Human Biology
Human Biology Major (HBSc)
Program Overview
Human Biology is the scientific study of living organisms with an emphasis on humans and their interactions with their environment. Some sub-disciplines include morphology, taxonomy, physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, neurobiology, development, genetics, evolution and ecology. Laboratory work is an integral component allowing students to apply their scientific study to real-life settings. The Human Biology Program is largely designed for students with a strong interest in the health sciences, incorporating biology, psychology, physical science and social science courses with a human health focus. This program instills the basic foundations required for health-related careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy and policy/management.
Complementary Programs: Major programs in Conservation and Biodiversity, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology & Disease, Population Health, Neuroscience, Psychology.
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)
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
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, PSYA01H3, PSYA02H3.
- 0.5 credit in Math OR Stats from: MATA29H3/MATA30H3/STAB22H3/PSYB07H3.
- Request a Subject POSt on ACORN upon completing 4.0 credits.
- Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your degree.
- Attend Choosing Your Program events in March.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend BioSA’s BioAID Review Sessions for help with writing lab reports.
- Attend Facilitated Study Groups.
- Your program librarian offers in-depth library research assistance and writing support is available at the CTL Writing Centre.
- Attend Study Skills workshops offered by the AA&CC.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Professor-Student Mix & Mingle to connect with your professors.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning or Work-Integrated Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join a professional student organization like Future Black Physicians, Health Occupation Students of American UTSC, or MEDLIFE; Join the Biology Students Association (BioSA).
- Explore DSL’s LEAD program, the First Year Experience program, and Imani Academic Mentorship program for black youth.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend program information sessions offered by the department to become informed about degree programs.
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest in industries related to your program of study.
- Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September or register with SCSU's Volunteer Network Program.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 2.5 credits of Biology Core courses: BIOB10H3, BIOB11H3, BIOB34H3, BIOB50H3, BIOB51H3.
- 0.5 credit in a Biology Core Lab from: BIOB32H3 or BIOB33H3.
- Use Degree Explorer and consult with your Program Advisor to ensure you meet your degree and program requirements.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Check the Research Catalogue and Job Boards on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
- Volunteer in a research lab, hospital, doctor’s office, or community organization.
- Consider Work Study (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) or a directed research course (BIOB98).
- Attend your professor’s office hours.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Take part in “Conversation with Biologists” to interact with leading scientists and learn about their research and career trajectory.
- Check the Research Catalogue and Job Boards on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Get involved with the Scarborough Pre-Med Society or the Medical Education Initiative Organization; Volunteer with Let’s Talk Science, a local science outreach program.
- Consider completing the Global Citizenship Certificate or look into Global Learning opportunities, like a summer abroad (visit 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 the 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 credits from selected C-level BIO or NRO courses (check the UTSC Calendar for further details).
- Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider directed research courses: BIOB98, BIOC99.
- Enter to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
- Consider a 12-24 week research project abroad through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award or apply to the Summer Research Exchange program; visit ISC for details.
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.
- Run for an elected position in a student organization.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- If you are considering a career in medicine, attend the Diversity in Medicine Seminar.
- Run for an elected position in a student organization.
- Attend a Café Scientifique in your local community.
- Volunteer in a hospital, seniors’ residence, Ontario Science Centre.
- Volunteer with DSL as a First Year Peer Advisor.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Speak with staff at the AA&CC to plan a potential career path.
- Check CLNx for networking events or employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the UTSC Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
- Join a conference like TEDxUTSC or the International Development Conference to develop professional skills (visit DSL).
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 0.5 credit from selected D-level BIO or NRO courses (check the UTSC Calendar for further details).
- 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 weekly Biology Seminar series (Fridays 12pm).
- Take upper-level directed research courses (BIOD98/BIOD99, BIOD95).
- Submit a paper or be a reviewer for UTSC’s Journal of Natural Sciences.
- Apply for the Academic Travel Fund through to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Participate in Ontario’s Synapse Life Science Competition.
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; volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest.
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.
- 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)
- 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)
- SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
Contacts
- Course Co-ordinatorJennifer Campbelljac.campbell@utoronto.caSW421D416-287-7404utsc.utoronto.ca/biosci
- Biological Sciences LibrarianSarah Guaysarah.guay@utoronto.caARC main floor416-287-7497https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
- Academic Advising & Career CentreAC213416-287-7561https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
- Department of Student LifeSL157416-208-4760https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
- Biology Students' Associationhttps://thebiosa.org/
Did You Know?
This is the most popular program in the department!