Biomedical Ethics Minor (HBA)

Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities

Program Overview

Philosophy is the study of the ideas that shape our thought and action, and it addresses fundamental questions and problems associated with reality, truth, existence, logic, and morality. Biomedical ethics, like the study of ethics in general, is concerned with the question of how we ought to act. Bioethics is distinguished by its focus on the unique problems that emerge in the context of medical decision-making, health-care policy, and biotechnology.

 

Complementary Programs:

PsychologyPolitical ScienceBiological SciencesEnglish LiteratureHistorical and Cultural Studies



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

Competencies & Skills

  • Analyze concepts, definitions, arguments and problems
  • Organize ideas and issues
  • Deal with questions of value, and extract what is essential from masses of information
  • Analyze data and facts presented about an issue and provide input on ethical implications

Careers for Graduates

  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Community Health Worker
  • Patient Services Coordinator
  • Legal Researcher
  • Police Officer/Law Enforcement

Further Education

  • Philosophy
  • Bioethics
  • Law
  • Education
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Religious Studies

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.                                                      
  • Get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.

Apply Theory to Practice
  • Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
  • Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Get involved with the Association of Philosophy Students (APS) at UTSC to connect with peers in your area of study and learn about opportunities available on campus.
  • Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.

Plan for Your Future Career

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
  • Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus; apply to Work Study or other part-time and summer jobs on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
  • Attend the annual International Undergraduate Philosophy Conference to hear presentations given by a keynote speaker and your senior undergraduate peers.

Plan for Your Future Career
  • Considering grad school?  Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
  • Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.


Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Run for an elected position in the Association of Philosophy Students (APS).
  • Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through International Student Centre’s (ISC) Global Learning programs.
  • Consider applying to summer undergraduate philosophy institutes abroad.

Plan for Your Future Career
  • Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
  • Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
  • Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
  • Attend department information sessions on applying to graduate school in philosophy.


Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Apply for the Academic Travel Fund through DSL to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.

Apply Theory to Practice
  • Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.

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 into the work field or further education.

Plan for Your Future Career
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
  • 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)
  • APS - Association of Philosophy Students (https://utscaps.wordpress.com)
  • 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)
  • ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
  • SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)


Contacts


Departmental Contact

Jason Ferreira

E-mail: jason.ferreira@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-208-2976

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/philosophy/


Biomedical Ethics Librarian

Chad Crichton

E-mail: chad.crichton@utoronto.ca
Location: ARC main floor
Phone: 416-287-7492

https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians


Academic Advising & Career Centre

Location: Room AC213
Phone: 416-287-7561

https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/


Department of Student Life

Location: Room SL157
Phone: 416-208-4760

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/


Association of Philosophy Students

https://philosophy.utoronto.ca/utsc/undergraduate-at-utsc/utsc-association-philosophy-students/

Did You Know?

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We are the top-ranked philosophy program in Canada, and a leading philosophy department in the English-speaking world.