Biology at Algoma U

Algoma U Biology

Overview

Letter from the Department Chair

Dear Current and Prospective Algoma University Students:

Thank you for your interest in the Biology programme at Algoma University. I look forward to meeting you, and introducing you to the "study of life".

These are exciting times for the Biology Department at Algoma U. With our increased collaboration with the nearby Great Lakes Forestry Centre and Ontario Forest Research Institute, we are now hoping to offer our students an increased chance of experiencing cutting-edge research, as well as the solid education we already offer.

I am sure you will be pleased with what we have to offer at Algoma University. All programmes at Algoma U offer students personalized attention, and Biology is no different. We can do this because we are a smaller University, offering class sizes averaging only 25 students.

In Biology, we think we can offer you even more . . . our programme philosophy. Many other universities - especially the larger ones - believe in "streaming" their undergraduate students into specialised areas of biology from their first or second year. This makes it very difficult for students who later decide they want to focus on other aspects of biology or look for broader employment areas.

In contrast, at Algoma U we believe that students should be educated in all major areas of biology, for three reasons. First, many students are not entirely sure what aspect of biology really interests them. Second, many of those who think they are sure discover later, during the course of their studies, other areas that interest them as much or more. Finally, in an ever-changing job environment, it makes sense to have as broad a background as possible, rather than being too specialised. A broader education means more opportunities later.

For these reasons, we expose our students to the diversity of animal, plant, and microbial life. Then we give them a firm grounding in all the major areas of biology: biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, physiology, ecology and evolution, with a particular emphasis on integrating these disciplines. We expect our graduates to be flexible, motivated, and able to discourse intelligently on all aspects of biology.

I trust you will find that Algoma U offers you the possibility of being all that you can be as a biologist. If you have any questions about our programme, please feel free to contact me at any time. I look forward to introducing you to the vast and wonderful world of life!

Best regards,

 

Dr. Brandon Schamp, Department Chair
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
1-888-254-6628 ext. 4358
brandon.schamp@algomau.ca