About

Welcome from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University!

What a great time to be starting a career in biology! From the newest medical breakthroughs to the latest discoveries about the natural world, progress that is relevant to so much in our everyday lives is anchored in biology. With new advances in genomics, for example, it is possible to apply genetic information not only to cell biology and immunology, but also to long-standing questions in evolution, development, and ecology. Solving the pressing environmental challenges we face also calls for rigorous training in many areas of biology, such as conservation biology, ecology, ecotoxicology and physiology. Our Department spans this wide breadth of disciplines, allowing for integration across the levels of life, from molecules to ecosystems. Our cutting-edge research across biological areas also provides unique opportunities for rigorous training to undergraduates and graduate students alike. We hope you will choose to join us in Biology – the science of life! 

Dr. Tony D. Williams
Professor & Chair, Department of Biological Sciences
biscchr@sfu.ca

Department Chair - Dr. Tony D. Williams

Quick Facts About the Department:

  • We are one of the top 10 Biology Departments in Canada for reputation
  • Our members are engaged in world-class research from molecules, through organisms, to ecosystems
  • Our research strengths include conservation biology, toxicology, evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, neurobiology, and plant molecular biology
  • Many of our faculty and teaching assistants have been recognized with awards for teaching excellence at the Faculty and University levels
  • We currently have 44 research and teaching faculty – the largest contingent of faculty members in the Faculty of Science
  • We also have the largest graduate program in the Faculty of Science, with over 120 graduate students
  • In addition to our MSc and PhD programs, we have two unique applied graduate programs in Pest Management and Environmental Toxicology