Career Options after Integrative Biology

What is Integrative Biology?

Biology is a Life Science focused on understanding life and living organisms. It is divided into many specialized fields such as morphology, physiology, anatomy, behavior, origin, and distribution. (Source: Oxford Dictionary

At UTSC, Integrative biology provides students with solid foundational knowledge in areas like:

  • Impact of Environment and Climate Change on the Biology of Ecosystems
  • Conservation and Biodiversity of Organisms
  • Animal Physiology or Ecophysiology
  • Infection and Disease
  • Plant and Microbial Biology
  • Behavioural Biology or Behavioural Genetics

What makes Biology at UTSC unique?

Many of the world’s most important issues require a firm understanding of biological principles and practices. UTSC’s programs provide students with a solid understanding while allowing students to tailor their program to meet their interests.

Skills of Biology Grads

  • Collect, analyze and interpret data
  • Conduct and design experiments
  • Utilize laboratory equipment
  • Explore how organisms interact with the environment
  • Inspect specimens
  • Make projections from data
  • Observe and make measurements on organisms
  • Research and analyze biological questions
  • Utilize statistical tests to predict outcomes
  • Write literature reviews and scientific reports
  • Chart the development of complex organisms

Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads

Common employment destinations include:

  • Sales in Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
  • Conservation Officer in Government Services
  • Volunteer Coordinator in Non-profits
  • Research or Teaching Assistant in Universities
  • Lab Technician in Industry or Government
  • Assistant Biologist, Food Inspection Agencies
  • Water Technologist in Conservation Authorities
  • Educator or Program Developer in Education
  • Intern, Ministry of Natural Resources
  • Policy Analyst in Government

The Career Directory

Integrative Biology Grads from UTSC have gone on to:

  • Intact Financial (Claims Adjuster)
  • Canada Food Inspection Agency (Inspector)
  • Kadmon Pharmaceuticals (Research Associate)

UTSC Biology graduates are working in Research, Education, Healthcare and Business.

Graduate & Professional Studies

Popular further education opportunities include:

  • Biology - Master of Science
  • Public Health: Epidemiology - Master
  • Environmental Science - Master
  • Sustainability - Master of Science
  • Genetic Counselling - Master
  • Medical or Dentistry School - MD or DDS
  • Physical or Occupational Therapy - Master
  • Education - Bachelor or Master
  • Clinical Research - Post-Graduate Certificate
  • Medical Laboratory Technology - Diploma
  • Environmental Technology - Diploma or Graduate Certificate

Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Biology Grads

  • Fundraising (Diseases, Disorders)
  • Government Services (Federal, Provincial, Regional, Municipal)
  • Healthcare and Laboratory
  • Research Support
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Education
  • Production and Manufacturing
  • Insurance / Underwriting Services

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:

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:

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!

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.