
Do Biology Degrees Pay Well in Canada?
Yes, biology-related jobs can pay well in Canada, but salaries vary by role, province, education level, experience, and specialization. According to Canada’s Job Bank, people working as biologists in Canada usually earn between CAD 25.71 and CAD 66.67 per hour, with a median wage of CAD 40.00 per hour. For full-time work, that is roughly CAD 53,000 to CAD 138,700 per year, with a median around CAD 83,200. Biochemists, a related career path, are listed at CAD 24.00 to CAD 65.93 per hour, with a median wage of CAD 38.46 per hour.
Studying biology in Canada can prepare you for work or further study in areas such as ecology, conservation, biotechnology, molecular biology, health research, environmental science, and academia. Quebec’s universities offer a wide range of biology pathways, from undergraduate laboratory and field training to research-focused master’s and doctoral programs.
We hope this article on the Best Universities for Biology in Quebec was helpful. If you are interested in learning more about studying abroad, check out the Study in Canada and Open Courses for International Students pages.
