Biologist

OCCUPATION INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Who is the licensing body responsible for Biologists in Alberta?
• What are the registration requirements for internationally educated Biologists?
• What are the educational requirements for Biologists in Alberta?
• Additional Occupational Information
• What information resources are available for Biologists in Alberta?

 

Who is the licensing body responsible for Biologists in Alberta?

In Alberta, you must be registered with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) to practice as a Biologist. Only registered members may call themselves Biologist.

What are the registration requirements for internationally educated Biologists?

Applicants must:

1. Apply to the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists. Applicants are encouraged to be aware of the registration criteria that include the Professional Experience Requirements, Required Submissions and Education requirements outlined on the (ASPB) website.
2. Documents that are not in English must be translated. Translation services can be found on The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta website.  
3. Submit an International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) assessment certificate. This must include a completed Description of Course Work application.

What are the educational requirements for Biologists in Alberta?

(Note: Licensing bodies compare international education and experience to Canadian standards)

A four year Bachelor of Science degree in a biological or environmental science is the minimum requirement for entry to this field. A Master of Science degree is generally required for work as a field biologist, administrator, environmental consultant, professional biologist in industry or advisor with an international assistance agency. A doctoral (PhD) degree and experience as a post-doctoral fellow are required to work as a researcher or university professor.

In Alberta, the University of Alberta in Edmonton, the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge offer master's and doctoral programs in biological sciences.

The following post-secondary institutions offer four year bachelor's degree programs in biological sciences:

• Canadian University College in Lacombe
• Concordia University College of Alberta in Edmonton
• The King's University College in Edmonton
• University of Alberta in Edmonton and Camrose
• University of Calgary
• University of Lethbridge

Additional Occupational Information

For more information on occupational duties and wages, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service at www.alis.gov.ab.ca and search for Biologist under occupational information.

What information resources are available for Biologists in Alberta?

EDinfo
website: www.alis.gov.ab.ca/edinfo

Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
website: www.aspb.ab.ca

ECO Canada (Environmental Careers Organization)
website: www.eco.ca

Oceanlink
website: oceanlink.island.net