Department of Biology Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you need assistance or have an override request, reach out to the Biology Advisor at biology [at] langara.ca (biology[at]langara[dot]ca). Make sure to include your name, student number, the subject and course number (e.g., BIOL 1115), and the CRN (e.g., 34005) in your email. Don’t forget to attach any supporting documents, like high school transcripts, to help with your request.

Biology classes often have limited space and equipment in the lab, so waitlists can be long. However, they usually shorten after final grades are posted and the tuition deadline passes.

If you’re among the first 3 on the waitlist before the term starts, consider emailing the instructor to see if you can attend the first class in case a spot opens later. Just remember to be polite and respectful in your communication. Also, always include course and section number on your emails.

Got questions about registration, the biology program, or multiple biology courses? Reach out to the Biology Advisor at biology [at] langara.ca (biology[at]langara[dot]ca).

If you need to contact a specific biology instructor, you can find their contact information here. For non-urgent matters, email is the way to go! Most biology instructors' offices are located on the 4th floor of the T building.

* not offered every year

Course offerings in Langara can also be found by clicking this link: https://langara.ca/reg-guide/before-you-register/search-for-courses.html

For guidance on Biology programs, email the Biology Advisor at biology [at] langara.ca (biology[at]langara[dot]ca) . If you’re already in a biology course, your current instructors can also help you decide which classes to take next. Book an office hours appointment for your instructor.

For advice on non-Biology programs, visit Langara Academic Advising for drop-in appointments:

• Location: C Building, Room C121
• Email: academicadvising [at] langara.ca (academicadvising[at]langara[dot]ca)
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm

If you’re having trouble keeping up with course materials or connecting concepts to assessments, your instructor’s office hours are a great place to start! Many students schedule a weekly appointment during office hours—this keeps you on track, motivates you to review notes, create mind maps, or use retrieval practice to spot areas that need extra attention.

The department also offers free peer tutoring for first-year classes, available in the library at scheduled times. Plus, some courses have Peer-Supported Learning (PSL), where upper-year students run weekly study sessions tailored to your class.

Transitioning to college can be tough, but recognizing when you need help and reaching out is key. Don’t hesitate to use these resources—they’re here to support your success!

Looking to connect with fellow biology students and get involved in campus-wide initiatives? Check out the student-led Langara Biology Club, which hosts events throughout the year. For more info, visit the club Instagram page or email langbioexec [at] gmail.com (langbioexec[at]gmail[dot]com) .✨

For student job opportunities within the Biology department, please follow this link: https://langara.ca/departments/biology/research-and-jobs.html

Alternatively, some positions are based on recommendations from your lecture or lab instructors. Reach out to your instructors to see if there are positions available ( best at the end of a term for the following term).

Your course outline will be the best place to find any course policies and related information. Course outlines are usually distributed at the beginning of a course and are often available electronically via Brightspace.

For any Biology department events and announcements, keep an eye out for e-mails or Brightspace announcements from your instructors. Departmental events will also be advertised on the Biology Department website: https://langara.ca/departments/biology/news-and-events.html. Posters can also be found about major events around the fourth floor of the T-building.