Join the ASPB

The ASPB welcomes applicants from all disciplines of biology including, for example, aquatic biology, bacteriology, biotechnology, botany, ecology, entomology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, and zoology. ASPB members practice biology throughout Alberta in a variety of workplaces, including industry, consulting, government, non-government organizations, and academic institutions.

Membership Categories

The ASPB invites applicants in the following three categories:

  • Professional Biologist (P. Biol.) — $225 per year
  • Biologist-in-Training (BIT) — $45 per year
  • Student Biologist — $25 per year

Eligibility for Membership

Professional Biologist (P. Biol.)

As of April 1, 2009, an applicant for membership as a P. Biol. in the ASPB must meet academic, experience, and good character and reputation requirements as outlined below.

Academic

A P. biol. must hold an undergraduate and/or graduate degree(s) in the biological sciences from a Canadian university, or equivalent. The Registration Committee considers a university degree is equivalent to a biology degree if it includes 25 science courses, of which 15 are in the biological sciences, and where four or more of the biological science courses are at a senior level (i.e., numbered 300 or 400 level).

An applicant should arrange for university transcripts and proof of degree to be sent directly from the university to the ASPB office. In some cases, the ASPB may request a candidate with a degree from an institution outside Canada to obtain an evaluation of foreign credentials.

Experience

A P. Biol. must have three or more years of practice in biology earned after graduation (i.e., after academic requirements have been met). The experience must have been obtained not more than five years prior to the application. An applicant with an M. Sc or Ph.D will be given one year’s biology practice credit.

An applicant should provide the ASPB with a resume which lists dates, location of experience, and details of the applicant’s role in the practice of biology. The practice of biology is defined as:

  • Inventorying, surveying, sampling, interpreting, reporting, evaluating and advising on activities related to biological sciences,
  • Preparing, administering and implementing plans or programs for managing biological resources,
  • Conducting research activities related to biological sciences, and
  • Teaching biological sciences at a university, college or technical institute.

Good Character and Reputation

A P. Biol. must be of good character and reputation.

An applicant should provide the names of three referees who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s professional experience as a biologist. At least one referee should be a professional biologist. If a professional biologist is not available who is familiar with the applicant’s conduct, a professional from another recognized professional organization will be acceptable. Preferred referees include the applicant’s current employer, previous employer or supervisor. Only two letters of reference will be accepted from a current employer.

All regulated members must complete an ethics course as prescribed by the Association.

Biologist-in-Training (BIT)

A BIT is required to meet academic requirements for membership, but is not required to have experience in the practice of biology, and is not required to have referees.

An applicant for membership as a BIT in the ASPB must hold an undergraduate and/or graduate degree(s) in the biological sciences from a Canadian university, or equivalent. The Registration Committee considers a university degree is equivalent to a biology degree if it includes 25 science courses, of which 15 are in the biological sciences, and where six or more of the biological science courses at a senior level (i.e., numbered 300 or 400 level).

An applicant should arrange for university transcripts and proof of degree to be sent directly from the university to the ASPB office. In some cases, the ASPB may request a candidate with a degree from an institution outside Canada to obtain an evaluation of foreign credentials.

Student Biologist

Any student enrolled full-time in a program of biology at a Canadian university is eligible for membership as a Student Biologist.

Individuals applying for membership as a Student Biologist must submit proof of full-time enrolment in a program of biology with a $25 application fee directly to the ASPB.

Registered Professional Biologists from British Columbia College of Applied Biology

On April 1, 2009, the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) came into effect. The TILMA states that any worker certified for an occupation by a regulatory authority of British Columbia or Alberta shall be recognized as qualified to practice that occupation by the other province.

Under the TILMA, the ASPB is required to recognize any worker who is currently a Registered Professional Biologist (R.P. Bio.) in good standing with the British Columbia College of Applied Biology (BC-CAB) as eligible for registration as a Professional Biologist in Alberta.

An R.P.Bio from British Columbia who wishes to become a P. Biol. in Alberta is required to complete an ASPB membership application form, be confirmed as an R. P. Bio in good standing by the ASPB Registrar, and pay the full annual ASPB membership fee. All regulated members must also complete an ethics course as prescribed by the Association.