What is Human Biology?
The Human Biology program emphasizes in the study of the biology of humans and they are tailored for students who wish to pursue a career in a health-related field.
The Human Biology specialist program provides a solid foundation of introductory science courses and core biology courses while emphasizing, in the upper years, issues related to human health, the nature of humans and their culture as well as the interaction of the human species with the environment. The first year of the program emphasizes introductory courses in biology, chemistry, calculus, physics and psychology. The second year of the program emphasizes core courses in cell biology, molecular biology, physiology, ecology, evolution and anatomy that provide the basis for continued specialization in the third and fourth years. The upper years of the program emphasize specialized courses in anatomy, histology, anthropology, biochemistry, endocrinology, immunology, microbiology, physiology, psychology, pathology and pathobiology. This program is suited for those students who wish to go onto health-related fields such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy and health policy/management or graduate studies in these, and other, areas such as physiology, medicine, and endocrinology.
What makes Human Biology at UTSC unique?
Graduates of the program have pursued careers in health care (medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and health policy), research, education, and business. Some careers may require further education.
Skills of Human Biology Grads
Knowledge of Biology
- Knowledgeable in theory and modern experimental techniques in Biology
- Comprehend the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms that control and coordinate the function of various systems within the body
- Acquire knowledge of mechanisms behind diseases and therapeutic approaches
Research Skills
- Conduct and design experiments to test hypothesis
- Gather and analyze data using statistical methods to test predicted outcomes
- Learn modern laboratory technologies and techniques
Critical Thinking Skills
- Examine and critically analyze biological problems and questions
- Analyze ideas and information to predict outcomes
- Research, analyze, and develop understanding from various scientific literature sources
Communication Skills
- Decipher relevant information from multiple sources, organize, and convey a comprehensive scientific argument
- Communicate information on biological phenomena
- Write literature reviews and scientific reports
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Research Assistant in Hospitals
- Sales in Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
- Assistant Biologist, Food Inspection Agencies
- Laboratory Technician in Government Agencies
- Quality Control in Biopharmaceutical Industry
- Conservation Officer in Government Services
- Volunteer Coordinator in Non-profits
- Marketing Associate for Medical Devices
- Teaching Assistant or Tutor in Private Schools
Human Biology Grads from UTSC have gone on to:
- Scarborough Hospital (Physician Assistant)
- Own Volition (Public Health Consultant)
- Loblaws (Pharmacist)
- Private practice (Optometrist)
- Women's college Hospital (Doctor)
- Private practice (Dentist)
- University Health network (Bioinfomatician)
- Program analyst (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
- Mount Sinai Hospital (Clinical Research Coordinator)
UTSC Biology graduates are working in Research, Education, Healthcare and Business.
Graduate & Professional Studies
- Grad studied to MSc degree
- Grad studied to PhD degree
- Medical or Dentistry School – MD or DDS
- Physical or Occupational Therapy - Master
- Optometry School - OD
- Nursing - Bachelor
- Education - Bachelor, Master
- Biotechnology - Diploma, Master, PhD
- Medical Laboratory Tech - Advanced Diploma
- Clinical Research - Post-Graduate Certificate
- Insurance - Diploma or Graduate Certificate
Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Biology Grads
- Healthcare
- Federal, provincial, municipal governments
- Education
- Pharmaceutical
- Research (hospitals, universities, companies, nonprofit organizations)
- Biotechnology
- Colleges and universities
- Quality control (food, pharmaceutical, medical)
- Science and Academia (PhD- MD-Professors)
- Biosafety / Security
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
- Career Cruising: Log into cln.utoronto.ca, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
- O*Net: online.onetcenter.org (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Department of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- Biology Student Association at UTSC
- The Society for Biomolecular Sciences
- Canadian Society of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology
- The Society for Biomolecular Sciences
- About Bioscience
- Environmental Careers Organization Canada (ECO Canada)
- BioTalent Canada
- Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT)
- Ministry of Natural Resources
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- Hamilton Health Sciences
- Health Force Ontario
- Ontario Public Health Association
Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Biological Sciences website.