Human Biology | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Life Sciences

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/biosci/welcome-biological-sciences

Program Overview

Human Biology is the scientific study of living organisms with an emphasis on humans and their interactions with their environment. Some sub-disciplines include morphology, taxonomy, physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, neurobiology, development, genetics, evolution and ecology. Laboratory work is an integral component allowing students to apply their scientific study to real-life settings. The Human Biology Program is largely designed for students with a strong interest in the health sciences, incorporating biology, psychology, physical science and social science courses with a human health focus. This program instills the basic foundations required for health-related careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy and policy/management.

Complementary Programs:

Major programs in Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology & Disease, Population Health, Neuroscience, Psychology.

Competencies & Skills

RESEARCH: Experimental design, data analysis using statistics, critical interpretation
COMMUNICATION: effectively use multiple formats (written, oral, poster, debate, multimedia)
PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY: Teamwork skills, meet deadlines and expectations, accept and provide constructive criticism, objectively evaluate the contributions of others
VALUES: Be a strong advocate for science

Careers for Graduates

Research Assistant (hospital, university, private)
Food Inspection Agencies (research, quality control)
Researcher-Public Health, Government Agencies
Pharmaceutical Sales
Medical Supply Sales
Biopharmaceuticals (research, quality control)

Further Education

Graduate Studies
Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Optometry
Physical or Occupational Therapy
Teacher Education
Naturopathic or Chiropractic Medicine
Laboratory Technician
Radiology Technologist (MRI, CT)
Clinical Research
Epidemiology
Public Health & Public Policy

Choose Your Courses Wisely

BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, PSYA01H3, PSYA02H3.
0.5 credit in Math OR Stats from: MATA29H3/MATA30H3/STAB22H3/PSYB07H3.
Request a Subject POSt on ACORN upon completing 4.0 credits.
Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your degree.
Attend Choosing Your Program events in March.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Attend BioSA’s BioAID Review Sessions for help with writing lab reports.
Attend Facilitated Study Groups.
Your program librarian offers in-depth library research assistance and writing support is available at the CTL Writing Centre.
Attend Study Skills workshops offered by the AA&CC.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the Professor-Student Mix & Mingle to connect with your professors.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning or Work-Integrated Learning opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Join a professional student organization like Future Black Physicians, Health Occupation Students of American UTSC, or MEDLIFE; Join the Biology Students Association (BioSA).
Explore DSL’s LEAD program, the First Year Experience program, and Imani Academic Mentorship program for black youth.

Plan for Your Future Career

Attend program information sessions offered by the department to become informed about degree programs.
Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest in industries related to your program of study.
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September or register with SCSU's Volunteer Network Program.

Choose Your Courses Wisely

2.5 credits of Biology Core courses: BIOB10H3, BIOB11H3, BIOB34H3, BIOB50H3, BIOB51H3.
0.5 credit in a Biology Core Lab from: BIOB32H3 or BIOB33H3.
Use Degree Explorer and consult with your Program Advisor to ensure you meet your degree and program requirements.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Check the Research Catalogue and Job Boards on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
Volunteer in a research lab, hospital, doctor’s office, or community organization.
Consider Work Study (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) or a directed research course (BIOB98).
Attend your professor’s office hours.

Apply Theory to Practice

Take part in “Conversation with Biologists” to interact with leading scientists and learn about their research and career trajectory.
Check the Research Catalogue and Job Boards on CLNx for possible research opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Get involved with the Scarborough Pre-Med Society or the Medical Education Initiative Organization; Volunteer with Let’s Talk Science, a local science outreach program.
Consider completing the Global Citizenship Certificate or look into Global Learning opportunities, like a summer abroad (visit ISC).

Plan for Your Future Career

Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Speak to professors and program advisors so you know what to keep in mind for grad school.
Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Apply for DSL’s All-In Leadership program.

Choose Your Courses Wisely

1.5 credits from selected C-level BIO or NRO courses (check the UTSC Calendar for further details).
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Consider directed research courses: BIOB98, BIOC99.
Enter to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
Consider a 12-24 week research project abroad through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award or apply to the Summer Research Exchange program; visit ISC for details.

Apply Theory to Practice

Continue to build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Run for an elected position in a student organization.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

If you are considering a career in medicine, attend the Diversity in Medicine Seminar.
Run for an elected position in a student organization.
Attend a Café Scientifique in your local community.
Volunteer in a hospital, seniors’ residence, Ontario Science Centre.
Volunteer with DSL as a First Year Peer Advisor.

Plan for Your Future Career

Speak with staff at the AA&CC to plan a potential career path.
Check CLNx for networking events or employer information sessions to attend.
Attend the UTSC Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Join a conference like TEDxUTSC or the International Development Conference to develop professional skills (visit DSL).

Choose Your Courses Wisely

0.5 credit from selected D-level BIO or NRO courses (check the UTSC Calendar for further details).
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Attend weekly Biology Seminar series (Fridays 12pm).
Take upper-level directed research courses (BIOD98/BIOD99, BIOD95).
Submit a paper or be a reviewer for UTSC’s Journal of Natural Sciences.
Apply for the Academic Travel Fund through to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.

Apply Theory to Practice

Participate in Ontario’s Synapse Life Science Competition.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Consider joining a relevant professional association; volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest.

Plan for Your Future Career

Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course;” find job opportunities on CLNx.
Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors.
Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
BioSA - Biology Students Association (https://thebiosa.org)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
HOSA - Health Occupation Students of America (https://hosa.org)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)