Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Specialist

• BIOLOGY: BIOA01H3 & BIOA02H3.
• CHEMISTRY: CHMA10H3 & CHMA11H3.
• MATH: MATA29H3 & MATA35H3 OR MATA30H3 & MATA36H3.
• PHYSICS: PHYA10H3 & PHYA11H3 OR PHYA21H3 & PHYA22H3.
• STATS: STAB22H3 OR PSYB07H3.
• Use Degree Explorer planner and the UTSC Calendar to plan your degree.

• Attend Biology Students Association (BioSA) BioAID Review Sessions for guidance with writing lab reports.
• Contact the UTSC Library for in-depth research assistance for your assignments; writing support is also available at the CTL Writing Centre.
• Attend your professors’ office hours.

• Attend the Professor-Student Mix & Mingle to meet many of the professors 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 CLNx.

• Join BioSA and attend their activities and events.
• Join a professional student organization like Future Black Physicians, Health Occupation Students of American 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.

• It is important to establish a healthy school/life balance.
• 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.

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 (BIOB98).

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) jobs or take a directed supervised research course (e.g., BIOB98).

BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)

• Build your official CCR by getting involved outside the classroom, eg., get involved with the Scarborough Pre-Med Society or the Medical Education Initiative Organization.
• Consider participating in local science outreach through organizations like Let’s Talk Science or consider Global Learning opportunities through 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 AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
• Apply for DSL’s All-In Leadership program.

CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

• 2.5 credits of Biology Foundation courses: BIOC15H3, BIOC17H3, BIOC37H3 or BIOC40H3, BIOC54H3, BIOC61H3.
• 1.0 credit of Advanced Courses in Cellular and Organismal Biology.
• Complete BIOC90H3.
• Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

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

• 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.

• Attend 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.

• 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.

• 0.5 Credit in Advanced Molecular Techniques: BIOD21H3.
• 0.5 credit D-level Research-oriented “Cell & Molecular” Course Work from selected courses on Degree Explorer.
• Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
• Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

• Attend weekly Biology Seminar Series (Fridays 12pm).
• Take upper-level directed research courses (BIOC99, BIOD98, BIOD95).
• Submit to UTSC’s Journal of Natural Sciences.
• Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.

• Participate in Ontario’s Synapse Life Science competition.

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

• 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.