Molecular Biology Immunology and Disease | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Life Sciences

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

Program Overview

This program provides training and background in general biology with specialized courses in immunology, infection, and disease. In order to further our knowledge and skills in health promotion and disease and infection prevention, students in this program will learn about immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, pathobiology, and disease. Graduates of this program are prepared to play an integral part in advancing health related professions and contributing to disease research following graduate studies.

Complementary Programs:

Health Studies

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

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)
Editor in Scientific Publications

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

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

1.0 Biology credit: BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3.
1.0 Chemistry credit: CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3.
0.5 credit from: MATA29H3, MATA30H3, [STAB22H3 or PSYB07H3].
Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your courses and program.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Attend BioSA’s BioAID Review Sessions for guidance with writing lab reports.
Contact the UTSC Library for in-depth research assistance; writing support is available at the CTL Writing Centre.
Attend a BioSci info session on directed research.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the Professor/Graduate Student Mix & Mingles to meet many of the professors & TAs you will encounter as you progress through your degree.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities on the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx).

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Join a professional student organization like Future Black Physicians, Health Occupations Students of America UTSC, or MEDLIFE.
Build confidence and self-esteem through Department of Student Life’s (DSL) LEAD program.
Develop leadership skills through DSL’s Alternative Reading Week.
Be an active participant in MIMSA and BioSA events.

Plan for Your Future Career

Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest in industries related to your program of study; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September or register with Scarborough Campus Student Union’s (SCSU) Volunteer Network Program.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

2.5 credits of Biology Core Courses: BIOB10H3, BIOB11H3, BIOB34H3, BIOB50H3, BIOB51H3.
Complete BIOB90H3.
0.5 credit of Biology Core Lab from: BIOB12H3, BIOB32H3, BIOB33H3.
Use Degree Explorer and consult with your Program Advisor to ensure you meet your degree and program requirements.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Seek support from professors and TAs during office hours.
Check the Research Catalogue on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
Volunteer in research labs, hospitals, doctors offices, community organizations, foundations.
Consider doing a directed research course.

Apply Theory to Practice

Take part in Conversation with Biologists, an event where students can interact with leading scientists and learn about their research and career trajectory.
Consider Work Study (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) for possible research opportunities.

Take part in Conversation with Biologists, an event where students can interact with leading scientists and learn about their research and career trajectory.
Consider Work Study (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) for possible research opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Build your official CCR by getting involved with the Scarborough Pre-Med Society.
Consider participating in local science outreach through organizations like Let’s Talk Science or consider Global Learning opportunities through ISC.
Consider public health and policy fellowships in provincial/federal government.

Plan for Your Future Career

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

Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

1.5 C-level credits as follows: BIOC17H3, BIOC20H3, BIOC39H3.
1.0 additional C-level credit from: BIOC10H3, BIOC12H3, BIOC13H3, BIOC14H3, BIOC15H3, BIOC19H3, BIOC31H3, BIOC35H3.
Complete BIOC90H3.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Consider entering the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize contest, the Mitacs Globalink, or NSERC USRA Research Awards.
Continue to build your volunteer and work experience.
Consider directed research courses: BIOB98, BIOC99 and take part in our departmental information session.

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.
Consider being a peer reviewer for the Journal of Natural Sciences.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Attend the Diversity in Medicine Seminar (for future medical students).
Volunteer with DSL to be a First Year Peer Advisor. Take part in other DSL activities, such as Indigenous Experiential Journey trip, or intern with an NGO with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program.
Attend a Café Scientifique in your local community.

Plan for Your Future Career

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

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely

0.5 D-level credit from: BIOD12H3, BIOD13H3, BIOD17H3, BIOD19H3, BIOD20H3, BIOD23H3, BIOD25H3, BIOD26H3, BIOD27H3, BIOD29H3.
Complete BIOC90H3 if you have not already.
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 the weekly Biology Seminar Series (Fridays 12pm).
Take upper-level directed research courses (BIOC99, BIOD98, BIOD95).
Submit independent research work to UTSC’s Journal of Natural Sciences.

Apply Theory to Practice

Participate in Ontario’s Synapse Life Science Competition.
Consider being an editor for the Journal of Natural Sciences.

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 such as American Society of Cell Biology or the American Society of Microbiology that take student members, and volunteer for their events.

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.
If you are considering grad school, discuss your plans 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)
ASCB - American Society for Cell Biology (https://www.ascb.org)
ASM - American Society for Microbiology (https://asm.org)
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)
MIMSA - Molecular Biology and Immunology Students Association (https://www.facebook.com/UTSCMIMSA)
NSERC - Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/index_eng.asp)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
USRA - Undergraduate Student Research Award (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/research/undergraduate-student-research-award)